Improving revenue management at the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality through customer relationship management
- Authors: Nogqala, Mbuzeli
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Revenue management -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Customer relations -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20191 , vital:29155
- Description: In South Africa, local government as represented by a number of municipalities, is at the coal-face of service delivery. As such, the effect of community displeasure with poor service delivery is usually directed at this sphere of government. To maintain and develop infrastructure such as roads and electricity, municipalities are dependent on financial grants allocated by the national government. Notably, in the main, municipalities are required to maximise their own sources of revenue in order to render the requisite operational services/activities. Inevitably, municipal budgets are usually not sufficient to meet the unlimited service delivery obligations required by the local communities. The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) is not immune to these interconnected revenue generation and service delivery priorities. The primary objective of the study is to establish an effective CRM framework that may enhance revenue collection at the NMBM. More specifically, the study investigates the nature of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) at the NMBM, factors that are responsible for ineffective CRM at the NMBM, the impacts of ineffective CRM on revenue collection at the municipality and the ways in which a CRM framework suitable to improve revenue collection at the NMBM can be established. Purposive sampling was used to select a sample of 130 respondents from a population of 420 employees in the Revenue Management and Customer Care Sub-directorate of the municipality. In view of the primary objective of the study, participants were drawn from relevant divisions such as, customer care, debtor management, rates and valuations, billing coordination and receipting. Of 130 questionnaires distributed, only 121 usable questionnaires were returned. This translates to a response rate of 93%. The empirical results reveal that there is a positive relationship between CRM and revenue management. In addition to this, the empirical results show that there is a positive relationship between customer satisfaction, customer engagement, customer value, customer experience, service standards and CRM. Furthermore, the findings of the study show that more needs to be done, as very little has been achieved by the NMBM in the context of implementing measures to enhance CRM. In this regard, the study provides managerial and future research recommendations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nogqala, Mbuzeli
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Revenue management -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Customer relations -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20191 , vital:29155
- Description: In South Africa, local government as represented by a number of municipalities, is at the coal-face of service delivery. As such, the effect of community displeasure with poor service delivery is usually directed at this sphere of government. To maintain and develop infrastructure such as roads and electricity, municipalities are dependent on financial grants allocated by the national government. Notably, in the main, municipalities are required to maximise their own sources of revenue in order to render the requisite operational services/activities. Inevitably, municipal budgets are usually not sufficient to meet the unlimited service delivery obligations required by the local communities. The Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) is not immune to these interconnected revenue generation and service delivery priorities. The primary objective of the study is to establish an effective CRM framework that may enhance revenue collection at the NMBM. More specifically, the study investigates the nature of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) at the NMBM, factors that are responsible for ineffective CRM at the NMBM, the impacts of ineffective CRM on revenue collection at the municipality and the ways in which a CRM framework suitable to improve revenue collection at the NMBM can be established. Purposive sampling was used to select a sample of 130 respondents from a population of 420 employees in the Revenue Management and Customer Care Sub-directorate of the municipality. In view of the primary objective of the study, participants were drawn from relevant divisions such as, customer care, debtor management, rates and valuations, billing coordination and receipting. Of 130 questionnaires distributed, only 121 usable questionnaires were returned. This translates to a response rate of 93%. The empirical results reveal that there is a positive relationship between CRM and revenue management. In addition to this, the empirical results show that there is a positive relationship between customer satisfaction, customer engagement, customer value, customer experience, service standards and CRM. Furthermore, the findings of the study show that more needs to be done, as very little has been achieved by the NMBM in the context of implementing measures to enhance CRM. In this regard, the study provides managerial and future research recommendations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Improving the effectiveness of training in Sanlam sky
- Authors: Gonya, Odwa Otto
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Employees -- Training of -- Evaluation Occupational training
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15116 , vital:28140
- Description: Sanlam Sky is a division of the Sanlam Group focusing on the developing markets. The division plays an important role in employing previously disadvantaged people with little or no prior training and experience. Training is the methodical development of Knowledge, Skills and Attitude that is required by the employee to perform a given task on the job satisfactorily. The training department therefore has a key responsibility of providing effective training to the newly appointed and existing employees and can be viewed as an essential vehicle for company success. The study identified that investment is allocated for the training and development of employees over the past years at Sanlam Sky and the organisation has not measured the effectiveness of training prior to this study. The main purpose of this study was to determine if the training initiatives at Sanlam Sky are effective or not and then identify factors to improve effectiveness of training at Sanlam Sky. The study also addresses the question of “what are the assessment methods for measuring T&D effectiveness that exist in the literature?” The empirical study included the distribution of a self-administered questionnaire amongst operations and distribution staff. Data was collected from multiple sources including 88 respondents and triangulated with unstructured interview data sourced from the learning managers; this data was used to assess the effectiveness of training and develop strategies for improvement. The findings indicate that the training provided at Sanlam Sky is effective, however there are no clear guidelines on identifying training needs in the organisation. The study identified that there is no evaluation framework that is used at Sanlam Sky. The trainees are not given an opportunity to choose how they want their training to be facilitated. Hypothesis of the study was tested and finally the study offers recommendations to be implemented in improving the effectiveness of training.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Gonya, Odwa Otto
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Employees -- Training of -- Evaluation Occupational training
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15116 , vital:28140
- Description: Sanlam Sky is a division of the Sanlam Group focusing on the developing markets. The division plays an important role in employing previously disadvantaged people with little or no prior training and experience. Training is the methodical development of Knowledge, Skills and Attitude that is required by the employee to perform a given task on the job satisfactorily. The training department therefore has a key responsibility of providing effective training to the newly appointed and existing employees and can be viewed as an essential vehicle for company success. The study identified that investment is allocated for the training and development of employees over the past years at Sanlam Sky and the organisation has not measured the effectiveness of training prior to this study. The main purpose of this study was to determine if the training initiatives at Sanlam Sky are effective or not and then identify factors to improve effectiveness of training at Sanlam Sky. The study also addresses the question of “what are the assessment methods for measuring T&D effectiveness that exist in the literature?” The empirical study included the distribution of a self-administered questionnaire amongst operations and distribution staff. Data was collected from multiple sources including 88 respondents and triangulated with unstructured interview data sourced from the learning managers; this data was used to assess the effectiveness of training and develop strategies for improvement. The findings indicate that the training provided at Sanlam Sky is effective, however there are no clear guidelines on identifying training needs in the organisation. The study identified that there is no evaluation framework that is used at Sanlam Sky. The trainees are not given an opportunity to choose how they want their training to be facilitated. Hypothesis of the study was tested and finally the study offers recommendations to be implemented in improving the effectiveness of training.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Information as a service for dairy farmers
- Authors: Hart, James Andrew
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Communication in agriculture -- South Africa Customer relations -- Management -- Agriculture -- Developing countries , Customer services -- Agriculture -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/16000 , vital:28303
- Description: Communication with an organisation’s customers has become one of the most important factors that play a role in doing business today. Organisations that supply their customers with correct and different kinds of information create customer loyalty. Dairy farmers are no exception to the rule, because of the ongoing planning that dairy farmers need to do on a daily basis. Dairy farming in South Africa is extremely price sensitive and therefore information that can help in decision making plays an important role in making the right decision at the right time. The Internet has become an essential environment where information is readily available to anyone who has access to the technologies, such as smartphones, computers and tablets. Thus, it will be beneficial for both the organisation and the dairy farmer to have relevant information available on the organisation’s website. The information that is made available to the dairy farmers on these websites needs to be updated on a daily basis. The information must be relevant to dairy farming and must provide additional information besides the information that the specific organisation specialises in. Information as a Service (IaaS) for Dairy Farmers in South Africa is the focus of this research. The purpose of the investigation is to provide a means of providing the information needed by dairy farmers in South Africa, to enable them to make the right decisions on an operational level. The empirical data were collected, analysed and interpreted. From these findings a proposed communications framework is created to assist organisations to better communicate with dairy farmers in South Africa. The purpose of this research study is to design a framework which will provide IaaS to dairy farmers in South Africa. The research determined the different ways in which organisations can communicate with dairy farmers and the best time period in which that communication should take place for each specific communication strategy. Therefore, the aim of the research study was to determine the best ways to communicate with dairy farmers. A clear knowledge of the technologies that dairy farmers use to manage information was determined by the research study. The required information that dairy farmers need to make the correct decisions suitable for the requirement of farming on a practical level was determined by the research study.The proposed framework on Information as a Service for Dairy Farmers could help organisations to supply dairy farmers with the right information at the right time. The proposed framework will assist organisations dealing with dairy farmers easier and will also assist farmers, because the information provided as a service will be relevant to dairy farming. The treatise is an exploratory, mixed method research study which consists of literature reviews, surveys and cross-sectional studies. Secondary resources was used to conduct literature studies to determine the information needed by dairy farmers. A questionnaire was compiled from existing questionnaires as well as from literature studies and was completed by the respective respondents in the dairy farming community. The survey also consists of questions that determine what dairy farmers think about the service they receive from the organisations that they deal with. A cross-sectional study was used to compare the information needed specifically by pasture-based dairy farmers in relation to total mixed-ration-based dairy farmers. Both Descriptive and Inferential Statistical methods will be used for the analysis of the data. The communication systems can vary from Self-Help Groups to Mobile Technology. The type of communication system will depend on the systems that the organisation have available for their customers. The timing of communication with dairy farmers needs to be convenient and depends, according to literature, on the type of social networking that the organisation might use. An organisation that deals with dairy farmers needs to decide which Social Media site is most suitable when it needs to communicate with dairy farmers. The technology used to access information consist of Laptops, Smart Phones, Tablets and Desktops. Agricultural organisations provide information which dairy farmers need, to give them the correct guidance in performing good farming practices in order to produce safe, high-quality milk. The study will conclude with the development of a proposed communications framework where agricultural organisations can provide information as a service to dairy farmers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Hart, James Andrew
