Critical core competencies for effective strategic leadership in project management
- Authors: Jowah, Enoch Larry
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Leadership -- Psychological aspects , Project management , Core competencies , Leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9305 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1017230
- Description: Project management is undeniably the fastest growing discipline as organizations move into the euphoria of projectification of their operations. Though projects have been a part of human life since time immemorial, there is a sudden realisation of the effectiveness of the methods used in project management. The enrolment of students studying for project management in tertiary institutions has shown tremendous increase. Yet the project execution process is mired by high failure rates and absence of clarity on the necessary skills required for effective project execution. The authority-gap in project management presents political and operational conflicts, and new innovative ways of authority-gap reduction need to be identified and taught in training programs. Simultaneously there is a realisation by both academics and practitioners that there is a difference between managers and leaders. Extensive studies on leadership have not allowed for a one-stop-leadership-style to be used in leadership of any form, let alone project leadership. In fact there is no standard definition of leadership as this has been heavily contextualized and thereby disallowing the creation of a universal definition. No cast-in-stone leadership styles are known and thereby leaving the research on leadership to concentrate on critical competencies required for effective leadership of projects. This study seeks to establish the core competencies needed by the project leaders and other practitioners to reduce the failure rate and maximise the benefits currently sought after by organisations. Studies have shown that the matrix structure within which the embedded projects work is a contributing factor to the failure of projects. Because projects are executed by people, it would be the proper utilisation of people’s talents and competencies that are expected to yield favourable results. Thus, whilst the matrix structure creates the authority-gap that presents a problem for effective project execution, management-by-projects still remains the best way known to add economic value to performance and productivity. The study therefore focuses on those characteristics of project leaders that will most likely make the difference in the way people perform in the workplace. The research findings emphasised the importance of empowerment of project managers and the development of their interpersonal skills of the project leader with special emphasis on extroversion, genuineness of senior management, and the responsiveness of the project leaders as important requirements for effective authority- gap reduction. These critical competencies will therefore facilitate the project execution process and enhance the empowered project leader’s ability to reduce the high project failure rate and high cost overruns. These competencies apply specifically to the human element as it relates to the role of the project leader and the interaction with the team members, this new knowledge needs to be introduced into training programs and project practitioners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Jowah, Enoch Larry
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Leadership -- Psychological aspects , Project management , Core competencies , Leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9305 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1017230
- Description: Project management is undeniably the fastest growing discipline as organizations move into the euphoria of projectification of their operations. Though projects have been a part of human life since time immemorial, there is a sudden realisation of the effectiveness of the methods used in project management. The enrolment of students studying for project management in tertiary institutions has shown tremendous increase. Yet the project execution process is mired by high failure rates and absence of clarity on the necessary skills required for effective project execution. The authority-gap in project management presents political and operational conflicts, and new innovative ways of authority-gap reduction need to be identified and taught in training programs. Simultaneously there is a realisation by both academics and practitioners that there is a difference between managers and leaders. Extensive studies on leadership have not allowed for a one-stop-leadership-style to be used in leadership of any form, let alone project leadership. In fact there is no standard definition of leadership as this has been heavily contextualized and thereby disallowing the creation of a universal definition. No cast-in-stone leadership styles are known and thereby leaving the research on leadership to concentrate on critical competencies required for effective leadership of projects. This study seeks to establish the core competencies needed by the project leaders and other practitioners to reduce the failure rate and maximise the benefits currently sought after by organisations. Studies have shown that the matrix structure within which the embedded projects work is a contributing factor to the failure of projects. Because projects are executed by people, it would be the proper utilisation of people’s talents and competencies that are expected to yield favourable results. Thus, whilst the matrix structure creates the authority-gap that presents a problem for effective project execution, management-by-projects still remains the best way known to add economic value to performance and productivity. The study therefore focuses on those characteristics of project leaders that will most likely make the difference in the way people perform in the workplace. The research findings emphasised the importance of empowerment of project managers and the development of their interpersonal skills of the project leader with special emphasis on extroversion, genuineness of senior management, and the responsiveness of the project leaders as important requirements for effective authority- gap reduction. These critical competencies will therefore facilitate the project execution process and enhance the empowered project leader’s ability to reduce the high project failure rate and high cost overruns. These competencies apply specifically to the human element as it relates to the role of the project leader and the interaction with the team members, this new knowledge needs to be introduced into training programs and project practitioners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Factors impacting performance of training institutions in Uganda
- Authors: Okware, Fabiano
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Uganda , Education and training services industry , Education, Higher -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8857 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020150
- Description: The purpose of this study was to develop and empirically test a hypothetical model of factors impacting performance of training institutions in Uganda in order to establish their statistical significance. The liberalisation of the education sector in Uganda, which has led to the rapid growth in the establishment of private sector higher education institutions in the country, now necessitates empirical and theoretical research into the factors impacting performance of these training institutions. The mission of higher education training institutions is to constantly create a critical academic community to debate national issues and to generate relevant knowledge for the country’s economic growth and development. The study investigated and analysed how the independent variables (individual-, institutional- and external) impact institutional performance (dependent variable). The study reviewed literature in the areas of individual-, institutional- and external factors supported by Wei’s (2006), Mackenzie-Phillips (2008), Burke-Litwin (1994), Lusthaus, Adrien, Anderson and Carden (1999) and The Jain (2005) models as presented in section 6 of chapter one. The hypothetical model developed was based on the models mentioned. The study sought the perceptions of managers and utilised the quantitative research paradigm. A survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to managers in both public and private training institutions in Uganda. The final sample comprised 488 respondents. Data was collected in 2012 over a period of four months. The returned questionnaires were subjected to several statistical analyses. The validity of the measuring instrument was ascertained using exploratory factor analysis. The Cronbach’s alpha values for reliability were calculated for each of the factors identified during the exploratory factor analysis. In this study, correlation and exploratory factor analysis, the KMO measure of sample adequacy and Bartlett’s test of sphericity and regressions were the main statistical procedures used to test the appropriateness of data, correlation and significance of the relationships hypothesised between the various independent and dependent variables. The study identified nine independent variables as significantly impacting the performance (dependent variable) of training institutions in Uganda. Three statistical significant relationships were found between the individual factors: knowledge acquisition, role identity, employee empowerment and performance of training institutions in Uganda. Four statistical significant relationships were found between the institutional factors: strategic intent, management capabilities, organisational resources, organisational culture and performance of training institutions in Uganda. Two statistical significant relationships were found between the external factors: political/legal, stakeholders and performance of training institutions in Uganda. The study also found five statistically insignificant variables. It was found that managers in training institutions in Uganda should encourage employees to assess their own performance. Managers should formulate a policy on transparency and practice open communication using the right communication channels. Training institutions in Uganda should consider having organic and flatter organisational structures with a wider span of control. Managers should regard economic variables such as inflation rates and tax obligations when planning and drawing up budgets as this will impact their profitability. There is a need in Uganda to collaborate with and forge close relationships with international training institutions and global partners to become more globally competitive. The study has provided general guidelines at individual level how to best utilize employees to improve performance of training institutions in Uganda. Furthermore, general operational guidelines at institutional level for improving performance of training institutions have been given for such institutions to become and remain competitive in the global market place. The study has also highlighted general guidelines regarding managing external environmental factors to assist in improving performance of training institutions in Uganda.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Okware, Fabiano
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Uganda , Education and training services industry , Education, Higher -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8857 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020150
- Description: The purpose of this study was to develop and empirically test a hypothetical model of factors impacting performance of training institutions in Uganda in order to establish their statistical significance. The liberalisation of the education sector in Uganda, which has led to the rapid growth in the establishment of private sector higher education institutions in the country, now necessitates empirical and theoretical research into the factors impacting performance of these training institutions. The mission of higher education training institutions is to constantly create a critical academic community to debate national issues and to generate relevant knowledge for the country’s economic growth and development. The study investigated and analysed how the independent variables (individual-, institutional- and external) impact institutional performance (dependent variable). The study reviewed literature in the areas of individual-, institutional- and external factors supported by Wei’s (2006), Mackenzie-Phillips (2008), Burke-Litwin (1994), Lusthaus, Adrien, Anderson and Carden (1999) and The Jain (2005) models as presented in section 6 of chapter one. The hypothetical model developed was based on the models mentioned. The study sought the perceptions of managers and utilised the quantitative research paradigm. A survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire distributed to managers in both public and private training institutions in Uganda. The final sample comprised 488 respondents. Data was collected in 2012 over a period of four months. The returned questionnaires were subjected to several statistical analyses. The validity of the measuring instrument was ascertained using exploratory factor analysis. The Cronbach’s alpha values for reliability were calculated for each of the factors identified during the exploratory factor analysis. In this study, correlation and exploratory factor analysis, the KMO measure of sample adequacy and Bartlett’s test of sphericity and regressions were the main statistical procedures used to test the appropriateness of data, correlation and significance of the relationships hypothesised between the various independent and dependent variables. The study identified nine independent variables as significantly impacting the performance (dependent variable) of training institutions in Uganda. Three statistical significant relationships were found between the individual factors: knowledge acquisition, role identity, employee empowerment and performance of training institutions in Uganda. Four statistical significant relationships were found between the institutional factors: strategic intent, management capabilities, organisational resources, organisational culture and performance of training institutions in Uganda. Two statistical significant relationships were found between the external factors: political/legal, stakeholders and performance of training institutions in Uganda. The study also found five statistically insignificant variables. It was found that managers in training institutions in Uganda should encourage employees to assess their own performance. Managers should formulate a policy on transparency and practice open communication using the right communication channels. Training institutions in Uganda should consider having organic and flatter organisational structures with a wider span of control. Managers should regard economic variables such as inflation rates and tax obligations when planning and drawing up budgets as this will impact their profitability. There is a need in Uganda to collaborate with and forge close relationships with international training institutions and global partners to become more globally competitive. The study has provided general guidelines at individual level how to best utilize employees to improve performance of training institutions in Uganda. Furthermore, general operational guidelines at institutional level for improving performance of training institutions have been given for such institutions to become and remain competitive in the global market place. The study has also highlighted general guidelines regarding managing external environmental factors to assist in improving performance of training institutions in Uganda.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Monetary policy in Namibia, 1993-2011
- Sheefeni, Johannes Peyavali Sheefeni
- Authors: Sheefeni, Johannes Peyavali Sheefeni
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Namibia , Transmission mechanism (Monetary policy) -- Namibia , Money supply -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3935 , vital:20493
- Description: This thesis investigated the role of monetary policy in Namibia for the period 1993 to 2011. It aims at achieving six objectives. First, it reviews the evolution of monetary policy in Namibia for the period 1980 to 2011. Second, it investigates the interest rate channel of the monetary policy transmission mechanism in Namibia. Third, it analyses the credit channel of the monetary policy transmission mechanism in Namibia. Fourth, it evaluates the exchange rate channel of the monetary policy transmission mechanism in Namibia. Fifth, it studies the money effect model in the context of the monetary policy transmission mechanism in Namibia. Sixth, it examines the exchange rate pass–through (ERPT) to domestic prices in Namibia. In order to achieve the objectives of the relative importance of the different channels of monetary policy transmission, a structural vector autoregressive model of the Namibian economy is constructed. Specifically the responses of the output and prices to monetary policy shocks for Namibia over the quarterly period 1993:Q1 to 2011:Q4 are investigated using impulse response functions and forecast variance error decompositions obtained from a structural vector autoregressive model (SVAR). The thesis also examined the exchange rate pass-through from exchange rate to domestic prices using both SVAR and the single equation error correction model (ECM). Estimation results on the different channels of monetary policy transmission mechanism showed that the interest rate channel and the credit channel are effective in transmitting monetary policy actions. The exchange rate channel is also operative but not effective. The money effect model confirms that inflation in Namibia is not a monetary phenomenon. The results of the pass-through relationship showed that there is an incomplete but high exchange rate pass-through from exchange rate to domestic prices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Sheefeni, Johannes Peyavali Sheefeni
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Monetary policy -- Namibia , Transmission mechanism (Monetary policy) -- Namibia , Money supply -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3935 , vital:20493
