Investigating the prevailing knowledge about co-operatives in South Africa and the determinants of their success
- Authors: Frans, Nonyameko
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Cooperative societies -- South Africa , Cooperative societies -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8862 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020206
- Description: The development of co-operatives has been increasingly seen, both globally and in developing countries, as a key strategy for a high economic growth rate, job creation and poverty alleviation. In trying to address these challenges, the South African government has been promoting co-operatives as an instrument for economic growth and socio-economic integration. Despite the realisation of the important role that cooperatives could play, not enough research has been done on the successes and failures of these organisations in achieving economic growth and socio-economic development in countries. The present study is an attempt to address this research gap. The primary objective of this study was to increase the success of co-operatives in South Africa by investigating the prevailing nature of operations of co-operatives and the determinants of the success of these organisations. More specifically, the study gathered qualitative information about co-operatives, identified which factors influence co-operatives in general and investigated which of these factors are the most important determinants of the success of these organisations in South Africa. A census was conducted of the 110 co-operatives registered in the database of the Leadership Academy (LA) of the NMMU Business School. Only 50 executive members of 26 co-operatives participated in the study (response rate of 23.6 percent). The empirical results revealed that the two most critical success factors for co-op success were the handling of finances and leadership; that language groups viewed coop success differently; and that females provide stronger leadership than males in cooperatives. The results also showed that skills development is an important factor in achieving these critical success factors. These results presented important managerial implications for the success of co-operatives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Frans, Nonyameko
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Cooperative societies -- South Africa , Cooperative societies -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8862 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020206
- Description: The development of co-operatives has been increasingly seen, both globally and in developing countries, as a key strategy for a high economic growth rate, job creation and poverty alleviation. In trying to address these challenges, the South African government has been promoting co-operatives as an instrument for economic growth and socio-economic integration. Despite the realisation of the important role that cooperatives could play, not enough research has been done on the successes and failures of these organisations in achieving economic growth and socio-economic development in countries. The present study is an attempt to address this research gap. The primary objective of this study was to increase the success of co-operatives in South Africa by investigating the prevailing nature of operations of co-operatives and the determinants of the success of these organisations. More specifically, the study gathered qualitative information about co-operatives, identified which factors influence co-operatives in general and investigated which of these factors are the most important determinants of the success of these organisations in South Africa. A census was conducted of the 110 co-operatives registered in the database of the Leadership Academy (LA) of the NMMU Business School. Only 50 executive members of 26 co-operatives participated in the study (response rate of 23.6 percent). The empirical results revealed that the two most critical success factors for co-op success were the handling of finances and leadership; that language groups viewed coop success differently; and that females provide stronger leadership than males in cooperatives. The results also showed that skills development is an important factor in achieving these critical success factors. These results presented important managerial implications for the success of co-operatives.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Investigating the role of human resources in the implementation of the government immovable asset management act and its policy framework
- Authors: Ngwenze, Lizo Archibald
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Government property -- South Africa -- Management , Assets (Accounting) -- Management , Capital -- Government policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8881 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020653
- Description: There is a strong belief amongst human resource specialists, professionals and academics that strategic human-resource management is critical to the success of the business and wellbeing of employees, and the organisation in which they work. There are two sides to human resources, as a strategic partner: Firstly, how it looks and portrays itself; and secondly, how the organisation views the importance of its human capital. Ulrich, Younger, Brockbank and Ulrich (2012) and the RBL Group (2012) identified six human-resource competencies for human resource (HR) practitioners. These not only identify the role they play in an organisation; but they also assist an organisation in achieving its objectives. These competencies, which apply to all HR practitioners, are: strategic positioner, change champion, credible activist, capability builder, technology proponent, innovator, and integrator. The implementation of the Government Immovable Asset Management Act No.19 of 2007 (GIAMA), and its policy implementation, are critical to infrastructural developments, economic development, and skills development, redressing any imbalances from the past and current history, and also developing a public service that assists the country in being internationally competitive. An HR practitioner with a worldview is critical in facilitating one of the most important transformative pieces of legislation. The research problem in this study is to investigate the role of human resources in the implementation of GIAMA and its policy framework in the Eastern Cape Province’s Port Elizabeth Regional Office by the National Department of Public Works. To achieve this objective, a quantitative study was undertaken on the role of human resources as a “strategic partner”. It involved an extensive literature review to assess the role of strategic human resources. An empirical study was later conducted to investigate the role of human resources in the Port Elizabeth Regional Office (from the National Department of Public Works); and how well this office succeeds in playing its assigned role. The conducted survey was compared with the literature review, to determine whether the Port Elizabeth Regional Office’s human resources are in line with the objectives of being a “strategic partner”. The overall findings revealed that the role of human resources is not that of a “strategic partner”. It also revealed that of the six competencies identified by Ulrich et al. (2012) and the RBL Group (2012), none of them could really be viewed as strategic. Notwithstanding the progressive pieces of legislation, it was appalling to receive the outcome, which indicated organisational failure for the past six years (see Figure 1.1). The conclusion of the study indicated that the Port Elizabeth Regional Office (from National Department of Public Works) must implement legislative recommendations as a starting point, and grow from there. The legislation and regulations are very supportive, and encourage innovative thinking – to achieve government goals – and to be on a par with the private sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Ngwenze, Lizo Archibald
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Government property -- South Africa -- Management , Assets (Accounting) -- Management , Capital -- Government policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8881 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020653
- Description: There is a strong belief amongst human resource specialists, professionals and academics that strategic human-resource management is critical to the success of the business and wellbeing of employees, and the organisation in which they work. There are two sides to human resources, as a strategic partner: Firstly, how it looks and portrays itself; and secondly, how the organisation views the importance of its human capital. Ulrich, Younger, Brockbank and Ulrich (2012) and the RBL Group (2012) identified six human-resource competencies for human resource (HR) practitioners. These not only identify the role they play in an organisation; but they also assist an organisation in achieving its objectives. These competencies, which apply to all HR practitioners, are: strategic positioner, change champion, credible activist, capability builder, technology proponent, innovator, and integrator. The implementation of the Government Immovable Asset Management Act No.19 of 2007 (GIAMA), and its policy implementation, are critical to infrastructural developments, economic development, and skills development, redressing any imbalances from the past and current history, and also developing a public service that assists the country in being internationally competitive. An HR practitioner with a worldview is critical in facilitating one of the most important transformative pieces of legislation. The research problem in this study is to investigate the role of human resources in the implementation of GIAMA and its policy framework in the Eastern Cape Province’s Port Elizabeth Regional Office by the National Department of Public Works. To achieve this objective, a quantitative study was undertaken on the role of human resources as a “strategic partner”. It involved an extensive literature review to assess the role of strategic human resources. An empirical study was later conducted to investigate the role of human resources in the Port Elizabeth Regional Office (from the National Department of Public Works); and how well this office succeeds in playing its assigned role. The conducted survey was compared with the literature review, to determine whether the Port Elizabeth Regional Office’s human resources are in line with the objectives of being a “strategic partner”. The overall findings revealed that the role of human resources is not that of a “strategic partner”. It also revealed that of the six competencies identified by Ulrich et al. (2012) and the RBL Group (2012), none of them could really be viewed as strategic. Notwithstanding the progressive pieces of legislation, it was appalling to receive the outcome, which indicated organisational failure for the past six years (see Figure 1.1). The conclusion of the study indicated that the Port Elizabeth Regional Office (from National Department of Public Works) must implement legislative recommendations as a starting point, and grow from there. The legislation and regulations are very supportive, and encourage innovative thinking – to achieve government goals – and to be on a par with the private sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Investigating variables that have impact on annual financial statement audit report outcomes in local government
- Authors: Sigcau, Ntsikelelo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Local finance -- South Africa -- Auditing , Finance, Public -- South Africa , Local government -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8906 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021004
- Description: The third sphere of government (Local Government) has been persistently clouded by unfavourable Annual Financial Statement (AFS) audit reports. This results in local government losing credibility and its stakeholders losing confidence in the institutions or municipalities. In-depth analysis of the root cause of this dilemma is an opportunity for the municipality to reorganise its house and redeem its dignity and credibility to its stakeholders through addressing the identified challenges. The importance of the study can be attributed to the need to investigate the root causes of unfavourable audit opinion and recommend possible remedies that can assist municipalities to improve their audit report outcomes which in turn will improve the confidence of its stakeholders. The primary objective of the study was to investigate variables that impact on the audit report outcomes on annual financial statements of the municipalities that are within Alfred Nzo District (AND) Jurisdiction, including Alfred Nzo District Municipality (ANDM). This was achieved through investigating the root causes of the audit report outcomes with specific focus on the relationship that exists between the management role and audit outcomes of the Alfred Nzo District Municipalities. This was measured by the municipality’s leadership, governance, internal controls and human capital management. Convenient sampling was used wherein 150 questionnaires (30 per municipality) were sent out to the selected employees in all the municipalities in the Alfred Nzo District. Out of the questionnaires that were sent out, 103 responses were received. These were analysed to draw findings, conclusion and recommendations. The empirical results of the study revealed that there is strong evidence that leadership, governance and human capital management have a positive influence on the municipality’s AFS audit report outcomes. It also revealed that there is overwhelming evidence that internal controls have a positive influence on the municipality’s AFS audit report outcomes. The study recommends how leadership, governance, internal controls and human capital management must be improved. It also provides future research recommendations to improve this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Sigcau, Ntsikelelo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Local finance -- South Africa -- Auditing , Finance, Public -- South Africa , Local government -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8906 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021004
