An analysis of South Africa’s readiness for analogue to digital terrestrial television migration by July, 2020
- Authors: Jikela, Qaqamba
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Digital television -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48180 , vital:40518
- Description: The 2006 International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio World Conference treaty concluded that all countries should migrate from analogue to digital terrestrial television by June 2015, starting with region one countries, comprising Africa, Europe, the Middle East and the Republic of Iran (Agona & Otim, 2012). South Africa, as part of region one, developed a migration policy, Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) regulations, and initiated a process of migrating from Analogue Terrestrial Television (ATT) to Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) to meet the deadline. South Africa, however, missed the June 2015 deadline due to a number of challenges, including a lack of infrastructure readiness, South African citizens’ unawareness and government politics, and the deadline has since been extended by ITU to July, 2020 (African Telecommunications Union, 2018). The purpose of this research is to explore the technology adoption model (TAM) to address challenges associated with digital terrestrial television migration, and analyse the readiness of South Africa to migrate. TAM is a model used by researchers to understand the behavior and perception of users in new technology adoption (Fayad & Paper, 2015). Quantitative research is conducted to determine the relationship between dependent and independent variables. The research was undertaken through the use of an online questionnaire with a sample of South African citizen's. A sample of 60 -150 citizens, comprising middle and senior managers of the broadcasting industry was used for the purpose of this research. Digital television offers many benefits for broadcasters, network operators, spectrum regulators, and consumers. In most countries, the transition was slower than expected, even though most European countries managed to migrate. The digital migration is not an easy transition and analogue switch-off can also be much more difficult. Studies have shown that analogue switch off (ASO) needs to be carefully planned and well budgeted for, and it also needs a good publicity campaign which must involve all relevant stakeholders, such as broadcasters, viewers, manufacturers, network operators, manufacturers and retailers. Even though studies conducted previously identified obstacles of digital migration to include; a) lack of awareness b) lack of information, c) influence of politics and d) influence of corruptLack of information and influence of corruption seem to have strong correlation with DTT migration, so these are areas that need additional attention. Studies have shown that the African continent is struggling with meeting the digital migration deadline and is progressing very slowly. It is therefore advisable for the African continent to do a thorough analysis of how other countries managed to migrate successfully. Most African countries are struggling with the migration of television broadcasting from analogue terrestrial television to digital terrestrial television. This is caused mainly by lack of information and lack of awareness. Even though most South African people have heard about digital terrestrial television, they are not equipped for the migration. To sensitise viewers, as major stakeholders of digital migration, will play an important role. It is important that the South African Government should get a buy in from all relevant stakeholders as soon as possible. Broadcasters, including the national signal broadcaster (SABC), community broadcaster, commercial broadcasters, Sentech LTD and government should coordinate in establishing vigorous DTT awareness campaigns to educate viewers. These will encourage buy in from viewers and, as a result, drive dual illumination costs down, saving the county money. South Africa need to fast-track the implementation of digital migration to prevent incurring financial losses due to supporting two terrestrial television networks. Even though studies show that most challenges associated with digital migration are common throughout the world. It would, therefore, be logical for South Africa to take the best practices from developed countries that have successfully migrated and are already broadcasting in digital. Lastly, digital terrestrial television migration is dependent on set-up box approval, manufacturing and affordability. In order to ensure that set-up box prices are affordable for South African consumers, it is recommended that these boxes must be 100% manufactured in South Africa. This will drive costs down and ensure good, total quality assurance. It will also mean that the required skills are developed and maintained locally to position South Africa better for future technology developments. Successful digital television migration would be a great milestone for South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Jikela, Qaqamba
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Digital television -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48180 , vital:40518
- Description: The 2006 International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Radio World Conference treaty concluded that all countries should migrate from analogue to digital terrestrial television by June 2015, starting with region one countries, comprising Africa, Europe, the Middle East and the Republic of Iran (Agona & Otim, 2012). South Africa, as part of region one, developed a migration policy, Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) regulations, and initiated a process of migrating from Analogue Terrestrial Television (ATT) to Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) to meet the deadline. South Africa, however, missed the June 2015 deadline due to a number of challenges, including a lack of infrastructure readiness, South African citizens’ unawareness and government politics, and the deadline has since been extended by ITU to July, 2020 (African Telecommunications Union, 2018). The purpose of this research is to explore the technology adoption model (TAM) to address challenges associated with digital terrestrial television migration, and analyse the readiness of South Africa to migrate. TAM is a model used by researchers to understand the behavior and perception of users in new technology adoption (Fayad & Paper, 2015). Quantitative research is conducted to determine the relationship between dependent and independent variables. The research was undertaken through the use of an online questionnaire with a sample of South African citizen's. A sample of 60 -150 citizens, comprising middle and senior managers of the broadcasting industry was used for the purpose of this research. Digital television offers many benefits for broadcasters, network operators, spectrum regulators, and consumers. In most countries, the transition was slower than expected, even though most European countries managed to migrate. The digital migration is not an easy transition and analogue switch-off can also be much more difficult. Studies have shown that analogue switch off (ASO) needs to be carefully planned and well budgeted for, and it also needs a good publicity campaign which must involve all relevant stakeholders, such as broadcasters, viewers, manufacturers, network operators, manufacturers and retailers. Even though studies conducted previously identified obstacles of digital migration to include; a) lack of awareness b) lack of information, c) influence of politics and d) influence of corruptLack of information and influence of corruption seem to have strong correlation with DTT migration, so these are areas that need additional attention. Studies have shown that the African continent is struggling with meeting the digital migration deadline and is progressing very slowly. It is therefore advisable for the African continent to do a thorough analysis of how other countries managed to migrate successfully. Most African countries are struggling with the migration of television broadcasting from analogue terrestrial television to digital terrestrial television. This is caused mainly by lack of information and lack of awareness. Even though most South African people have heard about digital terrestrial television, they are not equipped for the migration. To sensitise viewers, as major stakeholders of digital migration, will play an important role. It is important that the South African Government should get a buy in from all relevant stakeholders as soon as possible. Broadcasters, including the national signal broadcaster (SABC), community broadcaster, commercial broadcasters, Sentech LTD and government should coordinate in establishing vigorous DTT awareness campaigns to educate viewers. These will encourage buy in from viewers and, as a result, drive dual illumination costs down, saving the county money. South Africa need to fast-track the implementation of digital migration to prevent incurring financial losses due to supporting two terrestrial television networks. Even though studies show that most challenges associated with digital migration are common throughout the world. It would, therefore, be logical for South Africa to take the best practices from developed countries that have successfully migrated and are already broadcasting in digital. Lastly, digital terrestrial television migration is dependent on set-up box approval, manufacturing and affordability. In order to ensure that set-up box prices are affordable for South African consumers, it is recommended that these boxes must be 100% manufactured in South Africa. This will drive costs down and ensure good, total quality assurance. It will also mean that the required skills are developed and maintained locally to position South Africa better for future technology developments. Successful digital television migration would be a great milestone for South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Blockchain readiness for countries towards 2030- the barriers and benefits of adopting blockchain technology
- Authors: Moonsamy, Devakumaran
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Blockchains (Databases) Financial institutions -- Technological innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49725 , vital:41783
- Description: This study investigates the factors of blockchain that will promote sustainable business towards the year 2030. The study provides an outlook to areas where business might be vulnerable in the event of blockchain implementation. The findings of this study were identified by means of an online questionnaire that targeted specialists in the arena of blockchain and business management. By a thematic analysis, the outcome of the study guides, precautions, and prepares organisations for what may come in the future of blockchain.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Moonsamy, Devakumaran
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Blockchains (Databases) Financial institutions -- Technological innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49725 , vital:41783
- Description: This study investigates the factors of blockchain that will promote sustainable business towards the year 2030. The study provides an outlook to areas where business might be vulnerable in the event of blockchain implementation. The findings of this study were identified by means of an online questionnaire that targeted specialists in the arena of blockchain and business management. By a thematic analysis, the outcome of the study guides, precautions, and prepares organisations for what may come in the future of blockchain.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Consumer use of Mobile Payments as a mode of remittance for e-Commerce in a developing economy
- Authors: Liwani, Samkelo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Mobile commerce -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48731 , vital:41066
- Description: E-commerce is penetrating emerging economies in sub-Saharan Africa as customers seek convenient shopping experiences that offer high quality products. This has led to the emergence of e-commerce, a borderless channel, which both regionally local and international retailers have exploited. The low income market segment of e-commerce customers has been found to be apprehensive of e-commerce due to trust concerns over card-mandating payment solutions, living a large unbanked market in developing economies excluded from the e-commerce experience due to a lack of inclusive electronic payment systems. Mobile payment systems offer a source of distinctive value for both merchants and consumers, thereby increasing the e-commerce market. Due to their high level of adoption, mobile payments are capable of providing a mode for reaching new market segments and opening opportunities to bring value propositions to segments that had been unreachable in the past. This study sought to uncover the perception of consumers in an emerging economy about the use of mobile payments as a mode of remittance in e-commerce transactions. This was done by describing the factors that influence the intention to use mobile payments on internet stores. The study also investigated the effect of demographic profile on intention and use in the South African context. An online questionnaire was developed and distributed to a convenience sample of retail consumers on social media platforms, and the collected data was analysed using the SPSS statistical package. The results confirmed that compatibility, personal innovativeness, perceived trust, perceived regulatory support, and promotional benefit have a direct influence to intention to use mobile payments as a mode of remittance for e-commerce transactions. Furthermore, social influence does not have a direct influence on intention to use mobile payments in the South African context. The results also revealed that, in South Africa, the largest population group, male and female gender groups do not differ in their opinion around mobile payments. The study findings illustrate the importance of context when considering technology innovation introduction to a new market. Despite social influence not being found to be a factor for intention to use mobile payments in the South African context, the same conclusion should not be generalised as it is contextual. Recommendations and conclusions were drawn from the discussion of the findings of this research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Liwani, Samkelo
