A survey of organizational culture and organizational performance in a manufacturing company
- Authors: Dom, Veliswa Virginia
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Factories -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Analysis of variance , Shift systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Competing Values Framework (CVF)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61861 , vital:28069
- Description: The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between organizational culture and organizational performance in a manufacturing company. This company supplies metal products to the motor vehicle manufacturing industry, where the quality and quantity of parts produced is of paramount importance, since the buyers of these products are quality conscious. The organization has three production shifts that rotate each week. Anecdotal observations are that irrespective of the time that a shift operates over the course of the month, the different shifts tend to perform at different levels in terms of quality and quantity of output. This study therefore sought to investigate if these differences between shifts are statistically significant, and if so, whether these shifts also have differences in organizational culture. Components of organizational culture include values, norms, beliefs, attitudes, principles and expectations that give the organization a unique personality and differentiate it from other organizations. While the literature indicates that qualitative or quantitative approaches can be used in organizational culture research, this research adopted the quantitative approach, making use of the Competing Values Framework (CVF). The CVF is a four-category organizational culture typology established by Cameron and Quinn (2006). The framework is based on two dimensions: stability or flexibility of the organization, and external or internal focus. In this research, the CVF was used as a measurement tool to evaluate organizational culture. In order to determine differences in organizational culture between shifts, a survey was undertaken (N=138) which measured employee perceptions pertaining to the existing organizational culture of each of the three production shifts at the company. Secondly, differences in performance between the shifts were examined by using the performance data for a three-month period for each shift in terms of quantity and quality. This data was obtained from the management of the production process at the company. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA to analyse the differences between the shifts. The findings indicated that the dominant existing organizational culture at the company under investigation is a clan culture. Furthermore, there is a statistically significant difference between the cultures of all the three shifts at the manufacturing company. The results also indicated that there is a statistically significant difference in the quantity and quality of production between the three shifts. In conclusion, the research indicated there are differences in culture and in performance, but given the nature of the data, it was not possible to statistically analyse the relationship between shift culture and performance. However, it is conceivable that cultural differences between shifts may be contributing to performance differences. With regards to further research, it is recommended that this research be extended to other branches of the manufacturing company in other regions, in order to determine whether there are any significant differences in culture and performance between these branches and their shifts. Research could also be extended to other South African organizations to create a sufficiently large sample of shift and/or business units, so as to be able to do statistical analysis of the relationship between culture and performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Dom, Veliswa Virginia
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Factories -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Analysis of variance , Shift systems -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Competing Values Framework (CVF)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61861 , vital:28069
- Description: The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between organizational culture and organizational performance in a manufacturing company. This company supplies metal products to the motor vehicle manufacturing industry, where the quality and quantity of parts produced is of paramount importance, since the buyers of these products are quality conscious. The organization has three production shifts that rotate each week. Anecdotal observations are that irrespective of the time that a shift operates over the course of the month, the different shifts tend to perform at different levels in terms of quality and quantity of output. This study therefore sought to investigate if these differences between shifts are statistically significant, and if so, whether these shifts also have differences in organizational culture. Components of organizational culture include values, norms, beliefs, attitudes, principles and expectations that give the organization a unique personality and differentiate it from other organizations. While the literature indicates that qualitative or quantitative approaches can be used in organizational culture research, this research adopted the quantitative approach, making use of the Competing Values Framework (CVF). The CVF is a four-category organizational culture typology established by Cameron and Quinn (2006). The framework is based on two dimensions: stability or flexibility of the organization, and external or internal focus. In this research, the CVF was used as a measurement tool to evaluate organizational culture. In order to determine differences in organizational culture between shifts, a survey was undertaken (N=138) which measured employee perceptions pertaining to the existing organizational culture of each of the three production shifts at the company. Secondly, differences in performance between the shifts were examined by using the performance data for a three-month period for each shift in terms of quantity and quality. This data was obtained from the management of the production process at the company. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA to analyse the differences between the shifts. The findings indicated that the dominant existing organizational culture at the company under investigation is a clan culture. Furthermore, there is a statistically significant difference between the cultures of all the three shifts at the manufacturing company. The results also indicated that there is a statistically significant difference in the quantity and quality of production between the three shifts. In conclusion, the research indicated there are differences in culture and in performance, but given the nature of the data, it was not possible to statistically analyse the relationship between shift culture and performance. However, it is conceivable that cultural differences between shifts may be contributing to performance differences. With regards to further research, it is recommended that this research be extended to other branches of the manufacturing company in other regions, in order to determine whether there are any significant differences in culture and performance between these branches and their shifts. Research could also be extended to other South African organizations to create a sufficiently large sample of shift and/or business units, so as to be able to do statistical analysis of the relationship between culture and performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An analysis of foreign market entry strategy for Discovery Limited
- Authors: Terblanche, Gaynor
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Export marketing , Foreign exchange International trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35841 , vital:33852
- Description: The Discovery Limited is a key player in the South African Insurance Industry, which is well regulated. The Insurance Industry is of a world class standard and compares favourably with economies such as BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries. The South African economy continues to show a decline with a negative growth in gross domestic product (GDP), for two consecutive quarters (last quarter of 2016 and first quarter of 2017). The current dampened expected growth rates, with a highly penetrated insurance market in South Africa, are strong incentives to look for growth beyond the borders of South Africa. This study, therefore, explores the potential impact on investor confidence, when Discovery Limited enters Foreign Markets. The research objectives, namely Industry-Based considerations, institution-based considerations, resource-based considerations and recommendations, were used to draw linkages between the Discovery Shared Value Insurance Model and the Business Model Framework. Internationalisation models were introduced, yet Peng’s Comprehensive Model of Foreign Market Entry in conjunction with Discovery Limited’s Shared-Value Insurance Model, provides a greater scope to assess the foreign market entries The study seeks to propose a strategy for when firms enter foreign markets and explores investor confidence when doing so. The findings of the study will be able to be generalised in the market amongst firms who seek to enter foreign markets and provides insight and recommendations to all stakeholders upon taking the move. In pursuing this study, a qualitative approach was conducted. A review of the literature making use of academic resource, annual financial reports of the company and country reports available in the public domain, were used. Interviews were conducted using semi-structured questions with the Partner Market Executives of Discovery to gain deeper insight and understanding. An invitation to interview six (6) participants, was distributed and only five (5) were interviewed. This constitutes a (5/6) 83.3% response rate. These Partner Market Executives were best positioned to answer questions related to Foreign Market Entry (Partner Markets) for Discovery Limited. The questions were informed by the literature. A Thematic Analysis was conducted on the data collected to identify core themes that strongly resonated with participants. The research findings are credible, and the subject of the research was correctly identified, from the view point of both the researchers and the participants. The participation was voluntary and record keeping of audio and transcriptions were done. Based on the key themes identified for each of the three foreign market entry considerations, the study concluded that: ‘Vitality becomes core to the solution’, ‘the intellectual property that sits behind the Shared Value Model’, ‘Can’t run away from regulatory approval’, ‘Timing to enter a market’, and ‘infrastructure to enter a foreign market’ are crucial considerations that an investor would like to see, and Discovery Limited must be mindful of this when targeting growth in its share price. Therefore, Discovery will have to consider advice on infrastructure development for Africa and they will have to set an unobstructed vision and timeline to expand into Africa. Discovery Limited, being a South African Company, is still challenged with a product that must be compatible with the rest of the African market. Entering into Africa might not be a priority now, but the lack of knowledge on what the product for the African market would look like, left room for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Terblanche, Gaynor
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Export marketing , Foreign exchange International trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35841 , vital:33852