- Description: The third sphere of government (Local Government) has been persistently clouded by unfavourable Annual Financial Statement (AFS) audit reports. This results in local government losing credibility and its stakeholders losing confidence in the institutions or municipalities. In-depth analysis of the root cause of this dilemma is an opportunity for the municipality to reorganise its house and redeem its dignity and credibility to its stakeholders through addressing the identified challenges. The importance of the study can be attributed to the need to investigate the root causes of unfavourable audit opinion and recommend possible remedies that can assist municipalities to improve their audit report outcomes which in turn will improve the confidence of its stakeholders. The primary objective of the study was to investigate variables that impact on the audit report outcomes on annual financial statements of the municipalities that are within Alfred Nzo District (AND) Jurisdiction, including Alfred Nzo District Municipality (ANDM). This was achieved through investigating the root causes of the audit report outcomes with specific focus on the relationship that exists between the management role and audit outcomes of the Alfred Nzo District Municipalities. This was measured by the municipality’s leadership, governance, internal controls and human capital management. Convenient sampling was used wherein 150 questionnaires (30 per municipality) were sent out to the selected employees in all the municipalities in the Alfred Nzo District. Out of the questionnaires that were sent out, 103 responses were received. These were analysed to draw findings, conclusion and recommendations. The empirical results of the study revealed that there is strong evidence that leadership, governance and human capital management have a positive influence on the municipality’s AFS audit report outcomes. It also revealed that there is overwhelming evidence that internal controls have a positive influence on the municipality’s AFS audit report outcomes. The study recommends how leadership, governance, internal controls and human capital management must be improved. It also provides future research recommendations to improve this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Medical schemes fraud : ethical investigation of medical practitioners as stakeholders
- Authors: Titus, Phyllis May
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Business ethics , Fraud investigation , Medicare fraud
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8895 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020899
- Description: A mere 16 percent of the population enjoys the benefits of private healthcare; medical schemes however remain an important contributor to the South African economy with an annual contribution flow of close to R85 billion per annum. Similar to the international scenario, South African healthcare inflation surpassed consumer price inflation. In addition, the medical schemes industry remains riddled with fraud, this coupled with escalating private healthcare costs remain subsequent threats to the sustainability of the industry. It is reported that service provider fraud has surpassed fraud committed by scheme members. Most medical schemes appear to have policies in place to manage and combat fraud, however transparency in terms of information sharing remains elusive. Of greater concern have been the investigation and management ethicality and endgame of medical schemes in terms of fraud risk management amongst medical practitioners. The research problem states that there is currently no standard fraud investigation and management protocol available for the ethical investigation and management of medical schemes fraud committed by medical practitioners. The literature review demonstrated that there has been a paradigm shift regarding the expectations that society has of the modern corporation and emphasised the inclusive stakeholder model theory in favour of the traditional shareholder dictum: pursuit of profit maximisation at any cost. The research design was done by providing a survey questionnaire to private medical practitioners. The literature review and survey findings highlighted the need for medical schemes to pay greater heed to their ethicality and stakeholder issue management practices. Focus areas for the development of an industry standard fraud investigation and management protocol was recommended.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Titus, Phyllis May
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Business ethics , Fraud investigation , Medicare fraud
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8895 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020899
- Description: A mere 16 percent of the population enjoys the benefits of private healthcare; medical schemes however remain an important contributor to the South African economy with an annual contribution flow of close to R85 billion per annum. Similar to the international scenario, South African healthcare inflation surpassed consumer price inflation. In addition, the medical schemes industry remains riddled with fraud, this coupled with escalating private healthcare costs remain subsequent threats to the sustainability of the industry. It is reported that service provider fraud has surpassed fraud committed by scheme members. Most medical schemes appear to have policies in place to manage and combat fraud, however transparency in terms of information sharing remains elusive. Of greater concern have been the investigation and management ethicality and endgame of medical schemes in terms of fraud risk management amongst medical practitioners. The research problem states that there is currently no standard fraud investigation and management protocol available for the ethical investigation and management of medical schemes fraud committed by medical practitioners. The literature review demonstrated that there has been a paradigm shift regarding the expectations that society has of the modern corporation and emphasised the inclusive stakeholder model theory in favour of the traditional shareholder dictum: pursuit of profit maximisation at any cost. The research design was done by providing a survey questionnaire to private medical practitioners. The literature review and survey findings highlighted the need for medical schemes to pay greater heed to their ethicality and stakeholder issue management practices. Focus areas for the development of an industry standard fraud investigation and management protocol was recommended.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Operational review of NCNSM's characterisation facility to determine its delivery on its intended mandate
- Mabena, Letlhogonolo Fortunate
- Authors: Mabena, Letlhogonolo Fortunate
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Reengineering (Management) -- South Africa , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa , Nanotechnology -- South Africa -- Research , High technology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8824 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019724
- Description: National Centre for Nano-Structured Materials (NCNSM), one of the National Department of Science and Technology’s nanotech innovation centres houses a characterisation facility which provides a wide array of high-tech materials characterization techniques used in nanotechnology research, to any researchers from any part of South Africa, whether from higher education institutions, government institutions or private firms. In this study the operational review was conducted to identify if the NCNSM Characterisation Facility is delivering on its implementation intent. With operational review organisations are able to explore their internal operations and seek recommendations as to how they can manage and operate more economically, efficiently and effectively. Given that they perform appropriately, allocating their resources properly, and performing within time frame set and using cost-effective measures. BPR was used as a framework to conduct the operational review. BPR is a framework for analysis and design of workflows and process within an organisation. It is an improvement initiative that provides radical change of the business processes in an organizational process. The findings of this study indicated that the NCNSM-CF did not entirely meet its implementation intent but it is striving towards the intention. One of the main reasons for the facility not to meet its intended implementation was the difficulty of the researchers/clients to get access to the facility. The current booking system process contributed significantly to the access problem.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mabena, Letlhogonolo Fortunate
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Reengineering (Management) -- South Africa , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa , Nanotechnology -- South Africa -- Research , High technology -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8824 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019724
- Description: National Centre for Nano-Structured Materials (NCNSM), one of the National Department of Science and Technology’s nanotech innovation centres houses a characterisation facility which provides a wide array of high-tech materials characterization techniques used in nanotechnology research, to any researchers from any part of South Africa, whether from higher education institutions, government institutions or private firms. In this study the operational review was conducted to identify if the NCNSM Characterisation Facility is delivering on its implementation intent. With operational review organisations are able to explore their internal operations and seek recommendations as to how they can manage and operate more economically, efficiently and effectively. Given that they perform appropriately, allocating their resources properly, and performing within time frame set and using cost-effective measures. BPR was used as a framework to conduct the operational review. BPR is a framework for analysis and design of workflows and process within an organisation. It is an improvement initiative that provides radical change of the business processes in an organizational process. The findings of this study indicated that the NCNSM-CF did not entirely meet its implementation intent but it is striving towards the intention. One of the main reasons for the facility not to meet its intended implementation was the difficulty of the researchers/clients to get access to the facility. The current booking system process contributed significantly to the access problem.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Performance management of veterinarians : a case study of veterinary services in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mutero, Gabriel
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Performance management Veterinarians -- South Africa -- Rating of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:719 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001873
- Description: In recent years, challenging economic conditions have stressed organizations, some to breaking point. Rather than waiting for external improvements, such as market growth or technological advances, many organizations are looking internally for performance and productivity gains (Boxall and Purcell, 2003). Consequently, the concept of performance management is receiving increased attention as a route to improved results and organisational growth (Boxall and Purcell, 2003). Likewise, increasing public pressure on governments to improve service delivery and account for the public purse have also forced many governments worldwide to implement a performance management system in one form or another (Ohemeng, 2009; Cameron and Sewell, 2003; Williams, 2005; Sehested, 2008). The South African Public Service has undergone much transformation since 2000. The transformation has been motivated by the Government’s realisation that, as with governments throughout the world, there is a need to modernise and professionalise all spheres of Government. The guiding principles for this transformation are contained in the White Paper on the Transformation of the Public Service (1995) and the Batho Pele White Paper (1997). This has informed the Public Service Act: Act 32 of 2000 of which stipulates that public service organisations should have a performance management system to promote a culture of performance management amongst all staff. The performance management system must ensure that the public service administers its affairs in an economical, effective, efficient and accountable manner. Whereas performance management systems have been in existence in some parts of the world since the early 1970s (Armstrong and Baron, 2005), in the Eastern Cape Provincial Government (ECPG) the Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) can be considered to still be in its infancy stage. It was introduced slightly over a decade ago, with the objective of managing performance in a consultative, supportive and non-discriminatory manner (ECPG, 2001). The PMDS also aims to provide clarity to all employees on their role in the achievement of departmental and provincial goals. This was anticipated to result in enhanced organisational efficiency and effectiveness, accountability for the use of resources and the achievement of results (ECPG, 2001). 4 A literature review contained in this research indicates that internationally and locally, implementing performance management systems is beset with challenges such as conflicting interests between different groups such as professionals wanting autonomy, organisational culture, poor implementation, lack of capacity and resources, lack of institutional and leadership support, changing workplace environments and many others. However it has also been shown that performance management systems are one way of ensuring that employees are focused, goals are met and organisation move forward toward meeting their mission. This research, which has been grounded within a post positivist paradigm, describes the impact of the PMDS on veterinarians in their professional conduct. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten veterinarians within the Department, culminating in a total of seven and a half hours of interviewing time. The findings of this study were that the PMDS was minimally effective in achieving organisational goals and mission because of several reasons such as inconsistency in application, perceived unfairness, a lack of ownership of the system amongst workers and management, a lack of involvement, a dichotomy between policy and actual practice, geographical remoteness of subordinates resulting in dilution of information and influence, lack of resources and finally, the type and validity of indicators used. A significant finding was that having a non-veterinarian as a supervisor, impacted negatively on professional conduct. This was perceived to affect planning and goal setting, review and feedback discussions, as well as career advancement. The research ends with recommendations for practice and further research such as exploring management of professionals in multidisciplinary organisations. This research paper is organised and presented in three sections; the first section is in the format of an academic paper, and in addition to a concise review of the literature, will detail the findings, their discussion and conclusion. The second section contains a more expanded literature review of performance management of professionals and the third and last section describes and justifies the design of the study and how it was conducted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mutero, Gabriel
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Performance management Veterinarians -- South Africa -- Rating of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:719 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001873
