The development of a framework to facilitate an increase level of self employment mongst the rural youth by promoting increased level of entrepreneurial intent
- Authors: Lindoor, Jillian
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Youth-- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural youth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49878 , vital:41812
- Description: Natural resources and unique livelihoods within rural areas could be transformed into investments that would attract affluent urban groups and benefit the wider community,reduce unemployment and create self-employment among the youth. However limited employment opportunities, ongoing failure of local development projects, low level of self-acknowledge conviction amongst the rural youth to set up new business ventures is low exists. These issues that serve as the motivation for this research, are evident in the Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality (BNLM) in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. These issues increases poverty, alcohol and substance abuse. It is important to find a solution to the problem and develop the local economy, increase employment, reduce poverty and assist in contributing to the millennium goals as set out by the United Nations. The research objective of the study is therefore to investigate what methods can be implemented to facilitate an increase in the level of self-employment amongst the rural youth by promoting an increased level of entrepreneurial intent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Lindoor, Jillian
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Youth-- Employment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rural youth -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49878 , vital:41812
- Description: Natural resources and unique livelihoods within rural areas could be transformed into investments that would attract affluent urban groups and benefit the wider community,reduce unemployment and create self-employment among the youth. However limited employment opportunities, ongoing failure of local development projects, low level of self-acknowledge conviction amongst the rural youth to set up new business ventures is low exists. These issues that serve as the motivation for this research, are evident in the Dr Beyers Naude Local Municipality (BNLM) in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. These issues increases poverty, alcohol and substance abuse. It is important to find a solution to the problem and develop the local economy, increase employment, reduce poverty and assist in contributing to the millennium goals as set out by the United Nations. The research objective of the study is therefore to investigate what methods can be implemented to facilitate an increase in the level of self-employment amongst the rural youth by promoting an increased level of entrepreneurial intent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The development of a project management body of knowledge model for Vodacom in the eastern region of RSA
- Authors: Alley, Andre
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Cell phone services industry -- South Africa , Project management Knowledge management Organizational learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50338 , vital:42110
- Description: The purpose of this research was the development of a project management body of knowledge model for Vodacom in the Eastern Region of the Republic of South Africa (RSA). As a result of a recent increase of complaints regarding projects delivered by Vodacom Eastern Region. The research started with a structured literature review, followed by a qualitative case study research design using embedded units of analysis, providing useful insights in sustainable project management in Vodacom Easter Region, RSA. The outcome of the research was in the form of a sustainable project management body of knowledge model for Vodacom in the Eastern Region of RSA, which highlighted five focus areas, namely; team structure, project organisational structure, stakeholder management, attributes of team members, communication and information technology enablers. The study concluded with practical recommendations for a relevant and sustainable project management model under the five focus areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Alley, Andre
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Cell phone services industry -- South Africa , Project management Knowledge management Organizational learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50338 , vital:42110
- Description: The purpose of this research was the development of a project management body of knowledge model for Vodacom in the Eastern Region of the Republic of South Africa (RSA). As a result of a recent increase of complaints regarding projects delivered by Vodacom Eastern Region. The research started with a structured literature review, followed by a qualitative case study research design using embedded units of analysis, providing useful insights in sustainable project management in Vodacom Easter Region, RSA. The outcome of the research was in the form of a sustainable project management body of knowledge model for Vodacom in the Eastern Region of RSA, which highlighted five focus areas, namely; team structure, project organisational structure, stakeholder management, attributes of team members, communication and information technology enablers. The study concluded with practical recommendations for a relevant and sustainable project management model under the five focus areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The distiction between debt and equity from an income tax perspective
- Authors: Duna, Nomfundo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Income tax -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCOM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47791 , vital:40375
- Description: The debt bias gives rise to real and disadvantageous consequences for many jurisdictions. South Africa is by no means any safer from its dilutive and evasive effect. This bias in favour of debt arises as a result of the difference in the tax treatment of debt and equity which is found in the South African tax legislation. At the centre of the difference in tax treatment is that under the domestic tax legislation, interest incurred on debt is deductible to the extent that the debt was used to fund income generating assets which dividends payable to equity investors is not. From a South African perspective, the classification of a funding as debt or equity funding for tax purposes is not exhaustively dealt with within the tax legislation as it is not always that these terms are defined in the tax legislation. In some instances, common law is relied upon to classify funding as debt or equity funding. Furthermore, this classification and the resultant tax treatment of funding as either debt or equity becomes even more complicated when you consider the various tax avoidance mechanisms that taxpayer corporations use to take advantage of the debt bias. Tax avoidance mechanisms such as the uptake of excessive debt to increase interest deductions and the use of hybrid debt instruments has necessitated the inclusion of targeted anti-avoidance provisions that operate to either reclassify the nature of the funding or the return on such funding, or in some instances deny interest deductions. These targeted anti-avoidance provisions contain definitions of the type of funding that they apply to. In the South African context, the South African tax legislation contains provisions in respect of anti-excessive debt rules contained in section 23M and 23N as well as hybrid instruments contained in sections 8E,8EA, 8F and 8FA that aim to counter the extent to which taxpayers exploit the debt bias to avoid tax.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Duna, Nomfundo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Income tax -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCOM
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47791 , vital:40375
- Description: The debt bias gives rise to real and disadvantageous consequences for many jurisdictions. South Africa is by no means any safer from its dilutive and evasive effect. This bias in favour of debt arises as a result of the difference in the tax treatment of debt and equity which is found in the South African tax legislation. At the centre of the difference in tax treatment is that under the domestic tax legislation, interest incurred on debt is deductible to the extent that the debt was used to fund income generating assets which dividends payable to equity investors is not. From a South African perspective, the classification of a funding as debt or equity funding for tax purposes is not exhaustively dealt with within the tax legislation as it is not always that these terms are defined in the tax legislation. In some instances, common law is relied upon to classify funding as debt or equity funding. Furthermore, this classification and the resultant tax treatment of funding as either debt or equity becomes even more complicated when you consider the various tax avoidance mechanisms that taxpayer corporations use to take advantage of the debt bias. Tax avoidance mechanisms such as the uptake of excessive debt to increase interest deductions and the use of hybrid debt instruments has necessitated the inclusion of targeted anti-avoidance provisions that operate to either reclassify the nature of the funding or the return on such funding, or in some instances deny interest deductions. These targeted anti-avoidance provisions contain definitions of the type of funding that they apply to. In the South African context, the South African tax legislation contains provisions in respect of anti-excessive debt rules contained in section 23M and 23N as well as hybrid instruments contained in sections 8E,8EA, 8F and 8FA that aim to counter the extent to which taxpayers exploit the debt bias to avoid tax.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The economic impact of electrical meter tampering within Western Cape municipalities
- Authors: Brink, Petrus Johannes
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Electric meters--Power supply
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47526 , vital:40125