- Description: The Discovery Limited is a key player in the South African Insurance Industry, which is well regulated. The Insurance Industry is of a world class standard and compares favourably with economies such as BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries. The South African economy continues to show a decline with a negative growth in gross domestic product (GDP), for two consecutive quarters (last quarter of 2016 and first quarter of 2017). The current dampened expected growth rates, with a highly penetrated insurance market in South Africa, are strong incentives to look for growth beyond the borders of South Africa. This study, therefore, explores the potential impact on investor confidence, when Discovery Limited enters Foreign Markets. The research objectives, namely Industry-Based considerations, institution-based considerations, resource-based considerations and recommendations, were used to draw linkages between the Discovery Shared Value Insurance Model and the Business Model Framework. Internationalisation models were introduced, yet Peng’s Comprehensive Model of Foreign Market Entry in conjunction with Discovery Limited’s Shared-Value Insurance Model, provides a greater scope to assess the foreign market entries The study seeks to propose a strategy for when firms enter foreign markets and explores investor confidence when doing so. The findings of the study will be able to be generalised in the market amongst firms who seek to enter foreign markets and provides insight and recommendations to all stakeholders upon taking the move. In pursuing this study, a qualitative approach was conducted. A review of the literature making use of academic resource, annual financial reports of the company and country reports available in the public domain, were used. Interviews were conducted using semi-structured questions with the Partner Market Executives of Discovery to gain deeper insight and understanding. An invitation to interview six (6) participants, was distributed and only five (5) were interviewed. This constitutes a (5/6) 83.3% response rate. These Partner Market Executives were best positioned to answer questions related to Foreign Market Entry (Partner Markets) for Discovery Limited. The questions were informed by the literature. A Thematic Analysis was conducted on the data collected to identify core themes that strongly resonated with participants. The research findings are credible, and the subject of the research was correctly identified, from the view point of both the researchers and the participants. The participation was voluntary and record keeping of audio and transcriptions were done. Based on the key themes identified for each of the three foreign market entry considerations, the study concluded that: ‘Vitality becomes core to the solution’, ‘the intellectual property that sits behind the Shared Value Model’, ‘Can’t run away from regulatory approval’, ‘Timing to enter a market’, and ‘infrastructure to enter a foreign market’ are crucial considerations that an investor would like to see, and Discovery Limited must be mindful of this when targeting growth in its share price. Therefore, Discovery will have to consider advice on infrastructure development for Africa and they will have to set an unobstructed vision and timeline to expand into Africa. Discovery Limited, being a South African Company, is still challenged with a product that must be compatible with the rest of the African market. Entering into Africa might not be a priority now, but the lack of knowledge on what the product for the African market would look like, left room for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The influence of the state IT agency’s current performance-based rewards on employee motivation
- Authors: Lucwaba, Pamela Xolewa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee motivation , Incentive awards Employees -- Rating of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22574 , vital:30008
- Description: Organisational success originates from employees’ willingness to use their abilities and skills so that an organisation continues to achieve its strategic objectives and thus remains competitive. The organisation’s task is to encourage and nourish these motivated employee inputs by putting effective rewards in place (Markova and Ford, 2011, p. 813.). In view of this, the purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the State IT Agency’s official performance-based rewards and to establish whether these rewards enhance employee motivation. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study targeted all 86 employees occupying non-managerial positions (Job level A1 – D1) at the State IT Agency – Eastern Cape. The study thus included the entire population. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Collected data was analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) for descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the study were presented in frequency tables, cross-tabulations, histogram and line charts. The study revealed that intrinsically motivated employees are also motivated by financial and non-financial rewards. The research also showed that a statistically significant relationship exists between the number of years in the current position and employee motivation. This study’s results further revealed low levels of employee motivation as well as job dissatisfaction amongst the employees, dissatisfaction with the rewards provided by the organisation and that the State IT Agency is not providing employees with motivational factors perceived by employees as motivational. The study thus concluded that when the State IT Agency rewards outstanding employee performance with a performance-based bonus and a salary increase such employees’ motivation levels should be enhanced. It was recommended that the State IT Agency should design a total rewards strategy for the purpose of maximising the impact of various rewards on employee motivation. The State IT Agency should also focus on eliminating factors leading to employee dissatisfaction before implementing the proposed total rewards strategy because dissatisfied employees cannot be motivated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Lucwaba, Pamela Xolewa
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee motivation , Incentive awards Employees -- Rating of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22574 , vital:30008
- Description: Organisational success originates from employees’ willingness to use their abilities and skills so that an organisation continues to achieve its strategic objectives and thus remains competitive. The organisation’s task is to encourage and nourish these motivated employee inputs by putting effective rewards in place (Markova and Ford, 2011, p. 813.). In view of this, the purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the State IT Agency’s official performance-based rewards and to establish whether these rewards enhance employee motivation. A descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study targeted all 86 employees occupying non-managerial positions (Job level A1 – D1) at the State IT Agency – Eastern Cape. The study thus included the entire population. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Collected data was analysed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) for descriptive and inferential statistics. The results of the study were presented in frequency tables, cross-tabulations, histogram and line charts. The study revealed that intrinsically motivated employees are also motivated by financial and non-financial rewards. The research also showed that a statistically significant relationship exists between the number of years in the current position and employee motivation. This study’s results further revealed low levels of employee motivation as well as job dissatisfaction amongst the employees, dissatisfaction with the rewards provided by the organisation and that the State IT Agency is not providing employees with motivational factors perceived by employees as motivational. The study thus concluded that when the State IT Agency rewards outstanding employee performance with a performance-based bonus and a salary increase such employees’ motivation levels should be enhanced. It was recommended that the State IT Agency should design a total rewards strategy for the purpose of maximising the impact of various rewards on employee motivation. The State IT Agency should also focus on eliminating factors leading to employee dissatisfaction before implementing the proposed total rewards strategy because dissatisfied employees cannot be motivated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Urban agriculture and stokvels
- Authors: Sonti, Yolisa Wendy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Urban agriculture -- Economic aspects , Agriculture -- Finance Cooperative societies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23142 , vital:30433
- Description: Agriculture has been identified as a strategy for sustainable development in an attempt to improve food security and alleviate poverty around the world. Urban agriculture is the practise of farming and gardening in urban and peri-urban areas. There has been a growing trend to involve innovative methods to urban agriculture due to lack of land in urban areas. Stokvels are informal saving groups popularly used in South Africa. This is one of the strategies families in South Africa use to generate income, as a result of the high rate of unemployment in the country. The income from stokvels is used by members to source food and sustain their families. This study aims to investigate the possibility of using stokvels in urban agriculture for entrepreneurial purposes to improve the level of food security and alleviate unemployment and increase the household income of families in South Africa. This study therefore reviews literature on urban agriculture and identifies its enablers and barriers. Literature on stokvels is also reviewed, the reasons for participation in stokvels are highlighted and the different types of stokvels are also identified. The literature that was reviewed on urban agriculture and stokvels informed the questionnaire of the study. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a representative sample of 152 stokvel members in the Nelson Mandela Bay Area. The results from the questionnaire were then analysed using univariate analysis and descriptive statistics. Multivariate analysis and inferential statistics were also used for data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that stokvel members know agriculture activities although they do not use their stokvel funds to participate in urban agriculture. The study found that stokvel members participate in stokvels as means to generate income for their households. It was also found that there is interest among stokvel members to use their stokvel funds in urban agriculture. A conceptual model of urban agriculture for stokvel members was developed from the study which enabled the possibility for future detailed research in testing the model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Sonti, Yolisa Wendy
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Urban agriculture -- Economic aspects , Agriculture -- Finance Cooperative societies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23142 , vital:30433
- Description: Agriculture has been identified as a strategy for sustainable development in an attempt to improve food security and alleviate poverty around the world. Urban agriculture is the practise of farming and gardening in urban and peri-urban areas. There has been a growing trend to involve innovative methods to urban agriculture due to lack of land in urban areas. Stokvels are informal saving groups popularly used in South Africa. This is one of the strategies families in South Africa use to generate income, as a result of the high rate of unemployment in the country. The income from stokvels is used by members to source food and sustain their families. This study aims to investigate the possibility of using stokvels in urban agriculture for entrepreneurial purposes to improve the level of food security and alleviate unemployment and increase the household income of families in South Africa. This study therefore reviews literature on urban agriculture and identifies its enablers and barriers. Literature on stokvels is also reviewed, the reasons for participation in stokvels are highlighted and the different types of stokvels are also identified. The literature that was reviewed on urban agriculture and stokvels informed the questionnaire of the study. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to a representative sample of 152 stokvel members in the Nelson Mandela Bay Area. The results from the questionnaire were then analysed using univariate analysis and descriptive statistics. Multivariate analysis and inferential statistics were also used for data analysis. The findings of the study revealed that stokvel members know agriculture activities although they do not use their stokvel funds to participate in urban agriculture. The study found that stokvel members participate in stokvels as means to generate income for their households. It was also found that there is interest among stokvel members to use their stokvel funds in urban agriculture. A conceptual model of urban agriculture for stokvel members was developed from the study which enabled the possibility for future detailed research in testing the model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An assessment of female and management perceptions of factors moderating leadership mobility at Logistic (PTY) LTD
- Authors: Rippon, Marion Magdelyn
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Transformational leadership Leadership in women
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17897 , vital:28480