- Description: In recent years, challenging economic conditions have stressed organizations, some to breaking point. Rather than waiting for external improvements, such as market growth or technological advances, many organizations are looking internally for performance and productivity gains (Boxall and Purcell, 2003). Consequently, the concept of performance management is receiving increased attention as a route to improved results and organisational growth (Boxall and Purcell, 2003). Likewise, increasing public pressure on governments to improve service delivery and account for the public purse have also forced many governments worldwide to implement a performance management system in one form or another (Ohemeng, 2009; Cameron and Sewell, 2003; Williams, 2005; Sehested, 2008). The South African Public Service has undergone much transformation since 2000. The transformation has been motivated by the Government’s realisation that, as with governments throughout the world, there is a need to modernise and professionalise all spheres of Government. The guiding principles for this transformation are contained in the White Paper on the Transformation of the Public Service (1995) and the Batho Pele White Paper (1997). This has informed the Public Service Act: Act 32 of 2000 of which stipulates that public service organisations should have a performance management system to promote a culture of performance management amongst all staff. The performance management system must ensure that the public service administers its affairs in an economical, effective, efficient and accountable manner. Whereas performance management systems have been in existence in some parts of the world since the early 1970s (Armstrong and Baron, 2005), in the Eastern Cape Provincial Government (ECPG) the Performance Management and Development System (PMDS) can be considered to still be in its infancy stage. It was introduced slightly over a decade ago, with the objective of managing performance in a consultative, supportive and non-discriminatory manner (ECPG, 2001). The PMDS also aims to provide clarity to all employees on their role in the achievement of departmental and provincial goals. This was anticipated to result in enhanced organisational efficiency and effectiveness, accountability for the use of resources and the achievement of results (ECPG, 2001). 4 A literature review contained in this research indicates that internationally and locally, implementing performance management systems is beset with challenges such as conflicting interests between different groups such as professionals wanting autonomy, organisational culture, poor implementation, lack of capacity and resources, lack of institutional and leadership support, changing workplace environments and many others. However it has also been shown that performance management systems are one way of ensuring that employees are focused, goals are met and organisation move forward toward meeting their mission. This research, which has been grounded within a post positivist paradigm, describes the impact of the PMDS on veterinarians in their professional conduct. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten veterinarians within the Department, culminating in a total of seven and a half hours of interviewing time. The findings of this study were that the PMDS was minimally effective in achieving organisational goals and mission because of several reasons such as inconsistency in application, perceived unfairness, a lack of ownership of the system amongst workers and management, a lack of involvement, a dichotomy between policy and actual practice, geographical remoteness of subordinates resulting in dilution of information and influence, lack of resources and finally, the type and validity of indicators used. A significant finding was that having a non-veterinarian as a supervisor, impacted negatively on professional conduct. This was perceived to affect planning and goal setting, review and feedback discussions, as well as career advancement. The research ends with recommendations for practice and further research such as exploring management of professionals in multidisciplinary organisations. This research paper is organised and presented in three sections; the first section is in the format of an academic paper, and in addition to a concise review of the literature, will detail the findings, their discussion and conclusion. The second section contains a more expanded literature review of performance management of professionals and the third and last section describes and justifies the design of the study and how it was conducted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Promoting leadership effectiveness in the public hospitals: a case study at Uitenhage provincial hospital
- Authors: Hoffman, Nyameka
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Leadership , Hospitals -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8911
- Description: Effective leadership is essential for the achievement of any organisational success. The need for strong leadership and increased diversity is a prominent issue in today’s health service workforce. Effective leadership involves influencing others towards achieving the goals of the organisation. Leadership is the central ingredient necessary for progress as well as for the development and survival of organisations, especially in a changing environment such as is evident in South Africa. This study was undertaken to explore and describe the views of health professionals with respect to factors that promote or influence leadership effectiveness in public hospitals, with specific reference to Uitenhage Provincial Hospital. The research design of this study was a quantitative, explorative, descriptive survey. Interviews were conducted to explore and describe the views and perceptions of healthcare professionals (clinical and nonclinical), and the management of the Uitenhage Provincial Hospital, regarding leadership effectiveness in a public hospital. Firstly, a literature study was conducted on healthcare leadership generally and to identify various leadership approaches and factors that influence leadership effectiveness. More emphasis was put on the current and the most recent approaches to leadership. Secondly, an empirical study was conducted to gain the views and ideas of health professionals regarding leadership effectiveness in the institution. Lastly, the results of the empirical study were evaluated, conclusions were drawn and recommendations were made, based on the information obtained from both the literature study and the empirical study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Hoffman, Nyameka
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Leadership , Hospitals -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8911
- Description: Effective leadership is essential for the achievement of any organisational success. The need for strong leadership and increased diversity is a prominent issue in today’s health service workforce. Effective leadership involves influencing others towards achieving the goals of the organisation. Leadership is the central ingredient necessary for progress as well as for the development and survival of organisations, especially in a changing environment such as is evident in South Africa. This study was undertaken to explore and describe the views of health professionals with respect to factors that promote or influence leadership effectiveness in public hospitals, with specific reference to Uitenhage Provincial Hospital. The research design of this study was a quantitative, explorative, descriptive survey. Interviews were conducted to explore and describe the views and perceptions of healthcare professionals (clinical and nonclinical), and the management of the Uitenhage Provincial Hospital, regarding leadership effectiveness in a public hospital. Firstly, a literature study was conducted on healthcare leadership generally and to identify various leadership approaches and factors that influence leadership effectiveness. More emphasis was put on the current and the most recent approaches to leadership. Secondly, an empirical study was conducted to gain the views and ideas of health professionals regarding leadership effectiveness in the institution. Lastly, the results of the empirical study were evaluated, conclusions were drawn and recommendations were made, based on the information obtained from both the literature study and the empirical study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Renewable energy as alternative solution in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Magaqa, Xolile Donaldson
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Renewable energy sources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Solar energy -- South Africa|zEastern Cape , Wind power -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8825 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019725
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate and suggest technologies that need to be considered by the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality management in order to alleviate electricity power shortages. It is very important to address the problems of electricity power shortages in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality since it affects the households, offices and factories and it creates a negative image about the economic viability and investment opportunities in South Africa. Since ESKOM supplies electricity to the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, they both require solutions that can sustain electricity availability for the current and future consumption by the households and the South African economy. It is of importance to report that the main causes of power shortages are the energy, capacity and the reserve margin constraints in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The methodology used for this research was a mixed methods type of research. The literature review led to the formulation of research questionnaires that were subsequently used as the main tools for sourcing data in order to conduct an empirical study for this research. The empirical study was used to combine the quantitative and the qualitative research methodology in one research. The respondents to the structured and self-administered questionnaires comprised Beacon Bay and Mdantsane households that owned Solar Water Heaters. The other respondents that were interviewed with the aid of semi-structured questionnaires comprised ESKOM and the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality management teams. The responses from all the respondents were collected, arranged and presented in tables and graphs for the purpose of analysing and thereafter to report the outcomes. The outcomes were compared to the literature reviewed to test whether there is congruence between the two. This was done for the purpose of answering the following research question: Can alternative energy in the form of solar be a solution in improving power shortage in the Buffalo City Metro? Renewable energy was among the suggested solutions that were tested in other countries and found to be reliable. Renewable energy is divided into Solar Power Technology, Wind Power Technology, Small Hydro generation power, Biomass and other technologies. The Solar Power Technology is divided into three forms of energy. The first technology was Solar Photovoltaic Power, Concentrating Solar Power and the Solar Water Heating. The focus of this study was to investigate whether the use of Solar Power Technology in the form of Solar Water Heating can alleviate electricity power shortages in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The other renewable energy technologies are reported as the limitations in this research that created opportunities for further research. The literature and empirical studies confirmed that the use of Solar Water Heaters alleviate power shortages in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality since most of the respondents agreed that when Solar Water Heaters are installed and used in the households, electricity power is saved. The respondents further agreed that since Solar Water Heaters use the sun to heat water they do not use electric geysers anymore. They further agreed that a decrease in electricity expenses per household, per day, per month and per annum has been achieved due to the use of Solar Water Heaters. The Solar Water Heaters were reported by most respondents as confirmed in the literature that they are reliable since they do not trip when there is a planned or an emergency power outages in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality area because they are powered by the sunlight. They are safe and have a longer economic life. They can be used in areas that do not have existing power supply. The key findings were that, both quantitative and qualitative results yielded results that were congruent with the literature reviewed. The congruence was reported in terms of electricity power saving, reduction in electricity expenses, per household, its reliability, the longer economic life and the safety of Solar Water Heaters. The installation of Solar Water Heaters has proven to be a good decision since they alleviated power shortages in the households that are in the rural areas, townships and in the upmarket residential places. It was recommended to the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and ESKOM management to install more Solar Water Heaters and to increase the subsidies for the buyers of Solar Water Heaters especially the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality; to increase the marketing of Solar Water Heaters and to further educate electricity users about the Demand Side Management. This approach will encourage electricity users to reduce their demand for electricity in order to reap the benefits of power savings and sustainability of electricity supply for the potential increase of the economy in Eastern Cape Province.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Magaqa, Xolile Donaldson
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Renewable energy sources -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Solar energy -- South Africa|zEastern Cape , Wind power -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8825 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019725