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Communication in agriculture -- South Africa Customer relations -- Management -- Agriculture -- Developing countries , Customer services -- Agriculture -- Developing countries
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/16000 , vital:28303
- Description: Communication with an organisation’s customers has become one of the most important factors that play a role in doing business today. Organisations that supply their customers with correct and different kinds of information create customer loyalty. Dairy farmers are no exception to the rule, because of the ongoing planning that dairy farmers need to do on a daily basis. Dairy farming in South Africa is extremely price sensitive and therefore information that can help in decision making plays an important role in making the right decision at the right time. The Internet has become an essential environment where information is readily available to anyone who has access to the technologies, such as smartphones, computers and tablets. Thus, it will be beneficial for both the organisation and the dairy farmer to have relevant information available on the organisation’s website. The information that is made available to the dairy farmers on these websites needs to be updated on a daily basis. The information must be relevant to dairy farming and must provide additional information besides the information that the specific organisation specialises in. Information as a Service (IaaS) for Dairy Farmers in South Africa is the focus of this research. The purpose of the investigation is to provide a means of providing the information needed by dairy farmers in South Africa, to enable them to make the right decisions on an operational level. The empirical data were collected, analysed and interpreted. From these findings a proposed communications framework is created to assist organisations to better communicate with dairy farmers in South Africa. The purpose of this research study is to design a framework which will provide IaaS to dairy farmers in South Africa. The research determined the different ways in which organisations can communicate with dairy farmers and the best time period in which that communication should take place for each specific communication strategy. Therefore, the aim of the research study was to determine the best ways to communicate with dairy farmers. A clear knowledge of the technologies that dairy farmers use to manage information was determined by the research study. The required information that dairy farmers need to make the correct decisions suitable for the requirement of farming on a practical level was determined by the research study.The proposed framework on Information as a Service for Dairy Farmers could help organisations to supply dairy farmers with the right information at the right time. The proposed framework will assist organisations dealing with dairy farmers easier and will also assist farmers, because the information provided as a service will be relevant to dairy farming. The treatise is an exploratory, mixed method research study which consists of literature reviews, surveys and cross-sectional studies. Secondary resources was used to conduct literature studies to determine the information needed by dairy farmers. A questionnaire was compiled from existing questionnaires as well as from literature studies and was completed by the respective respondents in the dairy farming community. The survey also consists of questions that determine what dairy farmers think about the service they receive from the organisations that they deal with. A cross-sectional study was used to compare the information needed specifically by pasture-based dairy farmers in relation to total mixed-ration-based dairy farmers. Both Descriptive and Inferential Statistical methods will be used for the analysis of the data. The communication systems can vary from Self-Help Groups to Mobile Technology. The type of communication system will depend on the systems that the organisation have available for their customers. The timing of communication with dairy farmers needs to be convenient and depends, according to literature, on the type of social networking that the organisation might use. An organisation that deals with dairy farmers needs to decide which Social Media site is most suitable when it needs to communicate with dairy farmers. The technology used to access information consist of Laptops, Smart Phones, Tablets and Desktops. Agricultural organisations provide information which dairy farmers need, to give them the correct guidance in performing good farming practices in order to produce safe, high-quality milk. The study will conclude with the development of a proposed communications framework where agricultural organisations can provide information as a service to dairy farmers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Internal service quality impacts on customer satisfaction in the Department of Roads and Public Works Sarah Baartman Region
- Authors: Mooi, Mzingisi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Customer services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Quality control Total quality management -- Government Civil service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19146 , vital:28777
- Description: The main objective of this study is to determine the impacts of internal service quality on customer satisfaction with specific reference to Department of Roads and Public Works Sarah Baartman Region (DRPW-SBR). The provision of high quality internal services to customers through policies and systems that support service delivery has a huge impact on customer satisfaction. Public organisations are generally criticised for service delivery inefficiencies and poor quality services; the DRPW-SBR is not an exception from such criticism. A study of this nature can be considered as a valuable undertaking that provides valuable insight as to the important internal service quality factors hindering DRPW-SBR from delivering services and satisfying customers. The study was specifically looking at investigating internal service quality dimensions as measured by the way of professionalism, responsiveness, tangibility, flexibility and reliability, play in the achievement of perceived customer satisfaction within DRPW-SBR. The research was set up in such a way that internal customers who were employees of DRPW-SBR and external customers who were employees of other departments served by DRPW-SBR, constituted the sample participants. The methodology considered most suitable was a quantitative research whereby questionnaires were utilised to collect primary data. The questionnaires were based on a five-point Likert scale measuring instruments that ranged from (1) strongly disagree to (5) strongly agree. Questionnaires were distributed to those respondents selected of whom 101 respondents participated; the results were calculated using a STATISTICA program. The key findings indicated that internal service quality played a vital role in achieving perceived customer satisfaction. Important internal service dimensions that were found to be significant in increasing perceived customer satisfaction within DRPW -SBR were reliability, flexibility and professionalism. Responsiveness and tangibility were found not to exert positive influence on perceived customer satisfaction within DRPW-SBR.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mooi, Mzingisi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Customer services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Quality control Total quality management -- Government Civil service -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19146 , vital:28777
- Description: The main objective of this study is to determine the impacts of internal service quality on customer satisfaction with specific reference to Department of Roads and Public Works Sarah Baartman Region (DRPW-SBR). The provision of high quality internal services to customers through policies and systems that support service delivery has a huge impact on customer satisfaction. Public organisations are generally criticised for service delivery inefficiencies and poor quality services; the DRPW-SBR is not an exception from such criticism. A study of this nature can be considered as a valuable undertaking that provides valuable insight as to the important internal service quality factors hindering DRPW-SBR from delivering services and satisfying customers. The study was specifically looking at investigating internal service quality dimensions as measured by the way of professionalism, responsiveness, tangibility, flexibility and reliability, play in the achievement of perceived customer satisfaction within DRPW-SBR. The research was set up in such a way that internal customers who were employees of DRPW-SBR and external customers who were employees of other departments served by DRPW-SBR, constituted the sample participants. The methodology considered most suitable was a quantitative research whereby questionnaires were utilised to collect primary data. The questionnaires were based on a five-point Likert scale measuring instruments that ranged from (1) strongly disagree to (5) strongly agree. Questionnaires were distributed to those respondents selected of whom 101 respondents participated; the results were calculated using a STATISTICA program. The key findings indicated that internal service quality played a vital role in achieving perceived customer satisfaction. Important internal service dimensions that were found to be significant in increasing perceived customer satisfaction within DRPW -SBR were reliability, flexibility and professionalism. Responsiveness and tangibility were found not to exert positive influence on perceived customer satisfaction within DRPW-SBR.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Intrapreneurship at the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants
- Authors: Mare, Timothy
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South African Institute of Chartered Accountants , Creative ability in business -- South Africa -- Management Entrepreneurship -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18518 , vital:28656
- Description: The purpose of this research study is to assess the extent to which intrapreneurship is practised at the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), which operates as a non-profit organisation. The importance of intrapreneurship should not be taken lightly if organisations are to remain competitive. Human capital is considered a key resource in the provision of innovation which results in availing products and services to customers so as to remain relevant and make profits or achieve the different strategic objectives of organisations. This research constituted the collection and quantitative analysis of two data sets. The first data set was gathered through a structured questionnaire that assessed 13 constructs, which measured the intrapreneurial climate at SAICA. The second data set focused on assessing and measuring 20 intrapreneurial characteristics and was generated through self-completed questionnaires. The questionnaires were sent to 112 employees through an online tool and a total of 57 questionnaires were completed and analysed. The findings indicate that intrapreneurship at SAICA is poorly and inadequately performed. There is a general perception that there is no tolerance for risk, mistakes and failure and that the rewards and reinforcement are poorly implemented. The relationship between superiors and staff is skewed thus creating a culture of fear to make mistakes or to speak openly. The following recommendations were suggested: Encourage superiors to engage with staff and support intrapreneurship through appropriate reward systems and reinforcement; encourage superiors to promote innovation by increasing tolerance to mistakes and risk. This could also be achieved by allowing staff to use their abilities to contribute to decision making; Increase awareness about intrapreneurship among staff in order to motivate individuals; Use existing structures such as the employment equity committees, departmental steward meetings as well as employee forums to improve trust between superiors and staff.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mare, Timothy