- Description: Senior management positions at a South African-based logistics company Logistic (Pty) Ltd (pseudonym) are predominantly occupied by males which led to the primary question: why are females not better represented at senior levels within the organisation and why do promotion into these senior managerial positions appears difficult? The objective of this study was to determine factors impacting female advancement and to develop strategies based on identified influencing factors. Based on an interpretivist paradigm, the study used a phenomenological approach which was based on an appreciative enquiry research to understand experiences perceived and interpreted by individuals within the organisation. Various findings emerged in terms of the research questions of how management perceive and support female advancement, the perception of barriers experienced by females and the perception of the potential of the organisation promoting females in terms of providing an enabling environment. Findings which were not conducive to female advancement were identified as non-supporting organisational culture due to the inherent history of the organisation, tokenism by trying to rectify the phenomenon, transparent barriers experienced by females trying to ascend the corporate ladder and the lack of a pool of suitable candidates in the junior levels of the organisation which could be caused by the industry in which the organisation does business. Conclusions surrounding organisational intentions and actions were reached, which included recommendations for progressing towards the goals as agreed by the Commission for Employment Equity (CEE) and its strategic and sectoral stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Rippon, Marion Magdelyn
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Transformational leadership Leadership in women
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17897 , vital:28480
- Description: Senior management positions at a South African-based logistics company Logistic (Pty) Ltd (pseudonym) are predominantly occupied by males which led to the primary question: why are females not better represented at senior levels within the organisation and why do promotion into these senior managerial positions appears difficult? The objective of this study was to determine factors impacting female advancement and to develop strategies based on identified influencing factors. Based on an interpretivist paradigm, the study used a phenomenological approach which was based on an appreciative enquiry research to understand experiences perceived and interpreted by individuals within the organisation. Various findings emerged in terms of the research questions of how management perceive and support female advancement, the perception of barriers experienced by females and the perception of the potential of the organisation promoting females in terms of providing an enabling environment. Findings which were not conducive to female advancement were identified as non-supporting organisational culture due to the inherent history of the organisation, tokenism by trying to rectify the phenomenon, transparent barriers experienced by females trying to ascend the corporate ladder and the lack of a pool of suitable candidates in the junior levels of the organisation which could be caused by the industry in which the organisation does business. Conclusions surrounding organisational intentions and actions were reached, which included recommendations for progressing towards the goals as agreed by the Commission for Employment Equity (CEE) and its strategic and sectoral stakeholders.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A model for smart factories in the automotive sector
- Authors: Leo, Jo-Anne Ronell
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Internet of things , Manufacturing processes -- Automation Labor supply -- Effect of technological innovations on Cloud computing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22531 , vital:29997
- Description: The manufacturing industry is on the brink of transformation, with smart factories and digitalisation at the forefront. New challenges such as globalisation, cost pressure and consumer demands are imminent in the current environment. In order to overcome these challenges, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0 has emerged. Industry 4.0 promotes the computerisation of manufacturing facilities and emphasises an end-to-end digitalisation of physical resources and integration of processes through the entire value chain. The smart factory, a component of Industry 4.0, is a self-organised, modular, highly flexible and reconfigurable factory that enables production of customised products at low cost, therefore maximising profitability. Manufacturing processes are driven by technologies such as cyber-physical systems, big data, collaborative robots and the Internet of Things. This allows autonomous communication throughout the value chain between machine-to-machine and human-to-machine. Organisations consider automation and technology as strategic business tools which are used to increase short and long term profits and realise operating objectives. In contrast, the implementation of automation and technology in the workplace raises labour concerns, fear of layoffs and redundancies among the workforce. This unease, in turn, influences the employees’ attitude towards technology which could lead either to its acceptance or refusal thereof. The purpose of this research is to enhance the understanding of smart factories in the automotive industry by conducting a systematic analysis of the factors which influence the attitude of those involved towards a smart factory implementation. This study focuses on the perceptions among employees and management. The research is an quantitative study consisting of a literature review of the key concepts related to Industry 4.0, smart factories and technology-acceptance theories. The empirical study consisted of surveys completed by management and employees of one of the automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), in South Africa. The questionnaire used in this research consists of questions regarding demographic data and questions regarding the perception of change and factors influencing the attitudes towards the acceptance of technology within the OEM. To summarise the data into a more condensed form which could simplify the identification of patterns in the data, descriptive statistics were used. Inferential statistics were used to validate if the conclusions made from the sample data could be inferred to a larger population. Various factors influence the perception about ease of use and usefulness, which then in turn influences the attitude and the intention to use technology. These factors have been examined by numerous authors in the technology acceptance literature. Recommended factors based on the statistical analysis of the questionnaire results were identified. A model identified the following factors as having an influence on the Attitude towards the Positive Impact of Smart Factories within the OEM: Skills and Training, Individual Characteristics, Trust, Organisational Culture, Resources and Costs and Job Security. The importance of each factor was identified to understand its function in how to improve the implementation of smart factories. This research suggested improvements for the automotive OEM based on the statistical analysis of the survey results. Inconclusive results were indicated on three variables and these should be improved, namely, Organisational Culture, Job Security and Security and International / National Standards. Two sub-groups were defined by different job levels and different perceptions were found concerning the factors that were measured. People at different job levels in the OEM perceived medium to large significant differences in all the factors comprising the proposed model of the Attitude towards a Smart Factory. The smart factory model developed in this study specified the factors which influence the Attitude towards a Smart Factory within the automotive sector and the effect these factors have on technology acceptance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Leo, Jo-Anne Ronell
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Internet of things , Manufacturing processes -- Automation Labor supply -- Effect of technological innovations on Cloud computing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/22531 , vital:29997
- Description: The manufacturing industry is on the brink of transformation, with smart factories and digitalisation at the forefront. New challenges such as globalisation, cost pressure and consumer demands are imminent in the current environment. In order to overcome these challenges, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0 has emerged. Industry 4.0 promotes the computerisation of manufacturing facilities and emphasises an end-to-end digitalisation of physical resources and integration of processes through the entire value chain. The smart factory, a component of Industry 4.0, is a self-organised, modular, highly flexible and reconfigurable factory that enables production of customised products at low cost, therefore maximising profitability. Manufacturing processes are driven by technologies such as cyber-physical systems, big data, collaborative robots and the Internet of Things. This allows autonomous communication throughout the value chain between machine-to-machine and human-to-machine. Organisations consider automation and technology as strategic business tools which are used to increase short and long term profits and realise operating objectives. In contrast, the implementation of automation and technology in the workplace raises labour concerns, fear of layoffs and redundancies among the workforce. This unease, in turn, influences the employees’ attitude towards technology which could lead either to its acceptance or refusal thereof. The purpose of this research is to enhance the understanding of smart factories in the automotive industry by conducting a systematic analysis of the factors which influence the attitude of those involved towards a smart factory implementation. This study focuses on the perceptions among employees and management. The research is an quantitative study consisting of a literature review of the key concepts related to Industry 4.0, smart factories and technology-acceptance theories. The empirical study consisted of surveys completed by management and employees of one of the automotive Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM), in South Africa. The questionnaire used in this research consists of questions regarding demographic data and questions regarding the perception of change and factors influencing the attitudes towards the acceptance of technology within the OEM. To summarise the data into a more condensed form which could simplify the identification of patterns in the data, descriptive statistics were used. Inferential statistics were used to validate if the conclusions made from the sample data could be inferred to a larger population. Various factors influence the perception about ease of use and usefulness, which then in turn influences the attitude and the intention to use technology. These factors have been examined by numerous authors in the technology acceptance literature. Recommended factors based on the statistical analysis of the questionnaire results were identified. A model identified the following factors as having an influence on the Attitude towards the Positive Impact of Smart Factories within the OEM: Skills and Training, Individual Characteristics, Trust, Organisational Culture, Resources and Costs and Job Security. The importance of each factor was identified to understand its function in how to improve the implementation of smart factories. This research suggested improvements for the automotive OEM based on the statistical analysis of the survey results. Inconclusive results were indicated on three variables and these should be improved, namely, Organisational Culture, Job Security and Security and International / National Standards. Two sub-groups were defined by different job levels and different perceptions were found concerning the factors that were measured. People at different job levels in the OEM perceived medium to large significant differences in all the factors comprising the proposed model of the Attitude towards a Smart Factory. The smart factory model developed in this study specified the factors which influence the Attitude towards a Smart Factory within the automotive sector and the effect these factors have on technology acceptance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A framework to address the shortage of registered nurses in South Africa in alignment with the national health insurance requirement
- Authors: Venturini, Ronwyn
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nursing -- South Africa , Nursing -- Manpower -- South Africa Nursing services -- South Africa -- Administration Skilled labor -- South Africa Labor supply -- South Africa Manpower planning -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36782 , vital:34054
