A framework for the implementation of social media marketing strategies in political campaigning
- Authors: Ayankoya, Kayode A
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Online social networks -- Political aspects -- South Africa , Social networks -- South Africa , Campaign management -- South Africa , Branding (Marketing) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8850 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020118
- Description: The concept of social media has grown rapidly in the last years. This can be attributed to the rate of adoption and the penetration of social media around the world. Currently, there is an estimate of over two billion people that are actively using social media. The increased usage of social media has changed the way people interact and communicate. Literature suggests that Internet-enabled social networks (relationship between or among individuals and groups) are developing faster than offline relationships. Previous studies have linked social media to the social network theories that define social relationships based on the actors, the ties that exist and the flow of resources among them. This is made possible by social networking sites and other Internet enabled services that allow friends to meet, connect and interact. Social media allow for individuals, groups or organisations to build their social network of friends and followers. It also facilitates the formation of communities with common interest. Social media facilitate the creation and exchange of content such as text messages, images, audio and video formats among individuals or communities that share a common interest or belong to the same social network. Social capital theorists suggest that the ties that exist in social interaction like on social media have the ability to create benefit for the actors in the networks. This provides the foundation to study the benefits that individuals and organisations can obtain from social media. The opportunity to target and communicate directly with the target market and potential customer qualifies social media as a valuable marketing tool and an important component of the integrated marketing communication. As a marketing communication tool, social media introduces a completely new paradigm into marketing communications. Therefore marketing professionals and academics are continuously seeking how to take advantage of social media for different industries. In the field of politics, the use of marketing concepts to engage voters and drive collective participation in political processes has become critical due to stiff competition. The use of social media for political campaigning and engagement could be beneficial, but politicians and political organisations are not taking full advantage of the concept. Previous studies show that organisations are aware of the opportunities that social media could provide for their organisations. However, they are reluctant because they are faced with the problems of lack of information on how to implement social media for business purposes. This treatise investigates the approach and critical success factors for the use of social media for political campaigning and engagement. To evaluate the conceptual framework that was suggested by this study based on the literature review and case studies, an empirical study was conducted among the members of the Democratic Alliance in the Eastern Cape. A survey was conducted among the members of the Democratic Alliance in the Eastern Cape using a questionnaire and 92 responses were received. The questionnaire measured the respondents’ social media usage, level of political engagement, perception on the use of social media for political engagement and the level of political activities on social media. Also, hypotheses were tested to examine the assumption that there might be an association between the respondents’ gender, population group and level of political activities on social media. The findings of this study indicate that a structured approach, a strong emphasis of engaging followers socially and micro-targeting are critical to effective implementation of social media for political campaigning and engagement. Other factors include the direct involvement of leadership, listening and encouragement of user generated contents. This study concludes that political organisations can use social media to establish multi-levelled social networks that provide access to their target audience and also reach potential audience through their friends. This social connectedness can then be translated into political social capital for campaign and engagement purposes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Ayankoya, Kayode A
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Online social networks -- Political aspects -- South Africa , Social networks -- South Africa , Campaign management -- South Africa , Branding (Marketing) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8850 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020118
- Description: The concept of social media has grown rapidly in the last years. This can be attributed to the rate of adoption and the penetration of social media around the world. Currently, there is an estimate of over two billion people that are actively using social media. The increased usage of social media has changed the way people interact and communicate. Literature suggests that Internet-enabled social networks (relationship between or among individuals and groups) are developing faster than offline relationships. Previous studies have linked social media to the social network theories that define social relationships based on the actors, the ties that exist and the flow of resources among them. This is made possible by social networking sites and other Internet enabled services that allow friends to meet, connect and interact. Social media allow for individuals, groups or organisations to build their social network of friends and followers. It also facilitates the formation of communities with common interest. Social media facilitate the creation and exchange of content such as text messages, images, audio and video formats among individuals or communities that share a common interest or belong to the same social network. Social capital theorists suggest that the ties that exist in social interaction like on social media have the ability to create benefit for the actors in the networks. This provides the foundation to study the benefits that individuals and organisations can obtain from social media. The opportunity to target and communicate directly with the target market and potential customer qualifies social media as a valuable marketing tool and an important component of the integrated marketing communication. As a marketing communication tool, social media introduces a completely new paradigm into marketing communications. Therefore marketing professionals and academics are continuously seeking how to take advantage of social media for different industries. In the field of politics, the use of marketing concepts to engage voters and drive collective participation in political processes has become critical due to stiff competition. The use of social media for political campaigning and engagement could be beneficial, but politicians and political organisations are not taking full advantage of the concept. Previous studies show that organisations are aware of the opportunities that social media could provide for their organisations. However, they are reluctant because they are faced with the problems of lack of information on how to implement social media for business purposes. This treatise investigates the approach and critical success factors for the use of social media for political campaigning and engagement. To evaluate the conceptual framework that was suggested by this study based on the literature review and case studies, an empirical study was conducted among the members of the Democratic Alliance in the Eastern Cape. A survey was conducted among the members of the Democratic Alliance in the Eastern Cape using a questionnaire and 92 responses were received. The questionnaire measured the respondents’ social media usage, level of political engagement, perception on the use of social media for political engagement and the level of political activities on social media. Also, hypotheses were tested to examine the assumption that there might be an association between the respondents’ gender, population group and level of political activities on social media. The findings of this study indicate that a structured approach, a strong emphasis of engaging followers socially and micro-targeting are critical to effective implementation of social media for political campaigning and engagement. Other factors include the direct involvement of leadership, listening and encouragement of user generated contents. This study concludes that political organisations can use social media to establish multi-levelled social networks that provide access to their target audience and also reach potential audience through their friends. This social connectedness can then be translated into political social capital for campaign and engagement purposes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A model for enhancing employee engagement in private emergency medical doctors
- Authors: Leeching, Jonray Kevin
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Medical economics -- South Africa Employee health promotion , Emergency medicine Medical care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47925 , vital:40453
- Description: Since the beginning of the millennium there has been a drive by organisations to achieve more with fewer resources. This has been heightened further by the global financial recession which has both direct and indirect effects on South Africa. Employee engagement has now become a critical business issue as the economic landscape becomes increasingly turbulent and organisations need coherent strategies to maintain their competitive advantages. Employee engagement is a business management concept that is particularly relevant to organisations that leverage off human capital and involves the maximising of individual commitment to and satisfaction with work. When the current healthcare environment is taken into consideration, with its dire shortage of medical doctors, a human resources scheme that has employee engagement at its heart must be considered an imperative by medical organisations. Upon embarking on the research into the topic it became evident that there was a scarcity of investigations into employee engagement as it applied to physicians. The purpose of this treatise, then, is to examine the key drivers of employee engagement in emergency medicine doctors and develop an engagement model that can be used by organisations to enhance this positive psychological state for their good, the good of the medical doctor and, in due course, for their patients. In order to achieve this goal a thorough literature review was performed which drew on both academic and practitioner sources of information into the concepts of employee, knowledge worker and physician engagement. This led to the development of a hypothesised model which was tested using rigorous measures incorporating questionnaire-style, quantitative data collection and statistical analysis. The results of the research show that communication; work-life; company alignment; growth and development; recognition and reward; management support; autonomy; and mission and purpose are all closely associated with the construct of employee engagement. Work-life and company alignment, in particular, were shown to have direct positive associations with the concept and are postulated to be key areas for emergency medical organisations to focus their attentions in the quest for engaged and motivated doctors. Ultimately, employee engagement is shown to be valuable, measurable and actionable. The devised model for employee engagement in emergency medical doctors can be utilised in the harnessing of physicians hearts and minds to the work that they love doing and the organisations that they love doing it for. This is a win-win result for all of the important stakeholders of healthcare in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Leeching, Jonray Kevin
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Medical economics -- South Africa Employee health promotion , Emergency medicine Medical care -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47925 , vital:40453
- Description: Since the beginning of the millennium there has been a drive by organisations to achieve more with fewer resources. This has been heightened further by the global financial recession which has both direct and indirect effects on South Africa. Employee engagement has now become a critical business issue as the economic landscape becomes increasingly turbulent and organisations need coherent strategies to maintain their competitive advantages. Employee engagement is a business management concept that is particularly relevant to organisations that leverage off human capital and involves the maximising of individual commitment to and satisfaction with work. When the current healthcare environment is taken into consideration, with its dire shortage of medical doctors, a human resources scheme that has employee engagement at its heart must be considered an imperative by medical organisations. Upon embarking on the research into the topic it became evident that there was a scarcity of investigations into employee engagement as it applied to physicians. The purpose of this treatise, then, is to examine the key drivers of employee engagement in emergency medicine doctors and develop an engagement model that can be used by organisations to enhance this positive psychological state for their good, the good of the medical doctor and, in due course, for their patients. In order to achieve this goal a thorough literature review was performed which drew on both academic and practitioner sources of information into the concepts of employee, knowledge worker and physician engagement. This led to the development of a hypothesised model which was tested using rigorous measures incorporating questionnaire-style, quantitative data collection and statistical analysis. The results of the research show that communication; work-life; company alignment; growth and development; recognition and reward; management support; autonomy; and mission and purpose are all closely associated with the construct of employee engagement. Work-life and company alignment, in particular, were shown to have direct positive associations with the concept and are postulated to be key areas for emergency medical organisations to focus their attentions in the quest for engaged and motivated doctors. Ultimately, employee engagement is shown to be valuable, measurable and actionable. The devised model for employee engagement in emergency medical doctors can be utilised in the harnessing of physicians hearts and minds to the work that they love doing and the organisations that they love doing it for. This is a win-win result for all of the important stakeholders of healthcare in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A strategic analysis of Capitec Bank Limited within the South African banking industry