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: South African Institute of Chartered Accountants , Creative ability in business -- South Africa -- Management Entrepreneurship -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/18518 , vital:28656
- Description: The purpose of this research study is to assess the extent to which intrapreneurship is practised at the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA), which operates as a non-profit organisation. The importance of intrapreneurship should not be taken lightly if organisations are to remain competitive. Human capital is considered a key resource in the provision of innovation which results in availing products and services to customers so as to remain relevant and make profits or achieve the different strategic objectives of organisations. This research constituted the collection and quantitative analysis of two data sets. The first data set was gathered through a structured questionnaire that assessed 13 constructs, which measured the intrapreneurial climate at SAICA. The second data set focused on assessing and measuring 20 intrapreneurial characteristics and was generated through self-completed questionnaires. The questionnaires were sent to 112 employees through an online tool and a total of 57 questionnaires were completed and analysed. The findings indicate that intrapreneurship at SAICA is poorly and inadequately performed. There is a general perception that there is no tolerance for risk, mistakes and failure and that the rewards and reinforcement are poorly implemented. The relationship between superiors and staff is skewed thus creating a culture of fear to make mistakes or to speak openly. The following recommendations were suggested: Encourage superiors to engage with staff and support intrapreneurship through appropriate reward systems and reinforcement; encourage superiors to promote innovation by increasing tolerance to mistakes and risk. This could also be achieved by allowing staff to use their abilities to contribute to decision making; Increase awareness about intrapreneurship among staff in order to motivate individuals; Use existing structures such as the employment equity committees, departmental steward meetings as well as employee forums to improve trust between superiors and staff.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Investigating sustainable supply chain practices within the luxury brand market
- Authors: Colesky, Yolanda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Business logistics -- Management Retail trade -- Management , Fashion merchandising Physical distribution of goods -- Management Clothing trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14917 , vital:27902
- Description: Luxury fashion brands seem to contradict sustainability. The values of sustainability are commonly associated with terms such as sharing, collaboration, austerity, and collective thinking. Luxury, however, is associated with excess, self-indulgence, delight and decadence (Kapferer & Bastien, 2012:360). Further paradoxes exist where the apparel of the luxury consumer is often manufactured by labourers in low wage-paying producing countries. High wastage is evident in the seasonality of the fashion industry. However, work opportunities are created by the fickleness of the fashion industry and the constant need to own the most current designs (Black, 2012:8). Owing to the high visibility of luxury fashion and the contractions between one -- on the one hand -- supplying income to families by way of employment and -- on the other hand -- not complying to sustainable international human resource practices, fashion brands are the focus of many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that use the mass media to expose any social wrongdoing in the industry. Luxury fashion brands are constantly in the spotlight, as highlighted in articles posted by the Clean Clothes campaign, a custodian for employees in the global garment industries; Greenpeace; and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). An example of such practices was when Greenpeace reported in 2009 that shoe brands such as Timberland and Clarks were manufactured from leather sourced from the hides of cattle in illegally deforested areas in Brazil. This provided negative publicity for these luxury shoe brands as well as for the Brazilian government that was financing this project (Vurro, Russo & Perrini, 2009:609). The luxury fashion brand industry, as well as the consumers of luxury fashion labels, are accused -- often only for the sake of sensationalism -- of living in the lap of luxury whilst maintaining a supply chain that is riddled with unsustainable practices. The social structure and hierarchy of patrons within a community have, since the Middle Ages, been signalled by the clothes they wore. Social class was a birthright. Today, sporting luxury brands continues to serve as status symbols, but unlike mediaeval times, it is not limited to people with a high social standing at birth as one can work for status, and purchase the items because one deserves them. (Han, Nunes, & Drèze, 2010:15). In 2009, during the International Herald Tribune (IHT) Suzy Menkes, the fashion editor at The Herald, called for “luxury”’ and “fashion” to be separated. Luxury prides itself in its handcrafted garments manufactured by respected tradesmen in the industry. The outcome is that the manufactured goods are made to last a lifetime (Gibson, 2012:23).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Colesky, Yolanda
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Business logistics -- Management Retail trade -- Management , Fashion merchandising Physical distribution of goods -- Management Clothing trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14917 , vital:27902
- Description: Luxury fashion brands seem to contradict sustainability. The values of sustainability are commonly associated with terms such as sharing, collaboration, austerity, and collective thinking. Luxury, however, is associated with excess, self-indulgence, delight and decadence (Kapferer & Bastien, 2012:360). Further paradoxes exist where the apparel of the luxury consumer is often manufactured by labourers in low wage-paying producing countries. High wastage is evident in the seasonality of the fashion industry. However, work opportunities are created by the fickleness of the fashion industry and the constant need to own the most current designs (Black, 2012:8). Owing to the high visibility of luxury fashion and the contractions between one -- on the one hand -- supplying income to families by way of employment and -- on the other hand -- not complying to sustainable international human resource practices, fashion brands are the focus of many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that use the mass media to expose any social wrongdoing in the industry. Luxury fashion brands are constantly in the spotlight, as highlighted in articles posted by the Clean Clothes campaign, a custodian for employees in the global garment industries; Greenpeace; and People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). An example of such practices was when Greenpeace reported in 2009 that shoe brands such as Timberland and Clarks were manufactured from leather sourced from the hides of cattle in illegally deforested areas in Brazil. This provided negative publicity for these luxury shoe brands as well as for the Brazilian government that was financing this project (Vurro, Russo & Perrini, 2009:609). The luxury fashion brand industry, as well as the consumers of luxury fashion labels, are accused -- often only for the sake of sensationalism -- of living in the lap of luxury whilst maintaining a supply chain that is riddled with unsustainable practices. The social structure and hierarchy of patrons within a community have, since the Middle Ages, been signalled by the clothes they wore. Social class was a birthright. Today, sporting luxury brands continues to serve as status symbols, but unlike mediaeval times, it is not limited to people with a high social standing at birth as one can work for status, and purchase the items because one deserves them. (Han, Nunes, & Drèze, 2010:15). In 2009, during the International Herald Tribune (IHT) Suzy Menkes, the fashion editor at The Herald, called for “luxury”’ and “fashion” to be separated. Luxury prides itself in its handcrafted garments manufactured by respected tradesmen in the industry. The outcome is that the manufactured goods are made to last a lifetime (Gibson, 2012:23).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Investigating the benefits of establishing a wool scouring plant in Lesotho
- Authors: Setipa, Tsepang Benjamine
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Wool industry -- Lesotho Sheep industry -- Lesotho , Economic development -- Lesotho Lesotho -- Economic conditions -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20428 , vital:29286
- Description: Lesotho’s current production of raw wool is sold to global markets through South African wool merchants. Lesotho does not have any wool processing facilities and as such, the wool from Lesotho gets processed in South Africa or sold to international markets like China where it is processed. Since 2012, the government of Lesotho has publicly showed interest in developing a wool scouring plant that would process locally produced wool instead of selling it in its raw unprocessed form to international markets. The understanding by the Lesotho government was underpinned by perceived economic benefits that could be realised by the country and the wool industry of Lesotho, if the wool scouring plant was developed. The wool industry is important to the economy of Lesotho and as such, wool production in Lesotho contributes to the living standards in the rural areas as their lives are highly depended on the production of wool. A vibrant wool industry in Lesotho therefore has the potential to contribute to the growth of the economy, the manufacturing sector, employment at both the herder and the manufacturing levels, and the export sector. Wool scouring or wool washing is the early stage processing of greasy wool. The purpose of wool scouring is to extract grease, dirt, unpleasant smell and other foreign matter from the greasy wool. Raw wool fibers contain fat, suint (sheep sweat salts), plant material and minerals. It is therefore necessary to remove these from wool by scouring with a combination of detergents, wetting agents and emulsifiers before further processing. Wool can lose up to 30% of its original weight during this process. The Lesotho government feels that there is a need to develop a wool scouring plant in Lesotho because Lesotho does not benefit from the South African wool scouring processes and anything that happens post that process. Given that no viability studies had been conducted in Lesotho to motivate the government’s interest in developing a wool scouring plant, this study was conducted with the aim to investigate the benefits of developing a wool scouring plant in Lesotho. The research design employed in this study was a mixed method, which is a combination of positivism (quantitative) and interpretivism (qualitative) data collection and analysis in parallel form. In terms of the qualitative component of the study, structured interviews were conducted, governed by in-depth interview guidelines developed by the researcher. A questionnaire was used for the qualitative component of the study. Among some of its findings and recommendations the study recommends that there is insufficient wool produced in Lesotho to support a local wool scouring plant, the government of Lesotho should rather focus their effort on the improvement of the wool production value chain to assist farmers. The study finds no grounds for the justification of the development of a local scouring plant in Lesotho and recommends that for such propositions to be made publicly, at least proper groundwork should be undertaken to investigate the technical feasibility of developing the scouring plant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Setipa, Tsepang Benjamine
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Wool industry -- Lesotho Sheep industry -- Lesotho , Economic development -- Lesotho Lesotho -- Economic conditions -- 21st century
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20428 , vital:29286
