Showing items 1 - 20 of 47

Your selections:

Increasing competitiveness through the enhancement of logistics processes in the South African automotive industry

  • Authors: Njokweni, Thobela
  • Date: 2005
  • Subjects: Business logistics , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Competition, International
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:10939 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/418 , Business logistics , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Competition, International
  • Description: Logistics has become one of the automotive industry's most crucial sub-sectors. Previously, logistics had to step aside to make way for production considerations. Today it is regarded as being every bit as crucial as production in the global village. Advancement of logistics in South Africa is crucial because original equipment manufacturers are producing to developed world standards but are having to cope with low developing world logistics standards. The logistics processes that need to be enhanced in order for the South African automotive industry to be more competitive were investigated. To examine the main problem, three sub-problems were identified. The first sub-problem that has been identified dealt with logistics processes that will enhance the competitive advantage of the South African automotive industry. The second sub-problems looked at key logistics opportunities and threats to the environment in which South African motor manufactures trade. They were investigated by assessing the nature of the South African motor manufacturing industry. Finally, the third sub-problem investigated conclusions that can be arrived at concerning the appropriateness and strategic value of the analysis.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2005

An analysis of restructuring and work design used by manufacturing organisations in response to changing global forces

  • Authors: Kapp, Ashley
  • Date: 2004
  • Subjects: Organizational change -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Business Administration)
  • Identifier: vital:10867 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/145 , Organizational change -- South Africa
  • Description: Due to the continual increase in competitive pressure from international organisations, it has become necessary to assess the degree of transformational change within South African organisations to overcome the effect of global forces. Transformation was investigated in terms of organizational restructuring and the various work designs that are utilised by organisations to deal with the effect of global forces. To examine the main problem, three sub-problems were identified. The first sub-problem that had been identified dealt with the extent of which global forces impacted on the business environment. It was investigated by evaluating various economic, technological and sociopolitical forces. From the results it may be concluded that global forces have a large impact on the local business environment. The second sub-problem looked at the degree to which work designs assisted organisations to manage the effect of global forces. It was evident that the flexible types of work designs were more readily utilised to optimise productivity and employee moral. Finally, the third sub-problem investigated the various structures that organisations could adopt to deal with the effect of global forces. Organisational structures were analysed in terms of customer orientation, fulfilment of company objectives and the types of structures that are used within organisations. The results showed that 75% of the sample population believed that their organisational structures co-ordinated all activities within their organisations. Feedback on the type of structures that were used by organisations revealed that various types are being used.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2004

An investigation into the promotional activities employed by the motorcycle businesses in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area

  • Authors: Gouws, Aldo
  • Date: 2004
  • Subjects: Motorcycle industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Motorcycles -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Marketing
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:10860 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/250 , Motorcycle industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Motorcycles -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Marketing
  • Description: The motorcycle industry is well established in South Africa, but has not nearly reached its full potential. This study investigates how this situation can be improved by enhancing the promotions of motorcycles in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (NMMM) area under investigation. Motorcycle businesses in this area currently compete with a disadvantage in the transportation market. Motor vehicles are assembled in this area whereas motorcycles are not, and this creates various work opportunities and brand loyalty for the motor industry. The Government also offers import rebates to motor vehicle exports. The cost, prejudicial attitudes and road safety of motorcycles contribute toward the difficulties faced by the motorcycle industry, which prevent the growth of this market. This market usually requires potential customers to have a passion for motorcycles to turn them into actual customers. To overcome these difficulties an investigation was conducted to determine which promotional activities the motorcycle businesses in the NMMM area employ. This study identifies the motorcycle businesses’ promotional shortcomings and makes suggestions for improvement. Promotional activities are vital since motorcycles are at a disadvantage when compared to motor vehicles in the NMMM area. One of the best ways the motorcycle businesses can successfully compete in the transportation market is to make use of promotions to make potential customers aware and enhance their support of the motorcycle businesses. For this reason the promotional variables (advertising, direct marketing, personal selling, sales promotions and public relations) should be exploited to its fullest to enhance potential customers’ support of motorcycles. This process can also create brand loyalty and equity, which will retain customers over the long term. Communication with a market is essential to achieve this and to inform and remind potential customers about the products available.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2004

An investigation to establish whether the implementation of a structured total quality management system would add value to the South African Brewery, East London depot