- Description: Electricity access is fundamental for satisfying elementary human needs, raising living standards, preserving satisfactory human health, assisting in the relief of poverty and helping expedite sustainable development. Furthermore, access to electricity helps to uplift communities and empower businesses, contributing to an all-round positive environment ultimately leading to the development of a country. Worldwide, electricity is generated at identified areas and by specific entities such as Eskom in South Africa, Nampower in Namibia and LEC in Lesotho. Electricity generation, transmission, and distribution are a business just like any other business and its main goals are to service the needs of its customers as well as to make a profit and look after the interests of the shareholders. Although electricity must be made available for use by all the citizens and businesses in a country, it is not a free service and must be paid for. An electricity meter is used to measure the amount of electricity used and bill the consumer accordingly. Tampering with any electrical meters in order to avoid paying for electricity is illegal and a criminal offense. Electrical meter tampering and the economic impact it has on a utility is a massive overall problem. An initial review of the problem revealed that there are studies and published statistics for electrical meter tampering in South Africa on a national level, but that there is a lack of focus and results on a regional level. The purpose of this study is to assist regional municipalities and determine how to challenge electricity meter tampering and therefore influence the economic effect it might have on such a municipality. This study looks at investigating regional municipalities with a specific focus on municipalities situated within the Western Cape. To initiate this study, secondary data was collected from academic sources and presented in the form of a literature review. The literature review addresses research questions and objectives around the background, nature, and extent of managing electricity, electrical meters, the importance of solving the problem and the potential causes of electrical meter tampering. An interpretive research philosophy was followed and primary data was gathered through a qualitative study by interviewing eleven (11)participants from ten (10)local Western Cape Municipalities. Furthermore, it was identified that the two qualitative approaches best suited to this research was a case study and grounded theory. In order to analyse the primary data gathered, a sophisticated software programme called ATLAS.ti was used to identify themes and codes emanating from the data. The analysis of the primary data was presented in the form of columns, bar and pie charts and the key findings interpreted with reference to the secondary data gathered earlier in the study.The treatise was concluded with recommendations to municipal managers of how to challenge electrical meter tampering and what economic impact meter tampering has on their municipalities. It was left to the municipal manager’s discretion to decide if they want to share the results of the study with their senior and middle managers who acted as participants in the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Brink, Petrus Johannes
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Electric meters--Power supply
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47526 , vital:40125
- Description: Electricity access is fundamental for satisfying elementary human needs, raising living standards, preserving satisfactory human health, assisting in the relief of poverty and helping expedite sustainable development. Furthermore, access to electricity helps to uplift communities and empower businesses, contributing to an all-round positive environment ultimately leading to the development of a country. Worldwide, electricity is generated at identified areas and by specific entities such as Eskom in South Africa, Nampower in Namibia and LEC in Lesotho. Electricity generation, transmission, and distribution are a business just like any other business and its main goals are to service the needs of its customers as well as to make a profit and look after the interests of the shareholders. Although electricity must be made available for use by all the citizens and businesses in a country, it is not a free service and must be paid for. An electricity meter is used to measure the amount of electricity used and bill the consumer accordingly. Tampering with any electrical meters in order to avoid paying for electricity is illegal and a criminal offense. Electrical meter tampering and the economic impact it has on a utility is a massive overall problem. An initial review of the problem revealed that there are studies and published statistics for electrical meter tampering in South Africa on a national level, but that there is a lack of focus and results on a regional level. The purpose of this study is to assist regional municipalities and determine how to challenge electricity meter tampering and therefore influence the economic effect it might have on such a municipality. This study looks at investigating regional municipalities with a specific focus on municipalities situated within the Western Cape. To initiate this study, secondary data was collected from academic sources and presented in the form of a literature review. The literature review addresses research questions and objectives around the background, nature, and extent of managing electricity, electrical meters, the importance of solving the problem and the potential causes of electrical meter tampering. An interpretive research philosophy was followed and primary data was gathered through a qualitative study by interviewing eleven (11)participants from ten (10)local Western Cape Municipalities. Furthermore, it was identified that the two qualitative approaches best suited to this research was a case study and grounded theory. In order to analyse the primary data gathered, a sophisticated software programme called ATLAS.ti was used to identify themes and codes emanating from the data. The analysis of the primary data was presented in the form of columns, bar and pie charts and the key findings interpreted with reference to the secondary data gathered earlier in the study.The treatise was concluded with recommendations to municipal managers of how to challenge electrical meter tampering and what economic impact meter tampering has on their municipalities. It was left to the municipal manager’s discretion to decide if they want to share the results of the study with their senior and middle managers who acted as participants in the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The effect of leadership on organisational culture and employee engagement in the South African horseracing industry
- Authors: Doorgapershad,Vikash
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa , Corporate culture -- South Africa Organisational behaviour Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50524 , vital:42210
- Description: The South African horseracing industry dates back to the late 1700’s, and since then has given rise to the gambling industry within the country which has become a major form of entertainment to many. The horseracing industry in South Africa is run by various stakeholders that contribute to the three sectors of the industry - agriculture, sport and gambling. The industry contributes significantly to South Africa’s GDP in the form of gambling revenue, and has created employment for thousands of people. However, over the past decade there has been a decline in the revenue required to sustain the sport of horseracing. This revenue decline is evident in the reported annual figures of the horseracing operators Phumelela Gaming & Leisure Ltd and Gold Circle (Pty) Ltd. The study that follows investigates concepts of organisational culture, employee engagement and employee performance (dependent variable) as possible causes for the decline in the revenue for the horseracing operators by examining the effects of the independent variables, leadership, financial goals and objectives, policies and procedures, innovation and the nature of business of these concepts. This was achieved by collecting data from respondents from Phumelela Gaming & Leisure and Gold Circle, and analysing them in accordance with the literature on the above dependent and independent variables. The empirical results of the study indicate that the concepts mentioned above play a significant role in the problem/s faced by the horseracing operators, and that not enough is being done to address employee related issues. As the economic climate within the country struggles during Covid-19, it has become evident that the problems faced by Phumelela Gaming & Leisure and Gold Circle need to be addressed urgently to ensure survival and sustainability of their businesses, and the horseracing industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Doorgapershad,Vikash
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa , Corporate culture -- South Africa Organisational behaviour Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50524 , vital:42210
- Description: The South African horseracing industry dates back to the late 1700’s, and since then has given rise to the gambling industry within the country which has become a major form of entertainment to many. The horseracing industry in South Africa is run by various stakeholders that contribute to the three sectors of the industry - agriculture, sport and gambling. The industry contributes significantly to South Africa’s GDP in the form of gambling revenue, and has created employment for thousands of people. However, over the past decade there has been a decline in the revenue required to sustain the sport of horseracing. This revenue decline is evident in the reported annual figures of the horseracing operators Phumelela Gaming & Leisure Ltd and Gold Circle (Pty) Ltd. The study that follows investigates concepts of organisational culture, employee engagement and employee performance (dependent variable) as possible causes for the decline in the revenue for the horseracing operators by examining the effects of the independent variables, leadership, financial goals and objectives, policies and procedures, innovation and the nature of business of these concepts. This was achieved by collecting data from respondents from Phumelela Gaming & Leisure and Gold Circle, and analysing them in accordance with the literature on the above dependent and independent variables. The empirical results of the study indicate that the concepts mentioned above play a significant role in the problem/s faced by the horseracing operators, and that not enough is being done to address employee related issues. As the economic climate within the country struggles during Covid-19, it has become evident that the problems faced by Phumelela Gaming & Leisure and Gold Circle need to be addressed urgently to ensure survival and sustainability of their businesses, and the horseracing industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The effect of leadership styles on employee happiness in the South African automotive manufacturing industry
- Authors: Mabuza, Nhlamulo G
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Automobile industry workers -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48764 , vital:41069
- Description: Employee happiness has in recent years become an area of interest in various research studies. Many studies have shown that happier employees can contribute to increased revenues and improved productivity levels in organisations. Some of the characteristics of happy employees are working well beyond the job scope, always being willing to learn, always being willing to help colleagues or leaders, and taking responsibility for their work. The efforts of these happy employees ensure that the goals and objectives set out by an organisation are achieved. Leadership has become more challenging in recent years due to the effects of globalisation such as increased global competition, increased workplace diversity and increased productivity. Leadership also plays a role in the happiness of employees in the workplace who are required to implement initiatives that keep them relevant and competitive. Different leadership styles are used by leaders to support their workforce in reaching the objectives of the organisation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of leadership styles on employee happiness in the South African automotive manufacturing industry. Leadership styles were investigated using both secondary research comprising a literature review and primary research involving an empirical study. They included situational leadership, Machiavellian leadership, authentic leadership, charismatic leadership and servant leadership. In the quantitative study, a total of 104 electronic surveys were circulated. Initially they were distributed through convenience sampling and subsequently they were snowballed to other staff-level employees working for various automotive manufacturing companies within the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The survey designed for data collection consisted of 5 point Likert scale questions. Out of the 104 surveys circulated, 102 were returned with consent to be used for this study. One of the findings of the study was that Machiavellian leadership was the only leadership style that related negatively to the happiness of employees in the South African automotive manufacturing industry. All the other leadership styles tested − situational leadership, authentic leadership, charismatic leadership and servant leadership − were positively related to employee happiness. In addition, organisational culture was an intervening variable that partially mediated the relationships between each of the tested leadership styles and employee happiness. The relationships between situational leadership and employee happiness and between charismatic leadership and employee happiness were partially mediated by organisational culture. Relationships between Machiavellian leadership and employee happiness, authentic leadership and employee happiness, and servant leadership and employee happiness were all fully mediated by organisational culture. From these findings, recommendations and conclusions were made which could add value to the issue of employee happiness in the workplace, specifically in the South African automotive manufacturing industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mabuza, Nhlamulo G