- Description: This thesis investigated the role of monetary policy in Namibia for the period 1993 to 2011. It aims at achieving six objectives. First, it reviews the evolution of monetary policy in Namibia for the period 1980 to 2011. Second, it investigates the interest rate channel of the monetary policy transmission mechanism in Namibia. Third, it analyses the credit channel of the monetary policy transmission mechanism in Namibia. Fourth, it evaluates the exchange rate channel of the monetary policy transmission mechanism in Namibia. Fifth, it studies the money effect model in the context of the monetary policy transmission mechanism in Namibia. Sixth, it examines the exchange rate pass–through (ERPT) to domestic prices in Namibia. In order to achieve the objectives of the relative importance of the different channels of monetary policy transmission, a structural vector autoregressive model of the Namibian economy is constructed. Specifically the responses of the output and prices to monetary policy shocks for Namibia over the quarterly period 1993:Q1 to 2011:Q4 are investigated using impulse response functions and forecast variance error decompositions obtained from a structural vector autoregressive model (SVAR). The thesis also examined the exchange rate pass-through from exchange rate to domestic prices using both SVAR and the single equation error correction model (ECM). Estimation results on the different channels of monetary policy transmission mechanism showed that the interest rate channel and the credit channel are effective in transmitting monetary policy actions. The exchange rate channel is also operative but not effective. The money effect model confirms that inflation in Namibia is not a monetary phenomenon. The results of the pass-through relationship showed that there is an incomplete but high exchange rate pass-through from exchange rate to domestic prices.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Possible futures for the Republic of South Africa towards 2055
- Adendorff, Christian Michael
- Authors: Adendorff, Christian Michael
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7816 , vital:24294
- Description: The purpose of this thesis was to develop four scenarios for South Africa over the next forty years: Mandela's Dream in which positive elements come into function for South Africa's economy and governance; the Historical African Syndrome, in which the key driving forces unfold in an uneven pattern, or have a differentiated impact on South Africa's economy; the Good, the Bad and the Ugly in which less good governance prevails, but where a fortunate economy and firm national management allow South Africa to become competitive and benefit from satisfactory economic growth; and the Pyramid Syndrome Scenario in which negative regional drivers of change corrode positive policies and initiatives in a manner which compounds the pre-existing threats to South Africa's growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Adendorff, Christian Michael
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7816 , vital:24294
- Description: The purpose of this thesis was to develop four scenarios for South Africa over the next forty years: Mandela's Dream in which positive elements come into function for South Africa's economy and governance; the Historical African Syndrome, in which the key driving forces unfold in an uneven pattern, or have a differentiated impact on South Africa's economy; the Good, the Bad and the Ugly in which less good governance prevails, but where a fortunate economy and firm national management allow South Africa to become competitive and benefit from satisfactory economic growth; and the Pyramid Syndrome Scenario in which negative regional drivers of change corrode positive policies and initiatives in a manner which compounds the pre-existing threats to South Africa's growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Post-war reconstruction and development: a collective case study
- Authors: Heleta, Savo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Civil war , Peace , Peace-building , Nation-building
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9058 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008049 , Civil war , Peace , Peace-building , Nation-building
- Description: Since the end of the Cold War, there has been a surge in post-war stabilisation, reconstruction and development operations around the world. Externally driven efforts have been shaped by the liberal peace framework, which assumes that a rapid transmission or imposition of neo-liberal norms and values, combined with Western-style governance institutions, would create conditions for lasting peace and prosperity. Only in a few instances countries have attempted internally driven post-war reconstruction and development; in most cases, these efforts were either ignored or suppressed by international analysts, experts, academics and organisations. Despite all the expertise and funding spent since the early 1990s, externally driven operations have not led to lasting peace and stability, establishment of functioning institutions, eradication of poverty, livelihood improvements and economic reconstruction and development in war-torn countries. All too often, programmes, policies and „solutions‟ were designed and imposed by external actors either because they worked elsewhere or because they were influenced by geopolitical, economic and/or security interests of powerful countries. Furthermore, external actors have tended to assume that generic approaches based on the liberal peace framework can work in all places, while ignoring local actors, contexts and knowledge. Focusing on Bosnia and Herzegovina, South Sudan and Somaliland, this exploratory qualitative study critically explores and assesses both externally and internally driven post-war reconstruction and development practices and operations in order to understand the strengths and shortcomings of both approaches and offer recommendations for future improvements. This is important since socio-economic recovery and economic development are crucial for lasting stability and peace in post-war countries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Heleta, Savo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Civil war , Peace , Peace-building , Nation-building
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9058 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008049 , Civil war , Peace , Peace-building , Nation-building
- Description: Since the end of the Cold War, there has been a surge in post-war stabilisation, reconstruction and development operations around the world. Externally driven efforts have been shaped by the liberal peace framework, which assumes that a rapid transmission or imposition of neo-liberal norms and values, combined with Western-style governance institutions, would create conditions for lasting peace and prosperity. Only in a few instances countries have attempted internally driven post-war reconstruction and development; in most cases, these efforts were either ignored or suppressed by international analysts, experts, academics and organisations. Despite all the expertise and funding spent since the early 1990s, externally driven operations have not led to lasting peace and stability, establishment of functioning institutions, eradication of poverty, livelihood improvements and economic reconstruction and development in war-torn countries. All too often, programmes, policies and „solutions‟ were designed and imposed by external actors either because they worked elsewhere or because they were influenced by geopolitical, economic and/or security interests of powerful countries. Furthermore, external actors have tended to assume that generic approaches based on the liberal peace framework can work in all places, while ignoring local actors, contexts and knowledge. Focusing on Bosnia and Herzegovina, South Sudan and Somaliland, this exploratory qualitative study critically explores and assesses both externally and internally driven post-war reconstruction and development practices and operations in order to understand the strengths and shortcomings of both approaches and offer recommendations for future improvements. This is important since socio-economic recovery and economic development are crucial for lasting stability and peace in post-war countries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Textile and clothing industry competitiveness in the Southern African region
- Authors: Mwamayi, Kibunji Adam
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Textile industry -- Africa, Southern , Clothing trade -- Africa, Southern , Competition, International , Africa, Southern -- Economic policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9137 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018684
- Description: This is a study of the relationship between approaches to people management and competitiveness, by examining the case of the textile and clothing industry in Southern Africa. The textile and clothing industry has historically played a major role in many national economies (including many southern African countries) contributing not only to overall economic growth, but also to the creation of significant numbers of relatively well-paid jobs. In the Southern African Region (SAR), the textile and clothing industry has undergone many structural pressures in the face of increased cheap imports from South-East Asian countries – above all, China and Bangladesh - which have resulted in the closure of many firms, and the significant downsizing of many survivors. This study seeks to explore the relationship between HR practice and organizational sustainability in the textile and clothing industry in Southern Africa region, with a particular emphasis on the cases of three countries: South Africa, Mauritius and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Whilst at very different stages of national development, and with distinct political and developmental histories, all three countries were subject to active industrial policies, including the development of national clothing and textile industries. Again, all have faced the challenge of sustaining these industries in the face of liberalization and intensive competition from the Far East. This study is based on a multi-method approach, combining in-depth interviews with national industry surveys, and the usage of relevant documentary sources. It takes cognizance of the increasing relevance of new HRM practices and discourses to the growing field of Development Studies in the 21st century. The existing HRM literature suggests that there are a number of alternative people management strategies through which firms may secure their competitiveness, most notably strategic approaches to hard HRM (which treats people as an instrument to be strategically deployed to promote competitiveness), soft HRM (which promotes cooperative approaches to managing people) and traditional labour repression (managing people simply as a cost, to be managed in a short-term, un-strategic manner). The literature on HRM in Africa has suggested an alternative paradigm, which combines autocratic paternalism with elements of communitarianism. This study found that the bulk of firms encompassed by the study employed HR policies that recognizably fell within the soft HRM paradigm, enabling high value added production. However, an important exception lies in the area of security of tenure: firms tended to combine high levels of employee involvement and participation; as well as a commitment to human resource development, along with a persistent reliance on the usage of redundancies to adjust changes in the relative need for labour. Hence, this study highlights the limitations of theoretical approaches which see HR strategies as being necessarily coherent and self-reinforcing. Firms may broadly adhere to one approach, whilst adopting aspects of another as needs arise and in response to external pressures. An important exception to this was Mauritius, in which security of tenure appeared to be stronger, perhaps owing to the greater ease of enforcing regulations against illegal imports in a relatively small island country by allowing firms to plan for the future with greater confidence. In contrast, firms in South Africa were characterized by much lower security of tenure, against a backdrop of declining profits, reflecting the competitive challenges posed not only by legitimate low cost imports, but also illegal imports and the proliferation of rural sweatships. One again, this study highlights the relative fragility of the position of many firms and the continued importance of governmental support, most notably in terms of export incentives, support and facilitation in the adoption of new technologies, as well as better policing against illegal imports.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mwamayi, Kibunji Adam
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Textile industry -- Africa, Southern , Clothing trade -- Africa, Southern , Competition, International , Africa, Southern -- Economic policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9137 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018684
- Description: This is a study of the relationship between approaches to people management and competitiveness, by examining the case of the textile and clothing industry in Southern Africa. The textile and clothing industry has historically played a major role in many national economies (including many southern African countries) contributing not only to overall economic growth, but also to the creation of significant numbers of relatively well-paid jobs. In the Southern African Region (SAR), the textile and clothing industry has undergone many structural pressures in the face of increased cheap imports from South-East Asian countries – above all, China and Bangladesh - which have resulted in the closure of many firms, and the significant downsizing of many survivors. This study seeks to explore the relationship between HR practice and organizational sustainability in the textile and clothing industry in Southern Africa region, with a particular emphasis on the cases of three countries: South Africa, Mauritius and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Whilst at very different stages of national development, and with distinct political and developmental histories, all three countries were subject to active industrial policies, including the development of national clothing and textile industries. Again, all have faced the challenge of sustaining these industries in the face of liberalization and intensive competition from the Far East. This study is based on a multi-method approach, combining in-depth interviews with national industry surveys, and the usage of relevant documentary sources. It takes cognizance of the increasing relevance of new HRM practices and discourses to the growing field of Development Studies in the 21st century. The existing HRM literature suggests that there are a number of alternative people management strategies through which firms may secure their competitiveness, most notably strategic approaches to hard HRM (which treats people as an instrument to be strategically deployed to promote competitiveness), soft HRM (which promotes cooperative approaches to managing people) and traditional labour repression (managing people simply as a cost, to be managed in a short-term, un-strategic manner). The literature on HRM in Africa has suggested an alternative paradigm, which combines autocratic paternalism with elements of communitarianism. This study found that the bulk of firms encompassed by the study employed HR policies that recognizably fell within the soft HRM paradigm, enabling high value added production. However, an important exception lies in the area of security of tenure: firms tended to combine high levels of employee involvement and participation; as well as a commitment to human resource development, along with a persistent reliance on the usage of redundancies to adjust changes in the relative need for labour. Hence, this study highlights the limitations of theoretical approaches which see HR strategies as being necessarily coherent and self-reinforcing. Firms may broadly adhere to one approach, whilst adopting aspects of another as needs arise and in response to external pressures. An important exception to this was Mauritius, in which security of tenure appeared to be stronger, perhaps owing to the greater ease of enforcing regulations against illegal imports in a relatively small island country by allowing firms to plan for the future with greater confidence. In contrast, firms in South Africa were characterized by much lower security of tenure, against a backdrop of declining profits, reflecting the competitive challenges posed not only by legitimate low cost imports, but also illegal imports and the proliferation of rural sweatships. One again, this study highlights the relative fragility of the position of many firms and the continued importance of governmental support, most notably in terms of export incentives, support and facilitation in the adoption of new technologies, as well as better policing against illegal imports.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The application of property value models to assess government housing policy : a Nelson Mandela Bay Case Study
- Authors: Sale, Michael Charles
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Real property -- Valuation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Housing policy -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Planned communities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: vital:9023 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020007