  • Authors: Herman, Dane
  • Date: 2004
  • Subjects: Total quality management , Brewing industry -- South Africa -- East London -- Quality control , Benchmarking (Management)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:10866 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/254 , Total quality management , Brewing industry -- South Africa -- East London -- Quality control , Benchmarking (Management)
  • Description: No matter how receptive or unreceptive an individual or a company is to the arrival of the age of technology, this phenomenon of change cannot be overlooked in the competitive global village. Companies must respond and change if they wish to survive into the next century. The results and testing of the hypotheses in chapters four and five clearly indicate that there is a need for a structured Total Quality Management (TQM) system in the East London Depot, of South African Breweries (SAB). The vision of the company states that they aim to be the “benchmark of South African industry and the brewing world”. The mission of the company states that they wish to provide their consumers with the finest quality malt beverages, brewed and marketed by world - class people in a socially responsible and innovative manner. Two of the core values of the company are: • Customer service and consumer focus • Innovation and quality (http://Beernet) Taking the afore mentioned as a guide line, it is evident that although there is a need for a structured TQM system at the East London Depot, there are key focus areas to concentrate on for the program to be successful. The main focus area will be to change the perception of the staff with regards to doing things right the first time. Customer service is very important and should be understood by all. A competent person should be tasked with the implementation of the system. This person should then manage the system and ensure that the staff training and maintenance of documented procedures are adhered to. A TQM committee must also be established in order to perform the necessary audits. As mentioned in chapter one, the aim of the depot management is to improve on it’s current national ranking. A structured TQM program will make a huge contribution towards achieving the desired result. This will result in better results and achievement of goals. With this in mind this paper aims to investigate the feasibility of establishing a T Q M system at the East London Depot of SAB.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2004

The development of a business model for a non-profit organisation in Port Elizabeth : a case study

  • Authors: Inman, Lydia Alice Annabel
  • Date: 2004
  • Subjects: Nonprofit organizations -- Planning , Business planning
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:10868 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/216 , Nonprofit organizations -- Planning , Business planning
  • Description: Non-profit organisations are a niche sector of the service industry, which is increasing worldwide. This entails more competition for funding and a need for such organisations to adopt a management approach that is more akin to business, in order that the organisation will operate as effectively and efficiently as possible. Unlike business whose goal is to be profitable, the aim of non-profit organisations is to render a service to the community. Therefore, incorporating business principles into the management of the organisation is often in conflict with its aims. Furthermore, while the organisation’s donors want sound management, they want funding to be used for the recipients of the service and not for administration and salaries that help to ensure good governance. This study involved one such non-profit organisation that has been compelled to conform to management criteria as prescribed by the South African, Department of Social Development, in order to continue receiving the annual subsidies for salaries and running costs. This has meant various adjustments to the organisation’s operations including increased administration, the completion of an annual business plan and a change in emphasis to the service delivery. Through increased communication, the interviewees achieved greater consensus as to what business features were important for the effective management of the organisation. In addition, the development of a business model for a non-profit organisation was viewed as relevant, as it could assist in showing the stakeholders how the organisation operates. This would be particularly appropriate to its donors from business, who themselves use and understand such models and would see this development as a further move towards managing the organisation according to business principles.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2004

The location decision of PE College after a merger

  • Authors: Ferreira, Renee
  • Date: 2004
  • Subjects: Industrial location -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , School sites -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Universities and colleges -- Mergers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:10863 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/256 , Industrial location -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , School sites -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Universities and colleges -- Mergers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
  • Description: The Port Elizabeth College (PE College) was founded in January 2002 as a result of the merger between the three technical colleges in Port Elizabeth, namely, Russell Road, Bethelsdorp and Iqhayiya. Similar courses are offered in duplicated facilities, contrary to the sentiment of the legislation requiring the reduction of the number of technical colleges from 152 to 50. A further problem experienced by the management of PE College is that the Russell Road campus is so full that it is necessary to turn prospective students away, while the other campuses are under-utilised. The focus of this study is the evaluation of the location and coverage offered by the six PE College sites of delivery. The study examined the physical facilities of the PE College and investigated the requirements of staff and students, regarding their campuses of choice. The objectives were achieved through site visits to the six campuses, as well as a quantitative, structured, self-administered survey of all staff and students of the PE College in October 2003. The questions used in the survey were selected only after a literature review of location theory, which highlighted the factors to be considered in location decisions. Completed questionnaires were received from 1 256 student and 120 staff respondents. The empirical study showed that 13,2% of students and 9,2% of staff wished to study or work at a different campus. Sixty-eight percent of students who wanted to change campuses preferred to be based at the Russell Road campus, which is already full. As a result, this study has led to the recommendation that the PE College should use a product-based location strategy, where each campus specialises in a different field of study. Although this location strategy will not necessarily offer the greatest accessibility to students and staff, it will result in the least amount of duplication, and, therefore, reduced costs.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2004