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate and suggest technologies that need to be considered by the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality management in order to alleviate electricity power shortages. It is very important to address the problems of electricity power shortages in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality since it affects the households, offices and factories and it creates a negative image about the economic viability and investment opportunities in South Africa. Since ESKOM supplies electricity to the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, they both require solutions that can sustain electricity availability for the current and future consumption by the households and the South African economy. It is of importance to report that the main causes of power shortages are the energy, capacity and the reserve margin constraints in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The methodology used for this research was a mixed methods type of research. The literature review led to the formulation of research questionnaires that were subsequently used as the main tools for sourcing data in order to conduct an empirical study for this research. The empirical study was used to combine the quantitative and the qualitative research methodology in one research. The respondents to the structured and self-administered questionnaires comprised Beacon Bay and Mdantsane households that owned Solar Water Heaters. The other respondents that were interviewed with the aid of semi-structured questionnaires comprised ESKOM and the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality management teams. The responses from all the respondents were collected, arranged and presented in tables and graphs for the purpose of analysing and thereafter to report the outcomes. The outcomes were compared to the literature reviewed to test whether there is congruence between the two. This was done for the purpose of answering the following research question: Can alternative energy in the form of solar be a solution in improving power shortage in the Buffalo City Metro? Renewable energy was among the suggested solutions that were tested in other countries and found to be reliable. Renewable energy is divided into Solar Power Technology, Wind Power Technology, Small Hydro generation power, Biomass and other technologies. The Solar Power Technology is divided into three forms of energy. The first technology was Solar Photovoltaic Power, Concentrating Solar Power and the Solar Water Heating. The focus of this study was to investigate whether the use of Solar Power Technology in the form of Solar Water Heating can alleviate electricity power shortages in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. The other renewable energy technologies are reported as the limitations in this research that created opportunities for further research. The literature and empirical studies confirmed that the use of Solar Water Heaters alleviate power shortages in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality since most of the respondents agreed that when Solar Water Heaters are installed and used in the households, electricity power is saved. The respondents further agreed that since Solar Water Heaters use the sun to heat water they do not use electric geysers anymore. They further agreed that a decrease in electricity expenses per household, per day, per month and per annum has been achieved due to the use of Solar Water Heaters. The Solar Water Heaters were reported by most respondents as confirmed in the literature that they are reliable since they do not trip when there is a planned or an emergency power outages in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality area because they are powered by the sunlight. They are safe and have a longer economic life. They can be used in areas that do not have existing power supply. The key findings were that, both quantitative and qualitative results yielded results that were congruent with the literature reviewed. The congruence was reported in terms of electricity power saving, reduction in electricity expenses, per household, its reliability, the longer economic life and the safety of Solar Water Heaters. The installation of Solar Water Heaters has proven to be a good decision since they alleviated power shortages in the households that are in the rural areas, townships and in the upmarket residential places. It was recommended to the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality and ESKOM management to install more Solar Water Heaters and to increase the subsidies for the buyers of Solar Water Heaters especially the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality; to increase the marketing of Solar Water Heaters and to further educate electricity users about the Demand Side Management. This approach will encourage electricity users to reduce their demand for electricity in order to reap the benefits of power savings and sustainability of electricity supply for the potential increase of the economy in Eastern Cape Province.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Retention strategies for knowledge workers at a consulting engineering firm
- Authors: Ketye, Lungelo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Employee retention , Employee motivation , Job satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6247 , vital:21059
- Description: The Consulting Engineering industry plays a very critical role in the construction industry. Its primary role is to plan and design projects before they go on to the construction phase. During the construction phase of a project, consulting engineers are responsible for supervising the works and ensuring that construction is done according to design specifications. The selected company, where this study was conducted, provides civil engineering consulting services. The main purpose of the research was to identify retention strategies that could be used by the company in order to reduce staff turnover. To achieve this objective, the researcher completed a literature study. The literature study revealed the characteristics of knowledge workers, and what makes knowledge workers wish to extend their stay with an organisation. The study examined variables that lead to staff turnover i.e. leadership and communication, organizational culture, performance management and job satisfaction. The empirical study was conducted at LK Consulting Engineers. A survey with a questionnaire was administered to all engineering practitioners who were registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa. Interviews were also conducted with three managers. The study demonstrated that leadership and communication, organisational culture, performance management and job satisfaction are important variables leading to retention of knowledge workers. The study also demonstrated that training and financial remuneration is not enough to retain knowledge workers, employees should feel valued and provided with the opportunities to make meaningful contributions to the organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Ketye, Lungelo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Employee retention , Employee motivation , Job satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6247 , vital:21059
- Description: The Consulting Engineering industry plays a very critical role in the construction industry. Its primary role is to plan and design projects before they go on to the construction phase. During the construction phase of a project, consulting engineers are responsible for supervising the works and ensuring that construction is done according to design specifications. The selected company, where this study was conducted, provides civil engineering consulting services. The main purpose of the research was to identify retention strategies that could be used by the company in order to reduce staff turnover. To achieve this objective, the researcher completed a literature study. The literature study revealed the characteristics of knowledge workers, and what makes knowledge workers wish to extend their stay with an organisation. The study examined variables that lead to staff turnover i.e. leadership and communication, organizational culture, performance management and job satisfaction. The empirical study was conducted at LK Consulting Engineers. A survey with a questionnaire was administered to all engineering practitioners who were registered with the Engineering Council of South Africa. Interviews were also conducted with three managers. The study demonstrated that leadership and communication, organisational culture, performance management and job satisfaction are important variables leading to retention of knowledge workers. The study also demonstrated that training and financial remuneration is not enough to retain knowledge workers, employees should feel valued and provided with the opportunities to make meaningful contributions to the organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Strategic planning as a tool for investment decision-making for SMEs in Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Authors: Kikine, Bereng Nimrode
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Small business -- Management , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6455 , vital:21092
- Description: All around the world, SMEs are perceived as the engine room of economic growth, job creation and poverty alleviation, due to their flexibility and quick adaptability to change. It is believed that, for developing countries to address their social and economic challenges, it would be beneficial if they leverage the potential that the SME sector potentially possess. However, despite the government focus on supporting and encouraging the establishment of SMEs through the small business development programmes in order to address these social challenges, SME sector has experienced a high degree of business mortality, which impacts negatively on the ability to create sustainable employment opportunities in the long term. This view is supported by the work of (Ligthelm and Cant 2003). According to the global economic monitor (GEM), the small business mortality in South Africa is among the highest in the world. It is said that that most newly established SMEs will not survive beyond 48 months Von Broembsen, as cited in Olawale and Garwe (2010: 730). One of the reasons that lead to the high failure rate of SMEs is the lack of strategic planning and the poor allocation of resources. The literature review suggests that SMEs that embark on strategic planning are the ones that are most likely to experience sales growth, personnel growth and asset value growth, as opposed those that do not do any strategic planning at all. The primary objective of this research was to establish how a strategic planning process can be used as an investment decision-making tool for manufacturing SMEs in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. In order to address this research problem, the following sub-problems had to be solved: - What strategic planning processes do current SME managers use? - What strategic performance measurement systems do SME owner-managers currently use? - What capital budgeting techniques are currently being used by SME’s in the region? - How do SME owner-managers evaluate the risk of the projects at hand? The research design was methodological triangulation in nature, that is, using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, though a quantitative paradigm was more dominant that the qualitative paradigm. A questionnaire was designed as a primary source of data collection from a selected sample group. The empirical study revealed that there is some level of strategic planning amongst SMEs, however, it is mostly informal and unstructured. It also emerged that strategic planning can be used as more than just a performance measurement tool, it can contribute more effectively to strategic alignment, organisational learning and diffusion of knowledge throughout the organisation. The empirical study also suggests that SMEs understand that capital budgeting is critical for the success of the organisations. However, very few SMEs have a formal capital budgeting process. It also became evident that most SMEs are still relying on the traditional capital budgeting techniques; that is, ‘gut feel’ and the payback methods of evaluating projects. The empirical study suggests that the largest group of SMEs rely on break-even analysis and scenario planning as the major indicators of the impact the projects will or may have on the organisation. The recommendations have thus been made to address the challenges facing SMEs with regard to strategic planning, strategic performance measurement, capital budgeting and project risk evaluation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Kikine, Bereng Nimrode
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Small business -- Management , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6455 , vital:21092
- Description: All around the world, SMEs are perceived as the engine room of economic growth, job creation and poverty alleviation, due to their flexibility and quick adaptability to change. It is believed that, for developing countries to address their social and economic challenges, it would be beneficial if they leverage the potential that the SME sector potentially possess. However, despite the government focus on supporting and encouraging the establishment of SMEs through the small business development programmes in order to address these social challenges, SME sector has experienced a high degree of business mortality, which impacts negatively on the ability to create sustainable employment opportunities in the long term. This view is supported by the work of (Ligthelm and Cant 2003). According to the global economic monitor (GEM), the small business mortality in South Africa is among the highest in the world. It is said that that most newly established SMEs will not survive beyond 48 months Von Broembsen, as cited in Olawale and Garwe (2010: 730). One of the reasons that lead to the high failure rate of SMEs is the lack of strategic planning and the poor allocation of resources. The literature review suggests that SMEs that embark on strategic planning are the ones that are most likely to experience sales growth, personnel growth and asset value growth, as opposed those that do not do any strategic planning at all. The primary objective of this research was to establish how a strategic planning process can be used as an investment decision-making tool for manufacturing SMEs in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. In order to address this research problem, the following sub-problems had to be solved: - What strategic planning processes do current SME managers use? - What strategic performance measurement systems do SME owner-managers currently use? - What capital budgeting techniques are currently being used by SME’s in the region? - How do SME owner-managers evaluate the risk of the projects at hand? The research design was methodological triangulation in nature, that is, using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, though a quantitative paradigm was more dominant that the qualitative paradigm. A questionnaire was designed as a primary source of data collection from a selected sample group. The empirical study revealed that there is some level of strategic planning amongst SMEs, however, it is mostly informal and unstructured. It also emerged that strategic planning can be used as more than just a performance measurement tool, it can contribute more effectively to strategic alignment, organisational learning and diffusion of knowledge throughout the organisation. The empirical study also suggests that SMEs understand that capital budgeting is critical for the success of the organisations. However, very few SMEs have a formal capital budgeting process. It also became evident that most SMEs are still relying on the traditional capital budgeting techniques; that is, ‘gut feel’ and the payback methods of evaluating projects. The empirical study suggests that the largest group of SMEs rely on break-even analysis and scenario planning as the major indicators of the impact the projects will or may have on the organisation. The recommendations have thus been made to address the challenges facing SMEs with regard to strategic planning, strategic performance measurement, capital budgeting and project risk evaluation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Strategic planning as a tool for investment decision-making for SMEs in Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Authors: Kikine, Bereng Nimrode