- Description: Two developments that may impact house prices have dominated the residential property landscape in South Africa in recent years, namely government’s planned social housing developments and residential property value assessments carried out by local municipalities across South Africa for property tax purposes. Social housing developments are often plagued by “local opposition”, who argue that subsidised housing units may have a negative effect on adjacent non-subsidised residential housing. Negative preconceptions of social housing form the basis of this argument, which is commonly referred to as the “not-in-my-backyard” (NIMBY) syndrome. International studies conducted have, however, produced mixed results with some concluding that social housing developments lead to a reduction in nearby property prices, whilst others conclude that they lead to an improvement in surrounding property values. Currently, the state of the South African economy and demographics are limiting previously disadvantaged, poor peoples’ access to affordable and safe housing, and for this reason the basis of the NIMBY rationale deserves closer attention. In order to test the validity of the NIMBY rationale, this study examines, by means of the hedonic price method, the effect of an existing housing establishment catering for low-income earners (the Walmer/Gqebera Township) on adjacent property values in the suburb of Walmer, Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape. The study concludes that the low-cost housing development exerts a negative impact on the property values of nearby houses - the average owner of a non-subsidised residential property in Walmer would be willing to pay between R38 033 and R46 898 to be situated 200 metres further away from the Walmer Township. This conclusion is subject to three qualifications. The first is that the Walmer Township is not a recognised social housing development but merely a proxy for one. The second qualification is that a relatively small data set was used in this study and only one social housing development was considered. The third qualification is that the study period is from 1995 to 2009, which necessitated the adjustment of market prices to constant 2009 rands. For this purpose, data from the Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage section of the ABSA house price indices were used. It was not possible to disaggregate the indices further to obtain a Walmer-specific index. It is possible that an imperfect correlation exists between the Walmer property trend and the metropolitan (Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage) trend used in this study. Based on the results of this doctoral investigation it is recommended that a monthly rebate on property rates of between R269.40 and R332.19 be implemented for affected Walmer residents. This amount could be sufficient to mitigate the capital loss associated with proximity to the Walmer Township. In terms of the management of social housing projects, it is strongly recommended that the following occur in order to alleviate the NIMBY syndrome: existing dwellings should be renovated, tenants should be monitored, dwellings should be appropriately designed and maintained, the composition of the host neighbourhood should be assessed and the image of social housing should be improved. With regard to the renovation of dwellings, social housing site preference should be given to existing structures in need of renovation, as positive externalities are associated with the renovation of such properties. The monitoring of tenants needs to take place in order to ensure that the financial and behavioural obligations of the tenants are met, and that informal “shack dwellings” do not materialise on site, and finally, that tenant default rates remain low. The appropriate management of these projects will also aid in combating the perception that social housing developments lead to private residential property devaluation. In respect of residential property value assessments, many homeowners have recently argued that there is very little equivalence between the municipality’s valuations and true market values. This study uses, inter alia, the hedonic price model to investigate the accuracy of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s 2007/2008 valuation roll. The investigation was limited to the valuation roll applicable to the Walmer neighbourhood. The study finds that there is, on average, a 13.89 percent difference between market prices and the 2007/2008 municipal assessed values. In addition, this study finds that an attributebased hedonic price model produces property price predictions that are more in line with true market values. This finding is subject to two qualifications. The first qualification is that only the Walmer neighbourhood’s assessed values were considered, thus limiting the findings. The second qualification is that a relatively small data set was used.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Sale, Michael Charles
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Real property -- Valuation -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Housing policy -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Planned communities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: vital:9023 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020007
- Description: Two developments that may impact house prices have dominated the residential property landscape in South Africa in recent years, namely government’s planned social housing developments and residential property value assessments carried out by local municipalities across South Africa for property tax purposes. Social housing developments are often plagued by “local opposition”, who argue that subsidised housing units may have a negative effect on adjacent non-subsidised residential housing. Negative preconceptions of social housing form the basis of this argument, which is commonly referred to as the “not-in-my-backyard” (NIMBY) syndrome. International studies conducted have, however, produced mixed results with some concluding that social housing developments lead to a reduction in nearby property prices, whilst others conclude that they lead to an improvement in surrounding property values. Currently, the state of the South African economy and demographics are limiting previously disadvantaged, poor peoples’ access to affordable and safe housing, and for this reason the basis of the NIMBY rationale deserves closer attention. In order to test the validity of the NIMBY rationale, this study examines, by means of the hedonic price method, the effect of an existing housing establishment catering for low-income earners (the Walmer/Gqebera Township) on adjacent property values in the suburb of Walmer, Port Elizabeth, Nelson Mandela Bay in the Eastern Cape. The study concludes that the low-cost housing development exerts a negative impact on the property values of nearby houses - the average owner of a non-subsidised residential property in Walmer would be willing to pay between R38 033 and R46 898 to be situated 200 metres further away from the Walmer Township. This conclusion is subject to three qualifications. The first is that the Walmer Township is not a recognised social housing development but merely a proxy for one. The second qualification is that a relatively small data set was used in this study and only one social housing development was considered. The third qualification is that the study period is from 1995 to 2009, which necessitated the adjustment of market prices to constant 2009 rands. For this purpose, data from the Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage section of the ABSA house price indices were used. It was not possible to disaggregate the indices further to obtain a Walmer-specific index. It is possible that an imperfect correlation exists between the Walmer property trend and the metropolitan (Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage) trend used in this study. Based on the results of this doctoral investigation it is recommended that a monthly rebate on property rates of between R269.40 and R332.19 be implemented for affected Walmer residents. This amount could be sufficient to mitigate the capital loss associated with proximity to the Walmer Township. In terms of the management of social housing projects, it is strongly recommended that the following occur in order to alleviate the NIMBY syndrome: existing dwellings should be renovated, tenants should be monitored, dwellings should be appropriately designed and maintained, the composition of the host neighbourhood should be assessed and the image of social housing should be improved. With regard to the renovation of dwellings, social housing site preference should be given to existing structures in need of renovation, as positive externalities are associated with the renovation of such properties. The monitoring of tenants needs to take place in order to ensure that the financial and behavioural obligations of the tenants are met, and that informal “shack dwellings” do not materialise on site, and finally, that tenant default rates remain low. The appropriate management of these projects will also aid in combating the perception that social housing developments lead to private residential property devaluation. In respect of residential property value assessments, many homeowners have recently argued that there is very little equivalence between the municipality’s valuations and true market values. This study uses, inter alia, the hedonic price model to investigate the accuracy of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality’s 2007/2008 valuation roll. The investigation was limited to the valuation roll applicable to the Walmer neighbourhood. The study finds that there is, on average, a 13.89 percent difference between market prices and the 2007/2008 municipal assessed values. In addition, this study finds that an attributebased hedonic price model produces property price predictions that are more in line with true market values. This finding is subject to two qualifications. The first qualification is that only the Walmer neighbourhood’s assessed values were considered, thus limiting the findings. The second qualification is that a relatively small data set was used.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The development of an integrated value chain cost reduction methodology
- Welman, Abraham Jacobus Frederik
- Authors: Welman, Abraham Jacobus Frederik
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Corporations -- Finance -- Management , Manufacturing industries -- Cost control , Industrial procurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: vital:8775 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012954
- Description: The reason for the existence of any company is to make a profit, which means increasing turnover and keeping costs as low as possible. Optimisation of the Value Chain and Procurement were identified as the two largest contributors when one needs to improve the bottom line of any company. The purpose of this research was to develop an integrated Value Chain and Procurement cost reduction methodology and system specifications for a software solution which captures, tracks and accurately reports the impact of the improvement initiatives. The main research question was structured as follows: What should the specifications of a software solution be that will integrate the cost reduction processes of the Value Chain and of Procurement, in a manner that will ensure maximum sustainable bottom-line savings for companies in the manufacturing or service industries? The objective was to define the key phases in the Value Chain and Procurement cost reduction process and to determine how and where they integrate. It is important to note that according the literature review and the survey, both the Value Chain and Procurement cost reduction processes consist of seven phases. The phases of the Value Chain cost reduction process were: Phase 1: Budget/ABC costing and data analysis; Phase 2: Generate ideas; Phase 3: Evaluate and approve ideas; Phase 4: Implementation planning and approval; Phase 5: Development of project (idea) specific KPI's; Phase 6: Implementation of ideas; Phase 7: Track and report savings. The phases of the Procurement (Strategic Sourcing) cost reduction process were: Phase 1: Team selection/data collection/spend analysis/work plan development Phase 2: Access requirements/internal and external analysis; Phase 3: Develop strategy/shape value proposition; Phase 4: Screen suppliers, issue RFI/P/Q, implementation planning; Phase 5: Conduct commercial event/negotiate/finalise contract; Phase 6: Implement contract; Phase 7: Contract management/track and reporting. The above two cost reduction processes integrate at each phase of the respective processes and should thus be implemented at the same time due to their interdependencies. Based on the findings of the research it was clear that an integrated Value Chain and Procurement cost reduction process alone is not going to solve the cost reduction problems of companies. It is essential for the successful implementation of the integrated cost reduction process to develop skills and knowledgeable resources to implement the integrated cost reduction process, improve collaboration between the Value Chain and Procurement, and to implement a system to track and report performance during implementation. Further research should include how to adapt the current company processes, structures, procedures and systems in order to gain maximum benefit from the implementation of an integrated cost reduction process. The integrated Value Chain and Procurement cost reduction process, supported by a software system, should improve the success of cost reduction projects in companies. It is, however, important to note that the application of the methodology will vary between industries and that service-related industries might put more emphasis on Procurement cost reduction, while the manufacturing industries might place a bigger emphasis on cost reduction in operations. In conclusion, irrespective of the industries, it is evident that this methodology will enhance the cost reduction results previously obtained from similar efforts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Welman, Abraham Jacobus Frederik
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Corporations -- Finance -- Management , Manufacturing industries -- Cost control , Industrial procurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: vital:8775 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012954
- Description: The reason for the existence of any company is to make a profit, which means increasing turnover and keeping costs as low as possible. Optimisation of the Value Chain and Procurement were identified as the two largest contributors when one needs to improve the bottom line of any company. The purpose of this research was to develop an integrated Value Chain and Procurement cost reduction methodology and system specifications for a software solution which captures, tracks and accurately reports the impact of the improvement initiatives. The main research question was structured as follows: What should the specifications of a software solution be that will integrate the cost reduction processes of the Value Chain and of Procurement, in a manner that will ensure maximum sustainable bottom-line savings for companies in the manufacturing or service industries? The objective was to define the key phases in the Value Chain and Procurement cost reduction process and to determine how and where they integrate. It is important to note that according the literature review and the survey, both the Value Chain and Procurement cost reduction processes consist of seven phases. The phases of the Value Chain cost reduction process were: Phase 1: Budget/ABC costing and data analysis; Phase 2: Generate ideas; Phase 3: Evaluate and approve ideas; Phase 4: Implementation planning and approval; Phase 5: Development of project (idea) specific KPI's; Phase 6: Implementation of ideas; Phase 7: Track and report savings. The phases of the Procurement (Strategic Sourcing) cost reduction process were: Phase 1: Team selection/data collection/spend analysis/work plan development Phase 2: Access requirements/internal and external analysis; Phase 3: Develop strategy/shape value proposition; Phase 4: Screen suppliers, issue RFI/P/Q, implementation planning; Phase 5: Conduct commercial event/negotiate/finalise contract; Phase 6: Implement contract; Phase 7: Contract management/track and reporting. The above two cost reduction processes integrate at each phase of the respective processes and should thus be implemented at the same time due to their interdependencies. Based on the findings of the research it was clear that an integrated Value Chain and Procurement cost reduction process alone is not going to solve the cost reduction problems of companies. It is essential for the successful implementation of the integrated cost reduction process to develop skills and knowledgeable resources to implement the integrated cost reduction process, improve collaboration between the Value Chain and Procurement, and to implement a system to track and report performance during implementation. Further research should include how to adapt the current company processes, structures, procedures and systems in order to gain maximum benefit from the implementation of an integrated cost reduction process. The integrated Value Chain and Procurement cost reduction process, supported by a software system, should improve the success of cost reduction projects in companies. It is, however, important to note that the application of the methodology will vary between industries and that service-related industries might put more emphasis on Procurement cost reduction, while the manufacturing industries might place a bigger emphasis on cost reduction in operations. In conclusion, irrespective of the industries, it is evident that this methodology will enhance the cost reduction results previously obtained from similar efforts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The impact of liberalisation on Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mugano, Gift
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Economic Structural Adjustment Program (Zimbabwe) , Free trade -- Zimbabwe , Economic development -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9025 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020198
- Description: The process of trade liberalisation and market-oriented economic reforms was initiated in many developing countries in early 1980s; and it intensified in 1990s. In 1991, Zimbabwe was assisted by the IMF to implement trade-policy reforms under Economic Structural Adjustment Programme (ESAP). After adopting ESAP, the country witnessed soaring balance-of-payment problems, contraction of output, unemployment and the loss of government revenue. A number of factors, which were at play resulted in dismal economic performance under ESAP. These factors still exist, in addition to inter alia weak economic policies, structural rigidities and weak institutions. However, notwithstanding this controversy, the country continuously opened its economy under Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), World Trade Organisation (WTO), Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and bilateral agreements. It is against this background that this study is undertaken, in order to evaluate the impact of different trade-policy regimes on trade, welfare and revenue in Zimbabwe. This study used two models: World Integrated Trade Solutions/Software for Market Analysis and Restrictions on Trade (WITS/SMART) and Tariff Reform Impact Simulation Tool (TRIST). The WITS/SMART model was used because of its ability in analysing the tariff effect of a single market on disaggregated product lines. The model also has the capability to analyse the effects of trade-policy reforms in the presence of imperfect substitutes. In order to complement the WITS/SMART model, a TRIST model was also used. The use of the TRIST model enabled the study to evaluate the impact of trade reforms on VAT, excise duties, collected and statutory revenue – which the WITS/SMART model had overlooked. Using the WITS/SMART model, the study considered seven trade-liberalisation frameworks for Zimbabwe: full implementation of the SADC free trade agreement (FTA), SADC common external tariff (CET), COMESA CET, COMESA FTA, EPAs, BFTAs and WTO FTA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mugano, Gift
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Economic Structural Adjustment Program (Zimbabwe) , Free trade -- Zimbabwe , Economic development -- Zimbabwe , Zimbabwe -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9025 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020198