- Description: In South Africa, there is a dire need for good quality healthcare in the public and private sectors. To achieve the aforementioned, the shortage of medical personnel is of utmost concern and the ability to retain these qualified individuals an even greater dilemma. The Department of Health in South Africa has embarked on a National Health Insurance model they want to introduce similar to the first world countries such as the British and American systems whereby medical insurance is free for all and not a single citizen is left unattended in their time of need. The primary purpose of this study was to identify a framework that will enable the South African government to implement a successful National Health Insurance system. Key theoretical factors (remuneration and rewards, work climate, stress, job satisfaction, recognition and bedside nursing) were investigated to ascertain what the key contributors are regarding the shortage of registered nurses. The identification of pertinent factors will promote the retention of nurses, which represent the population of this study. A questionnaire was designed by the researcher to collect the data from the sample, which consisted of 99 registered nurses in both public and the private sectors in South Africa across the provinces namely Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Western Cape Kwa-Zulu Natal, Free State, Limpopo and North West. The data collection process included electronic and hard copies of the questionnaires that were administered using the self-selected sampling and snowball non-probability sampling strategies. Descriptive statistics were conducted on the empirical data collected; and inferential statistics in the form of multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses formulated. The study found that recognition is the only contributor that is directly related to the shortage of registered nurses. The framework established should assist policy makers and government to understand the contributing factors exacerbating the shortage of registered nurses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Venturini, Ronwyn
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Nursing -- South Africa , Nursing -- Manpower -- South Africa Nursing services -- South Africa -- Administration Skilled labor -- South Africa Labor supply -- South Africa Manpower planning -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36782 , vital:34054
- Description: In South Africa, there is a dire need for good quality healthcare in the public and private sectors. To achieve the aforementioned, the shortage of medical personnel is of utmost concern and the ability to retain these qualified individuals an even greater dilemma. The Department of Health in South Africa has embarked on a National Health Insurance model they want to introduce similar to the first world countries such as the British and American systems whereby medical insurance is free for all and not a single citizen is left unattended in their time of need. The primary purpose of this study was to identify a framework that will enable the South African government to implement a successful National Health Insurance system. Key theoretical factors (remuneration and rewards, work climate, stress, job satisfaction, recognition and bedside nursing) were investigated to ascertain what the key contributors are regarding the shortage of registered nurses. The identification of pertinent factors will promote the retention of nurses, which represent the population of this study. A questionnaire was designed by the researcher to collect the data from the sample, which consisted of 99 registered nurses in both public and the private sectors in South Africa across the provinces namely Gauteng, Eastern Cape, Western Cape Kwa-Zulu Natal, Free State, Limpopo and North West. The data collection process included electronic and hard copies of the questionnaires that were administered using the self-selected sampling and snowball non-probability sampling strategies. Descriptive statistics were conducted on the empirical data collected; and inferential statistics in the form of multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypotheses formulated. The study found that recognition is the only contributor that is directly related to the shortage of registered nurses. The framework established should assist policy makers and government to understand the contributing factors exacerbating the shortage of registered nurses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A risk based engineering maintenance and spare parts planning model for a generic pharmaceutical company in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Fourie, Gerhard Claris
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Engineering maintenance Engineering repairs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29838 , vital:30784
- Description: The Pharmaceutical Industry is facing substantial challenges due to the continuous evolving world of technologies, global competitiveness, price regulation, environmental and safety requirements. In this environment asset maintenance evolved and became increasingly important in business over the last couple of decades. Traditionally industry favoured a reactive maintenance strategy but over the years changed to proactive maintenance strategy due to the advancement of technology and skills of maintenance personnel. With increasing automation and mechanisation, production processes are becoming highly complex and the cost associated with asset maintenance has increased consistently over the decades. Studies have shown that about 15-70% of production costs can be attributed to asset maintenance and one-third of maintenance costs are wasted due to inefficiencies in planning. Furthermore, the selection of an effective maintenance strategy is a challenge due to maintenance output that is difficult to measure and quantify. This treatise will investigate the application of a risk based strategy on asset maintenance planning and spare part management of a pharmaceutical company and compare it to best practices. The theory of risk analysis was reviewed and risk analysis pertaining to maintenance planning and spare part management in the Pharmaceutical industry explored. Questionnaires were sent to selected engineering and relevant departments in order to analyse the challenges and good practices in the company relating to spare part management and maintenance planning. A risk based model for the pharmaceutical company was developed after the information gathered in the research. The recommendations were made in a practical approach by presenting the solution in the form of a flow chart. This model will enable the Maintenance Managers, Inventory Managers and Maintenance Planners to identify critical equipment, optimise maintenance schedules and plan spare parts purchasing more accurately.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Fourie, Gerhard Claris
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Engineering maintenance Engineering repairs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/29838 , vital:30784
- Description: The Pharmaceutical Industry is facing substantial challenges due to the continuous evolving world of technologies, global competitiveness, price regulation, environmental and safety requirements. In this environment asset maintenance evolved and became increasingly important in business over the last couple of decades. Traditionally industry favoured a reactive maintenance strategy but over the years changed to proactive maintenance strategy due to the advancement of technology and skills of maintenance personnel. With increasing automation and mechanisation, production processes are becoming highly complex and the cost associated with asset maintenance has increased consistently over the decades. Studies have shown that about 15-70% of production costs can be attributed to asset maintenance and one-third of maintenance costs are wasted due to inefficiencies in planning. Furthermore, the selection of an effective maintenance strategy is a challenge due to maintenance output that is difficult to measure and quantify. This treatise will investigate the application of a risk based strategy on asset maintenance planning and spare part management of a pharmaceutical company and compare it to best practices. The theory of risk analysis was reviewed and risk analysis pertaining to maintenance planning and spare part management in the Pharmaceutical industry explored. Questionnaires were sent to selected engineering and relevant departments in order to analyse the challenges and good practices in the company relating to spare part management and maintenance planning. A risk based model for the pharmaceutical company was developed after the information gathered in the research. The recommendations were made in a practical approach by presenting the solution in the form of a flow chart. This model will enable the Maintenance Managers, Inventory Managers and Maintenance Planners to identify critical equipment, optimise maintenance schedules and plan spare parts purchasing more accurately.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The impact of the LRA amendments 2015 - section 198 on labour flexibility in the nelson Mandela Bay automotive component manufacturing industry
- Authors: Badenhorst, Petri
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employment agencies -- South Africa , Labor market -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23360 , vital:30535
- Description: For many years businesses have been capitalising on the benefits that employees employed on a temporary basis through temporary employment services (labour brokers) has had to offer in terms of labour flexibility. Following the passing of the amended Labour Relations Act of South Africa in early 2015, much attention has been given to section 198 as this section aims to further regulate the use temporary employment. The main objective of this paper consists in studying the impact that the recent amendments to section 198 of the Labour Relations Act have had on labour flexibility in the Nelson Mandela Bay automotive component manufacturing industry. The paper examines how businesses have historically benefitted from the use of temporary labour, how these benefits are slowly being removed, and how businesses are responding to mitigate the risks associated with this legislative change whilst becoming compliant. As the topic being researched is still very recent, with certain legal aspects remaining to be fully tested in the courts, it is hoped that that this study will provide sufficient information to assist all the stakeholders of businesses to make more informative decisions in the future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Badenhorst, Petri
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employment agencies -- South Africa , Labor market -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Labor laws and legislation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23360 , vital:30535
- Description: For many years businesses have been capitalising on the benefits that employees employed on a temporary basis through temporary employment services (labour brokers) has had to offer in terms of labour flexibility. Following the passing of the amended Labour Relations Act of South Africa in early 2015, much attention has been given to section 198 as this section aims to further regulate the use temporary employment. The main objective of this paper consists in studying the impact that the recent amendments to section 198 of the Labour Relations Act have had on labour flexibility in the Nelson Mandela Bay automotive component manufacturing industry. The paper examines how businesses have historically benefitted from the use of temporary labour, how these benefits are slowly being removed, and how businesses are responding to mitigate the risks associated with this legislative change whilst becoming compliant. As the topic being researched is still very recent, with certain legal aspects remaining to be fully tested in the courts, it is hoped that that this study will provide sufficient information to assist all the stakeholders of businesses to make more informative decisions in the future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
E-waste management in the Nelson Mandela Bay households, awareness and their participation in the disposal of electronic and electrical waste
- Authors: Stowman, Grant Michael
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electronic waste -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Electronic waste -- Economic aspects Environmental education -- Research Recycling (Waste, etc.) -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35245 , vital:33666