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Automobile industry workers -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48764 , vital:41069
- Description: Employee happiness has in recent years become an area of interest in various research studies. Many studies have shown that happier employees can contribute to increased revenues and improved productivity levels in organisations. Some of the characteristics of happy employees are working well beyond the job scope, always being willing to learn, always being willing to help colleagues or leaders, and taking responsibility for their work. The efforts of these happy employees ensure that the goals and objectives set out by an organisation are achieved. Leadership has become more challenging in recent years due to the effects of globalisation such as increased global competition, increased workplace diversity and increased productivity. Leadership also plays a role in the happiness of employees in the workplace who are required to implement initiatives that keep them relevant and competitive. Different leadership styles are used by leaders to support their workforce in reaching the objectives of the organisation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of leadership styles on employee happiness in the South African automotive manufacturing industry. Leadership styles were investigated using both secondary research comprising a literature review and primary research involving an empirical study. They included situational leadership, Machiavellian leadership, authentic leadership, charismatic leadership and servant leadership. In the quantitative study, a total of 104 electronic surveys were circulated. Initially they were distributed through convenience sampling and subsequently they were snowballed to other staff-level employees working for various automotive manufacturing companies within the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The survey designed for data collection consisted of 5 point Likert scale questions. Out of the 104 surveys circulated, 102 were returned with consent to be used for this study. One of the findings of the study was that Machiavellian leadership was the only leadership style that related negatively to the happiness of employees in the South African automotive manufacturing industry. All the other leadership styles tested − situational leadership, authentic leadership, charismatic leadership and servant leadership − were positively related to employee happiness. In addition, organisational culture was an intervening variable that partially mediated the relationships between each of the tested leadership styles and employee happiness. The relationships between situational leadership and employee happiness and between charismatic leadership and employee happiness were partially mediated by organisational culture. Relationships between Machiavellian leadership and employee happiness, authentic leadership and employee happiness, and servant leadership and employee happiness were all fully mediated by organisational culture. From these findings, recommendations and conclusions were made which could add value to the issue of employee happiness in the workplace, specifically in the South African automotive manufacturing industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The effect of macroeconomic factors on the sustainable production of fresh produce in South Africa
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Johan Marius
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50720 , vital:42392
- Description: Primary producers of fresh produce and other agricultural commodities at large, also known as farmers in South Africa are diminishing at a worrying rate (58,000) commercial farmers in 1998 to under 35,000 in 2018). The sustainability of the agriculture sector in South Africa is at risk (Aye, Gupta & Wanke, 2018). Sustainable agriculture has the potential to address some of the fundamental challenges facing agricultural practices in South Africa. The agriculture sector play an important role as driver for economic growth in the economy. Improving agricultural sustainability is fundamental to food security and poverty reduction (Vink,2014). The primary objective of this study is to empirically examine the effects of macro factors on the sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa. These factors are political certainty, economic certainty, environmental certainty and the production of fresh produce. The importance of these factors to farmers is well documented. An online research survey, with 247 respondents was conducted. Data analyses were conducted through descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concludes with managerial recommendations that can be implemented to increase certainty among the independent variables and so improve sustainability. Some recommendations include: improved communication between the industry and government, improved collaboration and the implementation of well aligned strategies in order to manage risks associated with macro factors. Findings of the study suggest that the independent and dependent factors influence each other. The practical contribution of the study is the detailed insight that is provided by the study which reveals that sustainability can be linked to the productivity of farmers and implies that although fresh produce farmers are uncertain and concerned about the macro factors outside their control, they are very positive about their production and long-term sustainability and do not intend to quit the industry. The study indicated the importance of sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Johan Marius
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Agriculture -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50720 , vital:42392
- Description: Primary producers of fresh produce and other agricultural commodities at large, also known as farmers in South Africa are diminishing at a worrying rate (58,000) commercial farmers in 1998 to under 35,000 in 2018). The sustainability of the agriculture sector in South Africa is at risk (Aye, Gupta & Wanke, 2018). Sustainable agriculture has the potential to address some of the fundamental challenges facing agricultural practices in South Africa. The agriculture sector play an important role as driver for economic growth in the economy. Improving agricultural sustainability is fundamental to food security and poverty reduction (Vink,2014). The primary objective of this study is to empirically examine the effects of macro factors on the sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa. These factors are political certainty, economic certainty, environmental certainty and the production of fresh produce. The importance of these factors to farmers is well documented. An online research survey, with 247 respondents was conducted. Data analyses were conducted through descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concludes with managerial recommendations that can be implemented to increase certainty among the independent variables and so improve sustainability. Some recommendations include: improved communication between the industry and government, improved collaboration and the implementation of well aligned strategies in order to manage risks associated with macro factors. Findings of the study suggest that the independent and dependent factors influence each other. The practical contribution of the study is the detailed insight that is provided by the study which reveals that sustainability can be linked to the productivity of farmers and implies that although fresh produce farmers are uncertain and concerned about the macro factors outside their control, they are very positive about their production and long-term sustainability and do not intend to quit the industry. The study indicated the importance of sustainability of fresh produce in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The effectiveness of lean principles in South Africa manufacturing companies
- Authors: Erasmus, Lionel Daveril
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49830 , vital:41806
- Description: The Lean approach is a widely discussed and applied manufacturing philosophy in a variety of industries across the globe (Gupta & Jain, 2013), with only a few within the manufacturing industry able to truly say they have not heard of Lean (Melton, 2005). Lean is defined as a philosophy that applies specific tools and methods in a consistent, disciplined and systematic manner to eliminate waste and improve operational effectiveness, where the necessary processes are performed in a sequence in order to achieve the desired results. The effectiveness of Lean has been well established, with organisations from all over the world and from different industries having proved that Lean principles are well founded. However, despite its effectiveness the implementation of Lean manufacturing into an organisation is not an easy task due to various barriers opposing the effective implementation of Lean principles. The study was carried out in the South African (SA) Tank manufacturing industry. The study aimed at to establish a framework for successful implementation of Lean principles. The organisation where research took place, Welfit Oddy, is located in Perseverance, Port Elizabeth (PE) in SA. It is a manufacturing company which specializes in the design, manufacture and sale of tank containers and bulk liquid shipping containers and transport containers used to transport and deliver various goods such as milk, gas, chemicals, oil, petrol and liquid chemicals to customers and end users. The organisation has served this global industry for more than 25 years and is considered by many to be one of the biggest and best manufacturers of intermodal ISO tank containers in the world. Tank containers, also referred to as ISO tanks, intermodal tanks or IMO portable tanks, are designed for intermodal transportation by road, rail, air, and ship (Erera, Morales & Savelsbergh, 2005).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Erasmus, Lionel Daveril
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49830 , vital:41806