- Authors: De Lange, Michael Coenraad
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- South Africa , Creative ability in business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8835 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019932
- Description: The South African banking industry is well regulated and oligopolistic by nature. The financial sector in South Africa is of a world class standard, comparing favourably to that of developed countries i.e. United States of America and Great Britian, and developing economies such as the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries. The South African financial sector possesses the critical elements to exhibit good growth and sustainable profitabiblity. Capitec Bank Limited revolutionised the banking industry by providing a simplified and cost effective banking solution targeting the masses i.e. the "unbanked" population of South Africa. The company pursued a disruptive innovation strategy by targeting the lower income earning segment of the market i.e. individuals who are employed but do not have bank account. Capite's strategic approach and business model were designed around innovation and technology, exploiting a previously untapped market that no other competitor targeted. This approach has resulted in the bank's phenomenal growth over the past decade and most notably has seen Capitec's return on equity (ROE) increase from 12 percent to 26 percent and advances to costomers increase from R116 million to 16 billion. This has set precedent which the big four banks, namely ABSA, First National Bank, Standard Bank and Nedbank, could not match. Contributing to Capitec's success and the basis on which its business model is built are four pillars: accessibilty, simplicity, affordability and personalised service. These pillars have created a compatitive advantage resulting in the bid four banks playing catch up. A strategic analysis of Capitec bank was conducted in order to assess the feasibility of expansion by the bank into Africa. The conclusion of the study indicated that it was indeed a viable option for Capitec to expand its footprint across borders into Africa through mergers with banks exhibiting a similar business model, for example Equity Bank based in Kenya.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: De Lange, Michael Coenraad
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- South Africa , Creative ability in business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8835 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019932
- Description: The South African banking industry is well regulated and oligopolistic by nature. The financial sector in South Africa is of a world class standard, comparing favourably to that of developed countries i.e. United States of America and Great Britian, and developing economies such as the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries. The South African financial sector possesses the critical elements to exhibit good growth and sustainable profitabiblity. Capitec Bank Limited revolutionised the banking industry by providing a simplified and cost effective banking solution targeting the masses i.e. the "unbanked" population of South Africa. The company pursued a disruptive innovation strategy by targeting the lower income earning segment of the market i.e. individuals who are employed but do not have bank account. Capite's strategic approach and business model were designed around innovation and technology, exploiting a previously untapped market that no other competitor targeted. This approach has resulted in the bank's phenomenal growth over the past decade and most notably has seen Capitec's return on equity (ROE) increase from 12 percent to 26 percent and advances to costomers increase from R116 million to 16 billion. This has set precedent which the big four banks, namely ABSA, First National Bank, Standard Bank and Nedbank, could not match. Contributing to Capitec's success and the basis on which its business model is built are four pillars: accessibilty, simplicity, affordability and personalised service. These pillars have created a compatitive advantage resulting in the bid four banks playing catch up. A strategic analysis of Capitec bank was conducted in order to assess the feasibility of expansion by the bank into Africa. The conclusion of the study indicated that it was indeed a viable option for Capitec to expand its footprint across borders into Africa through mergers with banks exhibiting a similar business model, for example Equity Bank based in Kenya.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A study of the factors impacting on the performance of school opernational teams in secondary schools in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Gibbs, Marilyn Dawn
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Teaching teams -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Teams in the workplace -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8883 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020783
- Description: It is critical in this dynamic and changing environment that both the leadership and educators of schools and organisations are well equipped with the skills and knowledge to create high performance teams (HPT). High performance teams can be defined as those highly motivated team players in the organisation or school that maximise their people integrated knowledge, skills and values to a shared purpose or vision of their stakeholders. In this mixed method research an analysis of the whole school operational teams of some secondary schools including all educators, head of departments, administrators and principals was undertaken. Four secondary schools from two quintile groups situated in various areas of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan were the sampling units and the sample size was eighty one. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected utilising a carefully constructed questionnaire based on a theoretical conceptual framework of enabling factors for HPT in business contexts. The theoretical framework of the Kenexa High Performance Model was utilised in this study. A questionnaire was constructed based on the factors of the High Performance Work Index (HPW) study done by the Australian Business School. This model was adjusted to utilise factors aligned to those factors within the school operational context. Using other literature references further factors were included into the survey instrument. The School High Performance Work Index (SHPWI) was the dependent variable while the independent variables included organizational commitment, and employee engagement. These were literature based measures and the questionnaire items were taken from previous research studies, thereby allowing construct validity. The other independent variables included Communication, Leadership, Strategic Management, School Organizational Climate, Positive Practices, Conflict Management, Motivation and Trust. A statistical analysis was undertaken on each school’s team response data. Reliability and validity of the constructed questionnaire was shown by using the Kenexa employee engagement index and the Organizational Commitment measure, which were highly correlated with the SHPWI. In literature, high performance teams (HPT) show common patterns in business and in this study it was seen that a number of common factors contributed towards a HPT in school operational teams. In this research study the main enabling factors in whole school operational teams that could lead to the formation of HPT’s involved factors of leadership, communication and motivation. The SHPWI showed a high correlation with employee engagement and organizational commitment. The HPT profile involved innovation (freedom of thinking), employee (educator) engagement, fairness, leadership, learner needs, communication, trust, conflict management, school organizational climate, positive practices, strategic management and motivation. In the correlation between the SHPWI and the independent variables the highest correlation (statistically significant at p < 0.05 N = 81; r > 0. 500) occurred between the School High Performance Index and Leadership (0.822), Communication (0.785) and Motivation (0.766). In the multiple linear regression (MLR) of the results of this study the highest correlations with a value of R2 = 0.774 was obtained with variables of Leadership, Communication, Motivation and Strategic Management factors. Qualitative data was coded and linked with the factors in the quantitative data and the top five factors were selected and summarised for each school. Merged data showed that each school exhibited a different profile of strengths and weaknesses. Recommendations were outlined for each school operational team. Different schools in different quintiles have different needs and gap factors that require improvement. It is therefore imperative that schools analyse their strengths and weaknesses within their school operational teams. This research study aimed therefore to start research on a human resource metric that can be further developed to allow school operational teams to examine and analyze their own HPT profile, so that specific interventions may be implemented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Gibbs, Marilyn Dawn
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Teaching teams -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Teams in the workplace -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8883 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020783
- Description: It is critical in this dynamic and changing environment that both the leadership and educators of schools and organisations are well equipped with the skills and knowledge to create high performance teams (HPT). High performance teams can be defined as those highly motivated team players in the organisation or school that maximise their people integrated knowledge, skills and values to a shared purpose or vision of their stakeholders. In this mixed method research an analysis of the whole school operational teams of some secondary schools including all educators, head of departments, administrators and principals was undertaken. Four secondary schools from two quintile groups situated in various areas of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan were the sampling units and the sample size was eighty one. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected utilising a carefully constructed questionnaire based on a theoretical conceptual framework of enabling factors for HPT in business contexts. The theoretical framework of the Kenexa High Performance Model was utilised in this study. A questionnaire was constructed based on the factors of the High Performance Work Index (HPW) study done by the Australian Business School. This model was adjusted to utilise factors aligned to those factors within the school operational context. Using other literature references further factors were included into the survey instrument. The School High Performance Work Index (SHPWI) was the dependent variable while the independent variables included organizational commitment, and employee engagement. These were literature based measures and the questionnaire items were taken from previous research studies, thereby allowing construct validity. The other independent variables included Communication, Leadership, Strategic Management, School Organizational Climate, Positive Practices, Conflict Management, Motivation and Trust. A statistical analysis was undertaken on each school’s team response data. Reliability and validity of the constructed questionnaire was shown by using the Kenexa employee engagement index and the Organizational Commitment measure, which were highly correlated with the SHPWI. In literature, high performance teams (HPT) show common patterns in business and in this study it was seen that a number of common factors contributed towards a HPT in school operational teams. In this research study the main enabling factors in whole school operational teams that could lead to the formation of HPT’s involved factors of leadership, communication and motivation. The SHPWI showed a high correlation with employee engagement and organizational commitment. The HPT profile involved innovation (freedom of thinking), employee (educator) engagement, fairness, leadership, learner needs, communication, trust, conflict management, school organizational climate, positive practices, strategic management and motivation. In the correlation between the SHPWI and the independent variables the highest correlation (statistically significant at p < 0.05 N = 81; r > 0. 500) occurred between the School High Performance Index and Leadership (0.822), Communication (0.785) and Motivation (0.766). In the multiple linear regression (MLR) of the results of this study the highest correlations with a value of R2 = 0.774 was obtained with variables of Leadership, Communication, Motivation and Strategic Management factors. Qualitative data was coded and linked with the factors in the quantitative data and the top five factors were selected and summarised for each school. Merged data showed that each school exhibited a different profile of strengths and weaknesses. Recommendations were outlined for each school operational team. Different schools in different quintiles have different needs and gap factors that require improvement. It is therefore imperative that schools analyse their strengths and weaknesses within their school operational teams. This research study aimed therefore to start research on a human resource metric that can be further developed to allow school operational teams to examine and analyze their own HPT profile, so that specific interventions may be implemented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A study to determine the factors to improve group and team effectiveness in Transnet Engineering
- Authors: Ngwenya, Sandile Goodwill
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Teams in the workplace , Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8877 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020626