- Description: The process of trade liberalisation and market-oriented economic reforms was initiated in many developing countries in early 1980s; and it intensified in 1990s. In 1991, Zimbabwe was assisted by the IMF to implement trade-policy reforms under Economic Structural Adjustment Programme (ESAP). After adopting ESAP, the country witnessed soaring balance-of-payment problems, contraction of output, unemployment and the loss of government revenue. A number of factors, which were at play resulted in dismal economic performance under ESAP. These factors still exist, in addition to inter alia weak economic policies, structural rigidities and weak institutions. However, notwithstanding this controversy, the country continuously opened its economy under Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), World Trade Organisation (WTO), Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) and bilateral agreements. It is against this background that this study is undertaken, in order to evaluate the impact of different trade-policy regimes on trade, welfare and revenue in Zimbabwe. This study used two models: World Integrated Trade Solutions/Software for Market Analysis and Restrictions on Trade (WITS/SMART) and Tariff Reform Impact Simulation Tool (TRIST). The WITS/SMART model was used because of its ability in analysing the tariff effect of a single market on disaggregated product lines. The model also has the capability to analyse the effects of trade-policy reforms in the presence of imperfect substitutes. In order to complement the WITS/SMART model, a TRIST model was also used. The use of the TRIST model enabled the study to evaluate the impact of trade reforms on VAT, excise duties, collected and statutory revenue – which the WITS/SMART model had overlooked. Using the WITS/SMART model, the study considered seven trade-liberalisation frameworks for Zimbabwe: full implementation of the SADC free trade agreement (FTA), SADC common external tariff (CET), COMESA CET, COMESA FTA, EPAs, BFTAs and WTO FTA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The influence of service performance measurement on service delivery: expectations of university students in Kenya
- Authors: Mbuthia, Lydia Muthoni
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Kenya -- Administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021064
- Description: The demand for university education has increased at a higher rate than the resources available for universities to offer the required services. In Kenya, the demand for university education has continued to rise with university enrolment increasing tremendously over the last four decades. This growth calls for an investigation to find out the impact of this expansion on service delivery in universities. Kenya has thirty-nine fully-fledged universities that have been accredited by the Commission for University Education (as at 31st March 2013). Twelve others are operating with interim letters of authority (ILO). This development has created competition amongst universities and, as a result, necessitated the development of strategies to ensure survival in this changing environment. The review of existing literature on this subject has established that service delivery is a service differentiator and therefore could be utilised by universities to gain a competitive advantage and therefore enhance their overall performances. Based on this background, this study sought to establish the influence of service performance measurement on service delivery in relation to the expectations of university students in Kenya. Secondary sources were used to formulate a theoretical model of the influence of service performance measurement on service delivery that guided this study. The theoretical model indicates that non-academic aspects, academic aspects, reputation, programme issues and access factors may influence service delivery at the university. These five dimensions were used in the study as the independent variables of service delivery at the university. The outcomes of service delivery at the university were identified as student expectations, student satisfaction, student loyalty and student retention in the theoretical model; these were treated as dependent variables. Hypotheses were formulated that proposed relationships between the independent variables and service delivery. Hypotheses in respect of relationships between service delivery and the outcomes were also developed. A quantitative research approach was adopted to empirically evaluate the relationships between service delivery and the variables in this study. Data for the study was collected through the use of a structured self-administered questionnaire that was distributed to 720 university students in Kenya. Six hundred and thirty useful survey responses were received from fifteen universities. The data collected was subjected to factor analysis and multiple regression analysis to test the hypothesised relationships between the variables and service delivery. Descriptive statistics were also obtained from the raw data. The findings of this study indicate that non-academic aspects, academic aspects and access factors have positive and significant influence on service delivery in Kenyan universities. The quality and adequacy of academic, entertainment and sports facilities together with increased accessibility to services by students are important factors that influence service delivery at a university. The university students would like to be treated with respect and courtesy by academic and administrative staff during these service encounters. The empirical results of the study also reveal that student perceptions of service delivery impacts positively on student expectations, student loyalty and student retention related to convenience as well as student retention related to quality assurance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mbuthia, Lydia Muthoni
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Kenya -- Administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021064
- Description: The demand for university education has increased at a higher rate than the resources available for universities to offer the required services. In Kenya, the demand for university education has continued to rise with university enrolment increasing tremendously over the last four decades. This growth calls for an investigation to find out the impact of this expansion on service delivery in universities. Kenya has thirty-nine fully-fledged universities that have been accredited by the Commission for University Education (as at 31st March 2013). Twelve others are operating with interim letters of authority (ILO). This development has created competition amongst universities and, as a result, necessitated the development of strategies to ensure survival in this changing environment. The review of existing literature on this subject has established that service delivery is a service differentiator and therefore could be utilised by universities to gain a competitive advantage and therefore enhance their overall performances. Based on this background, this study sought to establish the influence of service performance measurement on service delivery in relation to the expectations of university students in Kenya. Secondary sources were used to formulate a theoretical model of the influence of service performance measurement on service delivery that guided this study. The theoretical model indicates that non-academic aspects, academic aspects, reputation, programme issues and access factors may influence service delivery at the university. These five dimensions were used in the study as the independent variables of service delivery at the university. The outcomes of service delivery at the university were identified as student expectations, student satisfaction, student loyalty and student retention in the theoretical model; these were treated as dependent variables. Hypotheses were formulated that proposed relationships between the independent variables and service delivery. Hypotheses in respect of relationships between service delivery and the outcomes were also developed. A quantitative research approach was adopted to empirically evaluate the relationships between service delivery and the variables in this study. Data for the study was collected through the use of a structured self-administered questionnaire that was distributed to 720 university students in Kenya. Six hundred and thirty useful survey responses were received from fifteen universities. The data collected was subjected to factor analysis and multiple regression analysis to test the hypothesised relationships between the variables and service delivery. Descriptive statistics were also obtained from the raw data. The findings of this study indicate that non-academic aspects, academic aspects and access factors have positive and significant influence on service delivery in Kenyan universities. The quality and adequacy of academic, entertainment and sports facilities together with increased accessibility to services by students are important factors that influence service delivery at a university. The university students would like to be treated with respect and courtesy by academic and administrative staff during these service encounters. The empirical results of the study also reveal that student perceptions of service delivery impacts positively on student expectations, student loyalty and student retention related to convenience as well as student retention related to quality assurance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The interface between financial management and marketing management in South African businesses
- Authors: McLaren, Joseph Ignatius
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Marketing -- South Africa -- Management , Finance -- South Africa -- Management , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9331 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021111
- Description: This study investigates the interface between financial and marketing management in South African businesses by investigating the financial and marketing-management processes. This process orientation highlighted important interactions between the two functions. A critical analysis of secondary resources produced a clear theoretical foundation on which the development of the proposed interface framework was based. The critical literature analysis indicates four steps in the financial management process, namely, financial analysis, financial decision-making, financial planning and financial control (independent variables) and five steps in the marketing management process, namely, understanding the marketplace as well as customer needs and wants, designing a customer-driven marketing strategy, constructing an integrated marketing programme, building profitable relationships and capturing value from customers in the form of profits and customer equity. These steps were used to derive a proposed theoretical framework that shows how the steps in the financial-management process relate to those in the marketing-management process. The framework also indicates the perceptions of managers on the interface between the two functions. The perceptions on the interface include aspects such as the level of communication between the two departments, the understanding of each other‟s function and the flow of information between the two departments. From this framework, the six hypotheses were formulated to test the proposed relationships. The focus of the study is on the interface between financial management and marketing management; therefore, the population of this study comprised of financial and marketing managers in South Africa. The primary data relating to the interface between financial management and marketing management was acquired by means of an on-line web-based survey. Descriptive statistics was used to present, analyse and interpret the results of the data analysis. Various inferential statistical techniques (T-tests and chi-squared tests) were employed to determine whether respondents‟ perceptions of the items in the measuring instrument differed as result of whether they were employed in the finance or marketing sections of the business. Correlations (Pearson Product Moment correlations) were calculated for the purpose of investigating the relationships between the financial and marketing management variables used in this study. Factor analysis showed that financial management consisted of four factors that corresponded with the steps in the process, and marketing management produced five factors that related to the steps in the marketing management process. Lastly, statistical tests (MANOVA) were conducted to determine whether the perceptions of respondents, with regard to the financial and marketing management variables, were influenced by selected demographic variables. The results of the empirical study indicated positive relationships between all the variables in the framework. The marketing management factors, namely, mix and profit, reported the lowest correlations compared to the financial management factors. It was also found that financial and marketing managers had different perceptions of the steps in the financial-management process but that they did not have different views of the steps in the marketing-management process. Furthermore, financial and marketing managers had different opinions about the long-term perspective of the business as well as conflicting views with regard to the flow of information from finance to marketing. Financial managers were of the opinion that marketing managers did not understand financial methods and procedures and were unable to specify their requirements to finance. The proposed framework could be seen as the start of marketing theory development on finance interaction as it showed that interface relationships could be further explored.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: McLaren, Joseph Ignatius
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Marketing -- South Africa -- Management , Finance -- South Africa -- Management , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9331 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021111
- Description: This study investigates the interface between financial and marketing management in South African businesses by investigating the financial and marketing-management processes. This process orientation highlighted important interactions between the two functions. A critical analysis of secondary resources produced a clear theoretical foundation on which the development of the proposed interface framework was based. The critical literature analysis indicates four steps in the financial management process, namely, financial analysis, financial decision-making, financial planning and financial control (independent variables) and five steps in the marketing management process, namely, understanding the marketplace as well as customer needs and wants, designing a customer-driven marketing strategy, constructing an integrated marketing programme, building profitable relationships and capturing value from customers in the form of profits and customer equity. These steps were used to derive a proposed theoretical framework that shows how the steps in the financial-management process relate to those in the marketing-management process. The framework also indicates the perceptions of managers on the interface between the two functions. The perceptions on the interface include aspects such as the level of communication between the two departments, the understanding of each other‟s function and the flow of information between the two departments. From this framework, the six hypotheses were formulated to test the proposed relationships. The focus of the study is on the interface between financial management and marketing management; therefore, the population of this study comprised of financial and marketing managers in South Africa. The primary data relating to the interface between financial management and marketing management was acquired by means of an on-line web-based survey. Descriptive statistics was used to present, analyse and interpret the results of the data analysis. Various inferential statistical techniques (T-tests and chi-squared tests) were employed to determine whether respondents‟ perceptions of the items in the measuring instrument differed as result of whether they were employed in the finance or marketing sections of the business. Correlations (Pearson Product Moment correlations) were calculated for the purpose of investigating the relationships between the financial and marketing management variables used in this study. Factor analysis showed that financial management consisted of four factors that corresponded with the steps in the process, and marketing management produced five factors that related to the steps in the marketing management process. Lastly, statistical tests (MANOVA) were conducted to determine whether the perceptions of respondents, with regard to the financial and marketing management variables, were influenced by selected demographic variables. The results of the empirical study indicated positive relationships between all the variables in the framework. The marketing management factors, namely, mix and profit, reported the lowest correlations compared to the financial management factors. It was also found that financial and marketing managers had different perceptions of the steps in the financial-management process but that they did not have different views of the steps in the marketing-management process. Furthermore, financial and marketing managers had different opinions about the long-term perspective of the business as well as conflicting views with regard to the flow of information from finance to marketing. Financial managers were of the opinion that marketing managers did not understand financial methods and procedures and were unable to specify their requirements to finance. The proposed framework could be seen as the start of marketing theory development on finance interaction as it showed that interface relationships could be further explored.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Track-one diplomacy and post-conflict reconstruction : Kenya's mediation of Somali conflict and strategic intervention avenues
- Mwanika, Philip Arthur Njuguna
- Authors: Mwanika, Philip Arthur Njuguna
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Mediation -- Somalia , Mediation -- Kenya , Diplomacy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8338 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020628