Towards a better understanding of information systems strategy options and its link with business strategy

  • Authors: Buchanan, Darryl Vaughn
  • Date: 2004
  • Subjects: Management information systems , Strategic planning -- Data processing , Information technology -- Management
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:10864 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/267 , Management information systems , Strategic planning -- Data processing , Information technology -- Management
  • Description: There is considerable evidence that the strategic use of Information Systems can lead to a competitive advantage. There is however, a marked lack of understanding of the options available, as well as the smooth coordination of Information Systems strategy with Business strategy. This paper provides insight into the role of Information Systems and its link with business strategy. It focuses on Information Systems strategy options, and explores the criteria needed for successful Information Systems strategy and Business strategy alignment. The paper presents and examines the results of a study of strategic alignment at Volkswagen of South Africa. Data was obtained from business and Information Technology executives. The result of the study enables Volkswagen not only to benchmark themselves, but also provides direction to enable successful business/IT alignment. It identifies specific actions necessary to ensure that IT is being used to appropriately enable or drive the business strategy.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2004

An evaluation of mentoring to develop a strategy for facilitating the objectives of the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998)

  • Authors: Berry, David Michael
  • Date: 2003
  • Subjects: Mentoring in business , Employees -- Training of -- Evaluation
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech (Human Resource Management)
  • Identifier: vital:10858 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/127 , Mentoring in business , Employees -- Training of -- Evaluation
  • Description: The research problem in this study was to identify what mentoring strategies organisations can use to facilitate the objectives of the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998). To achieve this objective a nine-phase theoretical model for organisational mentoring was presented. The presentation of the theoretical model consisted of the following three sub-processes: -The first consisted of a survey of literature related to the development of the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998) and the implications of the Act for organisations: The second comprised surveying the literature dealing specifically with the impact of mentoring programmes on career development, organisational success and career satisfaction, particularly in terms of employees from designated groups; The third surveyed the literature dealing with various mentoring strategies and models used by organisations for facilitating management development. The theoretical model served as a basis for drawing up a survey questionnaire to establish the extent to which individuals at different levels in the organisations agree with the theoretical model developed in the study. The survey questionnaire was sent to a random sample of individuals employed in the automobile industries of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality and the Buffalo City Metropole. The empirical results obtained from the survey indicated a strong concurrence with the theoretical organisational mentoring model presented in the study. These results were included in the theoretical model, leading to the development of an integrated model for organisational mentoring. From the survey literature and the study it became evident that if organisations plan to introduce mentoring strategies that will contribute towards facilitating their employment equity objectives, it is necessary to ensure that a transformational culture exists. Many South African organisations are currently experiencing problems in recruiting, training and retaining individuals from designated groups. The introduction of a mentoring programme based on the integrated model for organisational mentoring cannot be considered as the sole strategy for alleviating these problems and for facilitating management development to achieve the objectives of the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998). However, when this programme is effectively managed and incorporated into the overall development programme of an organisation committed to transformation, the potential to ease these problems and achieve the objectives of the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998) is greatly enhanced.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2003

An evaluation of the effectiveness of change management models utilised by organisations in the East Cape motor industry cluster