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Small business -- Management , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6465 , vital:21094
- Description: All around the world, SMEs are perceived as the engine room of economic growth, job creation and poverty alleviation, due to their flexibility and quick adaptability to change. It is believed that, for developing countries to address their social and economic challenges, it would be beneficial if they leverage the potential that the SME sector potentially possess. However, despite the government focus on supporting and encouraging the establishment of SMEs through the small business development programmes in order to address these social challenges, SME sector has experienced a high degree of business mortality, which impacts negatively on the ability to create sustainable employment opportunities in the long term. This view is supported by the work of (Ligthelm and Cant 2003). According to the global economic monitor (GEM), the small business mortality in South Africa is among the highest in the world. It is said that that most newly established SMEs will not survive beyond 48 months Von Broembsen, as cited in Olawale and Garwe (2010: 730). One of the reasons that lead to the high failure rate of SMEs is the lack of strategic planning and the poor allocation of resources. The literature review suggests that SMEs that embark on strategic planning are the ones that are most likely to experience sales growth, personnel growth and asset value growth, as opposed those that do not do any strategic planning at all. The primary objective of this research was to establish how a strategic planning process can be used as an investment decision-making tool for manufacturing SMEs in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. In order to address this research problem, the following sub-problems had to be solved: What strategic planning processes do current SME managers use?; What strategic performance measurement systems do SME owner-managers currently use?; What capital budgeting techniques are currently being used by SME’s in the region?; How do SME owner-managers evaluate the risk of the projects at hand?. The research design was methodological triangulation in nature, that is, using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, though a quantitative paradigm was more dominant that the qualitative paradigm. A questionnaire was designed as a primary source of data collection from a selected sample group. The empirical study revealed that there is some level of strategic planning amongst SMEs, however, it is mostly informal and unstructured. It also emerged that strategic planning can be used as more than just a performance measurement tool, it can contribute more effectively to strategic alignment, organisational learning and diffusion of knowledge throughout the organisation. The empirical study also suggests that SMEs understand that capital budgeting is critical for the success of the organisations. However, very few SMEs have a formal capital budgeting process. It also became evident that most SMEs are still relying on the traditional capital budgeting techniques; that is, ‘gut feel’ and the payback methods of evaluating projects. The empirical study suggests that the largest group of SMEs rely on break-even analysis and scenario planning as the major indicators of the impact the projects will or may have on the organisation. The recommendations have thus been made to address the challenges facing SMEs with regard to strategic planning, strategic performance measurement, capital budgeting and project risk evaluation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Kikine, Bereng Nimrode
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Small business -- Management , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6465 , vital:21094
- Description: All around the world, SMEs are perceived as the engine room of economic growth, job creation and poverty alleviation, due to their flexibility and quick adaptability to change. It is believed that, for developing countries to address their social and economic challenges, it would be beneficial if they leverage the potential that the SME sector potentially possess. However, despite the government focus on supporting and encouraging the establishment of SMEs through the small business development programmes in order to address these social challenges, SME sector has experienced a high degree of business mortality, which impacts negatively on the ability to create sustainable employment opportunities in the long term. This view is supported by the work of (Ligthelm and Cant 2003). According to the global economic monitor (GEM), the small business mortality in South Africa is among the highest in the world. It is said that that most newly established SMEs will not survive beyond 48 months Von Broembsen, as cited in Olawale and Garwe (2010: 730). One of the reasons that lead to the high failure rate of SMEs is the lack of strategic planning and the poor allocation of resources. The literature review suggests that SMEs that embark on strategic planning are the ones that are most likely to experience sales growth, personnel growth and asset value growth, as opposed those that do not do any strategic planning at all. The primary objective of this research was to establish how a strategic planning process can be used as an investment decision-making tool for manufacturing SMEs in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. In order to address this research problem, the following sub-problems had to be solved: What strategic planning processes do current SME managers use?; What strategic performance measurement systems do SME owner-managers currently use?; What capital budgeting techniques are currently being used by SME’s in the region?; How do SME owner-managers evaluate the risk of the projects at hand?. The research design was methodological triangulation in nature, that is, using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies, though a quantitative paradigm was more dominant that the qualitative paradigm. A questionnaire was designed as a primary source of data collection from a selected sample group. The empirical study revealed that there is some level of strategic planning amongst SMEs, however, it is mostly informal and unstructured. It also emerged that strategic planning can be used as more than just a performance measurement tool, it can contribute more effectively to strategic alignment, organisational learning and diffusion of knowledge throughout the organisation. The empirical study also suggests that SMEs understand that capital budgeting is critical for the success of the organisations. However, very few SMEs have a formal capital budgeting process. It also became evident that most SMEs are still relying on the traditional capital budgeting techniques; that is, ‘gut feel’ and the payback methods of evaluating projects. The empirical study suggests that the largest group of SMEs rely on break-even analysis and scenario planning as the major indicators of the impact the projects will or may have on the organisation. The recommendations have thus been made to address the challenges facing SMEs with regard to strategic planning, strategic performance measurement, capital budgeting and project risk evaluation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Strategies and approaches that sustain community health committees in Nelson Mandela Bay Health District
- Authors: Shugu, Yolisa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Community health services , Community health services -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Citizen participation , Public health -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Citizen participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8905 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021003
- Description: Primary health care has been the cornerstone of South Africa's health policies since its transition to democracy in 1994. In order to optimise the effectiveness of primary health care, the South African government introduced community health committees hich were intended to facilitate primary health care at the grassroots level through community participation. As statutory bodies outlined in the National Health Act, 61 of 2003, and in provincial legislation, Community Health Committees were to be the liaison between communities and government and assist government in improving health services in communities. Since being re-established in 2010, Community Health Committees in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa have sought to fulfil this role and have remained sustainable. This research was aimed at investigating the strategies and approaches which sustain Community Health Committees in Nelson Mandela Bay Health District. It focused on eliciting information regarding the factors that sustain Community Health Committees, factors that threaten their sustainability and factors that motivate continued membership in Community Health Committees. Qualitative research methods of key informant interviews, observations and focus groups were used and analysed to identify these factors. The findings indicated that Community Health Committees struggle to remain sustainable because of various threats to their functioning. The major threat identified was the disengagement of the Department of Health in the operations of the Community Health Committees. The Department of Health was not visible; rather it was passive and unresponsive to the reports submitted by Community Health Committees on behalf of their communities and provided no re-imbursement for administration costs. Despite threats to sustainability, these Community Health Committees had commitment, passion and drive to assist with the health improvement of their communities in partnership with health facilities in their communities. Good interpersonal relationships in the Community Health Committees, good professional relationships with the health facility staff and the liaising role played by health facility management are some of the factors that contributed to sustainability. Recommendations were made at the end of the study that may assist the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District and the Department of Health to create a working environment that will be conducive to the sustainability of Community health Committees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Shugu, Yolisa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Community health services , Community health services -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Citizen participation , Public health -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality -- Citizen participation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8905 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021003
- Description: Primary health care has been the cornerstone of South Africa's health policies since its transition to democracy in 1994. In order to optimise the effectiveness of primary health care, the South African government introduced community health committees hich were intended to facilitate primary health care at the grassroots level through community participation. As statutory bodies outlined in the National Health Act, 61 of 2003, and in provincial legislation, Community Health Committees were to be the liaison between communities and government and assist government in improving health services in communities. Since being re-established in 2010, Community Health Committees in the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa have sought to fulfil this role and have remained sustainable. This research was aimed at investigating the strategies and approaches which sustain Community Health Committees in Nelson Mandela Bay Health District. It focused on eliciting information regarding the factors that sustain Community Health Committees, factors that threaten their sustainability and factors that motivate continued membership in Community Health Committees. Qualitative research methods of key informant interviews, observations and focus groups were used and analysed to identify these factors. The findings indicated that Community Health Committees struggle to remain sustainable because of various threats to their functioning. The major threat identified was the disengagement of the Department of Health in the operations of the Community Health Committees. The Department of Health was not visible; rather it was passive and unresponsive to the reports submitted by Community Health Committees on behalf of their communities and provided no re-imbursement for administration costs. Despite threats to sustainability, these Community Health Committees had commitment, passion and drive to assist with the health improvement of their communities in partnership with health facilities in their communities. Good interpersonal relationships in the Community Health Committees, good professional relationships with the health facility staff and the liaising role played by health facility management are some of the factors that contributed to sustainability. Recommendations were made at the end of the study that may assist the Nelson Mandela Bay Health District and the Department of Health to create a working environment that will be conducive to the sustainability of Community health Committees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Strategies for obtaining buy-in during transformation
- Authors: Tsotsi, Siyabulela
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Organizational change -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9314 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019946