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Mobile commerce -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48731 , vital:41066
- Description: E-commerce is penetrating emerging economies in sub-Saharan Africa as customers seek convenient shopping experiences that offer high quality products. This has led to the emergence of e-commerce, a borderless channel, which both regionally local and international retailers have exploited. The low income market segment of e-commerce customers has been found to be apprehensive of e-commerce due to trust concerns over card-mandating payment solutions, living a large unbanked market in developing economies excluded from the e-commerce experience due to a lack of inclusive electronic payment systems. Mobile payment systems offer a source of distinctive value for both merchants and consumers, thereby increasing the e-commerce market. Due to their high level of adoption, mobile payments are capable of providing a mode for reaching new market segments and opening opportunities to bring value propositions to segments that had been unreachable in the past. This study sought to uncover the perception of consumers in an emerging economy about the use of mobile payments as a mode of remittance in e-commerce transactions. This was done by describing the factors that influence the intention to use mobile payments on internet stores. The study also investigated the effect of demographic profile on intention and use in the South African context. An online questionnaire was developed and distributed to a convenience sample of retail consumers on social media platforms, and the collected data was analysed using the SPSS statistical package. The results confirmed that compatibility, personal innovativeness, perceived trust, perceived regulatory support, and promotional benefit have a direct influence to intention to use mobile payments as a mode of remittance for e-commerce transactions. Furthermore, social influence does not have a direct influence on intention to use mobile payments in the South African context. The results also revealed that, in South Africa, the largest population group, male and female gender groups do not differ in their opinion around mobile payments. The study findings illustrate the importance of context when considering technology innovation introduction to a new market. Despite social influence not being found to be a factor for intention to use mobile payments in the South African context, the same conclusion should not be generalised as it is contextual. Recommendations and conclusions were drawn from the discussion of the findings of this research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Customer loyalty programmes in the South African banking sector
- Authors: Mashau, Mulanga Lawrence
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- South Africa , Customer loyalty programs -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48883 , vital:41167
- Description: This treatise explores factors that drive customer participation in banking loyalty programmes in South Africa. The literature review conducted revealed research is required in this area. The lack of research in this field led to the formulation of the problem statement for the study, which focuses on critical factors that drive customer participation in banking loyalty programmes in South Africa. There have been numerous studies conducted on customer loyalty as a concept. There is, however, a lack of studies on customer loyalty in banking loyalty programmes. The literature review explored definitions of customer loyalty, how they pertain to loyalty programmes, with attitudes and behaviours identified as customer loyalty intermediate factors. This study has approached the assessment of customer loyalty in the banking loyalty programmes by exploring the factors that influence or drive customer participation in loyalty programmes in South Africa. The study was conducted using exploratory factor analysis of loyalty programme measurement items that evaluated attitudes and behaviours related to customer loyalty. The factor analysis was undertaken using data gathered from a self-administered online questionnaire. This treatise is part of a bigger study of loyalty programmes and customer loyalty in different sectors. The sample for this study was randomly selected using snowball and convenience sampling. A sample size of n=613 was used in this study. As part of the data analysis, descriptive statistics were used to compress and organise the sample data. Inferential statistics were used to project the findings of the sample data to the full population. The study concluded that flexibility in the context of rewards not expiring was the most important factor that consumers considered when deciding to participate in a banking loyalty programme. This was followed by reward type. The study revealed that banking loyalty programme customers prefer monetary rewards over all reward types for participation in banking loyalty programmes and thus reward type is deemed as a critical factor in customers’ decisions to participate in banking loyalty programmes. The study also found that banking loyalty programme customers do not perceive reward programme communication methods as an important factor influencing their decision to participate in a banking loyalty programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mashau, Mulanga Lawrence
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- South Africa , Customer loyalty programs -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48883 , vital:41167
- Description: This treatise explores factors that drive customer participation in banking loyalty programmes in South Africa. The literature review conducted revealed research is required in this area. The lack of research in this field led to the formulation of the problem statement for the study, which focuses on critical factors that drive customer participation in banking loyalty programmes in South Africa. There have been numerous studies conducted on customer loyalty as a concept. There is, however, a lack of studies on customer loyalty in banking loyalty programmes. The literature review explored definitions of customer loyalty, how they pertain to loyalty programmes, with attitudes and behaviours identified as customer loyalty intermediate factors. This study has approached the assessment of customer loyalty in the banking loyalty programmes by exploring the factors that influence or drive customer participation in loyalty programmes in South Africa. The study was conducted using exploratory factor analysis of loyalty programme measurement items that evaluated attitudes and behaviours related to customer loyalty. The factor analysis was undertaken using data gathered from a self-administered online questionnaire. This treatise is part of a bigger study of loyalty programmes and customer loyalty in different sectors. The sample for this study was randomly selected using snowball and convenience sampling. A sample size of n=613 was used in this study. As part of the data analysis, descriptive statistics were used to compress and organise the sample data. Inferential statistics were used to project the findings of the sample data to the full population. The study concluded that flexibility in the context of rewards not expiring was the most important factor that consumers considered when deciding to participate in a banking loyalty programme. This was followed by reward type. The study revealed that banking loyalty programme customers prefer monetary rewards over all reward types for participation in banking loyalty programmes and thus reward type is deemed as a critical factor in customers’ decisions to participate in banking loyalty programmes. The study also found that banking loyalty programme customers do not perceive reward programme communication methods as an important factor influencing their decision to participate in a banking loyalty programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Developing a service model for a successful freight forwarding organisation in South Africa
- Authors: Kildase, Unathi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Physical distribution of goods -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48664 , vital:41057
- Description: The Freight Logistics Industry underpins the efficient movement of freight goods globally and supports the South African economy by accounting for 80% of the movement of goods. While South Africa’s formal trade with the rest of the continent and the world has increased steadily over the years, the country is yet to make significant inroads in some of its larger and fast-growing economies. This is despite having a substantially more diversified economic base and relatively higher levels of technological advance-ment (Department of Research and Information, 2018). Complex challenges relating to transport infrastructure (roads, customs processes, sea- and airports, amongst others), determine the efficiency with which business can be done and therefore has a direct impact on the growth of the Freight Logistics Pro-vider (FLP) industry (Belfreight, 2016). Changes in the global business environment have also led FLP’s to diversity strate-gies, incorporating asset ownership on a small to large scale in order to cope with the ever-changing demands of customers. However, at its core, the FLP industry exists to manage the freight transport process. This study investigated, through interviews and surveys involving senior industry pro-fessionals; whether a service model for a successful FLP could be developed; one that did not require asset ownership. The empirical evidence gathered yielded a list of the top FLP services currently being used in business; together with the support structures and enablers for these services in the form of transport modes. A model was then developed based on these param-eters that would best suit a small to medium sized FLP for success. Success in this study proved to be non-tangible due to the limited information available in company and industry figures, however, indication of an optimal market by product was included in the developed model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Kildase, Unathi
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Physical distribution of goods -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48664 , vital:41057
- Description: The Freight Logistics Industry underpins the efficient movement of freight goods globally and supports the South African economy by accounting for 80% of the movement of goods. While South Africa’s formal trade with the rest of the continent and the world has increased steadily over the years, the country is yet to make significant inroads in some of its larger and fast-growing economies. This is despite having a substantially more diversified economic base and relatively higher levels of technological advance-ment (Department of Research and Information, 2018). Complex challenges relating to transport infrastructure (roads, customs processes, sea- and airports, amongst others), determine the efficiency with which business can be done and therefore has a direct impact on the growth of the Freight Logistics Pro-vider (FLP) industry (Belfreight, 2016). Changes in the global business environment have also led FLP’s to diversity strate-gies, incorporating asset ownership on a small to large scale in order to cope with the ever-changing demands of customers. However, at its core, the FLP industry exists to manage the freight transport process. This study investigated, through interviews and surveys involving senior industry pro-fessionals; whether a service model for a successful FLP could be developed; one that did not require asset ownership. The empirical evidence gathered yielded a list of the top FLP services currently being used in business; together with the support structures and enablers for these services in the form of transport modes. A model was then developed based on these param-eters that would best suit a small to medium sized FLP for success. Success in this study proved to be non-tangible due to the limited information available in company and industry figures, however, indication of an optimal market by product was included in the developed model.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Examining the effect of Diversity, Inclusion and Equity on Work Engagement and Innovation on South African Organisations
- Authors: Efalao, D M
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48202 , vital:40520