  • Authors: Flesch, Devin Edward
  • Date: 2003
  • Subjects: Organizational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motor industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrial management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Human Resources Management)
  • Identifier: vital:10856 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/125 , Organizational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motor industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrial management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: There has never been an age in which change did not take place. However, the increase in the unpredictability of many factors of the 21st century means that organisations are susceptible to, and must embrace change. This results in an increase in the pace at which organisations may have to deal with change. This research study evaluates the interventions considered to bring about optimal change within organisations. In order to complete this study it was necessary to address the fundamentals of change management, tools utilised to manage change and the current theoretical models that assist organisations in managing change. The study took place within the Eastern Cape as it is regarded as the second fastest growing economy in South Africa. The researcher used the automotive cluster as the population for the study as it is the largest industry within the Eastern Cape. Based on the theoretical findings of a literature survey a questionnaire was developed and distributed to a randomly selected sample in the automotive cluster. The objective of the questionnaire was to evaluate the theory used and to develop a process model of change management. The results of the empirical study were statistically analysed and interpreted. Among the most important findings of the research was the fact that organisations in the Eastern Cape do not follow any specific theoretical model for managing change and very few organisations have a formal change management policy. Although the respondents to the survey acknowledged that it is imperative to engender an awareness of change management principles, especially among top management, the majority does not adhere to this principle because it is too time consuming! This research study highlights a number of areas where the management of change can be improved and presents a practical process model that can be adapted and used by the majority of organisations within the East Cape Motor Industry Cluster.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2003

An investigation into relationship-marketing strategies used by Morkels to retain customers

  • Authors: Giddy, Peter Allan Spence
  • Date: 2003
  • Subjects: Relationship marketing -- South Africa , Morkels (Firm, South Africa) , Furniture industry and trade -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:10855 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/134 , Relationship marketing -- South Africa , Morkels (Firm, South Africa) , Furniture industry and trade -- South Africa
  • Description: The research problem addressed in this study was an assessment of the relationship-marketing strategy that Morkels currently has in operation. This strategy focuses on membership of a club that is sold to customers when they open an account. The strategy is to keep in touch with the customer by means of the club magazine, a club card and various special events and offers that are exclusive to club members. The strategy, however, may not be entirely successful in achieving the goals and objectives as envisaged by the senior management of the company. The objective of the research was to establish what exactly relationship marketing is. Once having investigated the theory of relationship marketing, the objective of the research was to establish what the goals of the management at Morkels were and whether or not these goals were met. The methodology of the research was, firstly, to conduct a literature survey on relationship marketing. In particular the study of literature focused on the theory related to the retail market focussing essentially where similar marketing strategies had been investigated. A variety of aspects of relationship marketing and strategies that had previously been implemented were then examined. The literature survey also considered the way in which a successful strategy of relationship-marketing should be motivated, planned, implemented and followed through. Secondly the research established what the goals and objectives of the management of Morkels were by means of an investigation into the policies and manuals of the relationship-marketing department. Finally a questionnaire was disseminated to the senior management of Morkels to establish what they considered to be the needs and opinions of the customers of the Garden Route Area. A second questionnaire with similar questions was also submitted to a sample of club members. This was done to establish the opinions of both groups. The major findings of the research were that Morkels is experiencing a degree of success with its relationship-marketing strategy. The research findings also revealed that opinions of the customers and the management of Morkels do not concur on a number of issues. These differences and the most important factors were discussed and recommendations were made to management.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2003

The development of a model of competencies for small, medium and microsized enterprises (SMME'S) to achieve competitive advantage in the East Cape Motor Industry Cluster

  • Authors: De Beer, Lloyd
  • Date: 2003
  • Subjects: Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:10854 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/121 , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: The research problem addressed in this study was to identify the generic strategies that small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME’s) are required to implement in order to achieve competitive advantage in the highly competitive global automotive market. Markets have merged into one huge global marketplace, increasing the competitive forces on all the participants in the automotive markets. Strategies to achieve competitive advantage has changed from the traditional domestic strategies to that of strategies required for global competitive advantage. This has created challenges for SMME’s to attain competitive advantage essential in the fast-changing global markets. The East Cape Motor Industry Cluster (ECMIC) is the heart of the SA automotive industry with three of the major automobile manufacturers having their assembly plants located in the Buffalo and Nelson Mandela Metropoles. A significant number of component manufacturers and their suppliers serve these manufacturers, as well as the other automobile manufacturers located elsewhere in South Africa. Many of these component manufacturers and suppliers are SMME’s. The need to become globally competitive is thus critical for SMME’s in the region. This study investigates the generic strategies that SMME organisations are required to implement in order to achieve competitive advantage in the ECMIC, and based on this and the empirical study that seeks opinion from management of SMME firms in the ECMIC, a model of generic strategies to create competitive advantage is developed.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2003