- Description: Lesotho’s current production of raw wool is sold to global markets through South African wool merchants. Lesotho does not have any wool processing facilities and as such, the wool from Lesotho gets processed in South Africa or sold to international markets like China where it is processed. Since 2012, the government of Lesotho has publicly showed interest in developing a wool scouring plant that would process locally produced wool instead of selling it in its raw unprocessed form to international markets. The understanding by the Lesotho government was underpinned by perceived economic benefits that could be realised by the country and the wool industry of Lesotho, if the wool scouring plant was developed. The wool industry is important to the economy of Lesotho and as such, wool production in Lesotho contributes to the living standards in the rural areas as their lives are highly depended on the production of wool. A vibrant wool industry in Lesotho therefore has the potential to contribute to the growth of the economy, the manufacturing sector, employment at both the herder and the manufacturing levels, and the export sector. Wool scouring or wool washing is the early stage processing of greasy wool. The purpose of wool scouring is to extract grease, dirt, unpleasant smell and other foreign matter from the greasy wool. Raw wool fibers contain fat, suint (sheep sweat salts), plant material and minerals. It is therefore necessary to remove these from wool by scouring with a combination of detergents, wetting agents and emulsifiers before further processing. Wool can lose up to 30% of its original weight during this process. The Lesotho government feels that there is a need to develop a wool scouring plant in Lesotho because Lesotho does not benefit from the South African wool scouring processes and anything that happens post that process. Given that no viability studies had been conducted in Lesotho to motivate the government’s interest in developing a wool scouring plant, this study was conducted with the aim to investigate the benefits of developing a wool scouring plant in Lesotho. The research design employed in this study was a mixed method, which is a combination of positivism (quantitative) and interpretivism (qualitative) data collection and analysis in parallel form. In terms of the qualitative component of the study, structured interviews were conducted, governed by in-depth interview guidelines developed by the researcher. A questionnaire was used for the qualitative component of the study. Among some of its findings and recommendations the study recommends that there is insufficient wool produced in Lesotho to support a local wool scouring plant, the government of Lesotho should rather focus their effort on the improvement of the wool production value chain to assist farmers. The study finds no grounds for the justification of the development of a local scouring plant in Lesotho and recommends that for such propositions to be made publicly, at least proper groundwork should be undertaken to investigate the technical feasibility of developing the scouring plant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Key factors behind the success of Somali owned spaza shops in Soweto
- Authors: Mini, Solomzi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Soweto Somalis -- South Africa -- Soweto
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19393 , vital:28867
- Description: Informal retailing is a significant contributor to the South African economy in general and the retail sector specifically. It is a sector that is dominated by immigrant traders, while the numbers of local traders are shrinking by the day. The immigrant traders have outmaneuvered their local counterparts in this market through their ability to put together a compelling value proposition to the customers. Consequently, the focus of this research is to get a better understanding of the basis of their overall competitive advantage. Similar to previous research, this study concludes that the immigrant trader’s competitive advantage has competitive pricing as its foundation. However, this study had gone beyond the existing research which highlights competitive pricing as the reason for this success by suggesting that sound retailing principles which include good customer service, broader product range, hard work and lastly, a low cost business model are major contributors towards this success trend. All these elements combined together, put the immigrant traders in a strong position to dominate the market at the expense of the local traders. This study concludes by putting forward recommendations that can be implemented to support the local traders to compete effectively against their immigrant counterparts. The recommendations emphasis the importance of selecting and supporting traders who poses a good combination of all the qualities that are necessary for an entrepreneur to succeed, key among these being intrinsic motivation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mini, Solomzi
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Soweto Somalis -- South Africa -- Soweto
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19393 , vital:28867
- Description: Informal retailing is a significant contributor to the South African economy in general and the retail sector specifically. It is a sector that is dominated by immigrant traders, while the numbers of local traders are shrinking by the day. The immigrant traders have outmaneuvered their local counterparts in this market through their ability to put together a compelling value proposition to the customers. Consequently, the focus of this research is to get a better understanding of the basis of their overall competitive advantage. Similar to previous research, this study concludes that the immigrant trader’s competitive advantage has competitive pricing as its foundation. However, this study had gone beyond the existing research which highlights competitive pricing as the reason for this success by suggesting that sound retailing principles which include good customer service, broader product range, hard work and lastly, a low cost business model are major contributors towards this success trend. All these elements combined together, put the immigrant traders in a strong position to dominate the market at the expense of the local traders. This study concludes by putting forward recommendations that can be implemented to support the local traders to compete effectively against their immigrant counterparts. The recommendations emphasis the importance of selecting and supporting traders who poses a good combination of all the qualities that are necessary for an entrepreneur to succeed, key among these being intrinsic motivation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Key success factors for lean implementation in the Eastern Cape automotive industry
- Authors: Coetzer, Louis
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Automobile industry and trade -- Management , Manufacturing industries -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14928 , vital:27909
- Description: Lean manufacturing has become an integral part of the global automotive industry where manufacturers strive to improve quality, reduce costs while providing customers with more variety. Organisations are implementing the Lean Production System (LPS) as a process improvement methodology to deliver their products faster, better quality and at a lower cost (Laureani & Antony, 2012). This is accomplished through the elimination of waste and continuous improvement (Kaizen). Through the effective implementation of lean principles, an organisation can realise cost competitiveness, process improvement and ultimately gain a competitive advantage. Although the theory of lean manufacturing is based on the implementation of tools, techniques and operational methods, many organisations that have implemented Lean have not reaped its full benefit. Thus, the realisation that lean manufacturing must consist of more than the summation of its operational based principles, tools and techniques. It has to be approached as a philosophy, which encompasses the entire organisation (Womack & Jones, 1996). Lean is a way of thinking and not merely the implementation of thoughts (Bhasin & Burcher, 2006). Laureani & Antony (2012) added that the fundamentals behind Lean are continuous improvement, waste elimination and employee empowerment. Lean introduction is more than the redesign of processes; the most important change must be in the knowledge of the employees (Dombrowski, Mielke & Engel, 2012). The literature clearly states that the successful implementation of a lean production system depends on more than the application of lean tools and techniques. Many authors and researchers hint that another critical factor associated with its implementation is the human aspect of the organisation. Hence, this study will examine the human related Key Success Factors (KSF‟s) required for the successful implementation of a lean system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Coetzer, Louis
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Automobile industry and trade -- Management , Manufacturing industries -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14928 , vital:27909
- Description: Lean manufacturing has become an integral part of the global automotive industry where manufacturers strive to improve quality, reduce costs while providing customers with more variety. Organisations are implementing the Lean Production System (LPS) as a process improvement methodology to deliver their products faster, better quality and at a lower cost (Laureani & Antony, 2012). This is accomplished through the elimination of waste and continuous improvement (Kaizen). Through the effective implementation of lean principles, an organisation can realise cost competitiveness, process improvement and ultimately gain a competitive advantage. Although the theory of lean manufacturing is based on the implementation of tools, techniques and operational methods, many organisations that have implemented Lean have not reaped its full benefit. Thus, the realisation that lean manufacturing must consist of more than the summation of its operational based principles, tools and techniques. It has to be approached as a philosophy, which encompasses the entire organisation (Womack & Jones, 1996). Lean is a way of thinking and not merely the implementation of thoughts (Bhasin & Burcher, 2006). Laureani & Antony (2012) added that the fundamentals behind Lean are continuous improvement, waste elimination and employee empowerment. Lean introduction is more than the redesign of processes; the most important change must be in the knowledge of the employees (Dombrowski, Mielke & Engel, 2012). The literature clearly states that the successful implementation of a lean production system depends on more than the application of lean tools and techniques. Many authors and researchers hint that another critical factor associated with its implementation is the human aspect of the organisation. Hence, this study will examine the human related Key Success Factors (KSF‟s) required for the successful implementation of a lean system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Middle management communication in the midst of a crisis
- Authors: Mbolekwano, Veliswa A
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/52477 , vital:26194
- Description: Crisis communication by organisational top leadership to external stakeholders has been explored in literature, while internal crisis communication dynamics by middle managers with their employees within the organisation has been under studied. This paper pursues an understanding of crisis communication dynamics between middle management and their subordinates by investigating how the Middle Managers/Team Leaders of Makana Brick Manufacturing Firm (MBMF) communicated with their employees in the midst of the Eskom load shedding crisis in 2014. The investigation is not limited only to how they handled or made sense of the crisis, but also examines the effect and efficiency of their daily communication on both employees (subordinates) and operations in pursuing this end. As a foundation and background, the study broadly explores the literature on Crisis Leadership, Crisis and Crisis Communication, which are critical topics to understanding the communication role of the middle managers who were the primary subject of this research. The research was conducted through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. Nine Team Leaders were interviewed. The data collected was transcribed verbatim and analysed through open coding. In the literature of crisis management, the concept of crisis communication has been extensively examined as a function of crisis management, primarily with regards to the crisis communication strategy, encompassing the actual verbal and nonverbal responses an organisation uses to address a crisis. The findings are generally congruent with the crisis communication literature, and reinforce the importance of efficient internal communication in building a culture of transparency between management and employees, as espoused in the literature reviewed, which in addition presents an invaluable opportunity for employees across all levels to engage in and be informed of the organisation’s priorities and therefore has the potential to dictate the success or failure of any major change or crisis situation. As such, it can be argued that there is a need for the same analytical rigour that is given to external crisis communication to be given to financial or operational measures (Barrett, 2002). For both external and internal stakeholders, human compassion, concern and empathy; faith in legitimate and appropriate actions taken by the chosen organisation spokesperson; and honesty, candidness and openness in communication (Seeger 2006, p. 242) are universal. The quality and the quantity of communication, essentially, affect the level of trust and involvement of employees (Thomas, Zolin & Hartman, 2009), which is particularly relevant in times of crisis (Mazzei & Ravazzani, 2015 p. 322). Trust must be developed with staff through clear, honest communication and transparent actions. These encompass being fair, open in communication and intentions, showing consistency, fulfilling promises and being honest about what middle managers can and cannot communicate to their employees (Farrel & Schlesinger, 2013, p. 125). In this study, face to face communication proved to be the most preferred communication channel because of its rewarding advantages such as direct feedback, two-way communication, relationship building and project collaboration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mbolekwano, Veliswa A