- Description: The biggest strengths of organisational success lie in its employees; therefore, employee engagement is a fundamental force that is linked to organisational effectiveness and success. The level of employee engagement in South Africa according to the polls remains very low. On the other front, innovative ideas prove to be a vital element of organisational innovativeness and progress. Today’s business environment is unstable and to remain relevant in the marketplace, it is imperative for organisations to embrace innovation and become responsive to changing customer needs. South Africa’s population is very diverse coming second in diversity after the United States. The diversity of South Africa as a national endowment could be investigated to see if it could be leveraged to improve organisational innovation and effectiveness through work engagement. Being mindful of the fact that being diverse is not equal to being inclusive, inclusion is also investigated to see its effect on work engagement and organisational innovation. The principle of fairness (equity) was also investigated with relation to engagement and innovation. The purpose of the study is to assist organisations to improve employee engagement and organisational innovation by taking advantage of the national factor endowment of diversity and inclusion. Equity is investigated as an important principle that could possibly have an effect on employee engagement or organisational innovation. The findings were that diversity and inclusion have a significant relationship with employee engagement and organisational innovativeness while equity has a significant relationship with organisational innovativeness. Recommendations were therefore made to leaders of the organisations to embrace workforce diversity, inclusion and fairness in organisational structures and practices in order to realise improved employee engagement and organisational innovativeness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Efalao, D M
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48202 , vital:40520
- Description: The biggest strengths of organisational success lie in its employees; therefore, employee engagement is a fundamental force that is linked to organisational effectiveness and success. The level of employee engagement in South Africa according to the polls remains very low. On the other front, innovative ideas prove to be a vital element of organisational innovativeness and progress. Today’s business environment is unstable and to remain relevant in the marketplace, it is imperative for organisations to embrace innovation and become responsive to changing customer needs. South Africa’s population is very diverse coming second in diversity after the United States. The diversity of South Africa as a national endowment could be investigated to see if it could be leveraged to improve organisational innovation and effectiveness through work engagement. Being mindful of the fact that being diverse is not equal to being inclusive, inclusion is also investigated to see its effect on work engagement and organisational innovation. The principle of fairness (equity) was also investigated with relation to engagement and innovation. The purpose of the study is to assist organisations to improve employee engagement and organisational innovation by taking advantage of the national factor endowment of diversity and inclusion. Equity is investigated as an important principle that could possibly have an effect on employee engagement or organisational innovation. The findings were that diversity and inclusion have a significant relationship with employee engagement and organisational innovativeness while equity has a significant relationship with organisational innovativeness. Recommendations were therefore made to leaders of the organisations to embrace workforce diversity, inclusion and fairness in organisational structures and practices in order to realise improved employee engagement and organisational innovativeness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Impact of change management on employee engagement
- Authors: Moche, Boitshoko
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Personnel management Organizational change
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49703 , vital:41772
- Description: Change is inevitable and change is necessary; in order for organisations to remain competitive they have to keep on evolving, ensuring that the organisational vision and strategy are aligned to the organisation’s vision, importantly, that the employees have a fulfilling work experience in order to do their best and live up to the organisation’s values. In the high-pressured, agile work environment, it is necessary for the organisations to move their processes with the times, providing information on digital platforms while upskilling the employees and saving time. Employee engagement is defined as the force that drives the organisational success and when achieved it eventually leads to high morale, employee retention, employee trust and loyalty to the organisation and organisational performance The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of change management process on the employee engagement in the workplace. The three identified main factors were readiness for change, process of change and leadership involvement. Change initiatives have been reported to fail by 70% if not implemented effectively and can have a negative impact on how the employees receive the change. The mixed method study approach was used, starting with interviews with the four key players in the organisation to establish how they perceive change and gather new information. It was followed by a quantitative e-survey to departments which have had technological change in the past year. The empirical results showed that the there is a relationship between the factors of change and employee engagement. Importance of readiness for change was highlighted, supporting the need for an organisational analysis followed by a detailed change plan aligned to the organisational vision. Process of change had a positive significance for employee engagement while lack of leadership involvement showed the negative relationship to employee engagement. The findings show how change leadership should work in sync with organisational leadership at all times and should incorporate change management into the organisational DNA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Moche, Boitshoko
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Personnel management Organizational change
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49703 , vital:41772
- Description: Change is inevitable and change is necessary; in order for organisations to remain competitive they have to keep on evolving, ensuring that the organisational vision and strategy are aligned to the organisation’s vision, importantly, that the employees have a fulfilling work experience in order to do their best and live up to the organisation’s values. In the high-pressured, agile work environment, it is necessary for the organisations to move their processes with the times, providing information on digital platforms while upskilling the employees and saving time. Employee engagement is defined as the force that drives the organisational success and when achieved it eventually leads to high morale, employee retention, employee trust and loyalty to the organisation and organisational performance The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of change management process on the employee engagement in the workplace. The three identified main factors were readiness for change, process of change and leadership involvement. Change initiatives have been reported to fail by 70% if not implemented effectively and can have a negative impact on how the employees receive the change. The mixed method study approach was used, starting with interviews with the four key players in the organisation to establish how they perceive change and gather new information. It was followed by a quantitative e-survey to departments which have had technological change in the past year. The empirical results showed that the there is a relationship between the factors of change and employee engagement. Importance of readiness for change was highlighted, supporting the need for an organisational analysis followed by a detailed change plan aligned to the organisational vision. Process of change had a positive significance for employee engagement while lack of leadership involvement showed the negative relationship to employee engagement. The findings show how change leadership should work in sync with organisational leadership at all times and should incorporate change management into the organisational DNA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Impact of digital age on street traders in Buffalo City and preparation for future economic activity
- Authors: Mkonwana, Siyasanga Phiwe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: LCSH LCSH
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49681 , vital:41770
- Description: The study was focusing on the street trading as a form of informal trade in Buffalo City, and how the digital age has impacted on the street traders. Street trading is a form of informal trade that takes place in many developing countries. It is mostly located in urban areas, towns and cities where there is foot traffic. Traditionally, street trading has not been recognised as contributing to the economy of a country (Robinson, 2002). The lack of economic acknowledgement has led to street trading issues being largely ignored or referred to urban managers (Lyons and Snoxell, 2005). Digitalisation has shifted the world’s paradigm and has impacted the business and its operations. The world is currently in the ‘digital age’, where everything is done (or will soon be done) through the use of technology such as cell phones, the internet of things (IoT), driverless cars, and three-dimensional (3D) technology (WEF, 2018). Technology also promote continuous new invention and innovation (World Trade Report [WTR], 2017). In the workplace, digitisation is estimated to have an increasingly negative impact on the labour market in the developing countries, leading to higher unemployment rates and low productivity (UNCTA, 2016). Semi-structured focused interviews were used to collect data for the research from 10 street traders in the BCMM area of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The interviews were undertaken between November 2018 and January 2019. There are two predominant paradigms used for the research, namely the constructivist/ interpretative and the positivist/post-positivist paradigms (Cillisa, 2011). Data analysis was done through linking the empirical data to the propositions and interpretations were done in the last chapter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Impact of digital age on street traders in Buffalo City and preparation for future economic activity
- Authors: Mkonwana, Siyasanga Phiwe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: LCSH LCSH
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49681 , vital:41770
- Description: The study was focusing on the street trading as a form of informal trade in Buffalo City, and how the digital age has impacted on the street traders. Street trading is a form of informal trade that takes place in many developing countries. It is mostly located in urban areas, towns and cities where there is foot traffic. Traditionally, street trading has not been recognised as contributing to the economy of a country (Robinson, 2002). The lack of economic acknowledgement has led to street trading issues being largely ignored or referred to urban managers (Lyons and Snoxell, 2005). Digitalisation has shifted the world’s paradigm and has impacted the business and its operations. The world is currently in the ‘digital age’, where everything is done (or will soon be done) through the use of technology such as cell phones, the internet of things (IoT), driverless cars, and three-dimensional (3D) technology (WEF, 2018). Technology also promote continuous new invention and innovation (World Trade Report [WTR], 2017). In the workplace, digitisation is estimated to have an increasingly negative impact on the labour market in the developing countries, leading to higher unemployment rates and low productivity (UNCTA, 2016). Semi-structured focused interviews were used to collect data for the research from 10 street traders in the BCMM area of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The interviews were undertaken between November 2018 and January 2019. There are two predominant paradigms used for the research, namely the constructivist/ interpretative and the positivist/post-positivist paradigms (Cillisa, 2011). Data analysis was done through linking the empirical data to the propositions and interpretations were done in the last chapter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Needs analysis for a shared economy model within critical spare parts inventory management
- Authors: Macfarlane, Shane
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Spare parts -- Management , Inventory control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48775 , vital:41071