The identification of factors that contribute to the competitive advantage of the intermodal industry in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan municipality

  • Authors: De Koker, Jacques Michael
  • Date: 2003
  • Subjects: Freight and freightage -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Containerization -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Competition
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:10861 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/239 , Freight and freightage -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Containerization -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Competition
  • Description: The research problem addressed in the study was to identify the factors contributing to a competitive advantage in the intermodal industry in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (NMMM). To achieve this objective, a literature study on competitive advantage and the intermodal industry was undertaken. Porter’s diamond of competitive advantage was used as basis for the study. A structured questionnaire was developed from the literature study on competitive advantage, and interviews were with clients of the intermodal industry in the NMMM. The empirical study showed a strong concurrence with the literature on competitive advantage. This study identified the following factors promoting a competitive advantage: performance factors, demand conditions, related and supporting industries, and the organisation’s strategy, structure and rivalry. In conclusion, recommendations on how the intermodal industry can achieve a competitive advantage included the choice between a focused strategy and a combination of price and differentiation strategy. Further recommendations included the development of a comprehensive land freight information system, promotion of environmental protection, human resource development, and the promotion of an efficient and competitive intermodal industry within the limits of the road transport infrastructure.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2003

The use of strategies to promote and market products and services online as well the use of customer relationship management to attract and retain customers

  • Authors: Cohen, Howard
  • Date: 2003
  • Subjects: Internet marketing , Customer relations -- Management , Consumer satisfaction , Customer loyalty
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:10862 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/270 , Internet marketing , Customer relations -- Management , Consumer satisfaction , Customer loyalty
  • Description: The Internet has provided marketing with many new tools and given old tools new or improved meanings. The Net poses tremendous challenges for scholars in many lines of research, from usability studies and consumer behaviour research to marketing and advertising research. Because the World Wide Web (the Web) presents a fundamentally different environment for marketing activities than traditional media, conventional marketing activities are being transformed, as they are often difficult to implement in their present form. This means that in many cases these marketing activities have to be reconstructed in forms more appropriate for the new medium. A lot of technological changes have affected the marketing environment of today. Companies must adapt to these changes in order to improve their marketing strategies. This has, among other things, resulted in an emphasis on relationship marketing. The purpose of this thesis is to explore what strategies are used in practice by companies in order to market and promote their products and services by using their Web sites as well as to build effective Customer Relationship Management (CRM). In order to fulfil the research purpose, interviews were conducted at a number of companies (medium and large), and questionnaires were mailed to various companies in the motor retail industry. The result shows that a company can use traditional as well as online marketing and promotion strategies when conducting business. This can also help companies to gain better relations with their customers. The different marketing and promotion strategies are useful for attracting new business as well as maintaining and stimulating existing relations. The research problem addressed in this study was to determine the factors that are effective in marketing and promoting of Web sites as well as the methods used in building CRM.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2003

Using value stream mapping to identify waste in the manufacturing of automotive components at Federal Mogul

  • Authors: Fry, Peter-John
  • Date: 2003
  • Subjects: Industrial efficiency , Production planning , Value added , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:10865 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/271 , Industrial efficiency , Production planning , Value added , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: This research addresses the application of Value Stream Mapping in the automotive component industry. The goal of this research is to investigate how Value Stream Mapping can identify waste, and to evaluate its benefits on a specific application instance. Value Stream Mapping is used to first map the current state and then used to identify sources of waste and to identify lean tools to try eliminate this waste. The future state map is then developed with lean tools applied to it. A South African company, Federal Mogul South Africa (FMSA), has experienced the impact of globalisation and the need to become globally competitive first hand. FMSA will be used as a case study to illustrate the impact of using Value Stream Mapping as a tool for identify waste and the need for improving the performance of a company’s value stream in achieving the international goals set for the company and its supply chain.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2003

A comprehensive study of the social responsibility practices of two selected financial insitutions