- Description: Change is inevitable due to organisations operating in a constantly changing environment marked by change and discontinuation. A major challenge for organisations is to obtain buy-in from employees. People generally resist change due to their past experiences of change which are often disjointed, posted with job losses, longer working hours, higher and cumulative stress levels, unethical practices and corporate failures. Perceptions of fairness, trust, and the magnitude to which the change has been conveyed, have been noted as some of the reasons why people resist organisational change. Essentially, people resist change when they think it will cause them to lose something of value to them. It is therefore important for organisations to have well-planned change programmes that make provision for creating buy-in. The purpose of this study was to investigate strategies that organisations can use to foster buy-in. For successful change, it is imperative that change agents find ways to empower employees in the process. Communication, and especially the articulation of the vision, plays a crucial role in creating buy-in. Leadership, the working environment, rewards and recognition interdependently contribute to fostering buy-in behaviours. The empirical study was conducted at the Port Elizabeth plant of Kraftfoods, a confectionery company. In 2010, Kraftfoods acquired Cadbury. This acquisition implied new management, production and process structures and procedures, as well as a restructuring of the employee complement in 2011. The empirical study was both qualitative and quantitative. Interviews were conducted with employees from the shop floor, as well as representatives from the trade union, a representative from human resources and a project manager responsible for transformation, to obtain more organisation-specific information about the transformation and the strategies which were used to create buy-in. For the empirical study, a survey with a questionnaire as the basic data collection tool was used. The survey was administered to 101 employees. The results revealed that the way the vision of the change is articulated and the empowerment of employees are main determinants of buy-in behaviour. It was therefore recommended that management should spend an equal amount of time selling the change as they spend planning the change program. Also management need to allow for more involvement in the design and even implimentation of the change program by change recipients.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Tsotsi, Siyabulela
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Organizational change -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9314 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019946
- Description: Change is inevitable due to organisations operating in a constantly changing environment marked by change and discontinuation. A major challenge for organisations is to obtain buy-in from employees. People generally resist change due to their past experiences of change which are often disjointed, posted with job losses, longer working hours, higher and cumulative stress levels, unethical practices and corporate failures. Perceptions of fairness, trust, and the magnitude to which the change has been conveyed, have been noted as some of the reasons why people resist organisational change. Essentially, people resist change when they think it will cause them to lose something of value to them. It is therefore important for organisations to have well-planned change programmes that make provision for creating buy-in. The purpose of this study was to investigate strategies that organisations can use to foster buy-in. For successful change, it is imperative that change agents find ways to empower employees in the process. Communication, and especially the articulation of the vision, plays a crucial role in creating buy-in. Leadership, the working environment, rewards and recognition interdependently contribute to fostering buy-in behaviours. The empirical study was conducted at the Port Elizabeth plant of Kraftfoods, a confectionery company. In 2010, Kraftfoods acquired Cadbury. This acquisition implied new management, production and process structures and procedures, as well as a restructuring of the employee complement in 2011. The empirical study was both qualitative and quantitative. Interviews were conducted with employees from the shop floor, as well as representatives from the trade union, a representative from human resources and a project manager responsible for transformation, to obtain more organisation-specific information about the transformation and the strategies which were used to create buy-in. For the empirical study, a survey with a questionnaire as the basic data collection tool was used. The survey was administered to 101 employees. The results revealed that the way the vision of the change is articulated and the empowerment of employees are main determinants of buy-in behaviour. It was therefore recommended that management should spend an equal amount of time selling the change as they spend planning the change program. Also management need to allow for more involvement in the design and even implimentation of the change program by change recipients.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Strategies for reducing presenteeism at primary health care clinics in the Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Mapikela, Nombulelo Jostiphene
- Authors: Mapikela, Nombulelo Jostiphene
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Industrial hygiene -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor productivity , Job stress
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6258 , vital:21061
- Description: Presenteeism is defined as the loss in productivity when workers are on the job, but not performing to their best because of health-related issues. As with absenteeism, presenteeism is considered negative as it results in low levels of productivity and can, in the long term, have high cost implications. The research problem in this study was to identify strategies for reducing health-related presenteeism at primary health care clinics in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. To achieve this goal, the following actions were taken: A literature study was conducted to identify the extent of health related presenteeism at primary health care clinics as well as the management thereof. Strategies that could be utilised to prevent and reduce health-related presenteeism, ensuring that there is an ongoing service delivery in the workplace, were identified. The literature study revealed, amongst others, that those who suffer from emotional and physical stress have difficulty in performing well on the job. By law, employers have responsibilities to provide a safe environment. Hence, companies have to conduct an audit re-examining the health and safety document of the company. In addition, employers must ensure compliance within the current and developing legislative context. A balance between professional and personal demands of every employee should be promoted. In so doing, employees are able to trust their managers to share whatever problem is encountered. A commitment from the company and good management of presenteeism will result in a positive effect on productivity and customer service quality. A questionnaire was developed and administered to primary health care clinic personnel in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. The results from this empirical study revealed that sick or tired employees are less able to work at optimum levels. These employees have the potential to aggravate their illness, resulting in prolonged absence, or infecting their colleagues. In the study, chronic diseases were perceived as prevalent among employees at the health care clinics. It did not appear as if the management of stress received much attention or that an audit has been done to determine the state of health of employees. It is therefore necessary to educate employees about the importance of their wellbeing. Welldesigned jobs and good management can assist in minimising organisational stressors. Employers need to be convinced that investing in the health of their employees is in their best interest from a business perspective. In today’s competitive business world, companies look at maximising both profit and productivity. Hence, employee health plays a fundamental role in the success of companies. In the health care environment, the wellness of nurses will lead to more productive behaviour and better service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mapikela, Nombulelo Jostiphene
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Industrial hygiene -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Labor productivity , Job stress
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6258 , vital:21061
- Description: Presenteeism is defined as the loss in productivity when workers are on the job, but not performing to their best because of health-related issues. As with absenteeism, presenteeism is considered negative as it results in low levels of productivity and can, in the long term, have high cost implications. The research problem in this study was to identify strategies for reducing health-related presenteeism at primary health care clinics in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. To achieve this goal, the following actions were taken: A literature study was conducted to identify the extent of health related presenteeism at primary health care clinics as well as the management thereof. Strategies that could be utilised to prevent and reduce health-related presenteeism, ensuring that there is an ongoing service delivery in the workplace, were identified. The literature study revealed, amongst others, that those who suffer from emotional and physical stress have difficulty in performing well on the job. By law, employers have responsibilities to provide a safe environment. Hence, companies have to conduct an audit re-examining the health and safety document of the company. In addition, employers must ensure compliance within the current and developing legislative context. A balance between professional and personal demands of every employee should be promoted. In so doing, employees are able to trust their managers to share whatever problem is encountered. A commitment from the company and good management of presenteeism will result in a positive effect on productivity and customer service quality. A questionnaire was developed and administered to primary health care clinic personnel in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality. The results from this empirical study revealed that sick or tired employees are less able to work at optimum levels. These employees have the potential to aggravate their illness, resulting in prolonged absence, or infecting their colleagues. In the study, chronic diseases were perceived as prevalent among employees at the health care clinics. It did not appear as if the management of stress received much attention or that an audit has been done to determine the state of health of employees. It is therefore necessary to educate employees about the importance of their wellbeing. Welldesigned jobs and good management can assist in minimising organisational stressors. Employers need to be convinced that investing in the health of their employees is in their best interest from a business perspective. In today’s competitive business world, companies look at maximising both profit and productivity. Hence, employee health plays a fundamental role in the success of companies. In the health care environment, the wellness of nurses will lead to more productive behaviour and better service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Strategies to improve employee retention in medium-sized businesses in the Garden Route
- Authors: Myburgh, Elsa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- Employees , Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8853 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020128
- Description: The management dilemma that triggers this research is the improvement of employee retention in medium-sized businesses in the Garden Route. Various factors contribute to poor retention in business, such as the lack of employee engagement, lack of organizational commitment, lack of recognition and reward and lack of employee retention strategies. If these strategies are not in place it results in employees not feeling committed to the organization and therefore opting to leave. This study takes a closer look at the literature review on specific causes of poor employee retention and aims to seek solutions for management to address the employee turnover problem, which affects the ability of the organization to achieve its goals and objectives. The question which formed the basis of this research was whether management can indeed improve retention within their businesses. The parameters of this research topic are five medium-sized businesses in the Garden Route. Ten middle managers from these organizations formed part of the research. The research topic fell within the phenomenological paradigm, as the study looked at employee retention within organizations with the aim of finding out what the reasons for poor retention are and how the problem can be addressed. The approach was a subjective one as responses were interpreted from questionnaires to gain an in-depth understanding of the problem. Research was conducted by means of both questionnaires and interviews in order to interpret and explain the complexity of poor retention rates within the specific organizations. The qualitative data collection method was used. Results were analysed and interpreted to indicate the relevance with the theory. Respondents confirmed that employee retention remains a challenge. It is clear that there is a need for effective strategies to retain talented employees in medium-sized businesses in the Garden Route as this is not being addressed as a priority. Recommendations were submitted which indicated that managers need to invest in strategies to foster employee engagement and organizational commitment. Fair and consistent rewards should be implemented and supported by blended retention strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Myburgh, Elsa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- Employees , Personnel management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8853 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020128
- Description: The management dilemma that triggers this research is the improvement of employee retention in medium-sized businesses in the Garden Route. Various factors contribute to poor retention in business, such as the lack of employee engagement, lack of organizational commitment, lack of recognition and reward and lack of employee retention strategies. If these strategies are not in place it results in employees not feeling committed to the organization and therefore opting to leave. This study takes a closer look at the literature review on specific causes of poor employee retention and aims to seek solutions for management to address the employee turnover problem, which affects the ability of the organization to achieve its goals and objectives. The question which formed the basis of this research was whether management can indeed improve retention within their businesses. The parameters of this research topic are five medium-sized businesses in the Garden Route. Ten middle managers from these organizations formed part of the research. The research topic fell within the phenomenological paradigm, as the study looked at employee retention within organizations with the aim of finding out what the reasons for poor retention are and how the problem can be addressed. The approach was a subjective one as responses were interpreted from questionnaires to gain an in-depth understanding of the problem. Research was conducted by means of both questionnaires and interviews in order to interpret and explain the complexity of poor retention rates within the specific organizations. The qualitative data collection method was used. Results were analysed and interpreted to indicate the relevance with the theory. Respondents confirmed that employee retention remains a challenge. It is clear that there is a need for effective strategies to retain talented employees in medium-sized businesses in the Garden Route as this is not being addressed as a priority. Recommendations were submitted which indicated that managers need to invest in strategies to foster employee engagement and organizational commitment. Fair and consistent rewards should be implemented and supported by blended retention strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Strategy for a sustained competitive advantage: a case of a tank container manufacturer