- Description: The lack of spare parts is the predominant reason for machine downtime in organisations. The financial burden of holding spare parts coupled with long delivery times can severely hamper a factory’s attempt to prevent high levels of machine downtime. With the poor management of spare parts, breakdowns become lengthy as the lead times for the delivery of spare parts from an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) may be very long. The productivity and profitability of an organisation are affected by the non-availability of spare parts. Mobley, Higgins and Wikoff (2008, p.2.64) describe critical spare parts (CSP) as spares used on critical machines that are always required to be in stock to receive reduced insurance premiums and hedge against lost production downtime due to machine failures. A shared economy model (SEM) was proposed as a possible solution to some of the problems related to spare parts availability. Botsman and Rogers (2010a) regard the shared economy as the innovative sharing of underutilised assets and facilities. The main research objective (ROM) of this study was to determine the viability and acceptance of using a shared economy model (SEM) within the realm of critical spare parts (CSP) management in the automotive manufacturing sector. To achieve the ROM several secondary objectives were set. A literature review discussed CSP, inventory management models and SEMs. This study used qualitative analysis as it was exploratory and appropriate for studies in which the researcher was unaware of the significant variables to investigate. Qualitative researchers tend to focus on a few participants who can clarify a phenomenon under investigation. To achieve the main research objective (ROM), interviews were conducted with relevant participants from the automotive manufacturing sector. The interviews were semi-structured and the researcher made use of an interview protocol. A sample size of eight was chosen for the research. The sample frame for this research was the East London automotive manufacturing sector. The sessions were audio-recorded and later transcribed verbatim into a text format for analysis via ATLAS.ti software. A grounded theory approach was used for the collection and analysis of the data. Empirical research and analysis revealed eight emergent themes pertinent to the ROM. Themes were categorised as Category 1 for critical spare parts (CSP) and Category for 2 for shared economy models (SEMs), and discussed in Chapter 4. The study concluded with the view that a shared economy model (SEM) for critical spare parts (CSP) inventory management in the East London automotive manufacturing sector was viable and acceptable, provided that it was managed correctly. Future research was suggested to address the economic feasibility of a SEM for CSP inventory management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Macfarlane, Shane
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Spare parts -- Management , Inventory control
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48775 , vital:41071
- Description: The lack of spare parts is the predominant reason for machine downtime in organisations. The financial burden of holding spare parts coupled with long delivery times can severely hamper a factory’s attempt to prevent high levels of machine downtime. With the poor management of spare parts, breakdowns become lengthy as the lead times for the delivery of spare parts from an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) may be very long. The productivity and profitability of an organisation are affected by the non-availability of spare parts. Mobley, Higgins and Wikoff (2008, p.2.64) describe critical spare parts (CSP) as spares used on critical machines that are always required to be in stock to receive reduced insurance premiums and hedge against lost production downtime due to machine failures. A shared economy model (SEM) was proposed as a possible solution to some of the problems related to spare parts availability. Botsman and Rogers (2010a) regard the shared economy as the innovative sharing of underutilised assets and facilities. The main research objective (ROM) of this study was to determine the viability and acceptance of using a shared economy model (SEM) within the realm of critical spare parts (CSP) management in the automotive manufacturing sector. To achieve the ROM several secondary objectives were set. A literature review discussed CSP, inventory management models and SEMs. This study used qualitative analysis as it was exploratory and appropriate for studies in which the researcher was unaware of the significant variables to investigate. Qualitative researchers tend to focus on a few participants who can clarify a phenomenon under investigation. To achieve the main research objective (ROM), interviews were conducted with relevant participants from the automotive manufacturing sector. The interviews were semi-structured and the researcher made use of an interview protocol. A sample size of eight was chosen for the research. The sample frame for this research was the East London automotive manufacturing sector. The sessions were audio-recorded and later transcribed verbatim into a text format for analysis via ATLAS.ti software. A grounded theory approach was used for the collection and analysis of the data. Empirical research and analysis revealed eight emergent themes pertinent to the ROM. Themes were categorised as Category 1 for critical spare parts (CSP) and Category for 2 for shared economy models (SEMs), and discussed in Chapter 4. The study concluded with the view that a shared economy model (SEM) for critical spare parts (CSP) inventory management in the East London automotive manufacturing sector was viable and acceptable, provided that it was managed correctly. Future research was suggested to address the economic feasibility of a SEM for CSP inventory management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Organisational influences and the effects on female advancement within a South African technology organisation
- Authors: Hare, Claire Kim
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Women in technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48136 , vital:40503
- Description: The underrepresentation of females within various sectors, specifically the technology industry, remains a concern. Even though there is progression regarding the representation of women in the technology industry, females and other diverse groups are still underrepresented within the IT workforce. Globally, women make up only 25% of technology workers and only 23% of technology workers in South Africa are female. The underrepresentation of women in technology jobs results in the industry lacking an immense amount of brainpower and the potential for innovation. Against this background, the primary objective of this study was to identify the impact that the organisational influences i.e. leadership, organisational culture, barriers and organisational change management has on the advancement of females within a technology organisation. This study was conducted within a South African technology organisation located within the Eastern Cape region. A quantitative approach was adopted, and purposive sampling was used to draw the sample of approximately three hundred personnel, including all managers and employees, within the South African technology organisation for this study. Various findings emerged in terms of the research questions about whether the organisational influences of leadership, organisational culture, barriers and organisational change management has an impact on the advancement of females within the technology organisation. The empirical results revealed that leadership and organisational change management have the strongest positive influence on the advancement of females within the organisation. A key finding within this study is that leadership within the organisation does not promote female advancement. Since literature suggests that leadership is instrumental in shaping the organisational culture of an organisation, the focus of the organisation should be on equipping leadership with the knowledge and skills to influence the rest of the organisation regarding gender equality. An additional recommendation is that the women who currently occupy leadership positions within the organisation could mentor other females to overcome or cope with prejudice and gender experienced.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Hare, Claire Kim
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Women in technology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape.
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48136 , vital:40503
- Description: The underrepresentation of females within various sectors, specifically the technology industry, remains a concern. Even though there is progression regarding the representation of women in the technology industry, females and other diverse groups are still underrepresented within the IT workforce. Globally, women make up only 25% of technology workers and only 23% of technology workers in South Africa are female. The underrepresentation of women in technology jobs results in the industry lacking an immense amount of brainpower and the potential for innovation. Against this background, the primary objective of this study was to identify the impact that the organisational influences i.e. leadership, organisational culture, barriers and organisational change management has on the advancement of females within a technology organisation. This study was conducted within a South African technology organisation located within the Eastern Cape region. A quantitative approach was adopted, and purposive sampling was used to draw the sample of approximately three hundred personnel, including all managers and employees, within the South African technology organisation for this study. Various findings emerged in terms of the research questions about whether the organisational influences of leadership, organisational culture, barriers and organisational change management has an impact on the advancement of females within the technology organisation. The empirical results revealed that leadership and organisational change management have the strongest positive influence on the advancement of females within the organisation. A key finding within this study is that leadership within the organisation does not promote female advancement. Since literature suggests that leadership is instrumental in shaping the organisational culture of an organisation, the focus of the organisation should be on equipping leadership with the knowledge and skills to influence the rest of the organisation regarding gender equality. An additional recommendation is that the women who currently occupy leadership positions within the organisation could mentor other females to overcome or cope with prejudice and gender experienced.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Possible futures for the health system of South Africa towards 2030
- Authors: Lourens, Stephanus Johannes
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Health services administration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48720 , vital:41065
- Description: The South African health system is in crisis. To improve access to health services and move towards universal health coverage the South African government has decided to implement National Health Insurance (NHI). The implementation of such health reforms to the health system of SA is further complicated by the rapidly changing technological environment in the form of the fourth industrial revolution. The NHI and the fourth industrial revolution are expected to impact on the health system of the country, but what the impacts will be remain unclear. A review of the theory and practice of future studies support the notion that change management for healthcare organisations operating within the SA health system must be approached differently. The volatility introduced by the NHI within the context of the fourth industrial revolution necessitates the creation of strategic foresight using futures methodologies. The research has attempted to gain an understanding of the impact of National Health Insurance and the fourth industrial revolution on the health system of SA through the creation of possible futures for the health system, in the form of four alternative scenarios, towards 2030. The six pillars of future studies as stated by Inayatullah (2008) were used as a research methodology and assisted in the mapping, anticipation and timing of the issues facing the health system. The future was deepened using causal layered analysis and alternative futures were constructed through double-variable scenario creation methods using the worldviews identified during the causal layered analysis. From the constructed scenarios the research attempted to identify the preferred future for the health system of South Africa. The preferred future was used in the development of the Future Vision for the Health System of South Africa towards 2030. It is clear to achieve the desired health system towards 2030 the private and the public sectors must collaborate to create a hybrid health system which is supported by fourth industrial revolution technologies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Lourens, Stephanus Johannes
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Health services administration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48720 , vital:41065
- Description: The South African health system is in crisis. To improve access to health services and move towards universal health coverage the South African government has decided to implement National Health Insurance (NHI). The implementation of such health reforms to the health system of SA is further complicated by the rapidly changing technological environment in the form of the fourth industrial revolution. The NHI and the fourth industrial revolution are expected to impact on the health system of the country, but what the impacts will be remain unclear. A review of the theory and practice of future studies support the notion that change management for healthcare organisations operating within the SA health system must be approached differently. The volatility introduced by the NHI within the context of the fourth industrial revolution necessitates the creation of strategic foresight using futures methodologies. The research has attempted to gain an understanding of the impact of National Health Insurance and the fourth industrial revolution on the health system of SA through the creation of possible futures for the health system, in the form of four alternative scenarios, towards 2030. The six pillars of future studies as stated by Inayatullah (2008) were used as a research methodology and assisted in the mapping, anticipation and timing of the issues facing the health system. The future was deepened using causal layered analysis and alternative futures were constructed through double-variable scenario creation methods using the worldviews identified during the causal layered analysis. From the constructed scenarios the research attempted to identify the preferred future for the health system of South Africa. The preferred future was used in the development of the Future Vision for the Health System of South Africa towards 2030. It is clear to achieve the desired health system towards 2030 the private and the public sectors must collaborate to create a hybrid health system which is supported by fourth industrial revolution technologies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The effect of leadership styles on employee happiness in the South African automotive manufacturing industry