- Description: Teams have increasingly become the means for completing tasks in many organisations, and organisations have turned to teams as a better way to use employee talents. Many South African companies have established work teams to solve both complex and minor problems, and some companies’ performance has increased due to the implementation of work teams. The fact that organisations are using teams does not necessarily mean they are always effective, there are many factors that contribute to team effectiveness in an organisation, and these factors need to be identified and managed properly so that the team can remain effective and produce the results that are expected. Management of most companies is unaware of the factors that contribute to group and team effectiveness, and most teams are ineffective because of the lack of focus on the factors that improve group and team effectiveness. This is the reason or objective why this study was conducted at Transnet Engineering, to identify the factors that are critical to improving team effectiveness. The researcher conducted a literature review in order to determine the factors that improve group and team effectiveness. Some of the factors deal with organisational culture, motivation (monetary and non-monetary motivation), diversity in teams, size of teams, formulation of teams, team leadership, team goals, team structures, team member training, trust in teams, etc. An empirical study with the use of a questionnaire was also conducted to determine the perceptions that supervisors, superintendents, foremen and managers have at Transnet Engineering with regards to factors that improve group and team effectiveness. The research instrument was grouped into five categories; organisational context, individual context, team context, management support and team effectiveness. More than 50 percent of the respondents agreed with the organisational and individual context factors that were tested, around 75 percent of the respondents agreed with team context factors that were tested, almost 60 percent of respondents agreed with management support factors, and more than 60 percent of respondents indicated that their teams are effective. Although there is general agreement between most factors identified in the literature study and the empirical study, the following will need more focus: Offering of team resources Leadership support from executive committee members (EXCO) Proper reward and recognition systems Conducting research to identify employee satisfaction levels Team development Diversity management Talent management Team size
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Ngwenya, Sandile Goodwill
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Teams in the workplace , Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8877 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020626
- Description: Teams have increasingly become the means for completing tasks in many organisations, and organisations have turned to teams as a better way to use employee talents. Many South African companies have established work teams to solve both complex and minor problems, and some companies’ performance has increased due to the implementation of work teams. The fact that organisations are using teams does not necessarily mean they are always effective, there are many factors that contribute to team effectiveness in an organisation, and these factors need to be identified and managed properly so that the team can remain effective and produce the results that are expected. Management of most companies is unaware of the factors that contribute to group and team effectiveness, and most teams are ineffective because of the lack of focus on the factors that improve group and team effectiveness. This is the reason or objective why this study was conducted at Transnet Engineering, to identify the factors that are critical to improving team effectiveness. The researcher conducted a literature review in order to determine the factors that improve group and team effectiveness. Some of the factors deal with organisational culture, motivation (monetary and non-monetary motivation), diversity in teams, size of teams, formulation of teams, team leadership, team goals, team structures, team member training, trust in teams, etc. An empirical study with the use of a questionnaire was also conducted to determine the perceptions that supervisors, superintendents, foremen and managers have at Transnet Engineering with regards to factors that improve group and team effectiveness. The research instrument was grouped into five categories; organisational context, individual context, team context, management support and team effectiveness. More than 50 percent of the respondents agreed with the organisational and individual context factors that were tested, around 75 percent of the respondents agreed with team context factors that were tested, almost 60 percent of respondents agreed with management support factors, and more than 60 percent of respondents indicated that their teams are effective. Although there is general agreement between most factors identified in the literature study and the empirical study, the following will need more focus: Offering of team resources Leadership support from executive committee members (EXCO) Proper reward and recognition systems Conducting research to identify employee satisfaction levels Team development Diversity management Talent management Team size
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Adoption strategies for increasing the use of blended learning at a private higher education institution
- Authors: Hurrisunker, Sanisha
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Blended learning , Private universities and colleges , Educational innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8868 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020283
- Description: Although a categorical definition of the concept of blended learning is yet to be established, in broad terms, Blended Learning refers to a system that combines traditional face-to-face teaching environments with an online component. This therefore makes the learning process far more engaging for the student and also enables the lecturer to extend teaching and learning outside the classroom. The private higher education institution that was the focus of this study (referred to as Campus A) had attempted to introduce blended learning as a teaching and learning approach at the institution. The site had been operating in Port Elizabeth for 15 years and offered a range of degrees, diplomas and certificates on a full time basis and a range of short learning programmes as part of their business school. Despite concerted effort made by the managers to drive the adoption of blended learning on the campus, the acceptance of this teaching practice had been slower than expected and, given the transformative potential of blended learning, the management of the campus wished to improve the adoption rate significantly. Therefore the primary purpose of this study was to identify adoption strategies that could be used to increase the acceptance of blended learning as a teaching strategy at Campus A of this educational institution. The study followed a two pronged approach; the first part entailed a review of literature on the successful implementation of blended learning. The review concluded with an adapted model that integrated relevant blended learning adoption factors. The model was thereafter used for the second part of the study, as a basis for questionnaires and interviews that were conducted with relevant staff with the aim of determining how the integrated model for the adoption of blended learning should be implemented on the campus.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Hurrisunker, Sanisha
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Blended learning , Private universities and colleges , Educational innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8868 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020283
- Description: Although a categorical definition of the concept of blended learning is yet to be established, in broad terms, Blended Learning refers to a system that combines traditional face-to-face teaching environments with an online component. This therefore makes the learning process far more engaging for the student and also enables the lecturer to extend teaching and learning outside the classroom. The private higher education institution that was the focus of this study (referred to as Campus A) had attempted to introduce blended learning as a teaching and learning approach at the institution. The site had been operating in Port Elizabeth for 15 years and offered a range of degrees, diplomas and certificates on a full time basis and a range of short learning programmes as part of their business school. Despite concerted effort made by the managers to drive the adoption of blended learning on the campus, the acceptance of this teaching practice had been slower than expected and, given the transformative potential of blended learning, the management of the campus wished to improve the adoption rate significantly. Therefore the primary purpose of this study was to identify adoption strategies that could be used to increase the acceptance of blended learning as a teaching strategy at Campus A of this educational institution. The study followed a two pronged approach; the first part entailed a review of literature on the successful implementation of blended learning. The review concluded with an adapted model that integrated relevant blended learning adoption factors. The model was thereafter used for the second part of the study, as a basis for questionnaires and interviews that were conducted with relevant staff with the aim of determining how the integrated model for the adoption of blended learning should be implemented on the campus.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An assessment of factors affecting distribution models: an FMCG perspective
- Reshalin, Kumesh Sivaram Jay
- Authors: Reshalin, Kumesh Sivaram Jay
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Business logistics , Delivery of goods , Shipment of goods
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8907 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021024
- Description: The Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry in South Africa is now more than ever, facing a new era with strong competition and a need for innovative and sustainable distribution strategies to remain competitive in the market. Organisations are continuously searching for ways to increase their competitiveness and sustainability as markets change and develop, so do the strategies used to enter them. Organisations must therefore be able to choose the most effective approach to enter markets in order to remain competitive. Recent approaches require organisations to identify innovative distribution methods to meet consumer needs due to a considerable increase in competition, which makes it very difficult for organisations to differentiate their products solely on the basis of cost or quality. The research problem addressed in this study comprised an assessment of factors affecting distribution models from an FMCG perspective. This necessitated a comprehensive literature review of the various definitions, trends impacting on distribution as well as investigating the status relating to distribution models. Strategies and attributes of successful distribution models were evaluated to determine an effective distribution model to assist the organisation in challenging competition. The researcher found that a significant number of authors have suggested the following key attributes for a successful distribution model, namely operational excellence, performance management, strategic partnership, technology drivers, and relationship marketing. An empirical study was conducted after the appropriate measuring instrument was developed. The purpose of the measuring instrument was to validate the literature findings, identify the rank importance of the identified attributes and to evaluate the extent to which these factors are provided for in the organisation, based on the points above. The present study assessed innovation at Coca-Cola Fortune (Pty) Ltd., a local FMCG firm in an effort to develop a distribution model that would be successful for the company. The study comprised a sample of 40 Official Coca-Cola Distributors which form part of the distribution model of Coca-Cola Fortune (Pty) Ltd. Questionnaires were sent to each of the 40 Official Coca-Cola Distributors and a response rate of 100 percent was obtained. The major findings indicated that the respondents agreed with the literature in respect of the important attributes of a successful distribution model. Overall the majority of the respondents identified the distribution model between Coca-Cola Fortune and the Official Coca-Cola Distributors as a successful distribution model. The literature findings together with the empirical study findings resulted in the development of a strategic model to maintain a successful and competitive distribution model. The current investigation highlighted the overall perception of Coca-Cola Fortune’s distribution model and the importance of having a successful model. To sustain this distribution model the organisation must maintain the key attributes of a successful distribution model as identified in the literature to ensure competitiveness, sustainability and meeting changing consumer demands.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Reshalin, Kumesh Sivaram Jay
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Business logistics , Delivery of goods , Shipment of goods
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8907 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021024
- Description: The Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) industry in South Africa is now more than ever, facing a new era with strong competition and a need for innovative and sustainable distribution strategies to remain competitive in the market. Organisations are continuously searching for ways to increase their competitiveness and sustainability as markets change and develop, so do the strategies used to enter them. Organisations must therefore be able to choose the most effective approach to enter markets in order to remain competitive. Recent approaches require organisations to identify innovative distribution methods to meet consumer needs due to a considerable increase in competition, which makes it very difficult for organisations to differentiate their products solely on the basis of cost or quality. The research problem addressed in this study comprised an assessment of factors affecting distribution models from an FMCG perspective. This necessitated a comprehensive literature review of the various definitions, trends impacting on distribution as well as investigating the status relating to distribution models. Strategies and attributes of successful distribution models were evaluated to determine an effective distribution model to assist the organisation in challenging competition. The researcher found that a significant number of authors have suggested the following key attributes for a successful distribution model, namely operational excellence, performance management, strategic partnership, technology drivers, and relationship marketing. An empirical study was conducted after the appropriate measuring instrument was developed. The purpose of the measuring instrument was to validate the literature findings, identify the rank importance of the identified attributes and to evaluate the extent to which these factors are provided for in the organisation, based on the points above. The present study assessed innovation at Coca-Cola Fortune (Pty) Ltd., a local FMCG firm in an effort to develop a distribution model that would be successful for the company. The study comprised a sample of 40 Official Coca-Cola Distributors which form part of the distribution model of Coca-Cola Fortune (Pty) Ltd. Questionnaires were sent to each of the 40 Official Coca-Cola Distributors and a response rate of 100 percent was obtained. The major findings indicated that the respondents agreed with the literature in respect of the important attributes of a successful distribution model. Overall the majority of the respondents identified the distribution model between Coca-Cola Fortune and the Official Coca-Cola Distributors as a successful distribution model. The literature findings together with the empirical study findings resulted in the development of a strategic model to maintain a successful and competitive distribution model. The current investigation highlighted the overall perception of Coca-Cola Fortune’s distribution model and the importance of having a successful model. To sustain this distribution model the organisation must maintain the key attributes of a successful distribution model as identified in the literature to ensure competitiveness, sustainability and meeting changing consumer demands.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An assessment of opportunities for implementing lean management in the healthcare supply chain of selected clinics in the East London area