- Description: This study focuses on the Kenyan mediation of the Somali conflict and strategic intervention engagement between 2002 and 2012. The core aim of the study was to establish and evaluate the role and effects of track-one diplomacy on conflict management and post-conflict reconstruction as pertains to the Somali conflict and on the basis of the Kenyan experience. A qualitative approach was followed in this study. It employed a descriptive, explanatory and analytical case-study method. The data were collected through interviews and documentary analysis. The twenty-two participants in the study were drawn from the Kenyan Foreign Ministry, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons (RECSA), the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC), the East African Standby Force Co-ordination Mechanism (EASFCOM), the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS), the African Peace Forum Organization (APFO), and selected respondents representing the Somali people. The documents comprised policy treatises, protocols, treaties, and communiqués highlighting the actions of the Kenyan government and other track-one actors in the Somali peace endeavour. Other scholarly research on official diplomacy, soft-power and conflict management by small States – in particular African case studies – were also utilised. The study revealed that Kenya’s diplomatic and stabilisation efforts had their own dynamics and challenges. This is especially so with regard to the preferred policy option of exercising diplomacy that utilises soft-power resources. This diplomacy had to contend with the challenges of dealing with sensitive aspects of the process. These sensitive aspects involved a recognition of and complicated engagement with the Somali conflict-constituencies, and a complex mapping of various actors and their respective interests. Contrary to the expected outcomes, interests and issues 17 proliferated, and the original peace-making agenda was consistently slowed down and complicated. The study also revealed that Kenya ought to have exercised a non-directive role in dealing with the different Somali conflict players. This role provides that such an “interested mediator” ought to exercise some considerable influence over the mediation environment. It also emerged from the study that as pertains to the current peace-making developments in Somalia that began in 2005 onwards to 2012, it is important that different intermediary co-operative roles be recognized and utilised. Towards this end, the study recommends that Kenya’s diplomacy should adopt a strategy of co-operation with those regional regimes that it helped to establish. A case in reference is the diplomatic opportunity of utilising regional arms control and disarmament diplomacy. This is Kenya’s intermediary co-operative role with RECSA, which is mandated to support arms control and disarmament implementation efforts in the East African region. The study also recommends that strategic foreign policy and regional actions by Kenya should be taken up given its new lease of engagement, noting that it was officially integrated into AMISOM in 2012. The study posited that in the ongoing engagement environment there would be a ‘revisiting’ of the experiences and complexities of the first phase of engagement (2002-2004). It is, therefore, recommended that Kenya should seize this opportunity and continue with its ‘facilitative and enabling role’ in its peace diplomacy, while utilising the lessons learnt in past engagements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mwanika, Philip Arthur Njuguna
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Mediation -- Somalia , Mediation -- Kenya , Diplomacy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8338 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020628
- Description: This study focuses on the Kenyan mediation of the Somali conflict and strategic intervention engagement between 2002 and 2012. The core aim of the study was to establish and evaluate the role and effects of track-one diplomacy on conflict management and post-conflict reconstruction as pertains to the Somali conflict and on the basis of the Kenyan experience. A qualitative approach was followed in this study. It employed a descriptive, explanatory and analytical case-study method. The data were collected through interviews and documentary analysis. The twenty-two participants in the study were drawn from the Kenyan Foreign Ministry, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), the Regional Centre on Small Arms and Light Weapons (RECSA), the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC), the East African Standby Force Co-ordination Mechanism (EASFCOM), the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), the United Nations Political Office for Somalia (UNPOS), the African Peace Forum Organization (APFO), and selected respondents representing the Somali people. The documents comprised policy treatises, protocols, treaties, and communiqués highlighting the actions of the Kenyan government and other track-one actors in the Somali peace endeavour. Other scholarly research on official diplomacy, soft-power and conflict management by small States – in particular African case studies – were also utilised. The study revealed that Kenya’s diplomatic and stabilisation efforts had their own dynamics and challenges. This is especially so with regard to the preferred policy option of exercising diplomacy that utilises soft-power resources. This diplomacy had to contend with the challenges of dealing with sensitive aspects of the process. These sensitive aspects involved a recognition of and complicated engagement with the Somali conflict-constituencies, and a complex mapping of various actors and their respective interests. Contrary to the expected outcomes, interests and issues 17 proliferated, and the original peace-making agenda was consistently slowed down and complicated. The study also revealed that Kenya ought to have exercised a non-directive role in dealing with the different Somali conflict players. This role provides that such an “interested mediator” ought to exercise some considerable influence over the mediation environment. It also emerged from the study that as pertains to the current peace-making developments in Somalia that began in 2005 onwards to 2012, it is important that different intermediary co-operative roles be recognized and utilised. Towards this end, the study recommends that Kenya’s diplomacy should adopt a strategy of co-operation with those regional regimes that it helped to establish. A case in reference is the diplomatic opportunity of utilising regional arms control and disarmament diplomacy. This is Kenya’s intermediary co-operative role with RECSA, which is mandated to support arms control and disarmament implementation efforts in the East African region. The study also recommends that strategic foreign policy and regional actions by Kenya should be taken up given its new lease of engagement, noting that it was officially integrated into AMISOM in 2012. The study posited that in the ongoing engagement environment there would be a ‘revisiting’ of the experiences and complexities of the first phase of engagement (2002-2004). It is, therefore, recommended that Kenya should seize this opportunity and continue with its ‘facilitative and enabling role’ in its peace diplomacy, while utilising the lessons learnt in past engagements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Valuation of internet-based businesses
- Authors: Krüger, Janine
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Electronic commerce , Internet marketing -- Evaluation , New business enterprises , Internet marketing , Retail trade -- Computer network resources , Teleshopping , Consumer behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9280 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008187 , Electronic commerce , Internet marketing -- Evaluation , New business enterprises , Internet marketing , Retail trade -- Computer network resources , Teleshopping , Consumer behavior
- Description: This study investigates the valuation of Internet-based businesses. In particular the influence of the implementation of an e-business strategy on the value of a business by focussing on its financial performance, will be determined. Although the valuation of businesses in general has been researched extensively, research on the valuation of Internet-based businesses produced contradictory findings. No consensus could be reached regarding the most appropriate valuation approach to be used. Some research findings indicated that the discounted cash flow approach was the most appropriate while others stipulated that a new valuation approach should be developed. Many authors state that the move to include an e-business strategy is natural, and that businesses cannot afford not to include some form of e-business strategy. Previous research has also shown that by including an e-business strategy, it is possible to improve efficiency of the business and ultimately increase profitability. However, there was no emphasis on how the e-business strategy will influence the business valuation. In order to establish whether an e-business strategy will create value for a business, an empirical investigation was undertaken.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Krüger, Janine
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Electronic commerce , Internet marketing -- Evaluation , New business enterprises , Internet marketing , Retail trade -- Computer network resources , Teleshopping , Consumer behavior
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9280 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008187 , Electronic commerce , Internet marketing -- Evaluation , New business enterprises , Internet marketing , Retail trade -- Computer network resources , Teleshopping , Consumer behavior
- Description: This study investigates the valuation of Internet-based businesses. In particular the influence of the implementation of an e-business strategy on the value of a business by focussing on its financial performance, will be determined. Although the valuation of businesses in general has been researched extensively, research on the valuation of Internet-based businesses produced contradictory findings. No consensus could be reached regarding the most appropriate valuation approach to be used. Some research findings indicated that the discounted cash flow approach was the most appropriate while others stipulated that a new valuation approach should be developed. Many authors state that the move to include an e-business strategy is natural, and that businesses cannot afford not to include some form of e-business strategy. Previous research has also shown that by including an e-business strategy, it is possible to improve efficiency of the business and ultimately increase profitability. However, there was no emphasis on how the e-business strategy will influence the business valuation. In order to establish whether an e-business strategy will create value for a business, an empirical investigation was undertaken.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A model to promote entrepreneurial competitiveness in the South African telecommunications sector
- Oberholzer, Stephanus Marius
- Authors: Oberholzer, Stephanus Marius
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Telecommunication -- Planning -- South Africa , Business planning -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8769 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012150 , Telecommunication -- Planning -- South Africa , Business planning -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship
- Description: The fast pace of technological advancements is a driver of change in the world. In telecommunications, advancements as well as sector transformation pose challenges to entrepreneurs to remain competitive. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the promotion of entrepreneurial competitiveness in the telecommunications sector in South Africa. In order to achieve this purpose, the objective was to develop and test a theoretical model to promote entrepreneurial competitiveness in this sector. The purpose of the study was that if the factors that influence entrepreneurial businesses in this sector can be identified and recommendations applied, the competitiveness of these businesses can be improved. The approach was as follows: 1. Identify the factors, in a literature review, in three areas related to this study, namely, Entrepreneurial Orientation, Telecommunications and Benchmarking; 2. Develop a conceptual theoretical model comprising these identified factors which formed the base for the data collection; 3. Develop a measuring instrument to empirically test the relationships described in the conceptual model; 4. Empirically test the proposed model and suggested hypotheses by means of sourcing data from entrepreneurs in the telecommunications sector in South Africa and thereafter statistically analyse the sourced data; 5. Formulate the final theoretical model to support the research objective and 6. Propose recommendations based on the results of the statistical analysis. The three areas of literature study analysed were Entrepreneurial Orientation which focused on the entrepreneur, the entrepreneurial process and the positioning of technological entrepreneurs in the sector. The telecommunications section included an overview of telecommunications from a global perspective followed by specific focus on the South African sector. The section on benchmarking covered business performance aspects together with measurement techniques and benchmarking institutions relevant to entrepreneurship and telecommunications businesses. Initially, the literature study delivered four intervening variables (Entrepreneurial Orientation, Opportunity Recognition, Resource Allocation and Strategic Positioning) which influence entrepreneurial competitiveness. Within these four intervening variables, twelve underlying independent variables were identified. All the variables were hypothesised as they were perceived significantly to influence the dependent variable, perceived to be entrepreneurial competitiveness in the telecommunications sector in South Africa. These factors, clearly defined and operationalised, were structured in a questionnaire which was sent to entrepreneurs in the telecommunications sector. A response rate of 37 percent was achieved. Data collected from 301 questionnaires were subjected to various statistical analysis techniques. Cronbach-alpha coefficients were calculated to confirm the validity and reliability of the measuring instrument that was tested whilst the latent variables were confirmed by exploratory factor analysis. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to test the hypothesised significance of the relationships between the variables. Due to the sample size limitation, the conceptual model could not be subjected to SEM as a whole and consequently two sub-models were identified and subjected to further analysis. The SEM results presented the factors influencing entrepreneurial competitiveness whereafter the final model was presented for this study. This study contributed to this specific field of knowledge as follows: 1. New literature contributions are made in the field of entrepreneurial competitiveness in a specific sector; 2. It is the first known research conducted into the promotion of entrepreneurial competitiveness in the telecommunications sector in South Africa; 3. A theoretical model was developed that can be used to promote entrepreneurial competitiveness in the sector and 4. It suggests recommendations on empirically tested factors that significantly influence entrepreneurial competitiveness. Additional knowledge has been gained through the identification and description of how the following individual factors significantly influence entrepreneurial competitiveness in this sector: Benchmarking; Entrepreneurial Mindset; Entrepreneurial Management; Entrepreneurial Orientation; Financial Resources; Infrastructural Change; Regulatory Alignment and Technological Entrepreneurship. The present study was conducted in a time frame where sector transformation is prevalent in South Africa. The current circumstances relating to sector transformation and infrastructural changes will not last forever. The theoretical model therefore is limited to the specific sector conditions in a specific time cycle. In conclusion, the model and managerial recommendations that are presented can act as a guideline for entrepreneurs to adopt in order to improve the competitiveness of their businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Oberholzer, Stephanus Marius
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Telecommunication -- Planning -- South Africa , Business planning -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8769 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012150 , Telecommunication -- Planning -- South Africa , Business planning -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship
- Description: The fast pace of technological advancements is a driver of change in the world. In telecommunications, advancements as well as sector transformation pose challenges to entrepreneurs to remain competitive. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the promotion of entrepreneurial competitiveness in the telecommunications sector in South Africa. In order to achieve this purpose, the objective was to develop and test a theoretical model to promote entrepreneurial competitiveness in this sector. The purpose of the study was that if the factors that influence entrepreneurial businesses in this sector can be identified and recommendations applied, the competitiveness of these businesses can be improved. The approach was as follows: 1. Identify the factors, in a literature review, in three areas related to this study, namely, Entrepreneurial Orientation, Telecommunications and Benchmarking; 2. Develop a conceptual theoretical model comprising these identified factors which formed the base for the data collection; 3. Develop a measuring instrument to empirically test the relationships described in the conceptual model; 4. Empirically test the proposed model and suggested hypotheses by means of sourcing data from entrepreneurs in the telecommunications sector in South Africa and thereafter statistically analyse the sourced data; 5. Formulate the final theoretical model to support the research objective and 6. Propose recommendations based on the results of the statistical analysis. The three areas of literature study analysed were Entrepreneurial Orientation which focused on the entrepreneur, the entrepreneurial process and the positioning of technological entrepreneurs in the sector. The telecommunications section included an overview of telecommunications from a global perspective followed by specific focus on the South African sector. The section on benchmarking covered business performance aspects together with measurement techniques and benchmarking institutions relevant to entrepreneurship and telecommunications businesses. Initially, the literature study delivered four intervening variables (Entrepreneurial Orientation, Opportunity Recognition, Resource Allocation and Strategic Positioning) which influence entrepreneurial competitiveness. Within these four intervening variables, twelve underlying independent variables were identified. All the variables were hypothesised as they were perceived significantly to influence the dependent variable, perceived to be entrepreneurial competitiveness in the telecommunications sector in South Africa. These factors, clearly defined and operationalised, were structured in a questionnaire which was sent to entrepreneurs in the telecommunications sector. A response rate of 37 percent was achieved. Data collected from 301 questionnaires were subjected to various statistical analysis techniques. Cronbach-alpha coefficients were calculated to confirm the validity and reliability of the measuring instrument that was tested whilst the latent variables were confirmed by exploratory factor analysis. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to test the hypothesised significance of the relationships between the variables. Due to the sample size limitation, the conceptual model could not be subjected to SEM as a whole and consequently two sub-models were identified and subjected to further analysis. The SEM results presented the factors influencing entrepreneurial competitiveness whereafter the final model was presented for this study. This study contributed to this specific field of knowledge as follows: 1. New literature contributions are made in the field of entrepreneurial competitiveness in a specific sector; 2. It is the first known research conducted into the promotion of entrepreneurial competitiveness in the telecommunications sector in South Africa; 3. A theoretical model was developed that can be used to promote entrepreneurial competitiveness in the sector and 4. It suggests recommendations on empirically tested factors that significantly influence entrepreneurial competitiveness. Additional knowledge has been gained through the identification and description of how the following individual factors significantly influence entrepreneurial competitiveness in this sector: Benchmarking; Entrepreneurial Mindset; Entrepreneurial Management; Entrepreneurial Orientation; Financial Resources; Infrastructural Change; Regulatory Alignment and Technological Entrepreneurship. The present study was conducted in a time frame where sector transformation is prevalent in South Africa. The current circumstances relating to sector transformation and infrastructural changes will not last forever. The theoretical model therefore is limited to the specific sector conditions in a specific time cycle. In conclusion, the model and managerial recommendations that are presented can act as a guideline for entrepreneurs to adopt in order to improve the competitiveness of their businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A performance management model for universities in Uganda