- Authors: Mahlangabeza, Luyolo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Tank industry , Economic development -- Developing countries , Financial risk , Globalization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8778 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012959
- Description: The world has become one small global village. This is a result of globalisation, the advancement in technology and many other contributing factors. Economic incidents and outlook in Europe, Asia and America have a direct and immediate impact on the developing countries and Africa in particular. Positive economic growth in Africa’s major trading partners has direct positive implications on Africa’s economy. Negative economic growth in Africa’s major trading partners has undesirable consequences on Africa’s economy. As a developing country with a diversified economy which mainly relies on exports and imports, South Africa’s economy is at the forefront of this economic risk. Globalisation has effectively resulted in the Republic of South African’s (RSA) export driven tank container industry being at direct economic and financial risk from global financial melt downs, volatile exchange rates, fluctuating steel prices, souring labour costs, and more importantly competitiveness risk. In the history of the industrial era, never has it been more important to have and maintain a competitive advantage. This is achieved through, inter alia, the development and successful implementation of a competitive strategy. A competitive advantage assists an organisation to financially survive, expand its operations, grow market share and achieve set corporate objectives and goals. A successful organisation has a massive social impact and economic contribution in a country. It is therefore no surprise that the field of competitive strategy has received vast academic interest. Amidst the ever changing world and markets, a competitive strategy needs to be fine-tuned, revised and reinvented. What has worked in the past will not ensure tomorrow success. The purpose of this research treatise is to investigate the factors that led to a sustained competitive advantage for a tank container manufacturer. This was achieved by applying various scientific methodologies. A case study approach was used as the most appropriate research methodology for this study. This approach entailed the use of a phenomenological paradigm. An extensive literature review on competitiveness and of strategy formulation and implementation was conducted, which has led to the development of research propositions. The study entailed a case study of a single tank container manufacturer in the RSA. The study contributes positively to the academic field of competitiveness and to the existing academic body of knowledge. It also makes a positive contribution to tank container manufacturing academic literature on competitiveness and organisational strategy formulation and strategy implementation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mahlangabeza, Luyolo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Tank industry , Economic development -- Developing countries , Financial risk , Globalization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8778 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012959
- Description: The world has become one small global village. This is a result of globalisation, the advancement in technology and many other contributing factors. Economic incidents and outlook in Europe, Asia and America have a direct and immediate impact on the developing countries and Africa in particular. Positive economic growth in Africa’s major trading partners has direct positive implications on Africa’s economy. Negative economic growth in Africa’s major trading partners has undesirable consequences on Africa’s economy. As a developing country with a diversified economy which mainly relies on exports and imports, South Africa’s economy is at the forefront of this economic risk. Globalisation has effectively resulted in the Republic of South African’s (RSA) export driven tank container industry being at direct economic and financial risk from global financial melt downs, volatile exchange rates, fluctuating steel prices, souring labour costs, and more importantly competitiveness risk. In the history of the industrial era, never has it been more important to have and maintain a competitive advantage. This is achieved through, inter alia, the development and successful implementation of a competitive strategy. A competitive advantage assists an organisation to financially survive, expand its operations, grow market share and achieve set corporate objectives and goals. A successful organisation has a massive social impact and economic contribution in a country. It is therefore no surprise that the field of competitive strategy has received vast academic interest. Amidst the ever changing world and markets, a competitive strategy needs to be fine-tuned, revised and reinvented. What has worked in the past will not ensure tomorrow success. The purpose of this research treatise is to investigate the factors that led to a sustained competitive advantage for a tank container manufacturer. This was achieved by applying various scientific methodologies. A case study approach was used as the most appropriate research methodology for this study. This approach entailed the use of a phenomenological paradigm. An extensive literature review on competitiveness and of strategy formulation and implementation was conducted, which has led to the development of research propositions. The study entailed a case study of a single tank container manufacturer in the RSA. The study contributes positively to the academic field of competitiveness and to the existing academic body of knowledge. It also makes a positive contribution to tank container manufacturing academic literature on competitiveness and organisational strategy formulation and strategy implementation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Students' perceptions of service quality levels of students housing at the large metropolitan university
- Authors: Elie, Sammy Abraham
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: SERVQUAL (Service quality framework) , Student housing -- Resident satisfaction -- South Africa , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University -- Student housing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8869 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020297
- Description: The increasing attention to the provision of accessible, decent, safe and academically appropriate student housing in South Africa has led to a closer investigation of the nature and levels of quality in both on-campus and off-campus student accommodation. Nationwide, student housing management recognises that quality student housing is of great importance to both the quality of the higher education system and the success of students. In recent years, many studies in the field of service quality have been conducted within higher education. However, fewer studies have focused specifically on service quality in student housing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perceptions of students with regard to service quality levels in on-campus and off-campus student housing at NMMU, and to identify those service quality dimensions that need attention. A literature review was conducted to explore the meaning and nature of service and quality in student housing. It was concluded that from the different facets of service that quality, customer expectations, customer perception and customer satisfaction are important constructs in evaluating fully the levels of service quality. An amended SERVQUAL instrument comprising 41 items was used for students, in order to evaluate the service quality at on-campus and accredited off-campus student housing at NMMU. The results showed that there are significant differences in the service quality dimensions of on-campus student housing and off-campus student housing. Oncampus student housing gleaned a positive assessment for the dimensions of reliability, responsiveness, empathy and assurance. However, negative perceptions prevail with regard to on-campus infrastructural/tangible issues. The off-campus student housing fell short in a number of service-quality dimensions, including reliability, empathy, responsiveness and infrastructural/tangible issues. The assurance dimension received positive assessments for both on-campus and off-campus student housing. The study proposes that the NMMU student housing management pay attention to the shortcomings and make the desired improvements. The findings of this treatise have practical implications for student-housing managers, as they could direct their resources to improving poor service dimensions, and similarly refine marketing strategies, so that students’ needs are met in an exceptional and satisfactory manner.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Elie, Sammy Abraham
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: SERVQUAL (Service quality framework) , Student housing -- Resident satisfaction -- South Africa , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University -- Student housing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8869 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020297
- Description: The increasing attention to the provision of accessible, decent, safe and academically appropriate student housing in South Africa has led to a closer investigation of the nature and levels of quality in both on-campus and off-campus student accommodation. Nationwide, student housing management recognises that quality student housing is of great importance to both the quality of the higher education system and the success of students. In recent years, many studies in the field of service quality have been conducted within higher education. However, fewer studies have focused specifically on service quality in student housing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perceptions of students with regard to service quality levels in on-campus and off-campus student housing at NMMU, and to identify those service quality dimensions that need attention. A literature review was conducted to explore the meaning and nature of service and quality in student housing. It was concluded that from the different facets of service that quality, customer expectations, customer perception and customer satisfaction are important constructs in evaluating fully the levels of service quality. An amended SERVQUAL instrument comprising 41 items was used for students, in order to evaluate the service quality at on-campus and accredited off-campus student housing at NMMU. The results showed that there are significant differences in the service quality dimensions of on-campus student housing and off-campus student housing. Oncampus student housing gleaned a positive assessment for the dimensions of reliability, responsiveness, empathy and assurance. However, negative perceptions prevail with regard to on-campus infrastructural/tangible issues. The off-campus student housing fell short in a number of service-quality dimensions, including reliability, empathy, responsiveness and infrastructural/tangible issues. The assurance dimension received positive assessments for both on-campus and off-campus student housing. The study proposes that the NMMU student housing management pay attention to the shortcomings and make the desired improvements. The findings of this treatise have practical implications for student-housing managers, as they could direct their resources to improving poor service dimensions, and similarly refine marketing strategies, so that students’ needs are met in an exceptional and satisfactory manner.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Succession in a family business in the beer industry
- Authors: Human, Stephen Bertram
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession -- South Africa , Family corporations -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8912 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021057
- Description: Every business organisation has a unique set of challenges and problems. The family business is mainly affected by personal factors and family political influences. Most family business political influences are based on succession. Many of these problems exist in corporate business environments, but can be exaggerated in a family business. Family businesses go through various stages of growth and development over time. Many of these challenges will be found once the second and subsequent generations enter the business. One of the key problems is succession planning. Most family organisations do not have a plan for handing the power to the next generation, leading to great political conflicts and divisions. Despite the foregoing problems, family business is the world’s dominant form of business organisation. Based on figures compiled by the Family Firm Institute (FFI), in the Barclays Wealth Insights 2009, family firms comprise 80% to 90% of all businesses in North America. In the United Kingdom 75% of all businesses are family businesses. Some of the world’s biggest and best-known companies are family-owned. In the United States, some 37% of Fortune 500 companies are family-owned. In the global beer industry there are two family owned businesses in the top five, namely the Anheuser Busch Inbev Brewing Company and Heineken Breweries. Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken, a Heineken family member is delegate member of the Board of directors of Heineken Holding N.V. (Heineken Annual Report, 2011).This research report investigated succession at Heineken (as a family business). The researcher employed a mixed methodology approach where both quantitative and qualitative data collection instruments were used to gather data from two different groups of respondents (Heineken Operational Company Executives and Heineken Expatriates). Numerous attempts were made to contact Mrs Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken as well as other members of the Heineken family, without success. None of the questionnaires were returned. The research concluded that despite the fact that Heineken management has been highly professionalised with the majority of senior management structures filled with non-family members; the company is still a family business because 50.005% of the shareholding is held by Mrs. de Carvalho Heineken who is a family member. The research also observed that Mrs. de Carvalho Heineken sits on the Heineken Board of Directors. There is also an interesting side to the family ownership of the Heineken business. According to the Heineken Group’s 2009 Annual Report, the Hoyer family and Heineken family own L’Arche Green, a company that holds 58.78% interest in Heineken Holdings. This scenario confirms earlier research findings that according to the Agency Theory, managers who are not owners will not watch over the affairs of a firm as diligently as owners managing the firm themselves. The placement of Mrs.de Carvalho Heineken and Mr. D.P. Hoyer on Board of Directors is therefore very strategic in terms of maintaining the “familiness” of the Heineken business. Although respondents were not as direct as to whether there was a succession plan at Heineken, available documents reveal that indeed there is a succession plan at the company. It is interesting to note that Mrs. de Carvalho Heineken has been a member of the Executive Board of Directors since the age of thirty-four (she was nominated in 1988). This type of exposure to the Heineken business would went a long way in preparing Mrs. de Carvalho-Heineken for future positions. Her experience as a member of the Executive Board of Directors therefore confirms results of studies that found that positive firm performance by family successors is associated with successor’s development and intergenerational relationships, succession planning, successor’s potential capability, commitment to the firm and successor’s business skills.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Human, Stephen Bertram