- Description: Over the years there has been an exceptional growth in electrical and electronic products. Technology improved consumer products have become a vital part of mankind’s daily living experiences and development. This has made a significant difference in the standard of living for many people (Okorhi et al., 2015). The same phenomenon has also made a major contribution to science and agricultural activities. However, the by-products belonging to electrical and electronic appliances and the dismantling processes have created huge challenges. The contents of these devices have brought along a visible threat to people and the environment. E-waste contains a multitude of elements which contain certain toxic substances. Exposure to these hazardous substances can be dangerous to humans and the environment (Rajput,2013). The inappropriate handling comes in the form of legal or illegal dumping, crude recycling, improper treatment and using incorrect disposalmethods. On the other hand, e-waste devices have the potential to augment lifestyles by recycling and reusing endof- life devices or extracting elements such as lead, gold, silver etc. (UNEP, 2007). E-waste has been growing rapidly world-wide and has become one of the fastest growing waste streams. This phenomenon has been fuelled by consumers purchasing multiple electrical and electronic products. The high obsolescence rates of these products lead to the dumping of these devices for newer products. The increasing market penetration through technology also receives a boost from social changes such as globalisation and urbanisation (Babu et al., 2007). The main aim of this study is to ascertain the relevance of e-waste management and its consequences in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole. World-wide, many countries have or are busy putting together policies and legislation to combat e-waste. South Africa has certain policies and legislation in place regarding hazardous substances. However, the policies and legislation are not specific enough when it comes to the collection, recycling and disposal of e-waste (Dittke, 2007). Against this background, the aim of this study was to investigate certain factors that influence households, when it comes to the management of household e-waste. These factors include the awareness and the participation of households in the management and disposal of electronic and electrical waste in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole. A theoretical framework was developed to address the above-mentioned challenges. Three suburbs in the NMBM were purposely selected to conduct this study. These suburbs fell into the lower, middle and high-income areas. The study used the quantitative research method and data was gathered by using questionnaires. A systematic random sampling method was applied to distribute the questionnaires. The data was analysed, and certain conclusions were made. Firstly, there is a wide range of e-waste being indiscriminately disposed of by householders. Secondly, findings indicated a low level of awareness regarding the environmental and harmful effects of e-waste when it comes to humans. Thirdly, the study also revealed that NMBM has no household e-waste management strategy in place. The study recommends the need for meaningful environmental education to uplift community awareness pertaining to e-waste management. Lastly, the NMBM needs to formulate by-laws and guidance policies when it comes to household e-waste disposal. These recommendations will help to preserve our world for future generations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Stowman, Grant Michael
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Electronic waste -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Electronic waste -- Economic aspects Environmental education -- Research Recycling (Waste, etc.) -- Economic aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35245 , vital:33666
- Description: Over the years there has been an exceptional growth in electrical and electronic products. Technology improved consumer products have become a vital part of mankind’s daily living experiences and development. This has made a significant difference in the standard of living for many people (Okorhi et al., 2015). The same phenomenon has also made a major contribution to science and agricultural activities. However, the by-products belonging to electrical and electronic appliances and the dismantling processes have created huge challenges. The contents of these devices have brought along a visible threat to people and the environment. E-waste contains a multitude of elements which contain certain toxic substances. Exposure to these hazardous substances can be dangerous to humans and the environment (Rajput,2013). The inappropriate handling comes in the form of legal or illegal dumping, crude recycling, improper treatment and using incorrect disposalmethods. On the other hand, e-waste devices have the potential to augment lifestyles by recycling and reusing endof- life devices or extracting elements such as lead, gold, silver etc. (UNEP, 2007). E-waste has been growing rapidly world-wide and has become one of the fastest growing waste streams. This phenomenon has been fuelled by consumers purchasing multiple electrical and electronic products. The high obsolescence rates of these products lead to the dumping of these devices for newer products. The increasing market penetration through technology also receives a boost from social changes such as globalisation and urbanisation (Babu et al., 2007). The main aim of this study is to ascertain the relevance of e-waste management and its consequences in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole. World-wide, many countries have or are busy putting together policies and legislation to combat e-waste. South Africa has certain policies and legislation in place regarding hazardous substances. However, the policies and legislation are not specific enough when it comes to the collection, recycling and disposal of e-waste (Dittke, 2007). Against this background, the aim of this study was to investigate certain factors that influence households, when it comes to the management of household e-waste. These factors include the awareness and the participation of households in the management and disposal of electronic and electrical waste in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropole. A theoretical framework was developed to address the above-mentioned challenges. Three suburbs in the NMBM were purposely selected to conduct this study. These suburbs fell into the lower, middle and high-income areas. The study used the quantitative research method and data was gathered by using questionnaires. A systematic random sampling method was applied to distribute the questionnaires. The data was analysed, and certain conclusions were made. Firstly, there is a wide range of e-waste being indiscriminately disposed of by householders. Secondly, findings indicated a low level of awareness regarding the environmental and harmful effects of e-waste when it comes to humans. Thirdly, the study also revealed that NMBM has no household e-waste management strategy in place. The study recommends the need for meaningful environmental education to uplift community awareness pertaining to e-waste management. Lastly, the NMBM needs to formulate by-laws and guidance policies when it comes to household e-waste disposal. These recommendations will help to preserve our world for future generations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Schooling and institution quality linked to earnings in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Cuthbert, Carol
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Wages -- Effect of education on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education, Higher -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Equality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62166 , vital:28134
- Description: Return to investment for tertiary education is not equal for all. Human Capital Theory imposes a linear pathway between education and earnings, that fails to recognise other sources of capital, ignores social returns and does not explain why socio-economic variables influence employability and earnings. Those returns, rather than simply incrementally delivering returns for additional years of education, are however heterogeneous across students, with field of study, gender and population group influencing earnings; and schooling type and university attended filtering whether one finds a job. This study utilises data from Rhodes University and the University of Fort Hare, illustrating the extreme positions within the South African education landscape, employing a Heckman selection to predict the returns on education. The regression is found to be partially successful in predicting a graduate’s ability to find a job, in the first instance, and thereafter their returns. It is crucial to analyse the heterogeneity of socio-economic parameters to understand aspects of the economy, and develop education policies to take advantage of this understanding, especially against the backdrop of the student protests being experienced in the country and the funding models proposed. Access to tertiary education, through policy inducement, such as the recent increase of the grant limit from R122 000 to R350 000, requires disaggregated returns to education to be investigated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Cuthbert, Carol
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Wages -- Effect of education on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education, Higher -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Equality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62166 , vital:28134
- Description: Return to investment for tertiary education is not equal for all. Human Capital Theory imposes a linear pathway between education and earnings, that fails to recognise other sources of capital, ignores social returns and does not explain why socio-economic variables influence employability and earnings. Those returns, rather than simply incrementally delivering returns for additional years of education, are however heterogeneous across students, with field of study, gender and population group influencing earnings; and schooling type and university attended filtering whether one finds a job. This study utilises data from Rhodes University and the University of Fort Hare, illustrating the extreme positions within the South African education landscape, employing a Heckman selection to predict the returns on education. The regression is found to be partially successful in predicting a graduate’s ability to find a job, in the first instance, and thereafter their returns. It is crucial to analyse the heterogeneity of socio-economic parameters to understand aspects of the economy, and develop education policies to take advantage of this understanding, especially against the backdrop of the student protests being experienced in the country and the funding models proposed. Access to tertiary education, through policy inducement, such as the recent increase of the grant limit from R122 000 to R350 000, requires disaggregated returns to education to be investigated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Requisite elements of public sector performance planning and reporting framework which support accountability
- Authors: Savenije, Maryke Aletta
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Performance -- Management -- Planning , Performance standards -- Planning Organizational effectiveness -- Evaluation -- Planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23241 , vital:30467
- Description: Legislative and policy prescripts determine how the South Africa government plans for and reports on the services meant to benefit the citizens of the country. Legislators and the public should rely on an annual audits of financial and performance information to gauge the success of these services. the framework governing performance planning and reporting outlines a number of public sector reform objectives intended to enhance achievement of government's desired outcomes. Improvements in audit status over the past number of years have, however, been undermined by increasingly frequent service delivery protests, suggesting that the intentions of the framework are not realised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Savenije, Maryke Aletta
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Performance -- Management -- Planning , Performance standards -- Planning Organizational effectiveness -- Evaluation -- Planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23241 , vital:30467
- Description: Legislative and policy prescripts determine how the South Africa government plans for and reports on the services meant to benefit the citizens of the country. Legislators and the public should rely on an annual audits of financial and performance information to gauge the success of these services. the framework governing performance planning and reporting outlines a number of public sector reform objectives intended to enhance achievement of government's desired outcomes. Improvements in audit status over the past number of years have, however, been undermined by increasingly frequent service delivery protests, suggesting that the intentions of the framework are not realised.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A review of the re-structuring of the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital through the change management approach