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/52477 , vital:26194
- Description: Crisis communication by organisational top leadership to external stakeholders has been explored in literature, while internal crisis communication dynamics by middle managers with their employees within the organisation has been under studied. This paper pursues an understanding of crisis communication dynamics between middle management and their subordinates by investigating how the Middle Managers/Team Leaders of Makana Brick Manufacturing Firm (MBMF) communicated with their employees in the midst of the Eskom load shedding crisis in 2014. The investigation is not limited only to how they handled or made sense of the crisis, but also examines the effect and efficiency of their daily communication on both employees (subordinates) and operations in pursuing this end. As a foundation and background, the study broadly explores the literature on Crisis Leadership, Crisis and Crisis Communication, which are critical topics to understanding the communication role of the middle managers who were the primary subject of this research. The research was conducted through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. Nine Team Leaders were interviewed. The data collected was transcribed verbatim and analysed through open coding. In the literature of crisis management, the concept of crisis communication has been extensively examined as a function of crisis management, primarily with regards to the crisis communication strategy, encompassing the actual verbal and nonverbal responses an organisation uses to address a crisis. The findings are generally congruent with the crisis communication literature, and reinforce the importance of efficient internal communication in building a culture of transparency between management and employees, as espoused in the literature reviewed, which in addition presents an invaluable opportunity for employees across all levels to engage in and be informed of the organisation’s priorities and therefore has the potential to dictate the success or failure of any major change or crisis situation. As such, it can be argued that there is a need for the same analytical rigour that is given to external crisis communication to be given to financial or operational measures (Barrett, 2002). For both external and internal stakeholders, human compassion, concern and empathy; faith in legitimate and appropriate actions taken by the chosen organisation spokesperson; and honesty, candidness and openness in communication (Seeger 2006, p. 242) are universal. The quality and the quantity of communication, essentially, affect the level of trust and involvement of employees (Thomas, Zolin & Hartman, 2009), which is particularly relevant in times of crisis (Mazzei & Ravazzani, 2015 p. 322). Trust must be developed with staff through clear, honest communication and transparent actions. These encompass being fair, open in communication and intentions, showing consistency, fulfilling promises and being honest about what middle managers can and cannot communicate to their employees (Farrel & Schlesinger, 2013, p. 125). In this study, face to face communication proved to be the most preferred communication channel because of its rewarding advantages such as direct feedback, two-way communication, relationship building and project collaboration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Motivating blue-collar employees at a selected municipality
- Nogaya, Sigqibo Sipho Songezo
- Authors: Nogaya, Sigqibo Sipho Songezo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Blue collar workers -- South Africa Employee motivation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20176 , vital:29151
- Description: This study seeks to provide insight into the potential that motivation has in improving, not only on service delivery but the personal willingness of employees to perform as well. Continuous improvement is aided by conducting studies of this nature, in an organisation, at pre-determined periods. Municipalities across the country are plagued with complaints regarding service delivery issues. The municipality under study is no different. Newspaper articles like the one in Appendix G depict the stories of communities that are reliant on services provide by local government. There are a range of problems that can lead to municipal service delivery being hampered. One of the problems can be a de-motivated workforce. Human Resources Management needs to find ways of instilling motivation in employees in order to get maximum performance from them. Motivation is influenced by a variety of factors and the Human Resources Management section must look into the influence of these factors on motivation. Studies looking into the constructs of these factors must be conducted. The findings of such research can assist in making positive change in the organisation. The expected motivating factor would be remuneration or financial reward for work done. This may be one of the factors but there is also a range of other factors to be considered. Some of these factors relate to the psychological aspect of motivation. It is important to formulate sustainable ways of motivating employees and these may not be simply raising salaries. This research looked into specific factors of motivation. This is due to the fact that an attempt to cover all factors would simply be too lengthy an exercise. It became necessary to remain within a specific framework. This also assisted in maintaining the quality of the research undertaken.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nogaya, Sigqibo Sipho Songezo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Blue collar workers -- South Africa Employee motivation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20176 , vital:29151
- Description: This study seeks to provide insight into the potential that motivation has in improving, not only on service delivery but the personal willingness of employees to perform as well. Continuous improvement is aided by conducting studies of this nature, in an organisation, at pre-determined periods. Municipalities across the country are plagued with complaints regarding service delivery issues. The municipality under study is no different. Newspaper articles like the one in Appendix G depict the stories of communities that are reliant on services provide by local government. There are a range of problems that can lead to municipal service delivery being hampered. One of the problems can be a de-motivated workforce. Human Resources Management needs to find ways of instilling motivation in employees in order to get maximum performance from them. Motivation is influenced by a variety of factors and the Human Resources Management section must look into the influence of these factors on motivation. Studies looking into the constructs of these factors must be conducted. The findings of such research can assist in making positive change in the organisation. The expected motivating factor would be remuneration or financial reward for work done. This may be one of the factors but there is also a range of other factors to be considered. Some of these factors relate to the psychological aspect of motivation. It is important to formulate sustainable ways of motivating employees and these may not be simply raising salaries. This research looked into specific factors of motivation. This is due to the fact that an attempt to cover all factors would simply be too lengthy an exercise. It became necessary to remain within a specific framework. This also assisted in maintaining the quality of the research undertaken.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Motives behind the implementation of renewable energy sources in South African businesses
- Authors: Smith, Brendon Michael
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7667 , vital:21283
- Description: There are numerous advantages and disadvantages for companies to implement renewable energy in South Africa. The motives (drivers or challenges) behind the decision to implement renewable energy resources or not is what this research will be addressing. Economic and environmental motives were the major motives behind implementing renewable energy sources in literature. The main objective for this research was to identify and describe the motives and challenges of implementing renewable energy sources in SA businesses, aligning these with sustainability pillars. The data collection method that was used in this research was documentation analysis and questionnaires. The companies that were chosen for this research were sampled from Kwa-Zulu Natal. Results showed that economic motives were the main decisions for companies implementing renewable energy or not, although there were also significant environmental and social motives that businesses need to consider. This research has provided an understanding of the motives that can have a positive or negative impact on companies who want to install renewable energy for their business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Smith, Brendon Michael
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7667 , vital:21283
- Description: There are numerous advantages and disadvantages for companies to implement renewable energy in South Africa. The motives (drivers or challenges) behind the decision to implement renewable energy resources or not is what this research will be addressing. Economic and environmental motives were the major motives behind implementing renewable energy sources in literature. The main objective for this research was to identify and describe the motives and challenges of implementing renewable energy sources in SA businesses, aligning these with sustainability pillars. The data collection method that was used in this research was documentation analysis and questionnaires. The companies that were chosen for this research were sampled from Kwa-Zulu Natal. Results showed that economic motives were the main decisions for companies implementing renewable energy or not, although there were also significant environmental and social motives that businesses need to consider. This research has provided an understanding of the motives that can have a positive or negative impact on companies who want to install renewable energy for their business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
NMMU business school alumni satisfaction factors with the MBA program
- Authors: Bosman, Jeremy Maurice
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Business schools -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Master of business administration degree , Students -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14686 , vital:27822
- Description: In a fast-paced dynamic world, the key to success lies in the ability to accept change and to rapidly respond to demands placed by ever increasing competitive environments. In business, the impact of products and services in meeting or exceeding customer’s expectations in such environments is measured by customer satisfaction and the importance thereof cannot be downplayed, thus providing management with a metric that guides and augments change. Subsequently, these dynamic competitive forces are pushing sectors such as Higher Education into the realm of service industries, where stakeholders such as students and alumni are viewed as customers. Correspondingly, measuring their satisfaction has become important as this provides strategic insight, whilst enhancing academic programmes and the student experience. The purpose of this research study was to identify the factors that determined satisfaction with the MBA programme as viewed by students and the alumni of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Business School. Furthermore, it advanced the field of stakeholder theory by identifying alumni as a key stakeholder in business schools. Consequently, the research was exploratory and consisted of quantitative and literature components where hypotheses were developed and relationships between factors analysed, in addition to the literature reviewed. The literature introduced key concepts to this study, such as alumni as stakeholder, alumni satisfaction, satisfaction with the MBA programme, measuring alumni satisfaction, MBA alumni networks and alumni communication. The factors that determined alumni satisfaction were identified by means of a statistical analysis of the data collected by the research instruments. Correspondingly, the findings indicate various factors determine satisfaction with the independent variables highlighted in this study, which are the Facilities, the MBA Programme, the Social Experience, the NMMU Business School Alumni Chapter, the NMMU Business School brand and Communication. Furthermore, it was established that there is a significant link between Social Experience, the NMMU Business School Alumni Chapter, the NMMU Business School Brand, Communication and Alumni Satisfaction.As services industries such as Higher Educational Institutions get exposed to competitive pressure, customer satisfaction comes to the fore and there are certain factors that need to be addressed to enhance satisfaction. Subsequently, this study highlights this pressure and satisfaction levels can certainly be improved by the institution across all the independent variables identified, especially in areas such as the NMMU Business School Alumni Chapter and Communication. Consequently, the NMMU Business School, for the first time have metrics to identify the factors that determine satisfaction with the MBA programme as viewed by their alumni and resultantly can strategically benefit by taking the views of their most important stakeholder into account.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Bosman, Jeremy Maurice