- Authors: Beja, Fezekile Sydwell
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing -- Management , Business logistics -- South Africa -- East London , Medical care -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8899 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020958
- Description: When the current South African government came into power two decades ago they inherited a fragmented health care system whose main focus was on the tertiary care level. The strategy of the current government was to re-focus the whole health care system and prioritize primary health care system. That included setting up district health care systems and building primary health care centres in the areas within the communities in order to make health care accessible to everybody. Due to financial difficulties the majority of the people staying in these communities solely depend on these clinics as they cannot afford to buy health care services in the private sector. The study seeks to assess the current medication supply chain to these clinics with a view of coming up with recommendations that, when implemented, will ensure that the supply of medication by the clinics is able to meet the demands of their patients. Lean management is a system that was started in the manufacturing sector and because of its success there it was later adopted by the service industry. Lean is a system that seeks to eliminate all forms of waste and improve the quality of the service rendered to the satisfaction of the customer/patient. Literature review and discussion of lean implementation is discussed extensively. The findings of the study are presented, analyzed and discussed. In these findings it is noted that the system is functioning very well but there are challenges in these clinics that need to be addressed. Recommendations of how lean management can be implemented successfully to optimize the functioning of the current system are discusse The permission received from the Department of Health to conduct this study came with contractual obligations that the researcher promised to honour. One of those requirement stated clearly that the findings of the study should not be published anywhere without the permission of the Department (see addendums A & C). It is under that premise that the researcher wants to bring this to the attention of the relevant university departments, with the hope of ensuring that this contractual obligation is honoured.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Beja, Fezekile Sydwell
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing -- Management , Business logistics -- South Africa -- East London , Medical care -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8899 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020958
- Description: When the current South African government came into power two decades ago they inherited a fragmented health care system whose main focus was on the tertiary care level. The strategy of the current government was to re-focus the whole health care system and prioritize primary health care system. That included setting up district health care systems and building primary health care centres in the areas within the communities in order to make health care accessible to everybody. Due to financial difficulties the majority of the people staying in these communities solely depend on these clinics as they cannot afford to buy health care services in the private sector. The study seeks to assess the current medication supply chain to these clinics with a view of coming up with recommendations that, when implemented, will ensure that the supply of medication by the clinics is able to meet the demands of their patients. Lean management is a system that was started in the manufacturing sector and because of its success there it was later adopted by the service industry. Lean is a system that seeks to eliminate all forms of waste and improve the quality of the service rendered to the satisfaction of the customer/patient. Literature review and discussion of lean implementation is discussed extensively. The findings of the study are presented, analyzed and discussed. In these findings it is noted that the system is functioning very well but there are challenges in these clinics that need to be addressed. Recommendations of how lean management can be implemented successfully to optimize the functioning of the current system are discusse The permission received from the Department of Health to conduct this study came with contractual obligations that the researcher promised to honour. One of those requirement stated clearly that the findings of the study should not be published anywhere without the permission of the Department (see addendums A & C). It is under that premise that the researcher wants to bring this to the attention of the relevant university departments, with the hope of ensuring that this contractual obligation is honoured.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An assessment of perceptions of lean opportunities in hospital management
- Authors: Labuschagne, Gertruida
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing -- Management , Hospitals -- Waste minimization , Hospitals -- Administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8777 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012958
- Description: This is a quantitative study. The primary research objective is to investigate the importance of hospital management’s involvement when implementing lean elements in healthcare. In reality, incidents and quality problems are prime reasons why healthcare leaders are calling for redesign in healthcare delivery and systems. This paper presents a proposal for developing a lean culture in healthcare facilities equipped with managers who will be able to drive the implementation of lean elements from the top down, making use of multidisciplinary teams, including physicians, to deliver value-added services. This study ultimately endeavors to indicate the importance of management, multidisciplinary teams and physician involvement in implementing lean principles in healthcare successfully. “If we keep doing what we’re doing, we’re going to keep getting what we’re getting.” – Stephen Covey. The reasons why lean management is a particularly important strategy in healthcare currently, includes the following: •The need to reduce waste in healthcare cost; •The need to improve quality and on-time processes; •Fast-paced technological changes; •Ever-increasing patient expectations; and •The need to standardise processes and systems to get the high-quality results anticipated (Chalice, 2010).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Labuschagne, Gertruida
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing -- Management , Hospitals -- Waste minimization , Hospitals -- Administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8777 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012958
- Description: This is a quantitative study. The primary research objective is to investigate the importance of hospital management’s involvement when implementing lean elements in healthcare. In reality, incidents and quality problems are prime reasons why healthcare leaders are calling for redesign in healthcare delivery and systems. This paper presents a proposal for developing a lean culture in healthcare facilities equipped with managers who will be able to drive the implementation of lean elements from the top down, making use of multidisciplinary teams, including physicians, to deliver value-added services. This study ultimately endeavors to indicate the importance of management, multidisciplinary teams and physician involvement in implementing lean principles in healthcare successfully. “If we keep doing what we’re doing, we’re going to keep getting what we’re getting.” – Stephen Covey. The reasons why lean management is a particularly important strategy in healthcare currently, includes the following: •The need to reduce waste in healthcare cost; •The need to improve quality and on-time processes; •Fast-paced technological changes; •Ever-increasing patient expectations; and •The need to standardise processes and systems to get the high-quality results anticipated (Chalice, 2010).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An assessment of the level of performance management in Mnquma local municipality
- Authors: Hermanus, Nosipo Albertina
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6509 , vital:21098
- Description: Mnquma Local Municipality is located in the South Eastern part of the Eastern Cape Province. This category B municipality falls under the jurisdiction of the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) and comprises of an amalgamation of the former Butterworth, Ngqamakhwe and Centane TRC’s, Mnquma Municipality shares borders with three other local municipalities i.e. Mbhashe, Intsika Yethu and Great Kei Municipalities. In previous years this municipality was surrounded by violence, maladministration and mismanagement of funds. In 2009, Mnquma municipality received a disclaimer audit opinion. The bases for disclaimer are: - Consumer debtors who were disclosed at R13, 4 million on the face of the statement of financial positions and to the annual financial statements; and this amount did not agree with debtor’s age analysis; - Auditor-General was unable to confirm the exact amount of debtors removed from the accounting system; - Limitations placed on the scope of work and municipal records not permitting the application of alternative audit procedures; - Trade Creditors not supported by adequate documentation and supplier reconciliations did not have adequate alternative system of ensuring that all goods and services received prior to year-end, not paid but were accrued; and number of items that were recorded incorrectly. “The municipality adopted the PMS framework by March 2008. It was implemented and Councillors played a pivotal role in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of theIDP. Cluster meetings set and received performance reports on quarterly basis. Directorates produced monthly performance reports and submitted them to the Executive management and the Executive Mayor respectively. The PMS was cascaded down to lower levels. Managers reporting to Directors had signed Accountability Agreements, while employees below signed Performance promises. It should be stated that there were some challenges on the implementation process. The Framework was implemented for the first time and institution was in a learning curve”. (N. Pakade: 2009). The municipal manager agreed that the institution was in a learning curve even though he commended the good work of councillors, it is not all councillors who know exactly what they are supposed to be doing in monitoring the municipal performance management systems. This has been proved by areas which still do not have electricity, roads and some no running clean water. There were some improvements in 2010 Financial Statements because the municipality received an unqualified audit opinion, but the in- fighting amongst councilors still existing that affect municipal performance in regard to provide local communities with basic needs. The irregular expenditure continued to be incurred where two different security companies were appointed by Executive Mayor and Municipal Speaker to prevent each other in entering the municipal premises because of disagreements about the reappointment of the municipal manager. Mnquma municipality does not have an Executive Mayor due to councilors who fired the mayor. The Mnquma councilors’ in fighting affects local communities in a negative way that contributes to municipal bad performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Hermanus, Nosipo Albertina
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6509 , vital:21098