- Description: The Lean approach is a widely discussed and applied manufacturing philosophy in a variety of industries across the globe (Gupta & Jain, 2013), with only a few within the manufacturing industry able to truly say they have not heard of Lean (Melton, 2005). Lean is defined as a philosophy that applies specific tools and methods in a consistent, disciplined and systematic manner to eliminate waste and improve operational effectiveness, where the necessary processes are performed in a sequence in order to achieve the desired results. The effectiveness of Lean has been well established, with organisations from all over the world and from different industries having proved that Lean principles are well founded. However, despite its effectiveness the implementation of Lean manufacturing into an organisation is not an easy task due to various barriers opposing the effective implementation of Lean principles. The study was carried out in the South African (SA) Tank manufacturing industry. The study aimed at to establish a framework for successful implementation of Lean principles. The organisation where research took place, Welfit Oddy, is located in Perseverance, Port Elizabeth (PE) in SA. It is a manufacturing company which specializes in the design, manufacture and sale of tank containers and bulk liquid shipping containers and transport containers used to transport and deliver various goods such as milk, gas, chemicals, oil, petrol and liquid chemicals to customers and end users. The organisation has served this global industry for more than 25 years and is considered by many to be one of the biggest and best manufacturers of intermodal ISO tank containers in the world. Tank containers, also referred to as ISO tanks, intermodal tanks or IMO portable tanks, are designed for intermodal transportation by road, rail, air, and ship (Erera, Morales & Savelsbergh, 2005).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The effectiveness of lean principles in South African manufacturing companies
- Authors: Erasmus, Daveril Lionel
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Production management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50546 , vital:42218
- Description: The Lean approach is a widely discussed and applied manufacturing philosophy in a variety of industries across the globe (Gupta & Jain, 2013), with only a few within the manufacturing industry able to truly say they have not heard of Lean (Melton, 2005). Lean is defined as a philosophy that applies specific tools and methods in a consistent, disciplined and systematic manner to eliminate waste and improve operational effectiveness, where the necessary processes are performed in a sequence in order to achieve the desired results. The effectiveness of Lean has been well established, with organisations from all over the world and from different industries having proved that Lean principles are well founded. However, despite its effectiveness the implementation of Lean manufacturing into an organisation is not an easy task due to various barriers opposing the effective implementation of Lean principles. The study was carried out in the South African (SA) Tank manufacturing industry. The study aimed at to establish a framework for successful implementation of Lean principles. The organisation where research took place, Welfit Oddy, is located in Perseverance, Port Elizabeth (PE) in SA. It is a manufacturing company which specializes in the design, manufacture and sale of tank containers and bulk liquid shipping containers and transport containers used to transport and deliver various goods such as milk, gas, chemicals, oil, petrol and liquid chemicals to customers and end users. The organisation has served this global industry for more than 25 years and is considered by many to be one of the biggest and best manufacturers of intermodal ISO tank containers in the world. Tank containers, also referred to as ISO tanks, intermodal tanks or IMO portable tanks, are designed for intermodal transportation by road, rail, air, and ship (Erera, Morales & Savelsbergh, 2005). In this study, emphasis will be placed on the issues that need to be addressed for the effective implementation of the Lean Manufacturing philosophy within the organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Erasmus, Daveril Lionel
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Production management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50546 , vital:42218
- Description: The Lean approach is a widely discussed and applied manufacturing philosophy in a variety of industries across the globe (Gupta & Jain, 2013), with only a few within the manufacturing industry able to truly say they have not heard of Lean (Melton, 2005). Lean is defined as a philosophy that applies specific tools and methods in a consistent, disciplined and systematic manner to eliminate waste and improve operational effectiveness, where the necessary processes are performed in a sequence in order to achieve the desired results. The effectiveness of Lean has been well established, with organisations from all over the world and from different industries having proved that Lean principles are well founded. However, despite its effectiveness the implementation of Lean manufacturing into an organisation is not an easy task due to various barriers opposing the effective implementation of Lean principles. The study was carried out in the South African (SA) Tank manufacturing industry. The study aimed at to establish a framework for successful implementation of Lean principles. The organisation where research took place, Welfit Oddy, is located in Perseverance, Port Elizabeth (PE) in SA. It is a manufacturing company which specializes in the design, manufacture and sale of tank containers and bulk liquid shipping containers and transport containers used to transport and deliver various goods such as milk, gas, chemicals, oil, petrol and liquid chemicals to customers and end users. The organisation has served this global industry for more than 25 years and is considered by many to be one of the biggest and best manufacturers of intermodal ISO tank containers in the world. Tank containers, also referred to as ISO tanks, intermodal tanks or IMO portable tanks, are designed for intermodal transportation by road, rail, air, and ship (Erera, Morales & Savelsbergh, 2005). In this study, emphasis will be placed on the issues that need to be addressed for the effective implementation of the Lean Manufacturing philosophy within the organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The effects of directed financing on growth and performance of smallholder farmers in the Western Cape Province
- Authors: Deliwe, Peliwe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Western Cape -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47705 , vital:40328
- Description: Agriculture is of great significance in the South African economy as it contributes over 3% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and accounting for more than 10% of the formal sector employment. Although agriculture is seasonal, it is regarded as an intensive employment sector which plays a critical role on promoting empowerment and improving food security. The smallholder farming sector is the result of policies targeting the participation of previously disadvantaged individual (PDI’s) in the food economy, particularly through land use and ownership (Isdardi, Jordaan & van Schalkwyk, 2008: 1). Smallholder farmers are neither commercial farmers nor subsistence in nature but have become the focus of government’s efforts to achieve transformation within the broad agricultural sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Deliwe, Peliwe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Western Cape -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47705 , vital:40328
- Description: Agriculture is of great significance in the South African economy as it contributes over 3% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and accounting for more than 10% of the formal sector employment. Although agriculture is seasonal, it is regarded as an intensive employment sector which plays a critical role on promoting empowerment and improving food security. The smallholder farming sector is the result of policies targeting the participation of previously disadvantaged individual (PDI’s) in the food economy, particularly through land use and ownership (Isdardi, Jordaan & van Schalkwyk, 2008: 1). Smallholder farmers are neither commercial farmers nor subsistence in nature but have become the focus of government’s efforts to achieve transformation within the broad agricultural sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The effects of the stock and bond market on economic growth in South Africa (2003-2017)
- Authors: Faiers, Jarryd Brad
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Capital market -- South Africa , Economic development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48102 , vital:40486
- Description: Using quarterly data from 2003:Q3 to 2017:Q1, this study investigates the effect of the stock and bond markets on economic growth in South Africa. The variables used in the study pertain to South Africa and include the JSE All-Share Index, real effective exchange rate, bond market growth, investment expenditure, inflation rate, government expenditure and gross domestic product. The empirical study is guided by an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model approach which includes unit root tests for stationarity, bounds tests for cointegration and causality tests using the long run and short run error correction models. Diagnostic tests and stability tests are performed on the various econometric models. Tests include the Jarque-Bera test, Ramsey Reset Test, Whites test, CUSUM and CUSUM square test. The findings suggest that the stock market growth and bond market growth have displayed significantly different results with regards to their effects on economic growth. Stock market growth has had a positive impact on economic growth in the long run, whilst growth and development in the bond market does not have a statistically significant relationship with economic growth in the long run. The study provides a solid foundation for establishing the effects of the stock and bond market on economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Faiers, Jarryd Brad
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Capital market -- South Africa , Economic development -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48102 , vital:40486
- Description: Using quarterly data from 2003:Q3 to 2017:Q1, this study investigates the effect of the stock and bond markets on economic growth in South Africa. The variables used in the study pertain to South Africa and include the JSE All-Share Index, real effective exchange rate, bond market growth, investment expenditure, inflation rate, government expenditure and gross domestic product. The empirical study is guided by an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model approach which includes unit root tests for stationarity, bounds tests for cointegration and causality tests using the long run and short run error correction models. Diagnostic tests and stability tests are performed on the various econometric models. Tests include the Jarque-Bera test, Ramsey Reset Test, Whites test, CUSUM and CUSUM square test. The findings suggest that the stock market growth and bond market growth have displayed significantly different results with regards to their effects on economic growth. Stock market growth has had a positive impact on economic growth in the long run, whilst growth and development in the bond market does not have a statistically significant relationship with economic growth in the long run. The study provides a solid foundation for establishing the effects of the stock and bond market on economic growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The impact of job satisfaction, motivation and job stress on employees’ innovative behaviour