  • Authors: Grootboom, Alan Avril Douglas
  • Date: 2002
  • Subjects: Social responsibility of business -- South Africa , Financial institutions -- South Africa -- Social aspects
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:10857 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/80 , Social responsibility of business -- South Africa , Financial institutions -- South Africa -- Social aspects
  • Description: Different forms of social responsibility practices have been prevalent in South Africa. Most of South African companies decided to bear the minimum costs when it comes to contributing to society. An improved version of social responsibility evolved since the transition in the 1990’s and South Africa’s re-integration into the global economy after lifting of economic sanctions. This came about after decades of large profit margins enjoyed by South African companies at the expense of low labour costs that led to inequalities in income distribution in South Africa. The social responsibility involvement/programmes are more or less the same across similar companies in South Africa. The reasons for business engaging in social responsibility are varied, ranging from poverty alleviation to sustainable development of society. Executives started to buy into the idea that social responsibility can be beneficial to the business and society. The changing attitudes regarding the role of business in society have made social responsibility an increasingly prominent issue over the past decades, but to decide on which projects will have a mutually beneficial impact on society and business, was one of the major challenges that companies have to face. It is against this background that the researcher investigated and compared the social responsibility practices of two selected financial institutions. The focus was on the practices of the two financial institutions in selecting targets for socially responsible involvement. This problem was supported by six secondary problems. The researcher first did a literature study to place social responsibility in perspective. The main purpose of the literature study was to identify and suggest how companies select the targets for said responsible involvement. An empirical investigation was conducted, focusing on Standard Bank and ABSA Bank. The demarcation of the study was restricted to these organisations as the assumption was made that their social responsibility practices are representative of the social responsibility practices of the financial services industry. The empirical study showed that the organisations under review did not have specific criteria that guide their selection of targets for social responsibility involvement. This highlighted an area of improvement on the social responsibility practices. The results of the literature study and the empirical investigation indicated that to be proactive in the field of social responsibility, criteria for selecting targets should be set and social responsibility practices should be linked to the corporate objectives and should form part of the strategic planning process. An affirmative approach to social responsibility will ensure that the two financial institutions be perceived as socially responsible.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2002

Reengineering the business processes in small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME'S) in order to improve profitability

  • Authors: Figg, Malcolm John
  • Date: 2002
  • Subjects: Reengineering (Management)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:10850 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/112 , Reengineering (Management)
  • Description: The research problem addressed in this study was to identify guidelines to improve business processes that will enhance the ability of Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMME’s) to be able to operate competitively in local and global markets. Reengineering of business processes (BPR) is necessary because of internal factors such as increasing global competition, increasing domestic competition, new technologies, industry overcapacity, shrinking markets and increasing pressure from suppliers. There are also various external factors that influence the necessity to reengineer business processes. These factors include increasing cost structure, declining profitability, declining sales, low productivity, inadequate employee skills and less efficiency in operations. In order to identify guidelines that will enhance SMME’s performance, questionnaires with relevant questions were used . The findings of the literature survey clearly highlights the specific areas where attention is required for improvements.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2002

The determination of a strategy for the implementation of learnerships in the catalytic converter canning industry in the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Heather, Keith Buxmann
  • Date: 2002
  • Subjects: Automobiles -- Catalytic converters , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Apprenticeship programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:10851 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/117 , Automobiles -- Catalytic converters , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Apprenticeship programs -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: The Eastern Cape Region, once had sufficient job seekers with automotive component manufacturing skills and experience. Indications are that this pool has been desiccated. The draining of skills out of the area is starting to affect growth potential and competitiveness in the industry in the area. In 1998, the Skills Development Act was passed to implement the National Skills Development Plan, and to encourage employers to train personnel. The strategy promotes a three faceted approach to encourage the development of skills; Workplace Skills Development Plans, Learnerships and Sector Specific Initiatives. This study will focus on the implementation of learnerships in the Catalytic Converter Canning Industry. The aim of this research is to verify the skills shortages; identify which skills are required by the Catalytic Converter Canning Industry in the Eastern Cape and propose a strategy of addressing these needs by means of learnerships. By studying the Legislation supporting the National Skills Development Plan, conducting a literature study, and interviewing knowledgeable people in the industry, the skills requirements of the industry were identified. Thereafter, a questionnaire was drawn up and completed together with representatives from Eberspächer South Africa, Faurecia Exhaust Systems South Africa, Precision Exhaust Systems and Tenneco Automotive South Africa, the active manufacturers of catalytic converters, for OEM’s worldwide, who are based in the Eastern Cape Region. The empirical study confirmed the findings of the research and skills deficiencies were identified. In conclusion, a strategy is proposed whereby the Catalytic Converter Canning Industry could address the skills shortage by the implementation and development of learnerships.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2002