- Description: Mnquma Local Municipality is located in the South Eastern part of the Eastern Cape Province. This category B municipality falls under the jurisdiction of the Amathole District Municipality (ADM) and comprises of an amalgamation of the former Butterworth, Ngqamakhwe and Centane TRC’s, Mnquma Municipality shares borders with three other local municipalities i.e. Mbhashe, Intsika Yethu and Great Kei Municipalities. In previous years this municipality was surrounded by violence, maladministration and mismanagement of funds. In 2009, Mnquma municipality received a disclaimer audit opinion. The bases for disclaimer are: - Consumer debtors who were disclosed at R13, 4 million on the face of the statement of financial positions and to the annual financial statements; and this amount did not agree with debtor’s age analysis; - Auditor-General was unable to confirm the exact amount of debtors removed from the accounting system; - Limitations placed on the scope of work and municipal records not permitting the application of alternative audit procedures; - Trade Creditors not supported by adequate documentation and supplier reconciliations did not have adequate alternative system of ensuring that all goods and services received prior to year-end, not paid but were accrued; and number of items that were recorded incorrectly. “The municipality adopted the PMS framework by March 2008. It was implemented and Councillors played a pivotal role in the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of theIDP. Cluster meetings set and received performance reports on quarterly basis. Directorates produced monthly performance reports and submitted them to the Executive management and the Executive Mayor respectively. The PMS was cascaded down to lower levels. Managers reporting to Directors had signed Accountability Agreements, while employees below signed Performance promises. It should be stated that there were some challenges on the implementation process. The Framework was implemented for the first time and institution was in a learning curve”. (N. Pakade: 2009). The municipal manager agreed that the institution was in a learning curve even though he commended the good work of councillors, it is not all councillors who know exactly what they are supposed to be doing in monitoring the municipal performance management systems. This has been proved by areas which still do not have electricity, roads and some no running clean water. There were some improvements in 2010 Financial Statements because the municipality received an unqualified audit opinion, but the in- fighting amongst councilors still existing that affect municipal performance in regard to provide local communities with basic needs. The irregular expenditure continued to be incurred where two different security companies were appointed by Executive Mayor and Municipal Speaker to prevent each other in entering the municipal premises because of disagreements about the reappointment of the municipal manager. Mnquma municipality does not have an Executive Mayor due to councilors who fired the mayor. The Mnquma councilors’ in fighting affects local communities in a negative way that contributes to municipal bad performance.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An assessment of the nature and implementation of markerting strategies of selected Eastern Cape Non-Government Organisations
- Authors: Madinda, Ncumisa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Branding (Marketing) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic assistance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8849 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020114
- Description: This dissertation is an assessment of the nature and implementation of marketing strategies of selected Eastern Cape non-government organisations. Poverty alleviation and service delivery remain the major focus of the South African government, after nineteen years of democracy (post-apartheid era). One of the civil societies that is key in working with the government in alleviating poverty and looking after the interests of the poor and marginalised individuals within the society is non-government organisations (NGOs). NGOs are organisations that are voluntary, independent, not-for-profit, and not self-serving in aims and related values. In August 1995, NGOs moved very quickly to establish the South African NGO Coalition (Sangoco). This was as a result of the Non-Profit Organisations Act 1997. Government reorganised the political environment for NGOs. They were provided with access to the fourth chamber of the National Economic Labour and Development Council, - the country's premier corporatist-style consensus-building agency, - on condition that such representation occurs through a single body. Sangoco now serves as a representative umbrella body for approximately 6,000 affiliated NGOs. Sangoco's primary role is that of advancing the interests of the poor. It is also concerned with developing an enabling environment for the NGO sector and providing an arena for mutual monitoring. Even though the Non-Profit Organisations Act opened the doors for NGOs to raise funds freely and also obtain allowances from the government, the bureaucratisation and commercialisation of NGOs made it almost impossible to access these funds, hence, most NGOs today are closing down. A literature review was conducted to determine what theory reveals about strategic marketing for profit organisations. Furthermore, how the marketing principles that are used in businesses can be implemented to ensure sustainability of non-profit organisations. The empirical study was conducted through questionnaires and interviews with the management of the NGOs. In Chapter 4 of this study findings are presented and in Chapter 5 recommendations are made. Further studies can be conducted to determine some of the areas that the NGOs can improve on, in order to run an effective and efficient non-profit organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Madinda, Ncumisa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Non-governmental organizations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Branding (Marketing) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic assistance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8849 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020114
- Description: This dissertation is an assessment of the nature and implementation of marketing strategies of selected Eastern Cape non-government organisations. Poverty alleviation and service delivery remain the major focus of the South African government, after nineteen years of democracy (post-apartheid era). One of the civil societies that is key in working with the government in alleviating poverty and looking after the interests of the poor and marginalised individuals within the society is non-government organisations (NGOs). NGOs are organisations that are voluntary, independent, not-for-profit, and not self-serving in aims and related values. In August 1995, NGOs moved very quickly to establish the South African NGO Coalition (Sangoco). This was as a result of the Non-Profit Organisations Act 1997. Government reorganised the political environment for NGOs. They were provided with access to the fourth chamber of the National Economic Labour and Development Council, - the country's premier corporatist-style consensus-building agency, - on condition that such representation occurs through a single body. Sangoco now serves as a representative umbrella body for approximately 6,000 affiliated NGOs. Sangoco's primary role is that of advancing the interests of the poor. It is also concerned with developing an enabling environment for the NGO sector and providing an arena for mutual monitoring. Even though the Non-Profit Organisations Act opened the doors for NGOs to raise funds freely and also obtain allowances from the government, the bureaucratisation and commercialisation of NGOs made it almost impossible to access these funds, hence, most NGOs today are closing down. A literature review was conducted to determine what theory reveals about strategic marketing for profit organisations. Furthermore, how the marketing principles that are used in businesses can be implemented to ensure sustainability of non-profit organisations. The empirical study was conducted through questionnaires and interviews with the management of the NGOs. In Chapter 4 of this study findings are presented and in Chapter 5 recommendations are made. Further studies can be conducted to determine some of the areas that the NGOs can improve on, in order to run an effective and efficient non-profit organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An exploratory study on the facilitators of employee engagement in private healthcare
- Authors: Van Jaarsveld, Ryno
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Employee training personnel , Personnel management , Health services administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9416 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020874
- Description: The modern workplace continues to transform at a radical and accelerated pace and successful and competitive organisations are able to turn their strategies into action faster, manage their processes more efficiently and maximise their employees’ contribution and commitment (Brewster, Carey, Grobler, Hollard and Wärnick, 2010:5). In addition, Vestal (2009:6) adds that one of the biggest challenges that managers face at the moment, is to find ways to engage employees in the organisation and build a sense of belonging that, hopefully, will support retention and long term commitment. This research study aimed to explore and describe the nature and extent of employee engagement among nursing employees working in private healthcare. This exploration also encompassed five facilitators which are considered to be crucial in the promotion of an engaged workforce. The identified facilitators include: leadership behaviour, working environment, communication, training and development and rewards and recognition. This was attained by using a quantitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research approach. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from nursing employees working in one of the private hospitals in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. From the data, the overall degree of employee engagement was established as well as the significance of the five identified facilitators in employee engagement. Based on the analysed data, guidelines for the advancement of employee engagement are proposed that can assist management in the development of employee engagement practices and strategy formulation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Van Jaarsveld, Ryno
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Employee training personnel , Personnel management , Health services administration
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9416 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020874
- Description: The modern workplace continues to transform at a radical and accelerated pace and successful and competitive organisations are able to turn their strategies into action faster, manage their processes more efficiently and maximise their employees’ contribution and commitment (Brewster, Carey, Grobler, Hollard and Wärnick, 2010:5). In addition, Vestal (2009:6) adds that one of the biggest challenges that managers face at the moment, is to find ways to engage employees in the organisation and build a sense of belonging that, hopefully, will support retention and long term commitment. This research study aimed to explore and describe the nature and extent of employee engagement among nursing employees working in private healthcare. This exploration also encompassed five facilitators which are considered to be crucial in the promotion of an engaged workforce. The identified facilitators include: leadership behaviour, working environment, communication, training and development and rewards and recognition. This was attained by using a quantitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual research approach. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from nursing employees working in one of the private hospitals in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. From the data, the overall degree of employee engagement was established as well as the significance of the five identified facilitators in employee engagement. Based on the analysed data, guidelines for the advancement of employee engagement are proposed that can assist management in the development of employee engagement practices and strategy formulation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An integrated business intelligence model for automotive component manufacturers in South Africa
- Du Plessis, Jacobus van Gend
- Authors: Du Plessis, Jacobus van Gend
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Business -- Models , Automobile supplies industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8757 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011667 , Business -- Models , Automobile supplies industry
- Description: Organisations face increasing economic pressures from local and global competitors because of changing and increasing customer demands. Demands include improved product quality, flexibility, increasing price competitiveness and attaining higher levels of customer satisfaction. Businesses must have strategic and operational plans in place to combat these pressures to remain competitive. The South African automotive component manufacturing industry is particularly susceptible to such factors. The nature of the industry further lends itself to attracting high levels of political and economic attention, as it is an important contributor to economic growth. Harsh economic conditions pose problems in supply, internal supply and distribution and force organisations to be resourceful to survive. Ninety percent of the world’s information was generated within the last two years, a figure that equates to 2.5 quintillion bytes per day. The proliferation of data sources and the fine level of granularity at which this data is collected, present organisations with new challenges to benefit from this information. Market volatility presents shorter windows of opportunity and demands an unprecedented level of agility from the organisation. Delays in decision making, which is becoming more complicated and complex, cannot be tolerated. Advances in Technology have made it possible and affordable to store vast volumes of data; data that can be manipulated and transformed by any number of technology tools. Business intelligence (BI) provides valuable information to management and decision makers by reducing the latency between business events and the ability to report and act on prior events. This treatise will investigate the business intelligence systems of an automotive component manufacturing company and propose a model to improve BI utilisation. The true name of the company that will be researched will not be disclosed for confidentiality reasons, instead it will be called My Company. Research consists of a preliminary study to identify the problems in the business intelligence system within My Company. Literature reviews of critical success factors for business intelligence systems, maturity models, and characteristics of integrated business intelligence systems, will lead to the development of a proposed integrated business intelligence systems model to improve the current situation at My Company. The major findings of this research are presented as deliverables within each chapter and contribute to the development of the integrated BI systems model for automotive component manufacturing organisations. The major findings are: a list of critical success factors of BI from literature; list identifying gaps between the literature reviewed and the problems identified from the preliminary study conducted; selection of the HP (2009) maturity model as a preferred tool to be incorporated into the proposed model; the evaluation of the proposed integrated BI systems model by means of a case study; and the updated integrated BI systems model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Du Plessis, Jacobus van Gend
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Business -- Models , Automobile supplies industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8757 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011667 , Business -- Models , Automobile supplies industry