- Authors: Moeng, Mpho Solomon
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Job satisfaction Attitude (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49714 , vital:41774
- Description: In the fast-paced world of today, innovation is more relevant now than at any other time in our history. The dynamic nature of today’s business landscape presents complex challenges to organisations at macro and micro environment levels. To survive these challenging times, innovation has been identified to play a vital part in finding and developing opportunities for growth and sustaining a competitive edge. It is with no surprise that researchers have long sought to find the root drivers of great innovation. The consensus is that employees are the engine behind innovation and that innovation within an organisation is a direct result of employees engaging in innovative behaviour. Organisations that fail to tap into the creative potential of their employees lose out on benefits and advantages of being innovative organisations. There are various factors that influence employees’ engagement in innovative behaviour, and research into the topic has considered the influence of different factors such as: individual traits, natural inclinations to innovation, motivation, emotions, organisational culture, job requirements, leadership, and social relations. The purpose of this study was to empirically investigate the influence and significance of job satisfaction, perceived colleague support, perceived leadership support, perceived organisational support and job stress on employees’ engagement in innovative behaviour. Based on a review of current literature, the study investigated hypothesised direct and indirect relationships that exist between these factors and that can be used to improve the levels of employees’ engagement in innovation behaviour in Eskom distribution in the Eastern Cape operating unit. The study used on-line questionnaires to survey Eskom Distribution ECOU employees. 141 employees participated in the survey. Majority of the respondents were males and were from Specialised Maintenance and Support department. A large number of the respondents are university and Technikon graduates with half a decade or more in years of service to Eskom. The results of the survey show that there is a significant positive relationship between job satisfaction, colleague support, leadership support organisational support and innovative behavior. From this finding the researcher recommended that management that improves the levels of employee engagement in innovative behaviour by focusing on issues pertaining to job satisfaction, colleague support, leadership support and organisational support.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Moeng, Mpho Solomon
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Job satisfaction Attitude (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49714 , vital:41774
- Description: In the fast-paced world of today, innovation is more relevant now than at any other time in our history. The dynamic nature of today’s business landscape presents complex challenges to organisations at macro and micro environment levels. To survive these challenging times, innovation has been identified to play a vital part in finding and developing opportunities for growth and sustaining a competitive edge. It is with no surprise that researchers have long sought to find the root drivers of great innovation. The consensus is that employees are the engine behind innovation and that innovation within an organisation is a direct result of employees engaging in innovative behaviour. Organisations that fail to tap into the creative potential of their employees lose out on benefits and advantages of being innovative organisations. There are various factors that influence employees’ engagement in innovative behaviour, and research into the topic has considered the influence of different factors such as: individual traits, natural inclinations to innovation, motivation, emotions, organisational culture, job requirements, leadership, and social relations. The purpose of this study was to empirically investigate the influence and significance of job satisfaction, perceived colleague support, perceived leadership support, perceived organisational support and job stress on employees’ engagement in innovative behaviour. Based on a review of current literature, the study investigated hypothesised direct and indirect relationships that exist between these factors and that can be used to improve the levels of employees’ engagement in innovation behaviour in Eskom distribution in the Eastern Cape operating unit. The study used on-line questionnaires to survey Eskom Distribution ECOU employees. 141 employees participated in the survey. Majority of the respondents were males and were from Specialised Maintenance and Support department. A large number of the respondents are university and Technikon graduates with half a decade or more in years of service to Eskom. The results of the survey show that there is a significant positive relationship between job satisfaction, colleague support, leadership support organisational support and innovative behavior. From this finding the researcher recommended that management that improves the levels of employee engagement in innovative behaviour by focusing on issues pertaining to job satisfaction, colleague support, leadership support and organisational support.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The impact of mergers and acquisitions on employee well-being in the beverage industry: The CCBSA coastal region case
- Authors: Belle, Isabel
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Employees health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beverage industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49751 , vital:41796
- Description: Globalisation, technological advancement and currency regulations are key motivators for companies to invest in foreign countries. As new entrants enter the market companies are faced with the threat of market share loss due to increased competition. The increase in the global competitive landscape has a direct impact on the rise of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A). The growth potential of companies that experienced mergers has resulted in the boom of M&A over the past three decades. In most cases M&A have resulted in job losses and in some demotions. It is no surprise that these transactions result in an anxious and stressed workforce. The merger of the three soft drink bottlers in South Africa namely: CCF, Shanduka and ABI has brought about changes that have left some employees feeling anxious about the future. The combining of different cultures from the different entities can have a negative effect on employees as they would need to adapt to a different culture of the new formed entity. M&A were first introduced in the United States during the eighteenth century and moved into Europe in the nineteenth century. A large body of research has been concentrated in the United States and European markets to understand phenomena relating to such activities in developed countries. M&A activities have also transcended into developing countries. Over the past few years M&A transactions have become a critical gateway for investment in Africa for both local and universal market players. The aim of the study is to understand the employees’ state of mind in the workplace after the merger. The results of the study show that employee morale prior to the merger was higher when compared to post the merger, which implies that employee morale has declined post the merger. The results indicate that after the merger there was a significant decrease in trust, motivation, employee well-being and job satisfaction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Belle, Isabel
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Employees health promotion -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Beverage industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49751 , vital:41796
- Description: Globalisation, technological advancement and currency regulations are key motivators for companies to invest in foreign countries. As new entrants enter the market companies are faced with the threat of market share loss due to increased competition. The increase in the global competitive landscape has a direct impact on the rise of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A). The growth potential of companies that experienced mergers has resulted in the boom of M&A over the past three decades. In most cases M&A have resulted in job losses and in some demotions. It is no surprise that these transactions result in an anxious and stressed workforce. The merger of the three soft drink bottlers in South Africa namely: CCF, Shanduka and ABI has brought about changes that have left some employees feeling anxious about the future. The combining of different cultures from the different entities can have a negative effect on employees as they would need to adapt to a different culture of the new formed entity. M&A were first introduced in the United States during the eighteenth century and moved into Europe in the nineteenth century. A large body of research has been concentrated in the United States and European markets to understand phenomena relating to such activities in developed countries. M&A activities have also transcended into developing countries. Over the past few years M&A transactions have become a critical gateway for investment in Africa for both local and universal market players. The aim of the study is to understand the employees’ state of mind in the workplace after the merger. The results of the study show that employee morale prior to the merger was higher when compared to post the merger, which implies that employee morale has declined post the merger. The results indicate that after the merger there was a significant decrease in trust, motivation, employee well-being and job satisfaction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The incorporation of smart production in future factories within the fourth industrial revolution towards 2030
- Authors: Abdoll, Delicia Megan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Manufacturing industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47521 , vital:40123