- Authors: Mabuza, Nhlamulo G
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Automobile industry workers -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48764 , vital:41069
- Description: Employee happiness has in recent years become an area of interest in various research studies. Many studies have shown that happier employees can contribute to increased revenues and improved productivity levels in organisations. Some of the characteristics of happy employees are working well beyond the job scope, always being willing to learn, always being willing to help colleagues or leaders, and taking responsibility for their work. The efforts of these happy employees ensure that the goals and objectives set out by an organisation are achieved. Leadership has become more challenging in recent years due to the effects of globalisation such as increased global competition, increased workplace diversity and increased productivity. Leadership also plays a role in the happiness of employees in the workplace who are required to implement initiatives that keep them relevant and competitive. Different leadership styles are used by leaders to support their workforce in reaching the objectives of the organisation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of leadership styles on employee happiness in the South African automotive manufacturing industry. Leadership styles were investigated using both secondary research comprising a literature review and primary research involving an empirical study. They included situational leadership, Machiavellian leadership, authentic leadership, charismatic leadership and servant leadership. In the quantitative study, a total of 104 electronic surveys were circulated. Initially they were distributed through convenience sampling and subsequently they were snowballed to other staff-level employees working for various automotive manufacturing companies within the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The survey designed for data collection consisted of 5 point Likert scale questions. Out of the 104 surveys circulated, 102 were returned with consent to be used for this study. One of the findings of the study was that Machiavellian leadership was the only leadership style that related negatively to the happiness of employees in the South African automotive manufacturing industry. All the other leadership styles tested − situational leadership, authentic leadership, charismatic leadership and servant leadership − were positively related to employee happiness. In addition, organisational culture was an intervening variable that partially mediated the relationships between each of the tested leadership styles and employee happiness. The relationships between situational leadership and employee happiness and between charismatic leadership and employee happiness were partially mediated by organisational culture. Relationships between Machiavellian leadership and employee happiness, authentic leadership and employee happiness, and servant leadership and employee happiness were all fully mediated by organisational culture. From these findings, recommendations and conclusions were made which could add value to the issue of employee happiness in the workplace, specifically in the South African automotive manufacturing industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mabuza, Nhlamulo G
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Automobile industry workers -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48764 , vital:41069
- Description: Employee happiness has in recent years become an area of interest in various research studies. Many studies have shown that happier employees can contribute to increased revenues and improved productivity levels in organisations. Some of the characteristics of happy employees are working well beyond the job scope, always being willing to learn, always being willing to help colleagues or leaders, and taking responsibility for their work. The efforts of these happy employees ensure that the goals and objectives set out by an organisation are achieved. Leadership has become more challenging in recent years due to the effects of globalisation such as increased global competition, increased workplace diversity and increased productivity. Leadership also plays a role in the happiness of employees in the workplace who are required to implement initiatives that keep them relevant and competitive. Different leadership styles are used by leaders to support their workforce in reaching the objectives of the organisation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of leadership styles on employee happiness in the South African automotive manufacturing industry. Leadership styles were investigated using both secondary research comprising a literature review and primary research involving an empirical study. They included situational leadership, Machiavellian leadership, authentic leadership, charismatic leadership and servant leadership. In the quantitative study, a total of 104 electronic surveys were circulated. Initially they were distributed through convenience sampling and subsequently they were snowballed to other staff-level employees working for various automotive manufacturing companies within the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The survey designed for data collection consisted of 5 point Likert scale questions. Out of the 104 surveys circulated, 102 were returned with consent to be used for this study. One of the findings of the study was that Machiavellian leadership was the only leadership style that related negatively to the happiness of employees in the South African automotive manufacturing industry. All the other leadership styles tested − situational leadership, authentic leadership, charismatic leadership and servant leadership − were positively related to employee happiness. In addition, organisational culture was an intervening variable that partially mediated the relationships between each of the tested leadership styles and employee happiness. The relationships between situational leadership and employee happiness and between charismatic leadership and employee happiness were partially mediated by organisational culture. Relationships between Machiavellian leadership and employee happiness, authentic leadership and employee happiness, and servant leadership and employee happiness were all fully mediated by organisational culture. From these findings, recommendations and conclusions were made which could add value to the issue of employee happiness in the workplace, specifically in the South African automotive manufacturing industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The impact of job satisfaction, motivation and job stress on employees’ innovative behaviour
- Authors: Moeng, Mpho Solomon
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Job satisfaction Attitude (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49714 , vital:41774
- Description: In the fast-paced world of today, innovation is more relevant now than at any other time in our history. The dynamic nature of today’s business landscape presents complex challenges to organisations at macro and micro environment levels. To survive these challenging times, innovation has been identified to play a vital part in finding and developing opportunities for growth and sustaining a competitive edge. It is with no surprise that researchers have long sought to find the root drivers of great innovation. The consensus is that employees are the engine behind innovation and that innovation within an organisation is a direct result of employees engaging in innovative behaviour. Organisations that fail to tap into the creative potential of their employees lose out on benefits and advantages of being innovative organisations. There are various factors that influence employees’ engagement in innovative behaviour, and research into the topic has considered the influence of different factors such as: individual traits, natural inclinations to innovation, motivation, emotions, organisational culture, job requirements, leadership, and social relations. The purpose of this study was to empirically investigate the influence and significance of job satisfaction, perceived colleague support, perceived leadership support, perceived organisational support and job stress on employees’ engagement in innovative behaviour. Based on a review of current literature, the study investigated hypothesised direct and indirect relationships that exist between these factors and that can be used to improve the levels of employees’ engagement in innovation behaviour in Eskom distribution in the Eastern Cape operating unit. The study used on-line questionnaires to survey Eskom Distribution ECOU employees. 141 employees participated in the survey. Majority of the respondents were males and were from Specialised Maintenance and Support department. A large number of the respondents are university and Technikon graduates with half a decade or more in years of service to Eskom. The results of the survey show that there is a significant positive relationship between job satisfaction, colleague support, leadership support organisational support and innovative behavior. From this finding the researcher recommended that management that improves the levels of employee engagement in innovative behaviour by focusing on issues pertaining to job satisfaction, colleague support, leadership support and organisational support.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Moeng, Mpho Solomon
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Job satisfaction Attitude (Psychology)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49714 , vital:41774
- Description: In the fast-paced world of today, innovation is more relevant now than at any other time in our history. The dynamic nature of today’s business landscape presents complex challenges to organisations at macro and micro environment levels. To survive these challenging times, innovation has been identified to play a vital part in finding and developing opportunities for growth and sustaining a competitive edge. It is with no surprise that researchers have long sought to find the root drivers of great innovation. The consensus is that employees are the engine behind innovation and that innovation within an organisation is a direct result of employees engaging in innovative behaviour. Organisations that fail to tap into the creative potential of their employees lose out on benefits and advantages of being innovative organisations. There are various factors that influence employees’ engagement in innovative behaviour, and research into the topic has considered the influence of different factors such as: individual traits, natural inclinations to innovation, motivation, emotions, organisational culture, job requirements, leadership, and social relations. The purpose of this study was to empirically investigate the influence and significance of job satisfaction, perceived colleague support, perceived leadership support, perceived organisational support and job stress on employees’ engagement in innovative behaviour. Based on a review of current literature, the study investigated hypothesised direct and indirect relationships that exist between these factors and that can be used to improve the levels of employees’ engagement in innovation behaviour in Eskom distribution in the Eastern Cape operating unit. The study used on-line questionnaires to survey Eskom Distribution ECOU employees. 141 employees participated in the survey. Majority of the respondents were males and were from Specialised Maintenance and Support department. A large number of the respondents are university and Technikon graduates with half a decade or more in years of service to Eskom. The results of the survey show that there is a significant positive relationship between job satisfaction, colleague support, leadership support organisational support and innovative behavior. From this finding the researcher recommended that management that improves the levels of employee engagement in innovative behaviour by focusing on issues pertaining to job satisfaction, colleague support, leadership support and organisational support.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The influence of online service quality on future purchasing intent
- Authors: Gelderbloem, Kirsten
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Electronic commerce -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48114 , vital:40490