- Description: Organisations face increasing economic pressures from local and global competitors because of changing and increasing customer demands. Demands include improved product quality, flexibility, increasing price competitiveness and attaining higher levels of customer satisfaction. Businesses must have strategic and operational plans in place to combat these pressures to remain competitive. The South African automotive component manufacturing industry is particularly susceptible to such factors. The nature of the industry further lends itself to attracting high levels of political and economic attention, as it is an important contributor to economic growth. Harsh economic conditions pose problems in supply, internal supply and distribution and force organisations to be resourceful to survive. Ninety percent of the world’s information was generated within the last two years, a figure that equates to 2.5 quintillion bytes per day. The proliferation of data sources and the fine level of granularity at which this data is collected, present organisations with new challenges to benefit from this information. Market volatility presents shorter windows of opportunity and demands an unprecedented level of agility from the organisation. Delays in decision making, which is becoming more complicated and complex, cannot be tolerated. Advances in Technology have made it possible and affordable to store vast volumes of data; data that can be manipulated and transformed by any number of technology tools. Business intelligence (BI) provides valuable information to management and decision makers by reducing the latency between business events and the ability to report and act on prior events. This treatise will investigate the business intelligence systems of an automotive component manufacturing company and propose a model to improve BI utilisation. The true name of the company that will be researched will not be disclosed for confidentiality reasons, instead it will be called My Company. Research consists of a preliminary study to identify the problems in the business intelligence system within My Company. Literature reviews of critical success factors for business intelligence systems, maturity models, and characteristics of integrated business intelligence systems, will lead to the development of a proposed integrated business intelligence systems model to improve the current situation at My Company. The major findings of this research are presented as deliverables within each chapter and contribute to the development of the integrated BI systems model for automotive component manufacturing organisations. The major findings are: a list of critical success factors of BI from literature; list identifying gaps between the literature reviewed and the problems identified from the preliminary study conducted; selection of the HP (2009) maturity model as a preferred tool to be incorporated into the proposed model; the evaluation of the proposed integrated BI systems model by means of a case study; and the updated integrated BI systems model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An investigation into the high turnover rate of pharmacists in the South African pharmaceutical industry
- Authors: Rivombo, Samson
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry -- South Africa , Employees -- Resignation -- South Africa , Pharmacists -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8831 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019786
- Description: The main objective of this study was to investigate factors contributing to employee turnover in the South African pharmaceutical industry and to suggest strategies to minimize it. Employee turnover is a persistent problem facing both public and private organizations in South Africa. In addition to the costs incurred when an employee resigns, losing employees results in a loss of knowledge, skills and experience. Numerous studies have been undertaken globally on this topic. However, this problem continues to adversely affect organizations in several ways. Schwab (1991) suggests that this is because there are no clear resolutions yet to this challenge. Based on literature review conducted, there is no study undertaken in South Africa attempting to address this problem. The purpose of this study was to identify factors contributing to high turnover rate of pharmacists in South Africa (the pharmaceutical industry in particular) and to recommend strategies to address this problem. A quantitative research approach was followed when addressing this problem. Literature review was conducted on employee turnover and a questionnaire was developed. The questionnaire was used as a measuring instrument. Following a non-probability, convenience sampling method, two pharmaceutical companies in Gauteng and one in the Eastern Cape were surveyed. The results were analysed by a statistician using Epi-info and stata software as tools for statistical analysis. The following factors were found to be key factors contributing to employee turnover in the pharmaceutical industry: (i) lack of career advancement opportunities, (ii) uncompetitive salary packages, (iii) perceived inequity reflecting leadership challenges, (iv) insufficient recognition for good performance, (v) stress, and (vi) insufficient retention strategies. An effective retention strategy should address all factors that may contribute to employee turnover. A retention strategy that combines competitive salary packages, opportunities for learning and career advancement, recognition, equity and support structures (to deal with stress), should be used in the pharmaceutical industry. This will assist in creating a motivating climate, which is a pre-requisite for job satisfaction and, in turn, employee retention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Rivombo, Samson
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry -- South Africa , Employees -- Resignation -- South Africa , Pharmacists -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8831 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019786
- Description: The main objective of this study was to investigate factors contributing to employee turnover in the South African pharmaceutical industry and to suggest strategies to minimize it. Employee turnover is a persistent problem facing both public and private organizations in South Africa. In addition to the costs incurred when an employee resigns, losing employees results in a loss of knowledge, skills and experience. Numerous studies have been undertaken globally on this topic. However, this problem continues to adversely affect organizations in several ways. Schwab (1991) suggests that this is because there are no clear resolutions yet to this challenge. Based on literature review conducted, there is no study undertaken in South Africa attempting to address this problem. The purpose of this study was to identify factors contributing to high turnover rate of pharmacists in South Africa (the pharmaceutical industry in particular) and to recommend strategies to address this problem. A quantitative research approach was followed when addressing this problem. Literature review was conducted on employee turnover and a questionnaire was developed. The questionnaire was used as a measuring instrument. Following a non-probability, convenience sampling method, two pharmaceutical companies in Gauteng and one in the Eastern Cape were surveyed. The results were analysed by a statistician using Epi-info and stata software as tools for statistical analysis. The following factors were found to be key factors contributing to employee turnover in the pharmaceutical industry: (i) lack of career advancement opportunities, (ii) uncompetitive salary packages, (iii) perceived inequity reflecting leadership challenges, (iv) insufficient recognition for good performance, (v) stress, and (vi) insufficient retention strategies. An effective retention strategy should address all factors that may contribute to employee turnover. A retention strategy that combines competitive salary packages, opportunities for learning and career advancement, recognition, equity and support structures (to deal with stress), should be used in the pharmaceutical industry. This will assist in creating a motivating climate, which is a pre-requisite for job satisfaction and, in turn, employee retention.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An investigation into the impact of HIV and AIDS on municipal management: a case study of George municipality
- Authors: Mfula, Sindiswa Elk
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Municipal government -- South Africa -- Economic conditions , AIDS (Disease) -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- George Municipality , AIDS (Disease) -- Government policy -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8909 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021032
- Description: The aim of this research was to provide a preliminary investigation of how the HIV and AIDS epidemic will impact on management of municipalities, specifically George Municipality. Municipalities provide a large proportion of essential basic services and also represent one of the primary opportunities for public participation and decision-making at a community level. This paper takes George Municipality in the Western Cape as a case study of the current and potential impact of HIV and AIDS on public demand for services and on the municipality's capacity to govern and provide services. It also reviews the responses of the municipality to HIV and AIDS.The research was conducted using a questionnaire which was distributed to municipal officials in the different departments but also included a review of relevant literature and analysis of quantitative data. The study focused on a single case: An investigation into the impact of HIV and AIDS on municipal management of George Municipality. The study identified strategies utilised by the municipality to reduce the impact of HIV and AIDS. The study drew on people's experiences, perceptions and interpretations of the impact of HIV and AIDS on municipal management, responses and any other related factors that may have impeded the realisation of the reduction of the impact of HIV and AIDS on municipal management in the George Municipality.Fifty questionnaires were distributed, 40 copies by hand delivery and ten copies via e-mail to employees ranging from general worker to senior management. Employees participated in the study through interviews and answering of the questionnaires. An internet search was also conducted using Wed Crawler and by visiting the official website of the George Municipality for all policies, minutes, reports and all other relevant documents regarding HIV and AIDS. The researcher also drew on personal observations because she has been in George for almost six years and is also employed by George Municipality. Participants who were selected by the researcher for interviews purposes were five councillors and five ward committee members because councillors are decision makers in the municipality. The rest were given questionnaires to complete. Data was analysed by using interpretation analysis, namely codes to explain data collected. Results were presented in the form of tables and conclusions warranted by the data are presented. Statistical analysis was done to check correlation between the different aspects in the questionnaire. According to the research findings it can be confirmed that more of the budget needs to be allocated for employment of suitably qualified persons like occupational nurses, who will drive HIV and AIDS education and awareness campaigns. HIV and AIDS mainstreaming should be regarded as a priority in order make people aware about the realities of HIV and AIDS in communities. Leadership and management buy-in should be obtained to win the fight against the epidemic. A comprehensive strategy should be compiled and implemented to reduce the spread and stigma of HIV and AIDS. Proper planning should be done for compiling the strategy. This strategy should specify the budget for HIV and AIDS and how HIV and AIDS is going to be integrated into an IDP. Prevention and management strategies used by the organisation should be explained.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mfula, Sindiswa Elk
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Municipal government -- South Africa -- Economic conditions , AIDS (Disease) -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- George Municipality , AIDS (Disease) -- Government policy -- South Africa , AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8909 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021032
- Description: The aim of this research was to provide a preliminary investigation of how the HIV and AIDS epidemic will impact on management of municipalities, specifically George Municipality. Municipalities provide a large proportion of essential basic services and also represent one of the primary opportunities for public participation and decision-making at a community level. This paper takes George Municipality in the Western Cape as a case study of the current and potential impact of HIV and AIDS on public demand for services and on the municipality's capacity to govern and provide services. It also reviews the responses of the municipality to HIV and AIDS.The research was conducted using a questionnaire which was distributed to municipal officials in the different departments but also included a review of relevant literature and analysis of quantitative data. The study focused on a single case: An investigation into the impact of HIV and AIDS on municipal management of George Municipality. The study identified strategies utilised by the municipality to reduce the impact of HIV and AIDS. The study drew on people's experiences, perceptions and interpretations of the impact of HIV and AIDS on municipal management, responses and any other related factors that may have impeded the realisation of the reduction of the impact of HIV and AIDS on municipal management in the George Municipality.Fifty questionnaires were distributed, 40 copies by hand delivery and ten copies via e-mail to employees ranging from general worker to senior management. Employees participated in the study through interviews and answering of the questionnaires. An internet search was also conducted using Wed Crawler and by visiting the official website of the George Municipality for all policies, minutes, reports and all other relevant documents regarding HIV and AIDS. The researcher also drew on personal observations because she has been in George for almost six years and is also employed by George Municipality. Participants who were selected by the researcher for interviews purposes were five councillors and five ward committee members because councillors are decision makers in the municipality. The rest were given questionnaires to complete. Data was analysed by using interpretation analysis, namely codes to explain data collected. Results were presented in the form of tables and conclusions warranted by the data are presented. Statistical analysis was done to check correlation between the different aspects in the questionnaire. According to the research findings it can be confirmed that more of the budget needs to be allocated for employment of suitably qualified persons like occupational nurses, who will drive HIV and AIDS education and awareness campaigns. HIV and AIDS mainstreaming should be regarded as a priority in order make people aware about the realities of HIV and AIDS in communities. Leadership and management buy-in should be obtained to win the fight against the epidemic. A comprehensive strategy should be compiled and implemented to reduce the spread and stigma of HIV and AIDS. Proper planning should be done for compiling the strategy. This strategy should specify the budget for HIV and AIDS and how HIV and AIDS is going to be integrated into an IDP. Prevention and management strategies used by the organisation should be explained.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An investigation into the organisational attributes of an employer of choice: a South African automotive industry perspective