- Authors: Karuhanga, Bernadette Nambi
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Performance standards -- Uganda , Universities and colleges -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6717 , vital:21138
- Description: As far as could be established, no empirical study had been conducted with the aim of designing a performance management model for systematically managing institutional performance at public universities in Uganda. The purpose of this study therefore, was to develop an institutional performance management model for universities in Uganda. This was achieved by establishing: the extent to which public universities in Uganda implemented institutional performance management, the challenges impacting institutional performance management implementation in universities in Uganda, how public universities could ensure effective institutional performance management implementation, the various measures of institutional performance that are applicable to universities in Uganda and the key components of the institutional performance management model that could be adopted by universities in Uganda in managing institutional performance. A mixed methods approach was adopted, applying both the qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Phenomenology and cross sectional survey strategies were adopted. Interviews were conducted with purposively selected top administrators of a selected public university and the results informed the survey questionnaire. This instrument was later administered to academic staff in four public universities using a disproportionate stratified random sampling technique. The findings revealed that strategic planning in public universities in Uganda does exist and it is aimed at achieving quality. Despite the existence of strategic planning, academic staff are uncertain about a number of issues related to strategic planning. Respondents generally disagreed that: performance management training is continuously provided to managers and staff, they have an effective performance management system and a formal process exists for units to provide feedback on the attainment of goals. Among the challenges impacting performance management implementation in universities in Uganda was: (i) Lack of a formal performance management environment; (ii) Limited employee engagement/communication problems; (iii) Institutional systems and structural challenges; (iv) Institutional governance challenges. The identified factors for the successful implementation of institutional performance management were categorised into four groups namely: (i) A performance framework, performance culture and employee support; (ii) An individual performance management system; (iii) Alignment; (iv) SMART goal setting. The study established that performance measures for public universities in Uganda could be categorised into five categories namely: (i) Leadership practices, infrastructure and academic profile; (ii) Accountability; (iii) Involvement with external stakeholders; (iv) Information and knowledge transfer; (v) Strategic implementation. Finally, the proposed performance management model consisted of three phases namely: (i) Designing the strategy; (ii) Implementation of the strategy; (iii) Evaluating rewarding and improving performance. University managers should pay close attention to the identified challenges while ensuring that the factors that facilitate successful performance management implementation are in place. The measures identified by this study could be used by policy makers and universities to determine the extent of performance of the various universities, not only in Uganda but also in sub-Saharan Africa and the proposed model could be adopted by universities in Uganda as well as by all institutions of higher learning during institutional performance management implementation. Ultimately, the success of the implementation process is vested fully in the commitment and willingness of management and the employees to participate in the entire process right from the design stage to the evaluation stage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Karuhanga, Bernadette Nambi
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Performance standards -- Uganda , Universities and colleges -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6717 , vital:21138
- Description: As far as could be established, no empirical study had been conducted with the aim of designing a performance management model for systematically managing institutional performance at public universities in Uganda. The purpose of this study therefore, was to develop an institutional performance management model for universities in Uganda. This was achieved by establishing: the extent to which public universities in Uganda implemented institutional performance management, the challenges impacting institutional performance management implementation in universities in Uganda, how public universities could ensure effective institutional performance management implementation, the various measures of institutional performance that are applicable to universities in Uganda and the key components of the institutional performance management model that could be adopted by universities in Uganda in managing institutional performance. A mixed methods approach was adopted, applying both the qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Phenomenology and cross sectional survey strategies were adopted. Interviews were conducted with purposively selected top administrators of a selected public university and the results informed the survey questionnaire. This instrument was later administered to academic staff in four public universities using a disproportionate stratified random sampling technique. The findings revealed that strategic planning in public universities in Uganda does exist and it is aimed at achieving quality. Despite the existence of strategic planning, academic staff are uncertain about a number of issues related to strategic planning. Respondents generally disagreed that: performance management training is continuously provided to managers and staff, they have an effective performance management system and a formal process exists for units to provide feedback on the attainment of goals. Among the challenges impacting performance management implementation in universities in Uganda was: (i) Lack of a formal performance management environment; (ii) Limited employee engagement/communication problems; (iii) Institutional systems and structural challenges; (iv) Institutional governance challenges. The identified factors for the successful implementation of institutional performance management were categorised into four groups namely: (i) A performance framework, performance culture and employee support; (ii) An individual performance management system; (iii) Alignment; (iv) SMART goal setting. The study established that performance measures for public universities in Uganda could be categorised into five categories namely: (i) Leadership practices, infrastructure and academic profile; (ii) Accountability; (iii) Involvement with external stakeholders; (iv) Information and knowledge transfer; (v) Strategic implementation. Finally, the proposed performance management model consisted of three phases namely: (i) Designing the strategy; (ii) Implementation of the strategy; (iii) Evaluating rewarding and improving performance. University managers should pay close attention to the identified challenges while ensuring that the factors that facilitate successful performance management implementation are in place. The measures identified by this study could be used by policy makers and universities to determine the extent of performance of the various universities, not only in Uganda but also in sub-Saharan Africa and the proposed model could be adopted by universities in Uganda as well as by all institutions of higher learning during institutional performance management implementation. Ultimately, the success of the implementation process is vested fully in the commitment and willingness of management and the employees to participate in the entire process right from the design stage to the evaluation stage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An estimate of the cost of electricity outages in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Kaseke, Nyasa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Electric power failures -- Zimbabwe , Electric utilities
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: vital:8997 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011119 , Electric power failures -- Zimbabwe , Electric utilities
- Description: This thesis estimates the cost of electricity outages in Zimbabwe for the year 2009. Much reference is made to government, the power utility - Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) and other countries in the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), also experiencing electricity outages. An electricity outage is a complete loss of power supply to an area. An outage may result from planned or unplanned load shedding or faults. Load shedding is accelerated by power supply shortages. The shortages are experienced during peak demand times. In 2009, Zimbabwe’s peak demand was about 1574MW. ZESA had the capacity to supply 1080MW and imported 100MW (guaranteed from Mozambique), leaving a shortfall of 394MW. This shortfall is worsened by transmission losses (about 108MW) and consumption by ZESA properties (about 200MW) bringng down the supply to customers of about 700MW. The supply shortage is the result of a lack of investment in the power sector by government for expanded generation capacity, incorrect pricing, droughts, internal conflicts, skills flight, government energy sector regulation, vandalism of equipment and under supply of coal to thermal power stations. Consumers in all sectors are experiencing power outage incidences of different duration. The severity of the inconvenience depends on the load shedding time table, preferences of the power utility and arrangements that can be made with the utility. Power outages negatively affect (and result in cost to) the productive sectors (industry, mining and farming) and households. The main objective of the thesis is to estimate the cost of power outages to the sectors. Sub-objectives of the study include: to identify the main features of power crisis in Zimbabwe and government response to it with a regional power generated setting; to formulate a model that clearly identifies the different cost components of power outages in Zimbabwe; to identify appropriate methods by which to estimate these cost components; to estimate the cost of power outages to the productive sectors (mining, agriculture and industrial) and households of Zimbabwe; to critically analyse the credibility of these estimates, and to consider the saving of the costs of outages achieved through increased investment in generating capacity in Zimbabwe. ZESA undertook reforms (institutional and tariff) in order to improve management efficiencies and supply. It was divided into five entities resulting in management and financial improvement, but its reform of tariffs has been stiffled by subsidies and price regulations. ZESA adopted the cost plus rate of return pricing strategy in 2004 but regulation kept the tariff below cost. The regulation is pro-poor in aim but it encourages wasteful consumption. Similar supply shortages are affecting the whole SAPP group. The power pool load shed 758MW in 2009. In Zimbabwe alone load shedding was 315MW. In an attempt to solve the problem, member utilities engage in bilateral contacts and short-term trading through Short Term Energy Markets (STEM). A number of Southern African countries have to load shed - the average frequency being three to five (3-5) times per week for the region. A number of studies have been carried out by different scholars attempting to assess the impact and cost of outages. The general conclusion is that power outages cause significant costs to consumers, both direct and indirect. From a global perspective, the increase in the quality of electricity supplied has fallen behind the increase in quantity demanded, causing an increase of incidence in power outages. An analysis of Sub-Saharan Africa shows that the causes of supply shortages are natural (drought), oil price shocks, conflict and the lack of investment in generation capacity. This generates two outage cost estimates – a direct cost (welfare loss) and indirect cost (backup cost). The sum of these estimates is the total outage cost. The direct cost estimate is based on direct loss incurred during the power outages - lost production, lost materials, and lost time or leisure. In order to derive an estimated direct cost, it is necessary to obtain an accurate respondent self-assessment, which, in turn depends on the keeping of good records of hours of outages and losses incurred during outage times. The estimated indirect cost (backup cost) is derived from the cost of investment in backup sources and running of these sources as a mitigating measure during a power outage. The expected gain from self-generated kWh is assumed to be equal to the expected loss from the marginal kWh electricity not supplied by the utility (the outage). The annualised capital cost of backup source plus the variable cost of generating electricity by the backup source are another element of the cost of power outages. The prices of backup sources were obtained from the two leading retailers, Tendo Power and Ellis Electronics. To the extent that the captive generation includes investment in emergency or optional plant (as part of normal production infrastructure), it may overestimate cost.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kaseke, Nyasa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Electric power failures -- Zimbabwe , Electric utilities
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DCom
- Identifier: vital:8997 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011119 , Electric power failures -- Zimbabwe , Electric utilities
- Description: This thesis estimates the cost of electricity outages in Zimbabwe for the year 2009. Much reference is made to government, the power utility - Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) and other countries in the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), also experiencing electricity outages. An electricity outage is a complete loss of power supply to an area. An outage may result from planned or unplanned load shedding or faults. Load shedding is accelerated by power supply shortages. The shortages are experienced during peak demand times. In 2009, Zimbabwe’s peak demand was about 1574MW. ZESA had the capacity to supply 1080MW and imported 100MW (guaranteed from Mozambique), leaving a shortfall of 394MW. This shortfall is worsened by transmission losses (about 108MW) and consumption by ZESA properties (about 200MW) bringng down the supply to customers of about 700MW. The supply shortage is the result of a lack of investment in the power sector by government for expanded generation capacity, incorrect pricing, droughts, internal conflicts, skills flight, government energy sector regulation, vandalism of equipment and under supply of coal to thermal power stations. Consumers in all sectors are experiencing power outage incidences of different duration. The severity of the inconvenience depends on the load shedding time table, preferences of the power utility and arrangements that can be made with the utility. Power outages negatively affect (and result in cost to) the productive sectors (industry, mining and farming) and households. The main objective of the thesis is to estimate the cost of power outages to the sectors. Sub-objectives of the study include: to identify the main features of power crisis in Zimbabwe and government response to it with a regional power generated setting; to formulate a model that clearly identifies the different cost components of power outages in Zimbabwe; to identify appropriate methods by which to estimate these cost components; to estimate the cost of power outages to the productive sectors (mining, agriculture and industrial) and households of Zimbabwe; to critically analyse the credibility of these estimates, and to consider the saving of the costs of outages achieved through increased investment in generating capacity in Zimbabwe. ZESA undertook reforms (institutional and tariff) in order to improve management efficiencies and supply. It was divided into five entities resulting in management and financial improvement, but its reform of tariffs has been stiffled by subsidies and price regulations. ZESA adopted the cost plus rate of return pricing strategy in 2004 but regulation kept the tariff below cost. The regulation is pro-poor in aim but it encourages wasteful consumption. Similar supply shortages are affecting the whole SAPP group. The power pool load shed 758MW in 2009. In Zimbabwe alone load shedding was 315MW. In an attempt to solve the problem, member utilities engage in bilateral contacts and short-term trading through Short Term Energy Markets (STEM). A number of Southern African countries have to load shed - the average frequency being three to five (3-5) times per week for the region. A number of studies have been carried out by different scholars attempting to assess the impact and cost of outages. The general conclusion is that power outages cause significant costs to consumers, both direct and indirect. From a global perspective, the increase in the quality of electricity supplied has fallen behind the increase in quantity demanded, causing an increase of incidence in power outages. An analysis of Sub-Saharan Africa shows that the causes of supply shortages are natural (drought), oil price shocks, conflict and the lack of investment in generation capacity. This generates two outage cost estimates – a direct cost (welfare loss) and indirect cost (backup cost). The sum of these estimates is the total outage cost. The direct cost estimate is based on direct loss incurred during the power outages - lost production, lost materials, and lost time or leisure. In order to derive an estimated direct cost, it is necessary to obtain an accurate respondent self-assessment, which, in turn depends on the keeping of good records of hours of outages and losses incurred during outage times. The estimated indirect cost (backup cost) is derived from the cost of investment in backup sources and running of these sources as a mitigating measure during a power outage. The expected gain from self-generated kWh is assumed to be equal to the expected loss from the marginal kWh electricity not supplied by the utility (the outage). The annualised capital cost of backup source plus the variable cost of generating electricity by the backup source are another element of the cost of power outages. The prices of backup sources were obtained from the two leading retailers, Tendo Power and Ellis Electronics. To the extent that the captive generation includes investment in emergency or optional plant (as part of normal production infrastructure), it may overestimate cost.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An evaluation of the implementation of decentralization of the World Bank's operations of poverty reduction in Uganda