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Business schools -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Master of business administration degree , Students -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14686 , vital:27822
- Description: In a fast-paced dynamic world, the key to success lies in the ability to accept change and to rapidly respond to demands placed by ever increasing competitive environments. In business, the impact of products and services in meeting or exceeding customer’s expectations in such environments is measured by customer satisfaction and the importance thereof cannot be downplayed, thus providing management with a metric that guides and augments change. Subsequently, these dynamic competitive forces are pushing sectors such as Higher Education into the realm of service industries, where stakeholders such as students and alumni are viewed as customers. Correspondingly, measuring their satisfaction has become important as this provides strategic insight, whilst enhancing academic programmes and the student experience. The purpose of this research study was to identify the factors that determined satisfaction with the MBA programme as viewed by students and the alumni of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Business School. Furthermore, it advanced the field of stakeholder theory by identifying alumni as a key stakeholder in business schools. Consequently, the research was exploratory and consisted of quantitative and literature components where hypotheses were developed and relationships between factors analysed, in addition to the literature reviewed. The literature introduced key concepts to this study, such as alumni as stakeholder, alumni satisfaction, satisfaction with the MBA programme, measuring alumni satisfaction, MBA alumni networks and alumni communication. The factors that determined alumni satisfaction were identified by means of a statistical analysis of the data collected by the research instruments. Correspondingly, the findings indicate various factors determine satisfaction with the independent variables highlighted in this study, which are the Facilities, the MBA Programme, the Social Experience, the NMMU Business School Alumni Chapter, the NMMU Business School brand and Communication. Furthermore, it was established that there is a significant link between Social Experience, the NMMU Business School Alumni Chapter, the NMMU Business School Brand, Communication and Alumni Satisfaction.As services industries such as Higher Educational Institutions get exposed to competitive pressure, customer satisfaction comes to the fore and there are certain factors that need to be addressed to enhance satisfaction. Subsequently, this study highlights this pressure and satisfaction levels can certainly be improved by the institution across all the independent variables identified, especially in areas such as the NMMU Business School Alumni Chapter and Communication. Consequently, the NMMU Business School, for the first time have metrics to identify the factors that determine satisfaction with the MBA programme as viewed by their alumni and resultantly can strategically benefit by taking the views of their most important stakeholder into account.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Online consumers’ product purchasing behaviour, advertising and involvement in fashion consumption in South Africa
- Authors: De Vos, Tania
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Electronic commerce Retail trade -- South Africa -- Management , Purchasing Consumer behavior -- South Africa Clothing trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46295 , vital:39544
- Description: While store-based fashion retailing continues to be the prevailing channel for South Africans, the country’s consumers are increasingly engaging with products online. It should be noted that online fashion purchasing behaviour does not necessarily follow the traditional consumer behaviour of the brick-and-mortar retailing environment. Therefore, ecommerce organisations are required to investigate the determinants of customer online shopping engagement among their market segments. With an improved understanding of the consumer’s online purchase behaviour, pure-play fashion retailers can create useful and successful online shopping strategies to attract new and potential customers. Thus, the future market for this industry as well as factors influencing online behaviour must be investigated and improved upon. This research study aimed to present a general overview and analysis of how online fashion consumption can grow and be sustainable in South Africa. This was accomplished by identifying various key factors contributing toward online fashion consumption and purchasing behaviour, in creating an attractive online shopping environment, whilst generating more customers, building customer loyalty and increasing competitiveness. As in any retail business, customer satisfaction is the key component for online fashion success. The purpose of this study was to execute a novel assessment of online consumers’ product purchasing behaviour, as well as advertising and involvement in fashion consumption in the South African context. To achieve this purpose, an in-depth literature review and a positivistic research investigation were conducted. The selected method was the most appropriate approach to achieve the research objectives by answering the research questions as well as to test the proposed hypotheses in relation to The Perceived Success of Online Fashion Consumption (dependant variables). As mentioned, the study involved a deductive approach of the positivistic paradigm to identify online purchasing motivation and factors that can assist with indicating what the pure-play fashion interface needs to deliver to stay competitive and increase market presence. This research study is considerably valuable as data from 16087 respondents from the participating pure-play fashion retailer have been recorded and the results indicated that the proposed hypotheses were all supported, thus reporting a significant relationship and positive influence on the perceived success of online fashion consumption.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: De Vos, Tania
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Electronic commerce Retail trade -- South Africa -- Management , Purchasing Consumer behavior -- South Africa Clothing trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46295 , vital:39544
- Description: While store-based fashion retailing continues to be the prevailing channel for South Africans, the country’s consumers are increasingly engaging with products online. It should be noted that online fashion purchasing behaviour does not necessarily follow the traditional consumer behaviour of the brick-and-mortar retailing environment. Therefore, ecommerce organisations are required to investigate the determinants of customer online shopping engagement among their market segments. With an improved understanding of the consumer’s online purchase behaviour, pure-play fashion retailers can create useful and successful online shopping strategies to attract new and potential customers. Thus, the future market for this industry as well as factors influencing online behaviour must be investigated and improved upon. This research study aimed to present a general overview and analysis of how online fashion consumption can grow and be sustainable in South Africa. This was accomplished by identifying various key factors contributing toward online fashion consumption and purchasing behaviour, in creating an attractive online shopping environment, whilst generating more customers, building customer loyalty and increasing competitiveness. As in any retail business, customer satisfaction is the key component for online fashion success. The purpose of this study was to execute a novel assessment of online consumers’ product purchasing behaviour, as well as advertising and involvement in fashion consumption in the South African context. To achieve this purpose, an in-depth literature review and a positivistic research investigation were conducted. The selected method was the most appropriate approach to achieve the research objectives by answering the research questions as well as to test the proposed hypotheses in relation to The Perceived Success of Online Fashion Consumption (dependant variables). As mentioned, the study involved a deductive approach of the positivistic paradigm to identify online purchasing motivation and factors that can assist with indicating what the pure-play fashion interface needs to deliver to stay competitive and increase market presence. This research study is considerably valuable as data from 16087 respondents from the participating pure-play fashion retailer have been recorded and the results indicated that the proposed hypotheses were all supported, thus reporting a significant relationship and positive influence on the perceived success of online fashion consumption.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Plasma gasification for converting municipal solid waste to energy
- Authors: Serage, Noah Magonagone
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Recycling (Waste, etc.) -- South Africa Refuse and refuse disposal -- South Africa , Energy conversion -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20266 , vital:29166
- Description: In South Africa most of the municipal solid waste is currently removed and taken to land fill sites for engraving. A very small percentage of this is recycled due to lack of exploration of alternative means of further processing. In 2011 approximately 108 million tonnes of waste, mostly being general waste was generated in South Africa. Ninety eight (98) million tonnes of this waste was disposed of at landfill sites (The Department of Environmental Affairs [DEA], 2012). Environmental engineers are finding municipal solid waste management to be a challenge, similarly do the city planners and local administration. The main reason being the difficulty brought about by the complexity in composition of the waste material, no availability of waste minimization technologies and the scarcity of land for landfill sites and their environmental impact (Lal & Singh, 2012). Anyaegbunam (2013) recommend that there is a disposal technique that can convert most of the landfill waste at reduced amount of money to what is being paid on other disposal techniques nowadays, regardless of its form or composition and produce an excess of clean energy, and that technique is called Plasma Gasification which carries a high capability of being economically efficient. According to Young (2010), plasma arc Gasification is a high-temperature pyrolysis process whereby the organics of waste solids (carbon-based materials) are converted into syngas. The syngas can also be sent to gas turbines or reciprocating engines to produce electricity. Few of these plants exist in the world, however there is none in South Africa due to municipal budgetary constraints and lack of evidence for return on investment. Gasification can be described as a thermo-chemical process wherein carbonaceous or carbon-rich feed stocks, for instance tree trimmings or biomass, coal, and petro-coke are transformed into a complex gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide (and smaller quantities of carbon dioxide and other trace gases) under high pressure, oxygen exhausted, strong heat and/or steam environments (SRS Energy Solutions, 2016) The problem of electricity shortages continues to increase and communities are unable to cope with the continuous rising electricity bills. It is forecast that electricity demand will grow by approximately 85% and thereby reaching 31 700TWH (terawatt hours) in the year 2035. This growth rate is anticipated at an annual rate of 2.4% of which the economic and population growth will be the driving force, while on the other hand the daily increase of waste at landfill sites poses many problems with regards to the lifespan of the landfill in case green technological disposal processes are not introduced.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Serage, Noah Magonagone
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Recycling (Waste, etc.) -- South Africa Refuse and refuse disposal -- South Africa , Energy conversion -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/20266 , vital:29166