- Description: Industry 4.0 is impressively creating a lasting impact on the manufacturing industry and on the industry outlook on the benefits of the implementation of new technology. The concept currently trending entails merging cyber systems, the Internet of Things, and the Internet of Systems all together to construct the revolutionary ‘Smart Factories’. The use of advanced technologies brings about new methodologies to improve the results of manufacturing. Complex activities will be performed by machines equipped in using intelligent information systems and new technology to improve productivity, enhance quality, and reduce costs of manufacturing products. South Africa is at the height of the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ (4IR) which will essentially change the way we work. This innovative rubric of high-tech modernisation is characterised by a merging of technologies from the physical, digital, biological, and neuro-technological spheres. The hesitation over jobs being substituted with co-bots, a robot envisioned to actually cooperate with humans in a communal workplace, is profound. Skills volatility is estimated to affect all industries. There are uncertainties that the underprivileged and non-skilled would be thrust into an even profounder deficiency with the upsurge of the digital age. Organisations regard robotics and modern technology as strategic corporate tools that are utilised to enhance short- and long-term profitability and achieve operating goals. In dissimilarity, the application of robotics and modern technology in the place of work increases labour stability concerns, anxiety of downsizings and terminations within the workforce. The purpose of this research was to heighten the comprehension of smart factories in the manufacturing industry by conclusively embracing a methodical examination of the factors which influence the outlook of those involved concerning smart factory implementation and also of assessing the readiness of the South African manufacturing industry for 4IR towards 2030. The ‘golden thread’ running through the study is the significance of the impact of the 4IR on the workforce and the creation of new jobs for the future, the reskilling of the workforce and the enhancement of capabilities of future factories in embracing the implementation and the incorporation of advanced manufacturing principles in production processes. This must form a substantial consideration in the preparation of the vision of the “Incorporation of smart production in future factories within the fourth industrial revolution towards 2030”. The results of the in-depth analysis of future studies practice and theory in this research study give credibility to the argument that the way in which planning for the future of the 4IR in the South African context is taking place requires insightful adaptation by all stakeholders. The development of new insights through the application of futures studies is vital to this planning process, as is progressively demonstrated in the propensity for present-day business to enable collaborative decisions and strategies that are established on, and informed by, futures studies. This research has attempted to gain insight into the possible future of the implementation of 4IR elements within the future manufacturing factories in South Africa through the creation of four scenarios towards 2030. These are defined as follows: The Fifth Element, which is the ‘best case’ scenario, and to which the country aspires; the ‘worst case’ scenario, in which everything goes badly; the outlier future founded on a surprising, disruptive, emerging matter; and ‘business as usual’ in which no change takes place. The research additionally made efforts to determine the preferred future for the 4IR from a South African perspective, as a base for the Future Vision of the 4IR in the South African manufacturing industry towards 2030. Throughout this study, Inayatullah’s (2008) pillars of futures studies were implemented as a guide in mapping the present and future, further deepening and widening the future through the development of scenarios and, lastly, by transforming the future by narrowing it down to the preferred future. The South African manufacturing sector must select which path to follow in the decisions surrounding the acceptance of the 4IR as the country progresses towards aligning itself with the global players in technology acceptance. Through a unique and innovative approach, the establishment of an atmosphere of trust and the sharing of purpose, values and benefits, a collective Future Vision of the implementing of 4IR elements such as smart production in future factories within South Africa towards 2030, is achievable. All stakeholders must be committed to operating in collaborative partnerships, with government, society, local communities and the workforce all treading boldly together into a sphere of technological, commercial, environmental and social innovation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Abdoll, Delicia Megan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Manufacturing industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47521 , vital:40123
- Description: Industry 4.0 is impressively creating a lasting impact on the manufacturing industry and on the industry outlook on the benefits of the implementation of new technology. The concept currently trending entails merging cyber systems, the Internet of Things, and the Internet of Systems all together to construct the revolutionary ‘Smart Factories’. The use of advanced technologies brings about new methodologies to improve the results of manufacturing. Complex activities will be performed by machines equipped in using intelligent information systems and new technology to improve productivity, enhance quality, and reduce costs of manufacturing products. South Africa is at the height of the ‘Fourth Industrial Revolution’ (4IR) which will essentially change the way we work. This innovative rubric of high-tech modernisation is characterised by a merging of technologies from the physical, digital, biological, and neuro-technological spheres. The hesitation over jobs being substituted with co-bots, a robot envisioned to actually cooperate with humans in a communal workplace, is profound. Skills volatility is estimated to affect all industries. There are uncertainties that the underprivileged and non-skilled would be thrust into an even profounder deficiency with the upsurge of the digital age. Organisations regard robotics and modern technology as strategic corporate tools that are utilised to enhance short- and long-term profitability and achieve operating goals. In dissimilarity, the application of robotics and modern technology in the place of work increases labour stability concerns, anxiety of downsizings and terminations within the workforce. The purpose of this research was to heighten the comprehension of smart factories in the manufacturing industry by conclusively embracing a methodical examination of the factors which influence the outlook of those involved concerning smart factory implementation and also of assessing the readiness of the South African manufacturing industry for 4IR towards 2030. The ‘golden thread’ running through the study is the significance of the impact of the 4IR on the workforce and the creation of new jobs for the future, the reskilling of the workforce and the enhancement of capabilities of future factories in embracing the implementation and the incorporation of advanced manufacturing principles in production processes. This must form a substantial consideration in the preparation of the vision of the “Incorporation of smart production in future factories within the fourth industrial revolution towards 2030”. The results of the in-depth analysis of future studies practice and theory in this research study give credibility to the argument that the way in which planning for the future of the 4IR in the South African context is taking place requires insightful adaptation by all stakeholders. The development of new insights through the application of futures studies is vital to this planning process, as is progressively demonstrated in the propensity for present-day business to enable collaborative decisions and strategies that are established on, and informed by, futures studies. This research has attempted to gain insight into the possible future of the implementation of 4IR elements within the future manufacturing factories in South Africa through the creation of four scenarios towards 2030. These are defined as follows: The Fifth Element, which is the ‘best case’ scenario, and to which the country aspires; the ‘worst case’ scenario, in which everything goes badly; the outlier future founded on a surprising, disruptive, emerging matter; and ‘business as usual’ in which no change takes place. The research additionally made efforts to determine the preferred future for the 4IR from a South African perspective, as a base for the Future Vision of the 4IR in the South African manufacturing industry towards 2030. Throughout this study, Inayatullah’s (2008) pillars of futures studies were implemented as a guide in mapping the present and future, further deepening and widening the future through the development of scenarios and, lastly, by transforming the future by narrowing it down to the preferred future. The South African manufacturing sector must select which path to follow in the decisions surrounding the acceptance of the 4IR as the country progresses towards aligning itself with the global players in technology acceptance. Through a unique and innovative approach, the establishment of an atmosphere of trust and the sharing of purpose, values and benefits, a collective Future Vision of the implementing of 4IR elements such as smart production in future factories within South Africa towards 2030, is achievable. All stakeholders must be committed to operating in collaborative partnerships, with government, society, local communities and the workforce all treading boldly together into a sphere of technological, commercial, environmental and social innovation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The influence of academic interventions on the academic performance of human resource management students
- Authors: Hiles, Tevin
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Academic performance -- South Africa , Educational psychology Learning, Psychology of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50568 , vital:42222
- Description: There are many contextual challenges related to this problem. Some of these include the mass of diverse students entering tertiary institutions and the level of educational preparedness of these students. Moreover, the lasting legacy of Apartheid brings its own challenges in relation to widening access for students entering South African higher education institutions. There are considerable repercussions related to the costs of re-educating students and re-admitting failing students into continuously growing classes. Furthermore, there is a protruding argument that the level of student readiness/preparedness is continually declining. The above-mentioned challenges place extreme pressure on higher education institutions and their staff to provide academic support to students, along with maintaining adequate pass rates. Reflecting on the challenges faced in the South African higher educational context, it is evident that the development and implementation of academic support programmes are important. These programmes are aimed at providing quality learning and teaching and counteracting declining success rates. In addition, there is a need to transform how massification of higher education takes place, to address the challenges of diverse student profiles, dropout rates and low throughput rates. This study explored the impact of academic support interventions on academic performance by focusing on student engagement as it is the leading factor of academic success. For the purpose of this study, this was measured through the attendance of academic interventions. Student engagement may be defined as the time and energy learners dedicate to educational activities both inside and outside of the classroom, along with the policies and practices institutions use to persuade students to partake in these activities. The findings revealed that academic interventions indeed have a positive influence on student behaviour and student academic progress. The results of this study could assist the department of HRM in determining the effectiveness of academic interventions created for first year students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Hiles, Tevin
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Academic performance -- South Africa , Educational psychology Learning, Psychology of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50568 , vital:42222