- Okiria-Ofwono Jacqueline Jane
- Authors: Okiria-Ofwono Jacqueline Jane
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Decentralization in government -- Uganda , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Sustainable development -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty – Uganda -- International cooperation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9105 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012605 , Decentralization in government -- Uganda , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Sustainable development -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty – Uganda -- International cooperation
- Description: Continued debates on economic development, poverty eradication and the growing skeptism concerning the paradigms proposed through many decades, has led to a continued search for a paradigm that would, finally, resolve the issue of pervasive poverty in the Sub-Saharan Africa. Having implemented decentralization within government entities without any significant contribution to poverty eradication, the focus has now turned to the development agencies themselves. What are the inefficiencies in these agencies which if addressed might enable them deliver development aid more efficiently thus, providing more resources for development from being lost in the attrition of overheads? It is, therefore, argued that decentralization of development agencies will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of IFIs in delivering development aid. At the same time, decentralization reforms have been proposed as a response to the failures of highly centralized states (or organizations in this case). Empirical evidence, strongly, suggests that physical proximity and more "face-time", promotes better results-on-the-ground, delivered by staff who are better attuned to local conditions and have a better understanding of the client and their development agenda. But, will decentralization alone solve the issue of pervasive poverty? This research recognises that the factors affecting poverty are diverse and intricate and isolating just one part of the puzzle is not enough. Nevertheless, it is argues that decentralization, has a positive impact on poverty reduction thus, this study presents both practical and theoretical considerations from which policy measures can be derived. This thesis focused on establishing how the World Bank, changed its strategies through the implementation of decentralization of its operations as proposed in the ‗Strategic Compact‘, renewed the way it worked in order to maintain its relevance in the development world. The World Bank President, James Wolfensohn, proposed the Compact as a solution to the organization‘s self diagnosis that it was in distress, in a state of possible decline and was not fulfilling its mission of poverty eradication. This research, using Uganda Country Office as a case study, undertook, mainly, a qualitative review of the overall strategy of decentralization and its implementation organization wide and specifically, in Uganda. The research examined how the implementation of the strategy impacted on poverty trends in Uganda. This research found that the decentralization strategy was, fundamentally, the right one to deliver better results of the Bank‘s mission of ‗fighting poverty for lasting results‘ and its vision of ‗A World Free of Poverty‘. Contrary to the popular notion that the World Bank has been, largely ineffective in the delivery of its mission and its decentralization strategy just another one of its 'shams‘, this research established that the implementation of the strategy, although not having a direct or causal relationship, did have positive impact on poverty alleviation in Uganda. This study, therefore, makes a case for decentralization of donor organizations as a means of better delivery of the poverty eradication agenda in the developing world. The benefits though hard to measure in monetary terms are, nevertheless, real in terms of faster and better quality engagement with the clients which in turn, result into better delivery of services and programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Okiria-Ofwono Jacqueline Jane
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Decentralization in government -- Uganda , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Sustainable development -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty – Uganda -- International cooperation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9105 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012605 , Decentralization in government -- Uganda , Poverty -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Sustainable development -- Africa, Sub-Saharan , Poverty – Uganda -- International cooperation
- Description: Continued debates on economic development, poverty eradication and the growing skeptism concerning the paradigms proposed through many decades, has led to a continued search for a paradigm that would, finally, resolve the issue of pervasive poverty in the Sub-Saharan Africa. Having implemented decentralization within government entities without any significant contribution to poverty eradication, the focus has now turned to the development agencies themselves. What are the inefficiencies in these agencies which if addressed might enable them deliver development aid more efficiently thus, providing more resources for development from being lost in the attrition of overheads? It is, therefore, argued that decentralization of development agencies will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of IFIs in delivering development aid. At the same time, decentralization reforms have been proposed as a response to the failures of highly centralized states (or organizations in this case). Empirical evidence, strongly, suggests that physical proximity and more "face-time", promotes better results-on-the-ground, delivered by staff who are better attuned to local conditions and have a better understanding of the client and their development agenda. But, will decentralization alone solve the issue of pervasive poverty? This research recognises that the factors affecting poverty are diverse and intricate and isolating just one part of the puzzle is not enough. Nevertheless, it is argues that decentralization, has a positive impact on poverty reduction thus, this study presents both practical and theoretical considerations from which policy measures can be derived. This thesis focused on establishing how the World Bank, changed its strategies through the implementation of decentralization of its operations as proposed in the ‗Strategic Compact‘, renewed the way it worked in order to maintain its relevance in the development world. The World Bank President, James Wolfensohn, proposed the Compact as a solution to the organization‘s self diagnosis that it was in distress, in a state of possible decline and was not fulfilling its mission of poverty eradication. This research, using Uganda Country Office as a case study, undertook, mainly, a qualitative review of the overall strategy of decentralization and its implementation organization wide and specifically, in Uganda. The research examined how the implementation of the strategy impacted on poverty trends in Uganda. This research found that the decentralization strategy was, fundamentally, the right one to deliver better results of the Bank‘s mission of ‗fighting poverty for lasting results‘ and its vision of ‗A World Free of Poverty‘. Contrary to the popular notion that the World Bank has been, largely ineffective in the delivery of its mission and its decentralization strategy just another one of its 'shams‘, this research established that the implementation of the strategy, although not having a direct or causal relationship, did have positive impact on poverty alleviation in Uganda. This study, therefore, makes a case for decentralization of donor organizations as a means of better delivery of the poverty eradication agenda in the developing world. The benefits though hard to measure in monetary terms are, nevertheless, real in terms of faster and better quality engagement with the clients which in turn, result into better delivery of services and programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Best practices to create an enabling environment for SME incubation in South Africa
- Authors: Dames, Ricardo Shane
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Business incubators -- South Africa , New business enterprises -- South Africa , Small businesses -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:9301 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015031
- Description: The humble beginnings of business incubators date back to the 1970s in the USA and United Kingdom, where abandoned industrial buildings were converted to rent out to small businesses. South Africa (SA) was first introduced to business incubation in the 1980s when the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) established a number of business ‘hives’ and provided business space to entrepreneurs to operate their businesses. In their most basic form, business incubators provide a safe and nurturing environment for entrepreneurs to establish their small businesses. While in incubation, the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are supported with a number of services which assist their growth and development until they are able to exit the incubator as sustainable and viable businesses. Global incubator models have matured significantly, and now include assisting with business idea generation, accelerating business start-ups and commercialisation processes, and identifying high-growth orientated SMEs to assist them with gaining market access. The establishment of business incubators was a government-driven initiative, and more than 33 SME incubators exist in SA. Most of the incubators are government-funded, and have focused on the establishment and growth of SMEs to act as a catalyst to promote economic development and alleviate socio-economic challenges such as unemployment and poverty. Despite these noble objectives, incubation in SA has not been fully utilised, and a high SME failure rate still prevails in the country. One of the reasons for SME failure may be ascribed to the lack of an enabling SME incubation environment in SA. When compared to other developing countries such as Brazil with as many as 400 incubators, it is clear that the SA incubation industry still needs further development. The purpose of this study therefore was to ascertain the best practices of global business incubators in both developed and developing countries, and how SA incubators could learn from these best practices to create a more conducive and enabling SME incubation environment. Background literature on business incubation with a specific focus on best practices in world incubators in both developed and developing countries, was reviewed. Some of the literature reviewed included Aernoudt (2004), Buys and Mbewana (2007) and Chandra (2009). From the literature review, four main best practice areas were identified, namely strategic focus, sources of funding, incubator services, and the role of government. The study followed a qualitative approach, and an interview schedule was developed to seek the perceptions of incubator managers on how the four identified best practices can be utilised to create an enabling SA incubation environment. A survey was conducted by interviewing 14 incubator managers (twelve government and two private) in SA. Data was collected over a six-month period, using face-to-face and telephonic interviews. Data was analysed using the content analysis, constant comparison, grounded theory and case study methods. The biographical profiles of the incubator managers and incubators were presented in case studies. An initial analysis was made to identify themes and sub themes within the four best practices explored, using the constant comparison method. Thereafter a provincial comparative analysis was made, as well as a comparison of government funded versus privately funded incubators. The findings suggested that there is a relatively high turnover in incubator management, and that they often do not have incubator management experience. A provincial comparison of SA incubators revealed that their strategic focuses are greatly influenced by the industry prevailing in the various provinces. All SA incubators provide pre- and post incubation services, but few are utilising virtual incubation. Most SA incubators are government-funded, and some use a hybrid funding model. It was evident that most SA incubators are aware of government policies and programmes available to assist them on local, provincial and national levels. A comparison of the best practices of two developing countries and three developed countries, as well as suggestions made by SA incubator managers indicated that SA has indeed followed best practices from both developing and developed countries, but there are areas of non-alignment which provide scope for improvement, to create a more conducive and enabling incubation environment. This study recommends that incubators should have an entrepreneurial focus, and reposition and align their strategic focus with government policies and instruments. SA incubators must pursue opportunities for virtual incubation as well as linkages with academic institutions, in order to offer value-added services such as research, development and commercialisation of the product ideas. Incubators in SA must pursue a hybrid funding model with a combination of government and private funding, and generate some or their own income. With regard to the role of government, it is recommended that the roll-out of more industry-specific incubators be privatised, and that an overseeing body for incubation be established.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Dames, Ricardo Shane
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Business incubators -- South Africa , New business enterprises -- South Africa , Small businesses -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:9301 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015031
- Description: The humble beginnings of business incubators date back to the 1970s in the USA and United Kingdom, where abandoned industrial buildings were converted to rent out to small businesses. South Africa (SA) was first introduced to business incubation in the 1980s when the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) established a number of business ‘hives’ and provided business space to entrepreneurs to operate their businesses. In their most basic form, business incubators provide a safe and nurturing environment for entrepreneurs to establish their small businesses. While in incubation, the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are supported with a number of services which assist their growth and development until they are able to exit the incubator as sustainable and viable businesses. Global incubator models have matured significantly, and now include assisting with business idea generation, accelerating business start-ups and commercialisation processes, and identifying high-growth orientated SMEs to assist them with gaining market access. The establishment of business incubators was a government-driven initiative, and more than 33 SME incubators exist in SA. Most of the incubators are government-funded, and have focused on the establishment and growth of SMEs to act as a catalyst to promote economic development and alleviate socio-economic challenges such as unemployment and poverty. Despite these noble objectives, incubation in SA has not been fully utilised, and a high SME failure rate still prevails in the country. One of the reasons for SME failure may be ascribed to the lack of an enabling SME incubation environment in SA. When compared to other developing countries such as Brazil with as many as 400 incubators, it is clear that the SA incubation industry still needs further development. The purpose of this study therefore was to ascertain the best practices of global business incubators in both developed and developing countries, and how SA incubators could learn from these best practices to create a more conducive and enabling SME incubation environment. Background literature on business incubation with a specific focus on best practices in world incubators in both developed and developing countries, was reviewed. Some of the literature reviewed included Aernoudt (2004), Buys and Mbewana (2007) and Chandra (2009). From the literature review, four main best practice areas were identified, namely strategic focus, sources of funding, incubator services, and the role of government. The study followed a qualitative approach, and an interview schedule was developed to seek the perceptions of incubator managers on how the four identified best practices can be utilised to create an enabling SA incubation environment. A survey was conducted by interviewing 14 incubator managers (twelve government and two private) in SA. Data was collected over a six-month period, using face-to-face and telephonic interviews. Data was analysed using the content analysis, constant comparison, grounded theory and case study methods. The biographical profiles of the incubator managers and incubators were presented in case studies. An initial analysis was made to identify themes and sub themes within the four best practices explored, using the constant comparison method. Thereafter a provincial comparative analysis was made, as well as a comparison of government funded versus privately funded incubators. The findings suggested that there is a relatively high turnover in incubator management, and that they often do not have incubator management experience. A provincial comparison of SA incubators revealed that their strategic focuses are greatly influenced by the industry prevailing in the various provinces. All SA incubators provide pre- and post incubation services, but few are utilising virtual incubation. Most SA incubators are government-funded, and some use a hybrid funding model. It was evident that most SA incubators are aware of government policies and programmes available to assist them on local, provincial and national levels. A comparison of the best practices of two developing countries and three developed countries, as well as suggestions made by SA incubator managers indicated that SA has indeed followed best practices from both developing and developed countries, but there are areas of non-alignment which provide scope for improvement, to create a more conducive and enabling incubation environment. This study recommends that incubators should have an entrepreneurial focus, and reposition and align their strategic focus with government policies and instruments. SA incubators must pursue opportunities for virtual incubation as well as linkages with academic institutions, in order to offer value-added services such as research, development and commercialisation of the product ideas. Incubators in SA must pursue a hybrid funding model with a combination of government and private funding, and generate some or their own income. With regard to the role of government, it is recommended that the roll-out of more industry-specific incubators be privatised, and that an overseeing body for incubation be established.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Corporate social responsibility: a competitive strategy for small and medium-sized enterprises in Uganda