- Description: In South Africa most of the municipal solid waste is currently removed and taken to land fill sites for engraving. A very small percentage of this is recycled due to lack of exploration of alternative means of further processing. In 2011 approximately 108 million tonnes of waste, mostly being general waste was generated in South Africa. Ninety eight (98) million tonnes of this waste was disposed of at landfill sites (The Department of Environmental Affairs [DEA], 2012). Environmental engineers are finding municipal solid waste management to be a challenge, similarly do the city planners and local administration. The main reason being the difficulty brought about by the complexity in composition of the waste material, no availability of waste minimization technologies and the scarcity of land for landfill sites and their environmental impact (Lal & Singh, 2012). Anyaegbunam (2013) recommend that there is a disposal technique that can convert most of the landfill waste at reduced amount of money to what is being paid on other disposal techniques nowadays, regardless of its form or composition and produce an excess of clean energy, and that technique is called Plasma Gasification which carries a high capability of being economically efficient. According to Young (2010), plasma arc Gasification is a high-temperature pyrolysis process whereby the organics of waste solids (carbon-based materials) are converted into syngas. The syngas can also be sent to gas turbines or reciprocating engines to produce electricity. Few of these plants exist in the world, however there is none in South Africa due to municipal budgetary constraints and lack of evidence for return on investment. Gasification can be described as a thermo-chemical process wherein carbonaceous or carbon-rich feed stocks, for instance tree trimmings or biomass, coal, and petro-coke are transformed into a complex gas containing hydrogen and carbon monoxide (and smaller quantities of carbon dioxide and other trace gases) under high pressure, oxygen exhausted, strong heat and/or steam environments (SRS Energy Solutions, 2016) The problem of electricity shortages continues to increase and communities are unable to cope with the continuous rising electricity bills. It is forecast that electricity demand will grow by approximately 85% and thereby reaching 31 700TWH (terawatt hours) in the year 2035. This growth rate is anticipated at an annual rate of 2.4% of which the economic and population growth will be the driving force, while on the other hand the daily increase of waste at landfill sites poses many problems with regards to the lifespan of the landfill in case green technological disposal processes are not introduced.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Revitalisation of the informal township economy in Mdantsane
- Authors: Dyantyi, Unathi Sisikelelwe
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Mdantsane Economic development -- South Africa -- Mdantsane
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15611 , vital:28276
- Description: The main focus of this study was to perform an assessment of viable and sustainable means of creating a vibrant and sustainable economy in the Mdantsane Township. In order to perform the assessment objectives were formulated which aimed at assessing whether the informal small business sector of Mdantsane was generating wealth and livelihoods for the people running them. The study also looked at whether the informal business sector is a preferred option by most South Africans or people in the townships would rather seek employment. A number of data collection methods were used in completing this study such as literature reviews and a semi-structured questionnaire. The study revealed that Local Economic development can be implemented in the townships in order to assist in stimulating a vibrant local township economy. The study also revealed that the central focus of Local Economic Development is to support the development, growth and retention of private or co-operative enterprises. The survey conducted in the study further revealed that most businesses in the township are driven by necessity in order for them to start their businesses mainly due to unemployment. These businesses all agreed on the significant role that Local Economic Development can play in assisting township entrepreneurs and communities to grow and prosper.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Dyantyi, Unathi Sisikelelwe
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Informal sector (Economics) -- South Africa -- Mdantsane Economic development -- South Africa -- Mdantsane
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15611 , vital:28276
- Description: The main focus of this study was to perform an assessment of viable and sustainable means of creating a vibrant and sustainable economy in the Mdantsane Township. In order to perform the assessment objectives were formulated which aimed at assessing whether the informal small business sector of Mdantsane was generating wealth and livelihoods for the people running them. The study also looked at whether the informal business sector is a preferred option by most South Africans or people in the townships would rather seek employment. A number of data collection methods were used in completing this study such as literature reviews and a semi-structured questionnaire. The study revealed that Local Economic development can be implemented in the townships in order to assist in stimulating a vibrant local township economy. The study also revealed that the central focus of Local Economic Development is to support the development, growth and retention of private or co-operative enterprises. The survey conducted in the study further revealed that most businesses in the township are driven by necessity in order for them to start their businesses mainly due to unemployment. These businesses all agreed on the significant role that Local Economic Development can play in assisting township entrepreneurs and communities to grow and prosper.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon economy: skills availability implications
- Authors: Myeki, Pumla Qamisa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Environmental economics -- South Africa , Environmental policy -- Developing countries Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14157 , vital:27437
- Description: South Africa together with the rest of the world have been caught up in a new policy wave of developing policies that support the move towards sustainable, low-carbon and climate resilient economies. However, like any other transition, the social and economic impact of the new policy initiative towards a low-carbon economy is not yet fully understood, both in short- and long-term. While it is clear that the low carbon agenda presents major opportunities in terms of job creation, improved standard of living levels, improved resource consumption patterns as well as economic benefits. It also presents challenges, given the level of education and lack of skills for the installation, construction and operation of many technologies during the process of retrofitting the existing plants as well as infrastructures associated with the new low carbon agenda. The primary objective of this research study is to explore implications of skills availability in order to gain better understanding into the nature, extent and severity of skills shortage impact on the transition to a low-carbon economic future. The research study has revealed that shortage of skills may have a negative impact on the progress of the envisaged South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon economic growth trajectory. However, to varied factors, the study could not clearly articulate the nature, extent and severity of the skills shortages impact on the transition to a low-carbon economic future. These factors may include but not limited to the following: The concept of low-carbon economy is still a new concept with no universally agreed on definition, thus; leading uncertainties with regards to what it entails as well as policy dilemmas; Low-carbon economy is cross-cutting and cannot be clearly defined as a sector. With no clear sectorial boundaries it is difficult to plan for low-carbon economy sector; Skills shortage is chronic and is persistent but due to the fragmented and non-coherent approach by South African government when dealing with skills development. There are a number of reports by different departments on skills shortages but these reports do not talk to each other making it difficult to articulate at national level the nature, extent and severity of the challenge, due to scattered research. This research study has recommended some initiatives that the government of South Africa can consider in order to deal with uncertainties surrounding the low-carbon economy as well as the nature, extent and severity of skills shortages in South Africa. The study also suggested some possible future research interests that need to be pursued in order to develop useful data for decision makers both in the low-carbon economy and skills shortage space.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Myeki, Pumla Qamisa
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Environmental economics -- South Africa , Environmental policy -- Developing countries Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14157 , vital:27437
- Description: South Africa together with the rest of the world have been caught up in a new policy wave of developing policies that support the move towards sustainable, low-carbon and climate resilient economies. However, like any other transition, the social and economic impact of the new policy initiative towards a low-carbon economy is not yet fully understood, both in short- and long-term. While it is clear that the low carbon agenda presents major opportunities in terms of job creation, improved standard of living levels, improved resource consumption patterns as well as economic benefits. It also presents challenges, given the level of education and lack of skills for the installation, construction and operation of many technologies during the process of retrofitting the existing plants as well as infrastructures associated with the new low carbon agenda. The primary objective of this research study is to explore implications of skills availability in order to gain better understanding into the nature, extent and severity of skills shortage impact on the transition to a low-carbon economic future. The research study has revealed that shortage of skills may have a negative impact on the progress of the envisaged South Africa’s transition to a low-carbon economic growth trajectory. However, to varied factors, the study could not clearly articulate the nature, extent and severity of the skills shortages impact on the transition to a low-carbon economic future. These factors may include but not limited to the following: The concept of low-carbon economy is still a new concept with no universally agreed on definition, thus; leading uncertainties with regards to what it entails as well as policy dilemmas; Low-carbon economy is cross-cutting and cannot be clearly defined as a sector. With no clear sectorial boundaries it is difficult to plan for low-carbon economy sector; Skills shortage is chronic and is persistent but due to the fragmented and non-coherent approach by South African government when dealing with skills development. There are a number of reports by different departments on skills shortages but these reports do not talk to each other making it difficult to articulate at national level the nature, extent and severity of the challenge, due to scattered research. This research study has recommended some initiatives that the government of South Africa can consider in order to deal with uncertainties surrounding the low-carbon economy as well as the nature, extent and severity of skills shortages in South Africa. The study also suggested some possible future research interests that need to be pursued in order to develop useful data for decision makers both in the low-carbon economy and skills shortage space.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Strategies for advancing women into executive management positions
- Authors: Dlamini, Patricia Dollane
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Women executives -- South Africa Success in business -- South Africa , Sex role in the work environment -- South Africa Management -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15005 , vital:28112
- Description: Problem: In South Africa, women have not always had opportunities in society or the workplace due to historical discriminatory political and socio-economic policies and practices, including apartheid (United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, 2011). Gender disparity at the top echelons of organisations is still prevalent, and the South African business landscape is not different despite progressive legislation promulgated in the late 90s when the democratic government took over. Aim of the study: The aim was to identify challenges faced by women when attempting to advance into executive positions and strategies that could assist them in this respect. Method: A literature study was conducted to establish what work had already been done in the field of gender studies and advancement of women in the corporate world. For the empirical study an interpretivist paradigm with a qualitative research approach was adopted. Interviews were conducted with ten women who were members of the Port Elizabeth branch of the Businesswomen's Association of South Africa (BWASA) and who were categorised as hopeful, emerging or already in executive positions. They were asked about the challenges they were facing or had experienced and the strategies that assisted or could assist them in advancing to an executive position. They were also asked to provide critical incidents with the view of enriching the data and gaining a deeper understanding of the phenomenon. Results: Gender-insensitive organisational policies, an unsupportive organisational culture and unknown barriers in selection emerged as key challenges experienced by the participants. Facilitative strategies that emerged included a supportive corporate culture, family support, an enabling supervisor and affiliation to professional bodies. Conclusion: Whilst a large pool of work has been done on the advancement of women, gender equality in corporate South Africa remained a challenge. This challenge should be addressed from a corporate, personal and professional perspective. Recommendations: An integrated organisational approach to this phenomenon is required which should include appropriate company policies, a supportive organisational culture and enabling supervisors. In addition, women should garner the support that their families provide and they could greatly benefit from affiliating to professional bodies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Dlamini, Patricia Dollane