- Description: The rapid advancements in technology has seen a growing shift in retail industry trends, with many retailers establishing online shopping platforms. Though online shopping was initially more popular in other parts of the world, it is fast becoming more popular in South Africa. Many South Africans are now starting to feel more comfortable with the experience, convenience and benefits of online shopping and thus it is important for researchers and experts to gain a better understanding of customers’ experiences in this regard. Furthermore, customer service and quality of service in the online shopping space tends to be relatively different to customer service and quality experienced at a traditional retail store. Therefore, understanding customer service and quality of service within the online retail space is also a critical area to be researched. The aim of this study is thus is to assist retailers and managers to better understand customer service quality of online shopping platforms and how these online shopping platforms perform in terms of its reliability, assurance, tangibility, empathy, and responsiveness dimensions of service quality. An empirical study, consisting of a questionnaire was conducted amongst 88 South African males and females from the various generational cohorts who utilise online shopping platforms. Furthermore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the service quality experiences of customers who make use of online shopping platforms. The key findings indicated that reliability, tangibility and empathy are the key determinants affecting a customer’s intention to purchase from an online shopping platform. Furthermore, recommendations were made to retailers and managers to consistently focus on remaining reliable in terms of delivering goods as promised; accepting returns and offering refunds, as well as maintaining accurate client and product information; consistently striving towards providing exceptional tangible experiences, such as maintaining a visually appealing website that is easy to navigate, safe and secure to conduct transactions and, to always ensure that customer service agents show empathy towards to their customers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Gelderbloem, Kirsten
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Electronic commerce -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48114 , vital:40490
- Description: The rapid advancements in technology has seen a growing shift in retail industry trends, with many retailers establishing online shopping platforms. Though online shopping was initially more popular in other parts of the world, it is fast becoming more popular in South Africa. Many South Africans are now starting to feel more comfortable with the experience, convenience and benefits of online shopping and thus it is important for researchers and experts to gain a better understanding of customers’ experiences in this regard. Furthermore, customer service and quality of service in the online shopping space tends to be relatively different to customer service and quality experienced at a traditional retail store. Therefore, understanding customer service and quality of service within the online retail space is also a critical area to be researched. The aim of this study is thus is to assist retailers and managers to better understand customer service quality of online shopping platforms and how these online shopping platforms perform in terms of its reliability, assurance, tangibility, empathy, and responsiveness dimensions of service quality. An empirical study, consisting of a questionnaire was conducted amongst 88 South African males and females from the various generational cohorts who utilise online shopping platforms. Furthermore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the service quality experiences of customers who make use of online shopping platforms. The key findings indicated that reliability, tangibility and empathy are the key determinants affecting a customer’s intention to purchase from an online shopping platform. Furthermore, recommendations were made to retailers and managers to consistently focus on remaining reliable in terms of delivering goods as promised; accepting returns and offering refunds, as well as maintaining accurate client and product information; consistently striving towards providing exceptional tangible experiences, such as maintaining a visually appealing website that is easy to navigate, safe and secure to conduct transactions and, to always ensure that customer service agents show empathy towards to their customers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The mediating effect of financial literacy on the relationship between financial behavior and financial well-being on budget intentions
- Authors: Msakatya, Sakhumzi Mcgregor
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Financial literacy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49736 , vital:41786
- Description: Financial literacy concerns the understanding of those concepts related to finances. Financial literacy is globally recognised as an essential life skill since people must be able to differentiate among a wide range of products, services and providers of financial products to manage their finances successfully. Individuals make daily financial decisions about expenditures and savings. In environments where resources are scarce poor financial decisions have high impact on the quality of life and future access to resources. People are not adequately educated with regards to finance and wealth creation, save too little for retirement, overspend and tend to purchase items that are not prioritised for the household. Due to limited empirical research, it is clear that new research into the effect of financial literacy on the relationship between financial behaviour and financial well-being on budget intentions is required. This study was anchored to two theories, namely the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), intended to explain all behaviors in which people have the ability to exert self-control and the Trans-Theoretical Model of Behaviour Change (TTM) that could be used to change people’s financial behaviour. The problem being explored is that the mismanagement of funding for beneficiaries at higher education institutions. NSFAS has begun to increasingly make cash payouts available to beneficiaries yet there is not enough empirical evidence to suggest that the beneficiaries possess adequate personal finance management skills or they are financially literate to being able to better manage their finances. When the beneficiaries are not adequately skilled regarding personal finance management skills, they could misuse such funds and this could result in these beneficiaries failing to complete their studies. This study contributed to the identified knowledge gap by investigating the mediating effect of financial literacy on the relationship between financial behaviour and financial well-being on budget intentions among South African university students. This study included quantitative research methods and questionnaires were used as the primary means of collecting the data. The sample included 204 participants from the University of Fort Hare. The final sample yielded a total response rate of 81.6%. A cross sectional research design was used for this study. Convenience sampling was used in this study. The researcher made use of student leaders to distribute and collect questionnaires. This study included 14 hypotheses. The dependent variables included Budget Intentions and Financial Literacy. The independent variables included Financial Well-being and Financial Behaviour. Self-control as a financial behaviour predicted university students’ budget intentions. Individuals with better self-control were more likely to forgo indulgences and focus on the long-term goals, thereby sticking to a budget. Optimism significantly predicted budget intentions of university learners. People who tend to engage in deliberate thinking more often are more likely to better manage their personal finances through budgeting. Individuals who have more positive financial attitude were more satisfied with their financial situation implying that they undertake planning and budgeting as far as finance issues are concerned. Financial socialisation from a parental perspective significantly influenced university students’ financial behaviour, namely, financial teaching, monitoring and modelling. People with better self-control are more likely to practise saving in almost every income flowing to them. Financial behaviour, particularly, deliberating thinking significantly predicted financial literacy. Positive financial behaviours such as being financial literate such as a reduction in day-to-day expenses were found to be associated with lower financial anxiety levels. Financial behaviours including positive financial attitude significantly predicted financial literacy. Individuals who had their financial issues monitored by parents for the purpose of earning advice and tips on financial matters were positively behaving pointing to the notion that they were financial literate and knowledgeable. The implication of the study is that management of institutions of higher learning should encourage students to practise self-control behaviour regarding their finances in order to improve budget intentions. It is also recommended that the Universities management should design short courses where students can be trained on or made aware of the importance of self-control as much as good financial behaviour is concerned.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Msakatya, Sakhumzi Mcgregor
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Financial literacy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49736 , vital:41786
- Description: Financial literacy concerns the understanding of those concepts related to finances. Financial literacy is globally recognised as an essential life skill since people must be able to differentiate among a wide range of products, services and providers of financial products to manage their finances successfully. Individuals make daily financial decisions about expenditures and savings. In environments where resources are scarce poor financial decisions have high impact on the quality of life and future access to resources. People are not adequately educated with regards to finance and wealth creation, save too little for retirement, overspend and tend to purchase items that are not prioritised for the household. Due to limited empirical research, it is clear that new research into the effect of financial literacy on the relationship between financial behaviour and financial well-being on budget intentions is required. This study was anchored to two theories, namely the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), intended to explain all behaviors in which people have the ability to exert self-control and the Trans-Theoretical Model of Behaviour Change (TTM) that could be used to change people’s financial behaviour. The problem being explored is that the mismanagement of funding for beneficiaries at higher education institutions. NSFAS has begun to increasingly make cash payouts available to beneficiaries yet there is not enough empirical evidence to suggest that the beneficiaries possess adequate personal finance management skills or they are financially literate to being able to better manage their finances. When the beneficiaries are not adequately skilled regarding personal finance management skills, they could misuse such funds and this could result in these beneficiaries failing to complete their studies. This study contributed to the identified knowledge gap by investigating the mediating effect of financial literacy on the relationship between financial behaviour and financial well-being on budget intentions among South African university students. This study included quantitative research methods and questionnaires were used as the primary means of collecting the data. The sample included 204 participants from the University of Fort Hare. The final sample yielded a total response rate of 81.6%. A cross sectional research design was used for this study. Convenience sampling was used in this study. The researcher made use of student leaders to distribute and collect questionnaires. This study included 14 hypotheses. The dependent variables included Budget Intentions and Financial Literacy. The independent variables included Financial Well-being and Financial Behaviour. Self-control as a financial behaviour predicted university students’ budget intentions. Individuals with better self-control were more likely to forgo indulgences and focus on the long-term goals, thereby sticking to a budget. Optimism significantly predicted budget intentions of university learners. People who tend to engage in deliberate thinking more often are more likely to better manage their personal finances through budgeting. Individuals who have more positive financial attitude were more satisfied with their financial situation implying that they undertake planning and budgeting as far as finance issues are concerned. Financial socialisation from a parental perspective significantly influenced university students’ financial behaviour, namely, financial teaching, monitoring and modelling. People with better self-control are more likely to practise saving in almost every income flowing to them. Financial behaviour, particularly, deliberating thinking significantly predicted financial literacy. Positive financial behaviours such as being financial literate such as a reduction in day-to-day expenses were found to be associated with lower financial anxiety levels. Financial behaviours including positive financial attitude significantly predicted financial literacy. Individuals who had their financial issues monitored by parents for the purpose of earning advice and tips on financial matters were positively behaving pointing to the notion that they were financial literate and knowledgeable. The implication of the study is that management of institutions of higher learning should encourage students to practise self-control behaviour regarding their finances in order to improve budget intentions. It is also recommended that the Universities management should design short courses where students can be trained on or made aware of the importance of self-control as much as good financial behaviour is concerned.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The preparedness of the insurance industry for industry 4.0 in the Republic of South Africa (RSA) towards 2030