- Authors: Turyakira, Peter
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Competition , Social responsibility of business -- Uganda , Corporate culture -- Uganda , Corporations -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9295 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012648 , Competition , Social responsibility of business -- Uganda , Corporate culture -- Uganda , Corporations -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Description: In view of the important role small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) universally play as the backbone of national economies and the survival and competitiveness challenges that they face, the purpose of this study was to develop specific models of corporate social responsibility (CSR) for SMEs in Uganda as an avenue to enhance their competitiveness and foster economic development. The primary objective was to gain insight into the deployment of CSR in SMEs, including investigating CSR factors and their potential impact on competitiveness. This study integrates previous findings and theories on CSR activities and SMEs‟ competitiveness into a comprehensive hypothesised model. A comprehensive literature study revealed potential factors that could influence the Increased competitiveness of SMEs in Uganda. Four independent variables (Workforce-oriented, Society-oriented, Market-oriented and Environmental-oriented CSR activities) and three mediating variables (Employee satisfaction, Business reputation and Customer loyalty) were identified as variables influencing the Increased competitiveness (dependent variable) of SMEs. Independent variables were categorised as CSR factors while mediating and dependent variables were categorised as outcomes factors. Furthermore, hypotheses were formulated for possible relationships between the independent, mediating and dependent variables. All the variables in the study were clearly defined and operationalised. Reliable and valid items sourced from various measuring instruments used in other similar studies, were used in the operationalisation of these variables. Furthermore, several items were generated from secondary sources. A structured self-administered questionnaire was made available to respondents identified using the stratified and purposive sampling techniques, and the data collected from 383 usable questionnaires was subjected to several statistical analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument was ascertained using an exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach-alpha coefficients respectively. An exploratory factor analysis using SPSS 18 for Windows was conducted to identify the unique factors available in the data before applying structural equation modelling (SEM). The data were categorised into models of independent variables (CSR factors) and the mediating variables (Outcomes factors). The items measuring Market-oriented CSR activities and Workforce-oriented CSR activities loaded as expected. The items measuring Environmental-oriented CSR activities loaded onto two separate factors which were renamed Environmental-oriented CSR activities and Regulated CSR activities. One of the items originally expected to measure the construct Society-oriented CSR activities loaded onto Environmental-oriented CSR activities, leaving three items which loaded together onto the Society-oriented CSR activities factor. Four factors constituted the outcomes submodel, namely Customer loyalty, Stakeholder trust, Business reputation, and Employee satisfaction. In this study, SEM was the main statistical procedure used to test the significance of the relationships hypothesised between the various independent and dependent variables. Owing to the sample size limitations, the hypothesised model could not be subjected to SEM as a whole. Consequently, six sub-models were identified and subjected to further analysis. The following independent variables were identified as influencing the dependent variables in this study: Workforce-oriented CSR activities, Society-oriented CSR activities, Market-oriented CSR activities, Environmental-oriented CSR activities, Regulated CSR activities. To establish the influence of the various demographic variables on the mediating and dependent variables, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) analysis were conducted. The respondent‟s position/title in the business, form of enterprise, branch/sector of business, level of education, and the size of business were found to have an influence on the mediating and dependent variables of this study. This study has therefore added to the underdeveloped body of business research in Uganda by investigating a particularly limited segment of the literature, namely SMEs. The study has also identified and developed various models that explain the most significant CSR factors that influence the competitiveness of SMEs. Consequently, this study has put forward several recommendations and suggestions that can enhance the competitiveness of SMEs locally and globally. Further research is encouraged on action-oriented areas such as: the success of different policies and techniques to increase the uptake of CSR amongst SMEs; the economic, social and environmental impact of CSR at sector level; and a typology of SMEs with regard to their engagement in CSR.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Turyakira, Peter
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Competition , Social responsibility of business -- Uganda , Corporate culture -- Uganda , Corporations -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:9295 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012648 , Competition , Social responsibility of business -- Uganda , Corporate culture -- Uganda , Corporations -- Moral and ethical aspects
- Description: In view of the important role small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) universally play as the backbone of national economies and the survival and competitiveness challenges that they face, the purpose of this study was to develop specific models of corporate social responsibility (CSR) for SMEs in Uganda as an avenue to enhance their competitiveness and foster economic development. The primary objective was to gain insight into the deployment of CSR in SMEs, including investigating CSR factors and their potential impact on competitiveness. This study integrates previous findings and theories on CSR activities and SMEs‟ competitiveness into a comprehensive hypothesised model. A comprehensive literature study revealed potential factors that could influence the Increased competitiveness of SMEs in Uganda. Four independent variables (Workforce-oriented, Society-oriented, Market-oriented and Environmental-oriented CSR activities) and three mediating variables (Employee satisfaction, Business reputation and Customer loyalty) were identified as variables influencing the Increased competitiveness (dependent variable) of SMEs. Independent variables were categorised as CSR factors while mediating and dependent variables were categorised as outcomes factors. Furthermore, hypotheses were formulated for possible relationships between the independent, mediating and dependent variables. All the variables in the study were clearly defined and operationalised. Reliable and valid items sourced from various measuring instruments used in other similar studies, were used in the operationalisation of these variables. Furthermore, several items were generated from secondary sources. A structured self-administered questionnaire was made available to respondents identified using the stratified and purposive sampling techniques, and the data collected from 383 usable questionnaires was subjected to several statistical analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument was ascertained using an exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach-alpha coefficients respectively. An exploratory factor analysis using SPSS 18 for Windows was conducted to identify the unique factors available in the data before applying structural equation modelling (SEM). The data were categorised into models of independent variables (CSR factors) and the mediating variables (Outcomes factors). The items measuring Market-oriented CSR activities and Workforce-oriented CSR activities loaded as expected. The items measuring Environmental-oriented CSR activities loaded onto two separate factors which were renamed Environmental-oriented CSR activities and Regulated CSR activities. One of the items originally expected to measure the construct Society-oriented CSR activities loaded onto Environmental-oriented CSR activities, leaving three items which loaded together onto the Society-oriented CSR activities factor. Four factors constituted the outcomes submodel, namely Customer loyalty, Stakeholder trust, Business reputation, and Employee satisfaction. In this study, SEM was the main statistical procedure used to test the significance of the relationships hypothesised between the various independent and dependent variables. Owing to the sample size limitations, the hypothesised model could not be subjected to SEM as a whole. Consequently, six sub-models were identified and subjected to further analysis. The following independent variables were identified as influencing the dependent variables in this study: Workforce-oriented CSR activities, Society-oriented CSR activities, Market-oriented CSR activities, Environmental-oriented CSR activities, Regulated CSR activities. To establish the influence of the various demographic variables on the mediating and dependent variables, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) analysis were conducted. The respondent‟s position/title in the business, form of enterprise, branch/sector of business, level of education, and the size of business were found to have an influence on the mediating and dependent variables of this study. This study has therefore added to the underdeveloped body of business research in Uganda by investigating a particularly limited segment of the literature, namely SMEs. The study has also identified and developed various models that explain the most significant CSR factors that influence the competitiveness of SMEs. Consequently, this study has put forward several recommendations and suggestions that can enhance the competitiveness of SMEs locally and globally. Further research is encouraged on action-oriented areas such as: the success of different policies and techniques to increase the uptake of CSR amongst SMEs; the economic, social and environmental impact of CSR at sector level; and a typology of SMEs with regard to their engagement in CSR.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Critical factors for enabling knowledge sharing between government agencies within South Africa
- Authors: Mannie, Avain
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Administrative agencies , Knowledge management , Business intelligence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8822 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019699
- Description: Globally, organisations have recognised the strategic importance of knowledge management (KM) and are increasingly focusing their efforts on practices to foster the creation, sharing and integration of knowledge. Whilst most research in Knowledge Management (KM) has focused on the private sector, there is a breadth of potential applications of KM theory and practice for government agencies to adopt in search of resolving pertinent problems. The purpose of this study is to examine the factors that influence the effectiveness of knowledge management towards collaborative problem solving in government. What is missing is research-based evidence of the factors that influence the main factors for knowledge sharing across government agencies. Given this gap, the researcher addresses the research question: In government agencies mandated to resolve issues of crime, what are the key factors required which support and influence the collaborative sharing culture? Upon analysing the data, the researcher found the following key factors as being determinants on knowledge management: organisational culture, learning organisation, collaboration, subject matter experts and trust. The two factors – organisational culture and learning organisation were identified as the most significant factors which lay as the root or core for the ‘knowledge tree’. Once these roots are in place, the other factors will gain their significance on knowledge management. These findings serve to extend the findings of the existing literature within the government sector. This study is important because the findings provide government agencies with critically important information to guide their actions towards ensuring a knowledge sharing culture is embedded in government. Whilst the empirical findings do not focus on databases or information technology specifically, it is important to acknowledge the use of both technology and people. The main concern is with managing an organisation’s knowledge assets: creating, storing, protecting, disseminating and using mission-critical knowledge. When people need knowledge, is it the right knowledge and is it timely and easy to locate and access? Is this precious commodity updated as learning occurs and better ways of doing things are discovered? The awareness of the value of knowledge to a business, coupled with its leadership, acts as an integrator that improves cross- functional communication and cooperation. Shared knowledge not only makes for a more effective, efficient and agile organisation, but creates a common perspective and culture that produces a natural consistency of successful decisions and actions. The collaborative knowledge tree model proposed in this study uses the analogy of a tree when viewing South African government agencies as the branches of a collective tree (government). This ‘tree’ requires leaders and policy making to ‘dig deep’ into understanding the roots of the tree in order to ensure that the appropriate ‘seeds’ are planted such that the tree grows and is able to provide the necessary fruit required. Ultimately, as suggested by former President Thabo Mbeki (2012) in his address, the role of knowledge would thus be seen as a collaborative means towards the betterment of society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Mannie, Avain
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Administrative agencies , Knowledge management , Business intelligence
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8822 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019699
- Description: Globally, organisations have recognised the strategic importance of knowledge management (KM) and are increasingly focusing their efforts on practices to foster the creation, sharing and integration of knowledge. Whilst most research in Knowledge Management (KM) has focused on the private sector, there is a breadth of potential applications of KM theory and practice for government agencies to adopt in search of resolving pertinent problems. The purpose of this study is to examine the factors that influence the effectiveness of knowledge management towards collaborative problem solving in government. What is missing is research-based evidence of the factors that influence the main factors for knowledge sharing across government agencies. Given this gap, the researcher addresses the research question: In government agencies mandated to resolve issues of crime, what are the key factors required which support and influence the collaborative sharing culture? Upon analysing the data, the researcher found the following key factors as being determinants on knowledge management: organisational culture, learning organisation, collaboration, subject matter experts and trust. The two factors – organisational culture and learning organisation were identified as the most significant factors which lay as the root or core for the ‘knowledge tree’. Once these roots are in place, the other factors will gain their significance on knowledge management. These findings serve to extend the findings of the existing literature within the government sector. This study is important because the findings provide government agencies with critically important information to guide their actions towards ensuring a knowledge sharing culture is embedded in government. Whilst the empirical findings do not focus on databases or information technology specifically, it is important to acknowledge the use of both technology and people. The main concern is with managing an organisation’s knowledge assets: creating, storing, protecting, disseminating and using mission-critical knowledge. When people need knowledge, is it the right knowledge and is it timely and easy to locate and access? Is this precious commodity updated as learning occurs and better ways of doing things are discovered? The awareness of the value of knowledge to a business, coupled with its leadership, acts as an integrator that improves cross- functional communication and cooperation. Shared knowledge not only makes for a more effective, efficient and agile organisation, but creates a common perspective and culture that produces a natural consistency of successful decisions and actions. The collaborative knowledge tree model proposed in this study uses the analogy of a tree when viewing South African government agencies as the branches of a collective tree (government). This ‘tree’ requires leaders and policy making to ‘dig deep’ into understanding the roots of the tree in order to ensure that the appropriate ‘seeds’ are planted such that the tree grows and is able to provide the necessary fruit required. Ultimately, as suggested by former President Thabo Mbeki (2012) in his address, the role of knowledge would thus be seen as a collaborative means towards the betterment of society.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012