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Women executives -- South Africa Success in business -- South Africa , Sex role in the work environment -- South Africa Management -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/15005 , vital:28112
- Description: Problem: In South Africa, women have not always had opportunities in society or the workplace due to historical discriminatory political and socio-economic policies and practices, including apartheid (United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, 2011). Gender disparity at the top echelons of organisations is still prevalent, and the South African business landscape is not different despite progressive legislation promulgated in the late 90s when the democratic government took over. Aim of the study: The aim was to identify challenges faced by women when attempting to advance into executive positions and strategies that could assist them in this respect. Method: A literature study was conducted to establish what work had already been done in the field of gender studies and advancement of women in the corporate world. For the empirical study an interpretivist paradigm with a qualitative research approach was adopted. Interviews were conducted with ten women who were members of the Port Elizabeth branch of the Businesswomen's Association of South Africa (BWASA) and who were categorised as hopeful, emerging or already in executive positions. They were asked about the challenges they were facing or had experienced and the strategies that assisted or could assist them in advancing to an executive position. They were also asked to provide critical incidents with the view of enriching the data and gaining a deeper understanding of the phenomenon. Results: Gender-insensitive organisational policies, an unsupportive organisational culture and unknown barriers in selection emerged as key challenges experienced by the participants. Facilitative strategies that emerged included a supportive corporate culture, family support, an enabling supervisor and affiliation to professional bodies. Conclusion: Whilst a large pool of work has been done on the advancement of women, gender equality in corporate South Africa remained a challenge. This challenge should be addressed from a corporate, personal and professional perspective. Recommendations: An integrated organisational approach to this phenomenon is required which should include appropriate company policies, a supportive organisational culture and enabling supervisors. In addition, women should garner the support that their families provide and they could greatly benefit from affiliating to professional bodies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Strategies to improve the representation of black women in senior levels within the South African banking industry
- Authors: Peacock, Brenda Thandiwe
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Women bankers -- South Africa Bank management -- Women -- South Africa , Women executives -- South Africa Leadership in women -- South Africa Minorities -- Employment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19695 , vital:28936
- Description: The main purpose of this qualitative research study was to investigate strategies to improve the representation of black females in senior levels within the South African banking industry. This was done through investigating the challenges that black women face in their career advancement within the banking industry and the strategies which currently exist and can be implemented to improve this representation. In as much as the research is aimed at seeking strategies to improve black women representation in senior positions, it also seeks to understand the barriers experienced by black women in different levels within the industry as these levels serve as a pipeline for senior management. This problem was addressed through answering the research objectives. The research objectives were achieved through conducting a literature review to explore the existing research topic and conducting an empirical study. Empirical evidence was obtained through conducting semi-structured interviews with seven black women who are currently working in the banking sector. Semi-structured interviews were used due to the target population being specific to black women as well as the need to acquire in-depth knowledge from black women of their experiences in climbing the corporate ladder in the sector. The key findings of the research found that the participant’s perception was that black women were at the bottom, that black women were displaying behaviours that were inhibiting their progress to senior positions. The study also found that black women struggled to advance to senior positions due to different challenges that they encountered. The study is finalised by the participants providing recommendations in terms of how the representation of black women could be improved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Peacock, Brenda Thandiwe
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Women bankers -- South Africa Bank management -- Women -- South Africa , Women executives -- South Africa Leadership in women -- South Africa Minorities -- Employment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/19695 , vital:28936
- Description: The main purpose of this qualitative research study was to investigate strategies to improve the representation of black females in senior levels within the South African banking industry. This was done through investigating the challenges that black women face in their career advancement within the banking industry and the strategies which currently exist and can be implemented to improve this representation. In as much as the research is aimed at seeking strategies to improve black women representation in senior positions, it also seeks to understand the barriers experienced by black women in different levels within the industry as these levels serve as a pipeline for senior management. This problem was addressed through answering the research objectives. The research objectives were achieved through conducting a literature review to explore the existing research topic and conducting an empirical study. Empirical evidence was obtained through conducting semi-structured interviews with seven black women who are currently working in the banking sector. Semi-structured interviews were used due to the target population being specific to black women as well as the need to acquire in-depth knowledge from black women of their experiences in climbing the corporate ladder in the sector. The key findings of the research found that the participant’s perception was that black women were at the bottom, that black women were displaying behaviours that were inhibiting their progress to senior positions. The study also found that black women struggled to advance to senior positions due to different challenges that they encountered. The study is finalised by the participants providing recommendations in terms of how the representation of black women could be improved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Successful delivery of an online higher education course: a quantitative management framework
- Authors: Burger, Dimitri
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Decision making -- Mathematical models Management -- Mathematical models , Management science Distance education -- South Africa -- Computer-assisted instruction Education, Higher
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14785 , vital:27850
- Description: South Africa has been experiencing several challenges regarding access to higher education, quality of higher education, effectiveness of higher education course delivery, and funding for higher education. In the higher education sector, the bulk of the burden is placed on traditional higher education institutions, most notably universities, in providing higher education to a growing youth base in dire need of education that supports their individual learning needs. With these challenges facing traditional universities, online higher education provided by both public sector higher education institutions and private sector education providers can act as a valuable alternative and solution to access for some of the population. Online education and face-to-face education differ considerably in how they deliver courses to students. Many have argued that these differences are in some cases attributable to strengths in face-to-face education and drawbacks or limitations in online education, large enough that they should serve as the criteria for selecting the former over the latter as the better mode of delivery. While there have been examples of online programmes that have failed to deliver courses successfully by underutilising or misusing the tools and techniques available, there are positive examples where these programmes perform equally as well as face-to-face courses. The defining difference is ultimately and often the management of these courses’ resources, activities, people, processes, and practices. Considering the above, and with examination of the available literature, a conceptual and theoretical framework was constructed and a quantitative research study was undertaken to prove the significant correlational relationships between elements of course delivery and a management framework to govern those elements. The sample consisted of 115 students from a postgraduate degree programme presented in two formats, online and on-campus. The findings provide evidence of significant relationships between the core functions of management as well as between aspects of course delivery, such as opportunities for interaction, opportunities for feedback, and course content in achieving learning outcomes for students and contributing to engagement. The findings also indicate positive perceptions from students in relation to the delivery of the courses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Burger, Dimitri
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Decision making -- Mathematical models Management -- Mathematical models , Management science Distance education -- South Africa -- Computer-assisted instruction Education, Higher
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14785 , vital:27850
- Description: South Africa has been experiencing several challenges regarding access to higher education, quality of higher education, effectiveness of higher education course delivery, and funding for higher education. In the higher education sector, the bulk of the burden is placed on traditional higher education institutions, most notably universities, in providing higher education to a growing youth base in dire need of education that supports their individual learning needs. With these challenges facing traditional universities, online higher education provided by both public sector higher education institutions and private sector education providers can act as a valuable alternative and solution to access for some of the population. Online education and face-to-face education differ considerably in how they deliver courses to students. Many have argued that these differences are in some cases attributable to strengths in face-to-face education and drawbacks or limitations in online education, large enough that they should serve as the criteria for selecting the former over the latter as the better mode of delivery. While there have been examples of online programmes that have failed to deliver courses successfully by underutilising or misusing the tools and techniques available, there are positive examples where these programmes perform equally as well as face-to-face courses. The defining difference is ultimately and often the management of these courses’ resources, activities, people, processes, and practices. Considering the above, and with examination of the available literature, a conceptual and theoretical framework was constructed and a quantitative research study was undertaken to prove the significant correlational relationships between elements of course delivery and a management framework to govern those elements. The sample consisted of 115 students from a postgraduate degree programme presented in two formats, online and on-campus. The findings provide evidence of significant relationships between the core functions of management as well as between aspects of course delivery, such as opportunities for interaction, opportunities for feedback, and course content in achieving learning outcomes for students and contributing to engagement. The findings also indicate positive perceptions from students in relation to the delivery of the courses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017