- Description: There are many contextual challenges related to this problem. Some of these include the mass of diverse students entering tertiary institutions and the level of educational preparedness of these students. Moreover, the lasting legacy of Apartheid brings its own challenges in relation to widening access for students entering South African higher education institutions. There are considerable repercussions related to the costs of re-educating students and re-admitting failing students into continuously growing classes. Furthermore, there is a protruding argument that the level of student readiness/preparedness is continually declining. The above-mentioned challenges place extreme pressure on higher education institutions and their staff to provide academic support to students, along with maintaining adequate pass rates. Reflecting on the challenges faced in the South African higher educational context, it is evident that the development and implementation of academic support programmes are important. These programmes are aimed at providing quality learning and teaching and counteracting declining success rates. In addition, there is a need to transform how massification of higher education takes place, to address the challenges of diverse student profiles, dropout rates and low throughput rates. This study explored the impact of academic support interventions on academic performance by focusing on student engagement as it is the leading factor of academic success. For the purpose of this study, this was measured through the attendance of academic interventions. Student engagement may be defined as the time and energy learners dedicate to educational activities both inside and outside of the classroom, along with the policies and practices institutions use to persuade students to partake in these activities. The findings revealed that academic interventions indeed have a positive influence on student behaviour and student academic progress. The results of this study could assist the department of HRM in determining the effectiveness of academic interventions created for first year students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The influence of academic interventions on the academic performance of human resource management students
- Authors: Hiles, Tevin
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Academic achievement -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49846 , vital:41808
- Description: There are many contextual challenges related to this problem. Some of these include the mass of diverse students entering tertiary institutions and the level of educational preparedness of these students. Moreover, the lasting legacy of Apartheid brings its own challenges in relation to widening access for students entering South African higher education institutions. There are considerable repercussions related to the costs of re-educating students and re-admitting failing students into continuously growing classes. Furthermore, there is a protruding argument that the level of student readiness/preparedness is continually declining. The above-mentioned challenges place extreme pressure on higher education institutions and their staff to provide academic support to students, along with maintaining adequate pass rates. Reflecting on the challenges faced in the South African higher educational context, it is evident that the development and implementation of academic support programmes are important. These programmes are aimed at providing quality learning and teaching and counteracting declining success rates. In addition, there is a need to transform how massification of higher education takes place, to address the challenges of diverse student profiles, dropout rates and low throughput rates. This study explored the impact of academic support interventions on academic performance by focusing on student engagement as it is the leading factor of academic success. For the purpose of this study, this was measured through the attendance of academic interventions. Student engagement may be defined as the time and energy learners dedicate to educational activities both inside and outside of the classroom, along with the policies and practices institutions use to persuade students to partake in these activities. The findings revealed that academic interventions indeed have a positive influence on student behaviour and student academic progress. The results of this study could assist the department of HRM in determining the effectiveness of academic interventions created for first year students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Hiles, Tevin
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Academic achievement -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49846 , vital:41808
- Description: There are many contextual challenges related to this problem. Some of these include the mass of diverse students entering tertiary institutions and the level of educational preparedness of these students. Moreover, the lasting legacy of Apartheid brings its own challenges in relation to widening access for students entering South African higher education institutions. There are considerable repercussions related to the costs of re-educating students and re-admitting failing students into continuously growing classes. Furthermore, there is a protruding argument that the level of student readiness/preparedness is continually declining. The above-mentioned challenges place extreme pressure on higher education institutions and their staff to provide academic support to students, along with maintaining adequate pass rates. Reflecting on the challenges faced in the South African higher educational context, it is evident that the development and implementation of academic support programmes are important. These programmes are aimed at providing quality learning and teaching and counteracting declining success rates. In addition, there is a need to transform how massification of higher education takes place, to address the challenges of diverse student profiles, dropout rates and low throughput rates. This study explored the impact of academic support interventions on academic performance by focusing on student engagement as it is the leading factor of academic success. For the purpose of this study, this was measured through the attendance of academic interventions. Student engagement may be defined as the time and energy learners dedicate to educational activities both inside and outside of the classroom, along with the policies and practices institutions use to persuade students to partake in these activities. The findings revealed that academic interventions indeed have a positive influence on student behaviour and student academic progress. The results of this study could assist the department of HRM in determining the effectiveness of academic interventions created for first year students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The influence of online service quality on future purchasing intent
- Authors: Gelderbloem, Kirsten
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Electronic commerce -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48114 , vital:40490
- Description: The rapid advancements in technology has seen a growing shift in retail industry trends, with many retailers establishing online shopping platforms. Though online shopping was initially more popular in other parts of the world, it is fast becoming more popular in South Africa. Many South Africans are now starting to feel more comfortable with the experience, convenience and benefits of online shopping and thus it is important for researchers and experts to gain a better understanding of customers’ experiences in this regard. Furthermore, customer service and quality of service in the online shopping space tends to be relatively different to customer service and quality experienced at a traditional retail store. Therefore, understanding customer service and quality of service within the online retail space is also a critical area to be researched. The aim of this study is thus is to assist retailers and managers to better understand customer service quality of online shopping platforms and how these online shopping platforms perform in terms of its reliability, assurance, tangibility, empathy, and responsiveness dimensions of service quality. An empirical study, consisting of a questionnaire was conducted amongst 88 South African males and females from the various generational cohorts who utilise online shopping platforms. Furthermore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the service quality experiences of customers who make use of online shopping platforms. The key findings indicated that reliability, tangibility and empathy are the key determinants affecting a customer’s intention to purchase from an online shopping platform. Furthermore, recommendations were made to retailers and managers to consistently focus on remaining reliable in terms of delivering goods as promised; accepting returns and offering refunds, as well as maintaining accurate client and product information; consistently striving towards providing exceptional tangible experiences, such as maintaining a visually appealing website that is easy to navigate, safe and secure to conduct transactions and, to always ensure that customer service agents show empathy towards to their customers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Gelderbloem, Kirsten
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Electronic commerce -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48114 , vital:40490
- Description: The rapid advancements in technology has seen a growing shift in retail industry trends, with many retailers establishing online shopping platforms. Though online shopping was initially more popular in other parts of the world, it is fast becoming more popular in South Africa. Many South Africans are now starting to feel more comfortable with the experience, convenience and benefits of online shopping and thus it is important for researchers and experts to gain a better understanding of customers’ experiences in this regard. Furthermore, customer service and quality of service in the online shopping space tends to be relatively different to customer service and quality experienced at a traditional retail store. Therefore, understanding customer service and quality of service within the online retail space is also a critical area to be researched. The aim of this study is thus is to assist retailers and managers to better understand customer service quality of online shopping platforms and how these online shopping platforms perform in terms of its reliability, assurance, tangibility, empathy, and responsiveness dimensions of service quality. An empirical study, consisting of a questionnaire was conducted amongst 88 South African males and females from the various generational cohorts who utilise online shopping platforms. Furthermore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the service quality experiences of customers who make use of online shopping platforms. The key findings indicated that reliability, tangibility and empathy are the key determinants affecting a customer’s intention to purchase from an online shopping platform. Furthermore, recommendations were made to retailers and managers to consistently focus on remaining reliable in terms of delivering goods as promised; accepting returns and offering refunds, as well as maintaining accurate client and product information; consistently striving towards providing exceptional tangible experiences, such as maintaining a visually appealing website that is easy to navigate, safe and secure to conduct transactions and, to always ensure that customer service agents show empathy towards to their customers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The influence of perceived ethical leadership on employee engagement