- Authors: Haribans, Sarika
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Insurance companies -- South Africa Industrial revolution -- Insurance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48147 , vital:40511
- Description: The exponential growth of technology over the past few years has given rise to the term Industry 4.0. The term Industry 4.0 has since gained increasing relevance and importance. Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF) emphasised that the world is on the verge of a technological revolution that will profoundly alter the way we live, work and relate to one another; and that the scale, scope and complexity of the transformation will be unlike anything humankind has experienced before (Schwab, 2016). Industry 4.0 is said to be unlike the previous three industrial revolutions, it is a distinct one of speed, extent and systems impact, characterised by a major disruption to all sectors of business, governments and individuals globally. Industry’s such as insurance, is considered conservative and slow to change, as such the industry has never been quick to adapt to technological advancements. One thing however, that is certain about Industry 4.0 and predicted by many, is its significant impact on jobs in the world as robotics; automation and artificial intelligence become more abundant. This phenomenon has a direct impact on South Africa, which is currently strained by challenges such as infrastructure constraints, political instability, high levels of unemployment, rising costs, and shortages of skills, the loss of further jobs should raise an alarm of concern for government and the private sector alike. The outcomes of the extensive analysis of future studies practice and theory in this research study gives credibility to the argument that the manner in which planning is taking place for the future of the Industry 4.0 in the South African insurance industry context, requires significant adjustments. Business is encouraged to make collaborative decisions and fashion strategies that are founded on and informed by futures studies as this involves the development of fresh insight, fundamental to the planning process. This research attempted to gain insight into the possible future of the South African insurance industry through the creation of four scenarios towards 2030. These are outlined as follows: Insurance innovators and expansionists, which is the ‘best case’ scenario, to which the country aspires; The divide, the ‘worst case’ scenario, in which everything takes a negative turn; The uninsurable, the outlier future based on a surprise future centred on a disruptive emerging area; and Sitting this one out, in which no change takes place, making it ‘business as usual’. The research further undertook to discover the preferred future for the insurance industry in the South African context, as a basis for the Future Vision of the insurance industry of South Africa towards 2030. Inayatullah’s (2008) six pillars of futures studies was employed as an instrument to to guide the mapping of the present and future, further deepening and broadening the future through the development of scenarios, and, finally, transforming the future by narrowing it down to the preferred. In order to achieve the preferred, Future Vision of the insurance industry of South Africa towards 2030 is up to the insurance industry of South Africa, in collaboration with public and private sectors to determine the path to be followed in the decisions surrounding the embrace, acceptance and implementation of Industry 4.0 for the greater good of all, as the country moves towards progression, financial inclusion and sustainable development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Haribans, Sarika
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Insurance companies -- South Africa Industrial revolution -- Insurance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48147 , vital:40511
- Description: The exponential growth of technology over the past few years has given rise to the term Industry 4.0. The term Industry 4.0 has since gained increasing relevance and importance. Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum (WEF) emphasised that the world is on the verge of a technological revolution that will profoundly alter the way we live, work and relate to one another; and that the scale, scope and complexity of the transformation will be unlike anything humankind has experienced before (Schwab, 2016). Industry 4.0 is said to be unlike the previous three industrial revolutions, it is a distinct one of speed, extent and systems impact, characterised by a major disruption to all sectors of business, governments and individuals globally. Industry’s such as insurance, is considered conservative and slow to change, as such the industry has never been quick to adapt to technological advancements. One thing however, that is certain about Industry 4.0 and predicted by many, is its significant impact on jobs in the world as robotics; automation and artificial intelligence become more abundant. This phenomenon has a direct impact on South Africa, which is currently strained by challenges such as infrastructure constraints, political instability, high levels of unemployment, rising costs, and shortages of skills, the loss of further jobs should raise an alarm of concern for government and the private sector alike. The outcomes of the extensive analysis of future studies practice and theory in this research study gives credibility to the argument that the manner in which planning is taking place for the future of the Industry 4.0 in the South African insurance industry context, requires significant adjustments. Business is encouraged to make collaborative decisions and fashion strategies that are founded on and informed by futures studies as this involves the development of fresh insight, fundamental to the planning process. This research attempted to gain insight into the possible future of the South African insurance industry through the creation of four scenarios towards 2030. These are outlined as follows: Insurance innovators and expansionists, which is the ‘best case’ scenario, to which the country aspires; The divide, the ‘worst case’ scenario, in which everything takes a negative turn; The uninsurable, the outlier future based on a surprise future centred on a disruptive emerging area; and Sitting this one out, in which no change takes place, making it ‘business as usual’. The research further undertook to discover the preferred future for the insurance industry in the South African context, as a basis for the Future Vision of the insurance industry of South Africa towards 2030. Inayatullah’s (2008) six pillars of futures studies was employed as an instrument to to guide the mapping of the present and future, further deepening and broadening the future through the development of scenarios, and, finally, transforming the future by narrowing it down to the preferred. In order to achieve the preferred, Future Vision of the insurance industry of South Africa towards 2030 is up to the insurance industry of South Africa, in collaboration with public and private sectors to determine the path to be followed in the decisions surrounding the embrace, acceptance and implementation of Industry 4.0 for the greater good of all, as the country moves towards progression, financial inclusion and sustainable development.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The role of leadership in creating an environment that fosters innovation
- Authors: Mmbasa-Chimusoro, Lusanda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49647 , vital:41763
- Description: Innovation has emerged as an important factor for the survival of businesses especially when there are external factors at play such as increased competition, economic decline and demanding consumers. Organisations need to innovate to remain attractive in the global economy. To be able to address the needs of customers in a quick way, organisations need to be cognizant of the social and technological shifts so they can be in position to exploit them to their advantage. In today’s competitive environment, innovation is a driver of change and organisations that resist that change are in danger. Regardless of the scope of the resource pool and the organisational excellence, companies cannot shield themselves from change. While change comes with risk and uncertainty, it also presents opportunity. The choice to innovate must be supported by actions that foster an environment in which people are comfortable to be innovative. An organisational climate that inspires members to engage in innovation is vital for the innovation efforts of an organisation to be successful. The purpose of the study was to determine the leadership practices that can be adopted to build and sustain a` work environment that fosters innovation. To achieve this objective a conceptual model was constructed from literature and the relationship between six constructs was tested, namely, organisational culture, leadership style, leadership behaviour, reward and recognition, training and development, and a climate for innovation. To test the conceptual model, a questionnaire was sent to 82 participants working in the media and entertainment industry. The results of the data analysis highlighted that the organisational culture and the leadership behaviour have a significant positive relationship with the climate for innovation. Positive changes in the organisational culture and leadership behaviour are likely to lead to a more conducive organisational climate for innovation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mmbasa-Chimusoro, Lusanda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/49647 , vital:41763
- Description: Innovation has emerged as an important factor for the survival of businesses especially when there are external factors at play such as increased competition, economic decline and demanding consumers. Organisations need to innovate to remain attractive in the global economy. To be able to address the needs of customers in a quick way, organisations need to be cognizant of the social and technological shifts so they can be in position to exploit them to their advantage. In today’s competitive environment, innovation is a driver of change and organisations that resist that change are in danger. Regardless of the scope of the resource pool and the organisational excellence, companies cannot shield themselves from change. While change comes with risk and uncertainty, it also presents opportunity. The choice to innovate must be supported by actions that foster an environment in which people are comfortable to be innovative. An organisational climate that inspires members to engage in innovation is vital for the innovation efforts of an organisation to be successful. The purpose of the study was to determine the leadership practices that can be adopted to build and sustain a` work environment that fosters innovation. To achieve this objective a conceptual model was constructed from literature and the relationship between six constructs was tested, namely, organisational culture, leadership style, leadership behaviour, reward and recognition, training and development, and a climate for innovation. To test the conceptual model, a questionnaire was sent to 82 participants working in the media and entertainment industry. The results of the data analysis highlighted that the organisational culture and the leadership behaviour have a significant positive relationship with the climate for innovation. Positive changes in the organisational culture and leadership behaviour are likely to lead to a more conducive organisational climate for innovation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Traditional Dealerships’ Operational Capacity to Sell Electric Vehicles
- Authors: Knoetze, Alicia Jo-mari
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Electric vehicle industry Automobile industry and trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48686 , vital:41059