- Authors: Poonoosamy, Sareesha
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Corporate image -- South Africa , Employee motivation -- South Africa , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Personnel management -- South Africa , Branding (Marketing) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21615 , vital:29717
- Description: The automotive industry in South Africa is now more than ever before, facing a new era of intense international competition and as a means to survive; organisations are continuously searching for ways to increase their competitiveness. To this end, recent approaches have focussed on the role that people perform in bringing about competitive advantage and has resulted in greater emphasis being placed on the attraction as well as retention of the right people to achieve organisational success. However, developing trends such as changes in the supply of workers, expectations of new generations and a more diverse population have pressurised organisations to institutionalise a dynamic solution. This has placed greater imperative on becoming an employer of choice - those organisations that can differentiate their human resource practices from the competition in order to attract, develop and retain the people they need. The research problem that was addressed in this study is to identify and investigate the organisational attributes of an employer of choice. A comprehensive literature review was executed to review the various definitions, trends impacting as well as the significance of the status - employer of choice. Furthermore strategies for becoming an employer of choice were evaluated and prominent employer of choice attributes identified from the literature. The researcher has also found that a significant number of authors have suggested employer branding as a key strategy in the effort to become an employer of choice. The concept of employer branding was therefore extensively explored in this study. An empirical study was conducted after the appropriate measuring instrument was developed. The purpose of the measuring instrument was to validate the literature findings, identify the rank importance of the identified attributes and to evaluate the extent to which these factors are provided for in the organisation. A sample consisting of 110 employees were selected to participate in the survey via a random sampling method and a response rate of 89% or 98 employees was obtained. The major findings indicated that the sample group agreed that the prominent attributes in literature are important attributes of an employer of choice. Overall the majority of the sample group does not regard the organisation as an employer of choice and while some of the attributes were present in the organisation, others had serious shortcomings. The literature findings together with the empirical study findings resulted in the development of a strategic model to serve as a guide in determining the initiatives the organisation should embark upon to become an employer of choice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Poonoosamy, Sareesha
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Corporate image -- South Africa , Employee motivation -- South Africa , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Personnel management -- South Africa , Branding (Marketing) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21615 , vital:29717
- Description: The automotive industry in South Africa is now more than ever before, facing a new era of intense international competition and as a means to survive; organisations are continuously searching for ways to increase their competitiveness. To this end, recent approaches have focussed on the role that people perform in bringing about competitive advantage and has resulted in greater emphasis being placed on the attraction as well as retention of the right people to achieve organisational success. However, developing trends such as changes in the supply of workers, expectations of new generations and a more diverse population have pressurised organisations to institutionalise a dynamic solution. This has placed greater imperative on becoming an employer of choice - those organisations that can differentiate their human resource practices from the competition in order to attract, develop and retain the people they need. The research problem that was addressed in this study is to identify and investigate the organisational attributes of an employer of choice. A comprehensive literature review was executed to review the various definitions, trends impacting as well as the significance of the status - employer of choice. Furthermore strategies for becoming an employer of choice were evaluated and prominent employer of choice attributes identified from the literature. The researcher has also found that a significant number of authors have suggested employer branding as a key strategy in the effort to become an employer of choice. The concept of employer branding was therefore extensively explored in this study. An empirical study was conducted after the appropriate measuring instrument was developed. The purpose of the measuring instrument was to validate the literature findings, identify the rank importance of the identified attributes and to evaluate the extent to which these factors are provided for in the organisation. A sample consisting of 110 employees were selected to participate in the survey via a random sampling method and a response rate of 89% or 98 employees was obtained. The major findings indicated that the sample group agreed that the prominent attributes in literature are important attributes of an employer of choice. Overall the majority of the sample group does not regard the organisation as an employer of choice and while some of the attributes were present in the organisation, others had serious shortcomings. The literature findings together with the empirical study findings resulted in the development of a strategic model to serve as a guide in determining the initiatives the organisation should embark upon to become an employer of choice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An investigation into the potential for implementing lean Grindrod Container Depot in Stanbridge Road
- Authors: Andrews, Ferderico Recardo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management , Container industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Just-in-time systems -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8781 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012967
- Description: On a daily basis organizations strive to achieve maximum output with minimum input for greater levels of efficiency and profitability. However, in our dynamic modern world and economy the variables have changed dramatically and the time when business was simply about the ‘bottom line’ and all else was subordinate to the objective of profit, has come and gone. In the contemporary world of business today the variables are much broader and more dynamic, as people are no longer just employees, and suppliers are no longer people whose payment should be delayed for as long as possible. In addition, the environment is no longer to be plundered at all costs. Today Lean as an all-encompassing management philosophy with its emphasis on adding value, is more relevant in business than at any other point in business history. At a time when the global economy is facing some of its greatest challenges, it is ultimately business and its networks that, through effective management, can restore the global economy and provide livelihoods to millions of people. The Lean management philosophy is about constantly searching for the best possible way of doing things and eliminating waste in pursuit of value. If Lean is in pursuit of eliminating waste and turning it into value, and the customer, irrespective of required product, is in constant pursuit of finding value, then Lean is surely the management philosophy that can deliver the greatest level of customer satisfaction. This means satisfied customers returning to an organization for repeat sales as long as they perceive that the value they derive meets their expectations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Andrews, Ferderico Recardo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management , Container industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Just-in-time systems -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8781 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012967
- Description: On a daily basis organizations strive to achieve maximum output with minimum input for greater levels of efficiency and profitability. However, in our dynamic modern world and economy the variables have changed dramatically and the time when business was simply about the ‘bottom line’ and all else was subordinate to the objective of profit, has come and gone. In the contemporary world of business today the variables are much broader and more dynamic, as people are no longer just employees, and suppliers are no longer people whose payment should be delayed for as long as possible. In addition, the environment is no longer to be plundered at all costs. Today Lean as an all-encompassing management philosophy with its emphasis on adding value, is more relevant in business than at any other point in business history. At a time when the global economy is facing some of its greatest challenges, it is ultimately business and its networks that, through effective management, can restore the global economy and provide livelihoods to millions of people. The Lean management philosophy is about constantly searching for the best possible way of doing things and eliminating waste in pursuit of value. If Lean is in pursuit of eliminating waste and turning it into value, and the customer, irrespective of required product, is in constant pursuit of finding value, then Lean is surely the management philosophy that can deliver the greatest level of customer satisfaction. This means satisfied customers returning to an organization for repeat sales as long as they perceive that the value they derive meets their expectations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An investigation of the criteria that create optimum tenant mix synergy in shopping centres
- Authors: De Villiers, Garth Elroy
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Retail trade , Shopping centers , Marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8756 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011658 , Retail trade , Shopping centers , Marketing
- Description: The shopping centre has evolved into an integral part of modern day society. New generations especially are unable to imagine a world without shopping centres. In 2008 a world wide economic down turn emphasized the competition to attract a buying market to shopping centres, some centres thrived and some centres struggled. The need to understand what creates these different responses to highly competitive scenarios is discussed in this study, with particular attention given to the tenant mix that exists in different shopping centres. Criteria that determine an optimum tenant mix are examined and the constraining factors are discussed. A literature review of shopping centres is discussed and the evolution of the shopping centre to our current day understanding of the term shopping centre is examined. Accepted definitions and categorisations of shopping centres along with a brief history of the shopping centre, as revealed by the literature, is presented. To create a tenant mix the body of tenants needs to be divided into sub- categories and various ways to achieve this are examined. The objectives of this study are to determine what strategic approaches to managing the tenant mix exists in the literature and what factors determine the formulation of this mix. Furthermore the study examines to what extent these or other strategic approaches are used in practice and finally makes recommendations to promote the optimum tenant mix in shopping centres. A literature review was conducted to determine what the theory reveals about the shopping centre industry. This was followed by an empirical survey conducted in the Port Elizabeth area of the Nelson Mandela Metropole. Finally the findings and theory were compared to make conclusions and suggest recommendation to achieve synergy in shopping centres through a optimum tenant mix.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: De Villiers, Garth Elroy
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Retail trade , Shopping centers , Marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8756 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011658 , Retail trade , Shopping centers , Marketing
- Description: The shopping centre has evolved into an integral part of modern day society. New generations especially are unable to imagine a world without shopping centres. In 2008 a world wide economic down turn emphasized the competition to attract a buying market to shopping centres, some centres thrived and some centres struggled. The need to understand what creates these different responses to highly competitive scenarios is discussed in this study, with particular attention given to the tenant mix that exists in different shopping centres. Criteria that determine an optimum tenant mix are examined and the constraining factors are discussed. A literature review of shopping centres is discussed and the evolution of the shopping centre to our current day understanding of the term shopping centre is examined. Accepted definitions and categorisations of shopping centres along with a brief history of the shopping centre, as revealed by the literature, is presented. To create a tenant mix the body of tenants needs to be divided into sub- categories and various ways to achieve this are examined. The objectives of this study are to determine what strategic approaches to managing the tenant mix exists in the literature and what factors determine the formulation of this mix. Furthermore the study examines to what extent these or other strategic approaches are used in practice and finally makes recommendations to promote the optimum tenant mix in shopping centres. A literature review was conducted to determine what the theory reveals about the shopping centre industry. This was followed by an empirical survey conducted in the Port Elizabeth area of the Nelson Mandela Metropole. Finally the findings and theory were compared to make conclusions and suggest recommendation to achieve synergy in shopping centres through a optimum tenant mix.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An operational model for increasing customer satisfaction for Detpak South Africa