- Authors: Wewers, Carryn Lauren
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa -- Moral and ethical aspects , Employee Engagement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50687 , vital:42335
- Description: Many of today’s news headlines are fraught with alarming accounts of fraud and Corruption conducted by business leaders and this study was undertaken to investigate the influence of perceived ethical leadership on employee engagement. The question has arisen whether these unethical actions among business leaders impact the perceptions of employees and whether this affects their engagement with the organisation. There has been an increase in studies on employee engagement, due to the significant positive impact that it has on an organisation and the beneficial outcomes that engaged employees produce. In this study, the research design followed a positivist approach. The research participants consisted of middle managers in the public or private sectors in South Africa. Sampling was done using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Secondary data was collected using research data from the Nelson Mandela University Library and its online database. Primary research data was collected using self-administered, standardised questionnaires making use of a 5-point Likert scale. Data was interpreted by means of inferential statistics and biographical information. Every precaution was taken to ensure the reliability, validity and trustworthiness of the study. Ethical approval was obtained for the study from the Nelson Mandela University Research Ethics Committee as per the protocols that were in place at the time of the data collection. This study is significant in terms of the upsurge in unethical conduct in the business arena. The primary objective of this research was to determine the influence of perceived ethical leadership (Perceived Leader Integrity) on employee engagement (the factors which constitute engagement are job commitment, job satisfaction and future intentions.). In the findings, a moderate relationship was found between PLI and job commitment and job satisfaction. A negative relationship was established between PLI and future intentions. Therefore, ethical leadership had an influence on employee engagement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Wewers, Carryn Lauren
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa -- Moral and ethical aspects , Employee Engagement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50687 , vital:42335
- Description: Many of today’s news headlines are fraught with alarming accounts of fraud and Corruption conducted by business leaders and this study was undertaken to investigate the influence of perceived ethical leadership on employee engagement. The question has arisen whether these unethical actions among business leaders impact the perceptions of employees and whether this affects their engagement with the organisation. There has been an increase in studies on employee engagement, due to the significant positive impact that it has on an organisation and the beneficial outcomes that engaged employees produce. In this study, the research design followed a positivist approach. The research participants consisted of middle managers in the public or private sectors in South Africa. Sampling was done using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Secondary data was collected using research data from the Nelson Mandela University Library and its online database. Primary research data was collected using self-administered, standardised questionnaires making use of a 5-point Likert scale. Data was interpreted by means of inferential statistics and biographical information. Every precaution was taken to ensure the reliability, validity and trustworthiness of the study. Ethical approval was obtained for the study from the Nelson Mandela University Research Ethics Committee as per the protocols that were in place at the time of the data collection. This study is significant in terms of the upsurge in unethical conduct in the business arena. The primary objective of this research was to determine the influence of perceived ethical leadership (Perceived Leader Integrity) on employee engagement (the factors which constitute engagement are job commitment, job satisfaction and future intentions.). In the findings, a moderate relationship was found between PLI and job commitment and job satisfaction. A negative relationship was established between PLI and future intentions. Therefore, ethical leadership had an influence on employee engagement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The influence of project management maturity on project success – A case of private organization’s infrastructure projects
- Authors: Manunga, Felicia
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Project Management -- South Africa , Construction projects -- Management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49909 , vital:41816
- Description: The construction industry is characterised by the high rate of project failures. Industry professionals consider inconsistent project management practices to be a major cause of these failures. A leading contributor to these inconsistent project management practices is that there is no one project management standard followed in the industry, thereby resulting in different interpretations and applications by project managers. Given the intricate nature of construction projects, correct project management practices and project management maturity are paramount in achieving the overall envisaged project benefits,project success and business profit by organisations. As such, this study arose from the desire to improve the prevailing practices in construction projects, particularly in the Private Healthcare Industry. Against this background, the purpose of this study was to develop a framework that aims to improve the prevailing project management practices in infrastructure projects within the Private Healthcare Industry. This was done through evaluating the appropriate frameworks and theories in construction project management practices, project management maturity, and project success concepts. This then led to determining the correct construction project management practices required for the successful execution of infrastructure projects. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive review of literature was conducted that covered a review of project management practices, benefits, and theories The review of literature concluded with the main study proposition: Project management maturity has an influence on project success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Manunga, Felicia
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Project Management -- South Africa , Construction projects -- Management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49909 , vital:41816
- Description: The construction industry is characterised by the high rate of project failures. Industry professionals consider inconsistent project management practices to be a major cause of these failures. A leading contributor to these inconsistent project management practices is that there is no one project management standard followed in the industry, thereby resulting in different interpretations and applications by project managers. Given the intricate nature of construction projects, correct project management practices and project management maturity are paramount in achieving the overall envisaged project benefits,project success and business profit by organisations. As such, this study arose from the desire to improve the prevailing practices in construction projects, particularly in the Private Healthcare Industry. Against this background, the purpose of this study was to develop a framework that aims to improve the prevailing project management practices in infrastructure projects within the Private Healthcare Industry. This was done through evaluating the appropriate frameworks and theories in construction project management practices, project management maturity, and project success concepts. This then led to determining the correct construction project management practices required for the successful execution of infrastructure projects. To achieve this goal, a comprehensive review of literature was conducted that covered a review of project management practices, benefits, and theories The review of literature concluded with the main study proposition: Project management maturity has an influence on project success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The leadership style of Richard Branson: a psychobiography
- Authors: Fourie, Megan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Psychology -- Biographical methods , Transformational leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49838 , vital:41807
- Description: Transformational leadership (TFL) is a leadership theory that describes how leaders create change through their ability to inspire and motivate followers toward self-improvement and innovation that benefits the individual, the group, and the organisation as a whole.This psychobiographical research study explored the leadership style of Richard Branson by using Bass’s theory of transformational leadership. An exploratory-descriptive design was utilised to examine Branson’s life history. He was selected for the study through non-probability purposive sampling based on his history as an extraordinary leader and entrepreneur. Primary and secondary sources of historical and biographical data were used in the data collection process. The data was then processed using thematic analysis against the theoretical framework of transformational leadership. From an ethical perspective, the researcher took care to avoid the misrepresentation of the subject, thus balancing objective research with respect for the psychobiographical content and minimising the risk of doing harm. The findings demonstrated that Branson’s leadership style consists of, and corresponds to a large extent, to the four components of TFL.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Fourie, Megan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Psychology -- Biographical methods , Transformational leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49838 , vital:41807
- Description: Transformational leadership (TFL) is a leadership theory that describes how leaders create change through their ability to inspire and motivate followers toward self-improvement and innovation that benefits the individual, the group, and the organisation as a whole.This psychobiographical research study explored the leadership style of Richard Branson by using Bass’s theory of transformational leadership. An exploratory-descriptive design was utilised to examine Branson’s life history. He was selected for the study through non-probability purposive sampling based on his history as an extraordinary leader and entrepreneur. Primary and secondary sources of historical and biographical data were used in the data collection process. The data was then processed using thematic analysis against the theoretical framework of transformational leadership. From an ethical perspective, the researcher took care to avoid the misrepresentation of the subject, thus balancing objective research with respect for the psychobiographical content and minimising the risk of doing harm. The findings demonstrated that Branson’s leadership style consists of, and corresponds to a large extent, to the four components of TFL.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020