- Description: The global automotive industry faces an emerging turning point where an unceasing dependence on costly fossil fuels and a growing concern over global warming is driving the industry to form new possibilities. A major challenge for decision makers is to assure that the consumer market is informed about both the advantages and disadvantageous of electric vehicle technology. A significant amount of research has been done on both the operational ability of electric vehicles and consumer resistance and preferences towards new technology and the marketing of electric vehicles. Given the retail relationship between key industry stakeholders such as the Original Equipment Manufacturers, franchised dealership network and potential electric vehicle consumers, the transition towards new electric vehicle technology represents an important strategic realignment for dealerships in order to sell electric vehicles along with traditional internal combustion engine vehicles and questions their operational capacity to do so successfully. The primary data was collected from a sample of forty respondents by means of an online questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed from literature and using similar extracts from other electric vehicle consumer resistance studies questionnaires. An email containing a Universal Resource Link (URL) to the questionnaire was sent and by means of snowball sampling, a representative sample of forty-eight respondents participated in the study who fully completed all the sections of the questionnaire. Interviews were conducted with Senior Management of local dealerships in the Port Elizabeth area. The interviews were executed in the same method as a ‘walk-in’ potential customer. Participation therefore was based on the willingness, readiness and availability of management. Three dealerships who already sell electric vehicles as well as two dealership who still only sell traditional internal combustion engine vehicles participated in the interviews. In addition, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) commented on the strategic realignment of the South African industry as a whole. The results indicated that the majority of respondents believed that electric vehicles were a suitable alternative to the traditional internal combustion engine vehicle and were willing to personally contribute to improved sustainable mobility. Uncertainty remained with consumers and there was unwillingness to purchase and electric vehicle within the next five years. Electric vehicles were also believed to perform better but there was uncertainty about the return that would be achieved from investment in an electric vehicle despite the reduction in their carbon footprint and the associated image boost with family and colleagues. Furthermore, there appeared to be an alignment amongst the interviewees that South Africa does not face and immediate threat in terms of electric vehicles as the anticipated tipping point is envisaged to be in the region of 2030 onwards, however NADA as a professional industry body still warns that this is not a set point in time and that market forces could change the outlook and adaption dramatically.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Knoetze, Alicia Jo-mari
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Electric vehicle industry Automobile industry and trade
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48686 , vital:41059
- Description: The global automotive industry faces an emerging turning point where an unceasing dependence on costly fossil fuels and a growing concern over global warming is driving the industry to form new possibilities. A major challenge for decision makers is to assure that the consumer market is informed about both the advantages and disadvantageous of electric vehicle technology. A significant amount of research has been done on both the operational ability of electric vehicles and consumer resistance and preferences towards new technology and the marketing of electric vehicles. Given the retail relationship between key industry stakeholders such as the Original Equipment Manufacturers, franchised dealership network and potential electric vehicle consumers, the transition towards new electric vehicle technology represents an important strategic realignment for dealerships in order to sell electric vehicles along with traditional internal combustion engine vehicles and questions their operational capacity to do so successfully. The primary data was collected from a sample of forty respondents by means of an online questionnaire. The questionnaire was designed from literature and using similar extracts from other electric vehicle consumer resistance studies questionnaires. An email containing a Universal Resource Link (URL) to the questionnaire was sent and by means of snowball sampling, a representative sample of forty-eight respondents participated in the study who fully completed all the sections of the questionnaire. Interviews were conducted with Senior Management of local dealerships in the Port Elizabeth area. The interviews were executed in the same method as a ‘walk-in’ potential customer. Participation therefore was based on the willingness, readiness and availability of management. Three dealerships who already sell electric vehicles as well as two dealership who still only sell traditional internal combustion engine vehicles participated in the interviews. In addition, the National Automobile Dealers Association (NADA) commented on the strategic realignment of the South African industry as a whole. The results indicated that the majority of respondents believed that electric vehicles were a suitable alternative to the traditional internal combustion engine vehicle and were willing to personally contribute to improved sustainable mobility. Uncertainty remained with consumers and there was unwillingness to purchase and electric vehicle within the next five years. Electric vehicles were also believed to perform better but there was uncertainty about the return that would be achieved from investment in an electric vehicle despite the reduction in their carbon footprint and the associated image boost with family and colleagues. Furthermore, there appeared to be an alignment amongst the interviewees that South Africa does not face and immediate threat in terms of electric vehicles as the anticipated tipping point is envisaged to be in the region of 2030 onwards, however NADA as a professional industry body still warns that this is not a set point in time and that market forces could change the outlook and adaption dramatically.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A study on technology adoption in agriculture in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Keevy, Christine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Agricultural implements -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48628 , vital:41054
- Description: arrival of the Fourth Industrial Revolution has brought with it a vast array of new technologies that can be applied across many industries and various applications, to help solve many of the social, economic and environmental issues the world faces. However, it also heralds in an unprecedented rate of change. The agricultural industry is expected to be heavily affected by new technology. As they are run by smaller management teams they may need support from organisations to introduce technologies. The study aims to identify drivers and barriers to technology adoption in agriculture through a conceptual model based on the Technology Adoption Model, Diffusion of Innovation Theory, and a Technology-Organisation-Environment Model, along with a thorough industry analysis. The study obtained quantitative data from 59 respondents from the Eastern Cape farming community. The key findings include the identification of Perceived Usefulness and Industry Pressures as the variables with a significant driving influence on the intention to adopt new technologies. However, Perceived Ease of Use, Employee Knowledge and External Support Structures were found to have a negative relationship with the adoption of technology. It has been interpreted that improvements in these areas may enable farmers to adopt technology more easily but that farmers feel sufficient pressure to make them adopt technology despite the complexities and lack of required internal skills or external support. Due to the low number of respondents, it is not possible to infer the findings on the larger population of farmers. The findings can therefore only be used as exploratory findings which need to be verified in focus groups, with farmers, before any action is taken. However, the findings in the study can be used to aid the definition of frameworks for further studies and the development of action plans to support farmers in the adoption of technology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Keevy, Christine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Agricultural implements -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48628 , vital:41054
- Description: arrival of the Fourth Industrial Revolution has brought with it a vast array of new technologies that can be applied across many industries and various applications, to help solve many of the social, economic and environmental issues the world faces. However, it also heralds in an unprecedented rate of change. The agricultural industry is expected to be heavily affected by new technology. As they are run by smaller management teams they may need support from organisations to introduce technologies. The study aims to identify drivers and barriers to technology adoption in agriculture through a conceptual model based on the Technology Adoption Model, Diffusion of Innovation Theory, and a Technology-Organisation-Environment Model, along with a thorough industry analysis. The study obtained quantitative data from 59 respondents from the Eastern Cape farming community. The key findings include the identification of Perceived Usefulness and Industry Pressures as the variables with a significant driving influence on the intention to adopt new technologies. However, Perceived Ease of Use, Employee Knowledge and External Support Structures were found to have a negative relationship with the adoption of technology. It has been interpreted that improvements in these areas may enable farmers to adopt technology more easily but that farmers feel sufficient pressure to make them adopt technology despite the complexities and lack of required internal skills or external support. Due to the low number of respondents, it is not possible to infer the findings on the larger population of farmers. The findings can therefore only be used as exploratory findings which need to be verified in focus groups, with farmers, before any action is taken. However, the findings in the study can be used to aid the definition of frameworks for further studies and the development of action plans to support farmers in the adoption of technology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Analysis of strategies for an effective Supply Chain Management Policy Framework in the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
- Authors: Balman, Vuyani Brian
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Industrial procurement -- Management Business logistics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36299 , vital:33918
- Description: After the 1994 general elections, the government realised the importance of efficient and effective financial management and public sector procurement for the rebuilding of South Africa. This was done by embarking on a major review of its financial and supply chain management systems. The financial and supply chain management systems operate in an ever-changing environment, and that requires that these systems are fit for purpose. Supply Chain Management is one of the cornerstones for the performance of any organisation or company. Section 217 (3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa requires organs of state irrespective of whether they are at National, Provincial or Local government level to apply a procurement system which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective when contracting for goods and services. The Constitution also attempts to protect and advance persons disadvantaged by unfair discrimination. Supply Chain Management has met an ever-increasing interest over the past decade. This interest comes from within the industry due to the huge amounts involved in procurement and the supply chain value creation. Every society strives to be in a state where every need is available and every citizen has what he/she requires to be able to leave a fulfilled life. In order to meet the needs of societies, member of the society carry out economic activities. The public procurement practice and systems have been acclaimed, based on empirical evidence, as the best means of guaranteeing the provision of public goods to the Citizens and public expenditure management.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Balman, Vuyani Brian
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Industrial procurement -- Management Business logistics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36299 , vital:33918
- Description: After the 1994 general elections, the government realised the importance of efficient and effective financial management and public sector procurement for the rebuilding of South Africa. This was done by embarking on a major review of its financial and supply chain management systems. The financial and supply chain management systems operate in an ever-changing environment, and that requires that these systems are fit for purpose. Supply Chain Management is one of the cornerstones for the performance of any organisation or company. Section 217 (3) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa requires organs of state irrespective of whether they are at National, Provincial or Local government level to apply a procurement system which is fair, equitable, transparent, competitive and cost-effective when contracting for goods and services. The Constitution also attempts to protect and advance persons disadvantaged by unfair discrimination. Supply Chain Management has met an ever-increasing interest over the past decade. This interest comes from within the industry due to the huge amounts involved in procurement and the supply chain value creation. Every society strives to be in a state where every need is available and every citizen has what he/she requires to be able to leave a fulfilled life. In order to meet the needs of societies, member of the society carry out economic activities. The public procurement practice and systems have been acclaimed, based on empirical evidence, as the best means of guaranteeing the provision of public goods to the Citizens and public expenditure management.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019