- Authors: Nodikida, Mzulungile
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Organizational change -- Case studies , Organizational change -- Management , Reengineering (Management) -- South Africa -- Mthatha , Leadership -- South Africa -- Mthatha , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Mthatha , Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Mthatha , Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/58339 , vital:27236
- Description: The research used a change management approach to analyze the restructuring of the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital from a tertiary to a central hospital. The study was underpinned by two objectives. Firstly, to analyze the restructuring of the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital from a tertiary to a "central" hospital using the Core Elements Framework of change management developed by Antwi and Kale (2014). Secondly, to use the knowledge gained through literature review combined with the experiences of the managers at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital to inform future healthcare reforms in general and particularly in the restructuring of hospitals. The Core Elements Framework by Antwi and Kale (2014) identifies six fundamental change elements from both emergent and planned change management approaches. The six elements are regarded by theorists from the two different schools of thought i.e. emergent change and planned change as key for successful change. The Core Elements Framework by Antwi and Kale, (2014) demonstrates the strength of not viewing the two approaches to change management as mutually exclusive but as complementing each other when the other is falling short. The study identified the following: ■ The change was prompted by clearly identifiable external factors more than internal factors. ■ There was notable lack of organizational harmony which may have negatively impacted the change process. ■ The Private Public Partnership (PPP) funding model which was aimed at delivering the central hospital collapsed, after a study discovered that it benefited the private sector more than the public sector. ■ There was no proper consultation of major stakeholders for preparation of the change. ■ Resources in all material forms were not made available for the change to take off, this means that there was no organizational capacity to execute the change. The study draws the conclusion that lack of organizational capacity, organizational harmony and a proper consultation process for stakeholders are the main reasons why the restructuring of the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital is not yielding the desired results. The study recommends that organizations should implement a multidimensional approach for any change initiative to be successful and that organizations must ensure the availability of the necessary resources when embarking on change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Nodikida, Mzulungile
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Organizational change -- Case studies , Organizational change -- Management , Reengineering (Management) -- South Africa -- Mthatha , Leadership -- South Africa -- Mthatha , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Mthatha , Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Mthatha , Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/58339 , vital:27236
- Description: The research used a change management approach to analyze the restructuring of the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital from a tertiary to a central hospital. The study was underpinned by two objectives. Firstly, to analyze the restructuring of the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital from a tertiary to a "central" hospital using the Core Elements Framework of change management developed by Antwi and Kale (2014). Secondly, to use the knowledge gained through literature review combined with the experiences of the managers at Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital to inform future healthcare reforms in general and particularly in the restructuring of hospitals. The Core Elements Framework by Antwi and Kale (2014) identifies six fundamental change elements from both emergent and planned change management approaches. The six elements are regarded by theorists from the two different schools of thought i.e. emergent change and planned change as key for successful change. The Core Elements Framework by Antwi and Kale, (2014) demonstrates the strength of not viewing the two approaches to change management as mutually exclusive but as complementing each other when the other is falling short. The study identified the following: ■ The change was prompted by clearly identifiable external factors more than internal factors. ■ There was notable lack of organizational harmony which may have negatively impacted the change process. ■ The Private Public Partnership (PPP) funding model which was aimed at delivering the central hospital collapsed, after a study discovered that it benefited the private sector more than the public sector. ■ There was no proper consultation of major stakeholders for preparation of the change. ■ Resources in all material forms were not made available for the change to take off, this means that there was no organizational capacity to execute the change. The study draws the conclusion that lack of organizational capacity, organizational harmony and a proper consultation process for stakeholders are the main reasons why the restructuring of the Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital is not yielding the desired results. The study recommends that organizations should implement a multidimensional approach for any change initiative to be successful and that organizations must ensure the availability of the necessary resources when embarking on change.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A critical analysis of the service quality dimensions of a mobile telecommunication service provider
- Authors: Crous, Pierre
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Customer relations -- Management , Consumer satisfaction Telecommunication -- Customer services Cell phone services industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21571 , vital:29582
- Description: In the current age, companies are redesigning the way they perform daily operations based on the principles of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Industry 4.0 will lead to the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing and mobilisation into the daily operations of companies across various industries which stay connected to guidance software by means of 3G or 4G SIM cards. This increasing demand for mobilisation and communication technologies has encouraged more interest from investors to invest in the Mobile Telecommunication Industry (MTI). The aforementioned leads to heightened competition among Mobile Telecommunication Service Providers (MTSP), already competing in a fiercely contested market. For service providers to guarantee success in such a highly competitive market, companies should endeavour to provide superior quality and customer-centric services to retain and attract customers. Service providers that provide their customers with quality experiences gain a competitive advantage over rival firms and enjoy increased financial returns. Thus, companies measure their service quality (SQ) continuously to understand what consumers need and want as well as to ascertain how customers perceive the quality of service provision of the organisation. Therefore, this research study introduces and discusses various SQ measurement instruments and dimensions that may be relevant for a MTSP to consider when measuring SQ. This study further provides a broad overview of the latest techniques and best practices that popular service providers have applied globally, to enhance their SQ measurement In order to facilitate the SQ measurement process, researchers have designed different instruments, tailored for measuring SQ in various particular industries, by identifying and incorporating relevant industry-specific SQ dimensions. This enables the measurement of the customer perceived performance of each individual dimension for a particular service provided in a specific industry. In order to initiate a SQ measurement project, companies employ a variety of techniques to collect data. In this research study, the SQ data collection technique and resultant data set of a South African Mobile Telecommunication Service Provider (SAMTSP) were analysed to evaluate present service quality processes and provide guidelines to a SAMTSP on improved processes to implement to determine its service quality levels. Eight independent variables were identified from the quantitative data in the service quality data set provided by a SAMTSP for the purposes of this study. The dependent variable was identified as Performance which served as the unit of measurement for the independent variables. The qualitative data analysis applied to the qualitative data in the provided data set, revealed three Attitudes (key patterns) namely Positive, Neutral and Negative. Moreover, 14 themes were extracted from these Attitudes and which provide deeper insight into customer sentiments with regards to the overall performance of a SAMTSP. The results indicated that the SAMTSP may not have targeted the necessary SQ dimensions. It was also found that the data collection technique employed by the SAMTSP to create the SQ data set had certain limitations that might have negatively impacted upon the relevance and quality of the SQ data collected. The findings further suggest that the MTSP could follow a better SQ measurement process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A critical analysis of the service quality dimensions of a mobile telecommunication service provider
- Authors: Crous, Pierre
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Customer relations -- Management , Consumer satisfaction Telecommunication -- Customer services Cell phone services industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21571 , vital:29582
- Description: In the current age, companies are redesigning the way they perform daily operations based on the principles of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Industry 4.0 will lead to the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing and mobilisation into the daily operations of companies across various industries which stay connected to guidance software by means of 3G or 4G SIM cards. This increasing demand for mobilisation and communication technologies has encouraged more interest from investors to invest in the Mobile Telecommunication Industry (MTI). The aforementioned leads to heightened competition among Mobile Telecommunication Service Providers (MTSP), already competing in a fiercely contested market. For service providers to guarantee success in such a highly competitive market, companies should endeavour to provide superior quality and customer-centric services to retain and attract customers. Service providers that provide their customers with quality experiences gain a competitive advantage over rival firms and enjoy increased financial returns. Thus, companies measure their service quality (SQ) continuously to understand what consumers need and want as well as to ascertain how customers perceive the quality of service provision of the organisation. Therefore, this research study introduces and discusses various SQ measurement instruments and dimensions that may be relevant for a MTSP to consider when measuring SQ. This study further provides a broad overview of the latest techniques and best practices that popular service providers have applied globally, to enhance their SQ measurement In order to facilitate the SQ measurement process, researchers have designed different instruments, tailored for measuring SQ in various particular industries, by identifying and incorporating relevant industry-specific SQ dimensions. This enables the measurement of the customer perceived performance of each individual dimension for a particular service provided in a specific industry. In order to initiate a SQ measurement project, companies employ a variety of techniques to collect data. In this research study, the SQ data collection technique and resultant data set of a South African Mobile Telecommunication Service Provider (SAMTSP) were analysed to evaluate present service quality processes and provide guidelines to a SAMTSP on improved processes to implement to determine its service quality levels. Eight independent variables were identified from the quantitative data in the service quality data set provided by a SAMTSP for the purposes of this study. The dependent variable was identified as Performance which served as the unit of measurement for the independent variables. The qualitative data analysis applied to the qualitative data in the provided data set, revealed three Attitudes (key patterns) namely Positive, Neutral and Negative. Moreover, 14 themes were extracted from these Attitudes and which provide deeper insight into customer sentiments with regards to the overall performance of a SAMTSP. The results indicated that the SAMTSP may not have targeted the necessary SQ dimensions. It was also found that the data collection technique employed by the SAMTSP to create the SQ data set had certain limitations that might have negatively impacted upon the relevance and quality of the SQ data collected. The findings further suggest that the MTSP could follow a better SQ measurement process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Strategy implementation at the Rand Water Board