- Authors: Van Deventer, Reinard Gawie
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa , Paper industry -- Customer services -- South Africa , Customer relations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8886 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020807
- Description: Detpak South Africa is a subsidiary paper and board company of Mpact Limited, formally known as Mondi Packaging South Africa. The Mpact group of companies operates across 31 sites and employs more than 3 700 employees. Detpak South Africa specializes in three respective niche markets: international fast food packaging, industrial packaging and disposables packaging. The primary objective of this study is to propose an operational model for improving customer satisfaction levels within the disposables market for Detpak South Africa. Further, Detpak’s competitive position with respect to customer satisfaction was assessed and an empirical assessment was conducted to identify imperative attributes impacting on overall customer satisfaction. It is noted from marketing journals that providing a quality product at the right price no longer suffices as an adequate value proposition. Numerous authors have noted that there is no longer a difference between a goods market and a service market, in its purest form, and that manufacturers of goods must embrace the principles of service marketing to develop a competitive advantage within the market. A quantitative research was conducted to obtain data. The measuring instrument used to obtain data was a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 84 questionnaires were distributed nationally across South Africa. From the 84 questionnaires a total of 62 questionnaires were obtained from respondents, from which a final sample of n=59 was considered for capturing. Three questionnaires were excluded from the sample due to response error of non-completion. Correlation coefficient analysis was used to calculate the relationships between independent and dependant variables. It was found that all customer satisfaction attributes, listed below, had a positive relationship to overall customer satisfaction: Customer value; Product quality; Price; Communication; Reliability; Responsiveness; Customer service; Sales support. The hypothesized relationship between overall customer satisfaction and customer loyalty was measured and confirmed to be strongly positive. It can be concluded that a positive movement in overall customer satisfaction will be accompanied by a similarly positive movement in customer loyalty. Furthermore, through secondary review it was noted that the retention of existing customers costs much less and is more profitable than the acquisition of new business. The results presented within this study indicate a strong market position for Detpak South Africa in terms of product quality compared against competitive activity, which means a competitive advantage in the market for the company and which will assist in attaining its strategic objectives. The results also identified a number of customer satisfaction attributes which Detpak South Africa could improve to allow them to establish a firm position in the market through the overall improvement of customer satisfaction levels. Finally, an operational model integrating the important concepts identified within the literature study was proposed to assist Detpak South Africa in enhancing levels of perceived customer satisfaction. The model integrates the important business philosophies of customer relations, best practices, continuous improvement and, finally, customer satisfaction attributes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Van Deventer, Reinard Gawie
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa , Paper industry -- Customer services -- South Africa , Customer relations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8886 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020807
- Description: Detpak South Africa is a subsidiary paper and board company of Mpact Limited, formally known as Mondi Packaging South Africa. The Mpact group of companies operates across 31 sites and employs more than 3 700 employees. Detpak South Africa specializes in three respective niche markets: international fast food packaging, industrial packaging and disposables packaging. The primary objective of this study is to propose an operational model for improving customer satisfaction levels within the disposables market for Detpak South Africa. Further, Detpak’s competitive position with respect to customer satisfaction was assessed and an empirical assessment was conducted to identify imperative attributes impacting on overall customer satisfaction. It is noted from marketing journals that providing a quality product at the right price no longer suffices as an adequate value proposition. Numerous authors have noted that there is no longer a difference between a goods market and a service market, in its purest form, and that manufacturers of goods must embrace the principles of service marketing to develop a competitive advantage within the market. A quantitative research was conducted to obtain data. The measuring instrument used to obtain data was a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 84 questionnaires were distributed nationally across South Africa. From the 84 questionnaires a total of 62 questionnaires were obtained from respondents, from which a final sample of n=59 was considered for capturing. Three questionnaires were excluded from the sample due to response error of non-completion. Correlation coefficient analysis was used to calculate the relationships between independent and dependant variables. It was found that all customer satisfaction attributes, listed below, had a positive relationship to overall customer satisfaction: Customer value; Product quality; Price; Communication; Reliability; Responsiveness; Customer service; Sales support. The hypothesized relationship between overall customer satisfaction and customer loyalty was measured and confirmed to be strongly positive. It can be concluded that a positive movement in overall customer satisfaction will be accompanied by a similarly positive movement in customer loyalty. Furthermore, through secondary review it was noted that the retention of existing customers costs much less and is more profitable than the acquisition of new business. The results presented within this study indicate a strong market position for Detpak South Africa in terms of product quality compared against competitive activity, which means a competitive advantage in the market for the company and which will assist in attaining its strategic objectives. The results also identified a number of customer satisfaction attributes which Detpak South Africa could improve to allow them to establish a firm position in the market through the overall improvement of customer satisfaction levels. Finally, an operational model integrating the important concepts identified within the literature study was proposed to assist Detpak South Africa in enhancing levels of perceived customer satisfaction. The model integrates the important business philosophies of customer relations, best practices, continuous improvement and, finally, customer satisfaction attributes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Analysis of ICT governance initiatives as a mechanism to enhance corporate governance, with particular reference to Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Tolom, Sindiswa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Corporate governance -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Information technology -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8904 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020999
- Description: Developing countries such as South Africa have a tremendous potential for rapid and sustainable economic and social development by leveraging the benefits and advantages of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and applying it appropriately within the local government sector. As such, the Local Government Turnaround Strategy’s (LGTAS) vision states that: Each municipality must have the necessary ICT infrastructure and connectivity; and that ICT systems must be put in place across all municipalities to accelerate service delivery, and improve efficiency and accountability. However, technology on its own cannot achieve much; it must be supported by capable people and tested processes to provide services in which the public can have confidence. Disparities, both from within the municipal sector as well as in the larger South African ICT landscape, have influenced the manner in which municipalities make use of ICT. Nevertheless, it has been observed that despite the use of ICT, there has been a lack of utilising ICT governance to enhance corporate governance in the public sector, particularly in municipalities. In this study, an analysis was made of ICT governance initiatives, as a mechanism to enhance corporate governance, with particular reference to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) in the Eastern Cape. The research itself has identified risk levels that exist as a result of the lack of ICT governance and risk management. The respondents were given an opportunity to agree or disagree with statements regarding the state of ICT provision and support, corporate governance and other elements within the institution. The researcher has formulated recommendations to solve identified problem based in the research results in ICT governance and corporate governance. While governance developments have primarily been driven by the need for transparency regarding enterprise risks and the protection of shareholder value, the pervasive use of technology has created a critical dependency on ICT that calls for a specific focus on ICT governance. ICT governance is part of corporate governance,which is the responsibility of the organisation’s top executive, to ensure that its information technology supports the goals and objectives of the organisation, through a variety of structural mechanisms, processes and mechanisms for communication. Fundamentally, ICT governance is concerned with whether ICT is delivering value and the management of ICT risks, driven by a strategic alignment between business and ICT, resources management and performance management. The corporate governance of ICT involves evaluating and directing the plans for the use of ICT to support the Institution and monitoring these. It includes the strategy and policies for using ICT within the institution. The executive authority and executive management are accountable and responsible for ensuring that the governance of ICT is implemented in the institution in line with this framework.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Tolom, Sindiswa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Corporate governance -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Information technology -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8904 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020999
- Description: Developing countries such as South Africa have a tremendous potential for rapid and sustainable economic and social development by leveraging the benefits and advantages of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and applying it appropriately within the local government sector. As such, the Local Government Turnaround Strategy’s (LGTAS) vision states that: Each municipality must have the necessary ICT infrastructure and connectivity; and that ICT systems must be put in place across all municipalities to accelerate service delivery, and improve efficiency and accountability. However, technology on its own cannot achieve much; it must be supported by capable people and tested processes to provide services in which the public can have confidence. Disparities, both from within the municipal sector as well as in the larger South African ICT landscape, have influenced the manner in which municipalities make use of ICT. Nevertheless, it has been observed that despite the use of ICT, there has been a lack of utilising ICT governance to enhance corporate governance in the public sector, particularly in municipalities. In this study, an analysis was made of ICT governance initiatives, as a mechanism to enhance corporate governance, with particular reference to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) in the Eastern Cape. The research itself has identified risk levels that exist as a result of the lack of ICT governance and risk management. The respondents were given an opportunity to agree or disagree with statements regarding the state of ICT provision and support, corporate governance and other elements within the institution. The researcher has formulated recommendations to solve identified problem based in the research results in ICT governance and corporate governance. While governance developments have primarily been driven by the need for transparency regarding enterprise risks and the protection of shareholder value, the pervasive use of technology has created a critical dependency on ICT that calls for a specific focus on ICT governance. ICT governance is part of corporate governance,which is the responsibility of the organisation’s top executive, to ensure that its information technology supports the goals and objectives of the organisation, through a variety of structural mechanisms, processes and mechanisms for communication. Fundamentally, ICT governance is concerned with whether ICT is delivering value and the management of ICT risks, driven by a strategic alignment between business and ICT, resources management and performance management. The corporate governance of ICT involves evaluating and directing the plans for the use of ICT to support the Institution and monitoring these. It includes the strategy and policies for using ICT within the institution. The executive authority and executive management are accountable and responsible for ensuring that the governance of ICT is implemented in the institution in line with this framework.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013