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession -- South Africa , Family corporations -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8912 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021057
- Description: Every business organisation has a unique set of challenges and problems. The family business is mainly affected by personal factors and family political influences. Most family business political influences are based on succession. Many of these problems exist in corporate business environments, but can be exaggerated in a family business. Family businesses go through various stages of growth and development over time. Many of these challenges will be found once the second and subsequent generations enter the business. One of the key problems is succession planning. Most family organisations do not have a plan for handing the power to the next generation, leading to great political conflicts and divisions. Despite the foregoing problems, family business is the world’s dominant form of business organisation. Based on figures compiled by the Family Firm Institute (FFI), in the Barclays Wealth Insights 2009, family firms comprise 80% to 90% of all businesses in North America. In the United Kingdom 75% of all businesses are family businesses. Some of the world’s biggest and best-known companies are family-owned. In the United States, some 37% of Fortune 500 companies are family-owned. In the global beer industry there are two family owned businesses in the top five, namely the Anheuser Busch Inbev Brewing Company and Heineken Breweries. Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken, a Heineken family member is delegate member of the Board of directors of Heineken Holding N.V. (Heineken Annual Report, 2011).This research report investigated succession at Heineken (as a family business). The researcher employed a mixed methodology approach where both quantitative and qualitative data collection instruments were used to gather data from two different groups of respondents (Heineken Operational Company Executives and Heineken Expatriates). Numerous attempts were made to contact Mrs Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken as well as other members of the Heineken family, without success. None of the questionnaires were returned. The research concluded that despite the fact that Heineken management has been highly professionalised with the majority of senior management structures filled with non-family members; the company is still a family business because 50.005% of the shareholding is held by Mrs. de Carvalho Heineken who is a family member. The research also observed that Mrs. de Carvalho Heineken sits on the Heineken Board of Directors. There is also an interesting side to the family ownership of the Heineken business. According to the Heineken Group’s 2009 Annual Report, the Hoyer family and Heineken family own L’Arche Green, a company that holds 58.78% interest in Heineken Holdings. This scenario confirms earlier research findings that according to the Agency Theory, managers who are not owners will not watch over the affairs of a firm as diligently as owners managing the firm themselves. The placement of Mrs.de Carvalho Heineken and Mr. D.P. Hoyer on Board of Directors is therefore very strategic in terms of maintaining the “familiness” of the Heineken business. Although respondents were not as direct as to whether there was a succession plan at Heineken, available documents reveal that indeed there is a succession plan at the company. It is interesting to note that Mrs. de Carvalho Heineken has been a member of the Executive Board of Directors since the age of thirty-four (she was nominated in 1988). This type of exposure to the Heineken business would went a long way in preparing Mrs. de Carvalho-Heineken for future positions. Her experience as a member of the Executive Board of Directors therefore confirms results of studies that found that positive firm performance by family successors is associated with successor’s development and intergenerational relationships, succession planning, successor’s potential capability, commitment to the firm and successor’s business skills.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The development of a framework to empower SME's in the Eastern Cape to overcome barriers in the adoption of e-commerce
- Authors: Siwundla, Sabelo Emmanuel
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8900 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020971
- Description: The primary objective of the study was to establish the role that e-commerce can play in improving some Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) business processes and transactions. This was undertaken by investigating how SMEs in the Eastern Cape can be empowered to use e-commerce and overcome barriers in the adoption of e-commerce. The study was modelled on the concept that there are four key factors that influence the adoption of e-commerce, namely: level of e-commerce awareness, level of computer literacy, availability of Information Technology and telecommunication infrastructure, as well as trust and security of e-commerce applications. The literature study revealed that SMEs play a vital role in the development and growth of a country’s economy. The literature review also identified a wide-range of barriers hindering e-commerce development and adoption by SMEs, namely: lack of computer skills, low level of e-commerce awareness, lack of Information Technology and telecommunication infrastructure, as well as lack of e-commerce trust and security. Further, the literature study showed that Internet availability and affordability is key to e-commerce growth and development, as in developing countries Internet is not yet universally accessible. This is due to a lack of necessary policies and infrastructure enabling wide-spread Internet use. The empirical study consisted of a structured questionnaire distributed to a population of executive management, middle management, operational employees and directors/owners in various SMEs in the Eastern Cape. The structured questionnaire was aimed at gathering views about e-commerce development and adoption by SMEs in the Eastern Cape with a special focus on barriers to the adoption of e-commerce by SMEs. The results of the empirical study revealed that: E-commerce awareness needs to be created among SMEs. Awareness needs to be created among SMEs about all aspects surrounding the use of e-commerce. Improvements in the telecommunications infrastructure could reduce the unreliable connections experienced by SMEs. Skills development strategies could assist in equipping SMEs with skills required in the e-commerce environment. Non-governmental organizations, government and companies assisting SMEs could provide free Internet access to SMEs. Alternatively, Internet cafes could be placed at different places and charge reasonable fees. NGO’s and higher education institutions could help in developing electronic literacy skills among SMEs. Companies assisting SMEs with funding could provide more funds to allow SMEs interested in e-commerce to start e-commerce systems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Siwundla, Sabelo Emmanuel
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Electronic commerce -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8900 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020971
- Description: The primary objective of the study was to establish the role that e-commerce can play in improving some Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) business processes and transactions. This was undertaken by investigating how SMEs in the Eastern Cape can be empowered to use e-commerce and overcome barriers in the adoption of e-commerce. The study was modelled on the concept that there are four key factors that influence the adoption of e-commerce, namely: level of e-commerce awareness, level of computer literacy, availability of Information Technology and telecommunication infrastructure, as well as trust and security of e-commerce applications. The literature study revealed that SMEs play a vital role in the development and growth of a country’s economy. The literature review also identified a wide-range of barriers hindering e-commerce development and adoption by SMEs, namely: lack of computer skills, low level of e-commerce awareness, lack of Information Technology and telecommunication infrastructure, as well as lack of e-commerce trust and security. Further, the literature study showed that Internet availability and affordability is key to e-commerce growth and development, as in developing countries Internet is not yet universally accessible. This is due to a lack of necessary policies and infrastructure enabling wide-spread Internet use. The empirical study consisted of a structured questionnaire distributed to a population of executive management, middle management, operational employees and directors/owners in various SMEs in the Eastern Cape. The structured questionnaire was aimed at gathering views about e-commerce development and adoption by SMEs in the Eastern Cape with a special focus on barriers to the adoption of e-commerce by SMEs. The results of the empirical study revealed that: E-commerce awareness needs to be created among SMEs. Awareness needs to be created among SMEs about all aspects surrounding the use of e-commerce. Improvements in the telecommunications infrastructure could reduce the unreliable connections experienced by SMEs. Skills development strategies could assist in equipping SMEs with skills required in the e-commerce environment. Non-governmental organizations, government and companies assisting SMEs could provide free Internet access to SMEs. Alternatively, Internet cafes could be placed at different places and charge reasonable fees. NGO’s and higher education institutions could help in developing electronic literacy skills among SMEs. Companies assisting SMEs with funding could provide more funds to allow SMEs interested in e-commerce to start e-commerce systems.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The effectiveness of lean principles at a specific financial institution in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Kerridge, Melissa Kim
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management , Corporate culture -- Port Elizabeth -- South Africa , Just-in-time systems -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Customer relations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8779 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012960
- Description: The world has become more competitive, complex and unpredictable, and this process is continuing. Evolution is taking place resulting in organisations being pushed by strategies and pulled by increasingly assertive customers who demand more accountability and responsiveness (Kartte, 2010). In order to remain competitive in this changing world, many organisations, even financial institutions have adopted Lean principles in order to eliminate waste, reduce cost and streamline everyday processes (Spear, 2012). There have however been a number of challenges that have prevented financial institutions from implementing Lean principles successfully. The primary objective of this study is to improve the effectiveness of Lean principles within a specific financial institution. More specifically, this study will identify the effectiveness of successfully implementing Lean principles at a financial institution by investigating the influence of employee knowledge, understanding and skills, communication, motivation and ownership from management, organisational culture and the impact of trade unions in organisations as mentioned in the problem statement above. Convenience sampling was used to select a sample of sixty eight (68) employees within the specific financial institution. The sample was stratified to include senior managers, managers, team leaders and lower level employees. Questionnaires were distributed personally to the focus groups from the above categories.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Kerridge, Melissa Kim
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management , Corporate culture -- Port Elizabeth -- South Africa , Just-in-time systems -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Customer relations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8779 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012960
- Description: The world has become more competitive, complex and unpredictable, and this process is continuing. Evolution is taking place resulting in organisations being pushed by strategies and pulled by increasingly assertive customers who demand more accountability and responsiveness (Kartte, 2010). In order to remain competitive in this changing world, many organisations, even financial institutions have adopted Lean principles in order to eliminate waste, reduce cost and streamline everyday processes (Spear, 2012). There have however been a number of challenges that have prevented financial institutions from implementing Lean principles successfully. The primary objective of this study is to improve the effectiveness of Lean principles within a specific financial institution. More specifically, this study will identify the effectiveness of successfully implementing Lean principles at a financial institution by investigating the influence of employee knowledge, understanding and skills, communication, motivation and ownership from management, organisational culture and the impact of trade unions in organisations as mentioned in the problem statement above. Convenience sampling was used to select a sample of sixty eight (68) employees within the specific financial institution. The sample was stratified to include senior managers, managers, team leaders and lower level employees. Questionnaires were distributed personally to the focus groups from the above categories.
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- Date Issued: 2013