- Authors: Leaver, Brian Jeffrey
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62118 , vital:28129
- Description: Expected release date-April 2019
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Leaver, Brian Jeffrey
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62118 , vital:28129
- Description: Expected release date-April 2019
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Strategies for loan default reduction and management among SMMEs: the Old Mutual Masisizane Fund case study
- Authors: Ngcai, Sipho
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Credit -- Management , Loans -- South Africa Small business -- Finance Small business -- Management New business enterprises -- Management Microfinance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33693 , vital:32968
- Description: The primary research objective of this study was to determine strategies for reducing loan defaulting and bad debts among the MF loan clients. The study was premised on the crucial significance of SMMEs in social and economic development. The study focused on MF with the aim of deciphering the factors that constrain loan recipients from servicing their loans leading to defaulting and bad debt. The research endeavors to contribute towards improving the ability of DFIs in general to recover loans while building the capacity of small businesses to become sustainable. The study adopted a qualitative approach and targeted eight (8) MF staff members responsible for loan administration and 15 MF loan recipients. In-depth interviews were conducted with the respondents. The interviews were transcribed and the data analysed through content analysis. The findings were aggregated in pre-determined themes as well as around emerging themes and sub-themes. The findings indicate that most MF loan recipients are identified through referrals from current and past clients, and other stakeholders; MF has a comprehensive and systematic loan application process; and MF provides support services to loan recipients. The findings also indicate that loan recipients default on payments because they lack financial management skills; sudden or sustained changes in the market; natural disasters, especially drought; and generally poor business management acumen. Other reasons for loan defaulting were caused by delays in funds disbursement by MF, ineffective monitoring mechanisms and approval of business enterprises that are not viable. The following recommendations were made: streamline the loan application process to increase effectiveness and efficiency; introduce an online loan application portal to complement and upgrade the current application process; deploy sector specialists when performing due diligence; provide business loans and grants in parallel in order to grow SMMEs while satisfying developmental needs; extend client site visits to include group meetings to facilitate peer learning and skills transfer; create a suite of capacity building and training support services for loan recipients; and develop a community of practice for DFIs to facilitate networking and information sharing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ngcai, Sipho
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Credit -- Management , Loans -- South Africa Small business -- Finance Small business -- Management New business enterprises -- Management Microfinance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/33693 , vital:32968
- Description: The primary research objective of this study was to determine strategies for reducing loan defaulting and bad debts among the MF loan clients. The study was premised on the crucial significance of SMMEs in social and economic development. The study focused on MF with the aim of deciphering the factors that constrain loan recipients from servicing their loans leading to defaulting and bad debt. The research endeavors to contribute towards improving the ability of DFIs in general to recover loans while building the capacity of small businesses to become sustainable. The study adopted a qualitative approach and targeted eight (8) MF staff members responsible for loan administration and 15 MF loan recipients. In-depth interviews were conducted with the respondents. The interviews were transcribed and the data analysed through content analysis. The findings were aggregated in pre-determined themes as well as around emerging themes and sub-themes. The findings indicate that most MF loan recipients are identified through referrals from current and past clients, and other stakeholders; MF has a comprehensive and systematic loan application process; and MF provides support services to loan recipients. The findings also indicate that loan recipients default on payments because they lack financial management skills; sudden or sustained changes in the market; natural disasters, especially drought; and generally poor business management acumen. Other reasons for loan defaulting were caused by delays in funds disbursement by MF, ineffective monitoring mechanisms and approval of business enterprises that are not viable. The following recommendations were made: streamline the loan application process to increase effectiveness and efficiency; introduce an online loan application portal to complement and upgrade the current application process; deploy sector specialists when performing due diligence; provide business loans and grants in parallel in order to grow SMMEs while satisfying developmental needs; extend client site visits to include group meetings to facilitate peer learning and skills transfer; create a suite of capacity building and training support services for loan recipients; and develop a community of practice for DFIs to facilitate networking and information sharing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An assessment of own revenue management for financial sustainability of the Eastern Cape municipalities
- Authors: Majikijela, Vuyolwethu
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Revenue management , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Finance , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Cost effectiveness , Municipal services -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61445 , vital:28027
- Description: The purpose of the research is to assess the financial viability of municipalities in the Eastern Cape. Municipalities that are not financially viable and sustainable will always struggle to deliver basic services to communities. Without sound financial management systems, municipalities will be forced to discontinue their operations. Municipalities, particularly small and rural ones, are not self-sufficient thus cost benefit theory emphasises that municipality must adopt cost recovery revenue management. The application of cost recovery revenue management requires that municipalities take into account internal and external revenue management challenges that will be factored on user charges. Cost recovery also requires governance to lead the process through capacitation, transparency and communication with all stakeholders. This research highlights that municipalities in the province have not matured to a level wherein they are able to adopt cost recovery revenue management because of prevalent external revenue management challenges caused by high unemployment rate in the province and the slow economic growth. Municipalities in the province are thus financially unsustainable. This research therefore proposes that a phase in approach to cost recovery should be adopted in line with the changes in unemployment and economic growth. Increased transparency and consultation with intergovernmental relations should also be promoted to enable financial sustainability of municipalities in the province.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Majikijela, Vuyolwethu
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Revenue management , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Finance , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Cost effectiveness , Municipal services -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61445 , vital:28027
- Description: The purpose of the research is to assess the financial viability of municipalities in the Eastern Cape. Municipalities that are not financially viable and sustainable will always struggle to deliver basic services to communities. Without sound financial management systems, municipalities will be forced to discontinue their operations. Municipalities, particularly small and rural ones, are not self-sufficient thus cost benefit theory emphasises that municipality must adopt cost recovery revenue management. The application of cost recovery revenue management requires that municipalities take into account internal and external revenue management challenges that will be factored on user charges. Cost recovery also requires governance to lead the process through capacitation, transparency and communication with all stakeholders. This research highlights that municipalities in the province have not matured to a level wherein they are able to adopt cost recovery revenue management because of prevalent external revenue management challenges caused by high unemployment rate in the province and the slow economic growth. Municipalities in the province are thus financially unsustainable. This research therefore proposes that a phase in approach to cost recovery should be adopted in line with the changes in unemployment and economic growth. Increased transparency and consultation with intergovernmental relations should also be promoted to enable financial sustainability of municipalities in the province.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The development of a world-class operator framework for the Eastern Cape automotive component industry
- Authors: Boshoff, Waldo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Manufacturing processes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21757 , vital:29760
- Description: This treatise evaluates the environment in which a world-class operator within the Eastern Cape automotive component industry is expected to work, and the skills and knowledge the operator requires to function effectively. Using both qualitative interviews and a quantitative survey four basic domains of skills and knowledge were identified: manufacturing principles, shop floor skills, shop floor knowledge and generic skills. Based on these results, a framework of required content to be included in the training and developing of a world class operator for the Eastern Cape automotive component industry is developed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Boshoff, Waldo
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Lean manufacturing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Manufacturing processes -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21757 , vital:29760
- Description: This treatise evaluates the environment in which a world-class operator within the Eastern Cape automotive component industry is expected to work, and the skills and knowledge the operator requires to function effectively. Using both qualitative interviews and a quantitative survey four basic domains of skills and knowledge were identified: manufacturing principles, shop floor skills, shop floor knowledge and generic skills. Based on these results, a framework of required content to be included in the training and developing of a world class operator for the Eastern Cape automotive component industry is developed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
How the roles of CEO's differ in response to different circumstances and in the context of succession: Anglo American-a case study
- Authors: Ball, Leslie
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Organizational change , Strategic planning , Executive succession , Anglo American Corporation of South Africa, ltd.