The development of a marketing plan for an emergency medical service

  • Authors: Barley, Kim Wayne
  • Date: 2002
  • Subjects: Market -- Planning , Emergency medical services , Health facilities -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:10853 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/120 , Market -- Planning , Emergency medical services , Health facilities -- South Africa
  • Description: The research problem addressed in this study was to develop a comprehensive marketing plan that would help an emergency medical service (EMS) in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (NMMM), capture a significant market share and gain a competitive advantage over competitors. To achieve this object, a literature study to determine the key components of a marketing plan was undertaken and used as a theoretical model in developing an actual marketing plan. In addition to the literature study, an empirical study was conducted to identify the key issues critical to the development of a marketing plan for the EMS. The survey method used, based on the key components gained from the literature study, consisted of an in-depth scan of the macro-environment and thorough market investigation of the target industry. The investigation involved the general management and senior personnel from the local emergency medical industry, medical aid schemes and private hospitals and clinics delimited in the study. The results of the above literature study were finally combined with the results of the empirical study and a marketing plan for an emergency medical service was developed. This study concludes with recommendations applicable for the implementation of the actual marketing plan.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2002

The identification of factors that contribute to the competitive advantage of the catalytic converter industry cluster in the Eastern Cape

  • Authors: Manlee, Tamaryn
  • Date: 2002
  • Subjects: Competition , Industrial management , Automobiles -- Catalytic converters
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:10892 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/99 , Competition , Industrial management , Automobiles -- Catalytic converters
  • Description: The research problem addressed in this study was to determine what the main factors are that contribute to the competitive advantage of the catalytic converter industry cluster in the Eastern Cape. To achieve this objective theoretical models of competitive advantage and literature of industry clustering were identified. For the models on competitive advantage, Porter’s diamond was used for national competitive advantage and Porter’s model on the competitive environment, which affects the competitive advantage of a region. Other theories on competitive advantage of cities and regions were identified, leading up to the theory on the cluster approach. The literature mentioned was broken down and analysed using literature, from knowledgeable people in the automotive industry in the Eastern Cape, identified during the study. A questionnaire was developed to test the degree to which the catalytic converter industry cluster in the Eastern Cape is in agreement with the literature study. The empirical study obtained a strong concurrence with the literature study on national competitive advantage and the theory of clusters. This resulted in a strategy for the catalytic converter industry cluster to sustain competitive advantage and remain globally competitive.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2002

The impact of multi-skilling training on the paintshop production environment and its employees at Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA)

  • Authors: Bhika, Chandrika
  • Date: 2002
  • Subjects: Employees -- Training of , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:10852 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/130 , Employees -- Training of , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: Global competition and rapid technological change have been the driving forces for a more flexible and competent workforce. Continuous employee training assists organisations to achieve their goals by adding value to their key resources, the human factor. The demand for a more qualified workforce becomes a strategic force in the effort to raise competitiveness. Providing, obtaining and improving the necessary skills are important in responding to a rapidly changing international economy. Life-long learning and continuous skills development are the new requirements imposed by our knowledgeintensive society. The overall purpose of the research was to determine the impact of multi-skilling training (MST) on the paintshop production environment and its employees at Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA). The objectives of this research were to: Identify the elements of multi-skilling training and guidelines for its development and implementation; Critically evaluate the current system; Determine the impact of multi-skilling training on the production environment in the paint shop at VWSA The research methodology for this study comprised the following steps: Firstly, the development and implementation of MST at Volkswagen South Africa was assessed. The elements of MST and its impact on production and the employee worldwide were determined through the literature study. Secondly, the limitations of the current MST system used in the paintshop at Volkswagen South Africa were assessed in an empirical study, which involved completing of questionnaires. The empirical study proved that the current MST system employed in the paintshop at Volkswagen South Africa had assisted in improving production, and increasing the employees’ morale. The final step of this study entailed the formulation of recommendations, which are as follows: · Sufficient time should be allocated for practical training. · Frequent job rotation must be implement ed. · Advanced MST must be implemented after completion of Level Four. · MST should be presented in English, Afrikaans and Xhosa.
  • Full Text:
  • Date Issued: 2002
  • Disclaimer
  • Privacy
  • Copyright
  • Contact