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60799 , vital:27832
- Description: A review of the literature revealed that firms are inherently influenced by leadership in the upper echelons of the organization. The seminal paper of Hambrick and Mason (1984) has sparked much interest in the realm of organizational leadership. Studies involving organizational leadership have concentrated on leadership styles, the manner in which leadership takes place, leadership succession and organizational performance in an attempt to understand the dynamics of the senior leadership of organizations. Research has also explored how changes in the top management of firms has impacted its performance. This research has primarily been concerned with how a firm is impacted, once succession takes place, and has focused on financial performance, change in strategy and stockholder reaction (Shen & Cannella, 2002; Barron, Chulkov & Waddell, 2011; Friedman & Singh, 1989). Although their predisposition will largely influence the manner in which the incoming CEO acts, the literature has largely neglected the role the incoming CEO must fulfil, and how he/she steers the company, once appointed. In response, the following aim was developed to address this gap: To describe how the roles of two CEO's of the same company differed, during different time periods. The CEO assumes various strategic leadership roles, which they carry out in the context of their new environment once succession has taken place. From the literature, six strategic leadership roles were identified, which formed the foundation of this study. These were strategy formulation, strategy implementation, developing organizational culture, emphasizing ethical practices, managing the firm's resource portfolio and establishing balanced controls. The study set out to comparatively analyze two CEO's of the same firm during different periods. Both CEO's were investigated from the perspective of strategic leadership roles, allowing a comparison of their behaviour. The study analyses and describes these roles, and how they differed between the CEO's, in reaction to differing situational factors and in the context of succession. The study employed a deductive qualitative case study research design. This allowed the researcher to examine the complex phenomenon which have previously been studied at a more superficial level using quantitative methods (Baxter & Jack, 2008; Parrino, 1997; Jooste & Fourie, 2009). A qualitative methodological approach allowed the researcher to examine the topic through a lens which takes into account human variables and processes (Baxter & Jack, 2008). Data was sampled using purposive and convenience sampling while applying the critical incident technique. Data was collected through information sources such as news articles, press releases, annual reports, online interviews, news websites and other documents. Thematical analysis was used during the analysis phase of the study and allowed for patterns and links to be drawn between the collected data. The succession from one CEO to the next served as the comparative element of the study, which allowed for a contrasting of how both CEO's carried out their strategic leadership roles by adapting to their environment, and how they guided the strategic trajectory of the company. The study also took into account what both CEO's were confronted with at the start of their tenure and how this influenced how they carried out their leadership roles. It was found that Cynthia Carroll exercised her roles in a manner which addressed ethical and stakeholder engagement issues within the business. This was translated directly into how she guided the trajectory of the company. Upon appointment, Mark Cutifani exercised his roles in a manner which addressed the organizational performance and financial well-being of the company. This translated directly into how he shaped Anglo's trajectory in an attempt to better its financial performance. Given how they exercised their strategic roles in the company, each CEO influenced Anglo American's direction in a different way, which in turn, influenced the performance of the organization. It was shown that Cynthia Carroll improved the stakeholder engagement, communication and safety within the company, demonstrating behaviour that emphasized the importance of the ethics of the company. When the business had been carrying out its ethical practices effectively, but underperforming financially, Cutifani demonstrated the roles which would be geared toward resurrecting the organizational performance of the organization. Recommendations are made for further research including applying the same research method to investigate how these roles are carried out in companies which operate in a broad spectrum of industries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Ball, Leslie
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Organizational change , Strategic planning , Executive succession , Anglo American Corporation of South Africa, ltd.
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/60799 , vital:27832
- Description: A review of the literature revealed that firms are inherently influenced by leadership in the upper echelons of the organization. The seminal paper of Hambrick and Mason (1984) has sparked much interest in the realm of organizational leadership. Studies involving organizational leadership have concentrated on leadership styles, the manner in which leadership takes place, leadership succession and organizational performance in an attempt to understand the dynamics of the senior leadership of organizations. Research has also explored how changes in the top management of firms has impacted its performance. This research has primarily been concerned with how a firm is impacted, once succession takes place, and has focused on financial performance, change in strategy and stockholder reaction (Shen & Cannella, 2002; Barron, Chulkov & Waddell, 2011; Friedman & Singh, 1989). Although their predisposition will largely influence the manner in which the incoming CEO acts, the literature has largely neglected the role the incoming CEO must fulfil, and how he/she steers the company, once appointed. In response, the following aim was developed to address this gap: To describe how the roles of two CEO's of the same company differed, during different time periods. The CEO assumes various strategic leadership roles, which they carry out in the context of their new environment once succession has taken place. From the literature, six strategic leadership roles were identified, which formed the foundation of this study. These were strategy formulation, strategy implementation, developing organizational culture, emphasizing ethical practices, managing the firm's resource portfolio and establishing balanced controls. The study set out to comparatively analyze two CEO's of the same firm during different periods. Both CEO's were investigated from the perspective of strategic leadership roles, allowing a comparison of their behaviour. The study analyses and describes these roles, and how they differed between the CEO's, in reaction to differing situational factors and in the context of succession. The study employed a deductive qualitative case study research design. This allowed the researcher to examine the complex phenomenon which have previously been studied at a more superficial level using quantitative methods (Baxter & Jack, 2008; Parrino, 1997; Jooste & Fourie, 2009). A qualitative methodological approach allowed the researcher to examine the topic through a lens which takes into account human variables and processes (Baxter & Jack, 2008). Data was sampled using purposive and convenience sampling while applying the critical incident technique. Data was collected through information sources such as news articles, press releases, annual reports, online interviews, news websites and other documents. Thematical analysis was used during the analysis phase of the study and allowed for patterns and links to be drawn between the collected data. The succession from one CEO to the next served as the comparative element of the study, which allowed for a contrasting of how both CEO's carried out their strategic leadership roles by adapting to their environment, and how they guided the strategic trajectory of the company. The study also took into account what both CEO's were confronted with at the start of their tenure and how this influenced how they carried out their leadership roles. It was found that Cynthia Carroll exercised her roles in a manner which addressed ethical and stakeholder engagement issues within the business. This was translated directly into how she guided the trajectory of the company. Upon appointment, Mark Cutifani exercised his roles in a manner which addressed the organizational performance and financial well-being of the company. This translated directly into how he shaped Anglo's trajectory in an attempt to better its financial performance. Given how they exercised their strategic roles in the company, each CEO influenced Anglo American's direction in a different way, which in turn, influenced the performance of the organization. It was shown that Cynthia Carroll improved the stakeholder engagement, communication and safety within the company, demonstrating behaviour that emphasized the importance of the ethics of the company. When the business had been carrying out its ethical practices effectively, but underperforming financially, Cutifani demonstrated the roles which would be geared toward resurrecting the organizational performance of the organization. Recommendations are made for further research including applying the same research method to investigate how these roles are carried out in companies which operate in a broad spectrum of industries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Enhancing employee engagement within exponential organisations
- Authors: Stander, Rizel
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee motivation , Employees -- Attitudes Organizational change Reengineering (Management)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35278 , vital:33690
- Description: Mayo (2016, p. 88) states that many researchers agree that investing in employee engagement has guaranteed great returns; the question for organisations are whether these returns will be linear or exponential for them. A new breed of company emerged called the “exponential organisation” which leverage accelerating technologies to achieve an unheard-of business model that shows exponential growth. However, this technology is still created, maintained and reinvented by employees. Therefore, the premise is that highly engaged employees are one of the key factors that fuel exponential organisations, and this was under investigation in this research study. Employee engagement has been extensively researched yet only a few organisations can claim the majority of their employees are highly engaged. The topic of employee engagement within exponential organisations, however, has barely been covered by scholars or practitioners. Subsequently, given that it is a new organisational phenomenon, little academic or practitioner’s research could be found. For this reason, the main purpose of this study was to find key drivers of employee engagement within exponential organisations to develop a theoretical framework and hypotheses which could be statistically tested. The outcomes could assist in enhancing employee engagement within exponential organisations, thereby achieving greater business success. An online survey questionnaire was used to gather empirical data within a financial technology exponential organisation. The sample consisted of 40 fulltime employees working in Australia, China and South Africa of which most were between the ages of 35 to 44 years old and have been with the organisation for less than two years. The results showed that organisational management and employee autonomy were found to have a direct positive relationship with the concept of employee engagement and is found to be key drivers of employee engagement within exponential organisations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Stander, Rizel
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Employee motivation , Employees -- Attitudes Organizational change Reengineering (Management)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35278 , vital:33690
- Description: Mayo (2016, p. 88) states that many researchers agree that investing in employee engagement has guaranteed great returns; the question for organisations are whether these returns will be linear or exponential for them. A new breed of company emerged called the “exponential organisation” which leverage accelerating technologies to achieve an unheard-of business model that shows exponential growth. However, this technology is still created, maintained and reinvented by employees. Therefore, the premise is that highly engaged employees are one of the key factors that fuel exponential organisations, and this was under investigation in this research study. Employee engagement has been extensively researched yet only a few organisations can claim the majority of their employees are highly engaged. The topic of employee engagement within exponential organisations, however, has barely been covered by scholars or practitioners. Subsequently, given that it is a new organisational phenomenon, little academic or practitioner’s research could be found. For this reason, the main purpose of this study was to find key drivers of employee engagement within exponential organisations to develop a theoretical framework and hypotheses which could be statistically tested. The outcomes could assist in enhancing employee engagement within exponential organisations, thereby achieving greater business success. An online survey questionnaire was used to gather empirical data within a financial technology exponential organisation. The sample consisted of 40 fulltime employees working in Australia, China and South Africa of which most were between the ages of 35 to 44 years old and have been with the organisation for less than two years. The results showed that organisational management and employee autonomy were found to have a direct positive relationship with the concept of employee engagement and is found to be key drivers of employee engagement within exponential organisations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018