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Marketing fresh venison in the Eastern Cape Province using a niche marketing strategy

  • Authors: Bull, Gregory Simon
  • Date: 2003
  • Subjects: Market segmentation , Venison -- Marketing , Meat industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Marketing)
  • Identifier: vital:10765 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/136 , Market segmentation , Venison -- Marketing , Meat industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: There is a need in the Eastern Cape Province to expand the market for fresh venison. This need is due in part to fluctuations in the export market and fragmentation of consumption in the food industry, which has led to an increased demand for specialised and customised products. A suitable method for addressing these issues and successfully marketing fresh venison in the Eastern Cape Province was required, and based on the findings of this study, niche marketing was found to be a possible marketing method to explore. This study evaluated how a strategy of niche marketing could be used to market fresh venison within the Eastern Cape Province. By analysing this main problem the research attempted to identify and understand the challenges of marketing fresh venison to the final consumer in the Eastern Cape Province and to determine whether niche marketing would be a viable option when taking into account venison’s unique characteristics. Niche marketing was characterised and discussed in the light of other marketing approaches and the most important elements of a successful niche marketing strategy were highlighted. The information resulting from scrutiny of all of these sub-problems was then used to address the challenge of marketing fresh venison to the final consumer. In-depth interviews were deemed most suitable for this study based on the nature of the topic and the depth of expertise of qualified personnel in the Eastern Cape Province fresh venison industry. Consequently, four interviews were conducted with experts in the field. Using the niche marketing concept and the strategy that drives it, namely differentiation, possible niche markets were identified. A strategy of multiple niching was adopted to address the differentiation opportunities available, based on the relevant specialist roles of fresh venison. These differentiation opportunities in turn lead to competitive advantage. Possible niche target markets identified and analysed included the tourist market, travellers (foreign and local) by air and sea, the organic aware market and the pet food market. Branding was found to be an integral element for the niche marketing of venison and is also discussed. The main problems hindering fresh venison marketing in the Eastern Cape Province were found to be consumers’ lack of knowledge of venison, cultural differences and consumer preferences, lack of a formal infrastructure and control, and a lack of accurate data. These challenges need to be addressed before fresh venison can be successfully marketed in the Eastern Cape Province. Research needs to be conducted on the venison industry and formal supply chains and control channels need to be implemented before a quality product in substantial and consistent quantities can be successfully marketed to the final consumer. Consumers and industry personnel must be educated about venison and its merits, and fresh venison must initially target white tablecloth restaurants and specialised delicatessens, where service is as important as the product itself.
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  • Date Issued: 2003

NeGPAIM : a model for the proactive detection of information security intrusions, utilizing fuzzy logic and neural network techniques

  • Authors: Botha, Martin
  • Date: 2003
  • Subjects: Computer security , Fuzzy logic , Neural networks (Computer science)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech (Computer Studies)
  • Identifier: vital:10792 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/142 , Computer security , Fuzzy logic , Neural networks (Computer science)
  • Description: “Information is the lifeblood of any organisation and everything an organisation does involves using information in some way” (Peppard, 1993, p.5). Therefore, it can be argued that information is an organisation’s most precious asset and as with all other assets, like equipment, money, personnel, and so on, this asset needs to be protected properly at all times (Whitman & Mattord, 2003, pp.1-14). The introduction of modern technologies, such as e-commerce, will not only increase the value of information, but will also increase security requirements of those organizations that are intending to utilize such technologies. Evidence of these requirements can be observed in the 2001 CSI/FBI Computer Crime and Security Survey (Power, 2001). According to this source, the annual financial losses caused through security breaches in 2001 have increased by 277% when compared to the results from 1997. The 2002 and 2003 Computer Crime and Security Survey confirms this by stating that the threat of computer crime and other related information security breaches continues unabated and that the financial toll is mounting (Richardson, 2003). Information is normally protected by means of a process of identifying, implementing, managing and maintaining a set of information security controls, countermeasures or safeguards (GMITS, 1998). In the rest of this thesis, the term security controls will be utilized when referring to information protection mechanisms or procedures. These security controls can be of a physical (for example, door locks), a technical (for example, passwords) and/or a procedural nature (for example, to make back-up copies of critical files)(Pfleeger, 2003, pp.22-23; Stallings, 1995, p.1). The effective identification, implementation, management and maintenance of this set of security controls are usually integrated into an Information Security Management Program, the objective of which is to ensure an acceptable level of information confidentiality, integrity and availability within the organisation at all times (Pfleeger, 2003, pp.10-12; Whitman & Mattord, 2003, pp.1-14; Von Solms, 1993). Once the most effective security controls have been identified and implemented, it is important that this level of security be maintained through a process of continued control. For this reason, it is important that proper change management, measurement, audit, monitoring and detection be implemented (Bruce & Dempsey, 1997). Monitoring and detection are important functions and refer to the ability to identify and detect situations where information security policies have been compromised and/or breached or security violations have taken place (BS 7799, 1999; GMITS, 1998; Von Solms, 1993). The Information Security Officer is usually the person responsible for most of the operational tasks in the control process within an Information Security Management Program (Von Solms, 1993). In practice, these tasks could also be performed by a system administrator, network administrator, etc. In the rest of the thesis the person responsible for these tasks will be referred to as system administrator. These tasks have proved to be very challenging and demanding. The main reason for this is the rapid advancement of technology in the discipline of Information Technology, for example, the modern distributed computing environment, the Internet, the “freedom” of end-users, the introduction of e-commerce, and etc. (Whitman & Mattord, 2003, p.9; Sundaram, 2000, p.1; Moses, 2001, p.6; Allen, 2001, p.1). As a result of the importance of this control process, and especially the monitoring and detection tasks, it is vital that the system administrator has proper tools at his/her disposal to perform this task effectively. Many of the tools that are currently available to the system administrator, utilize technical controls, such as, audit logs and user profiles. Audit logs are normally used to record all events executed on a system. These logs are simply files that record security and non-security related events that take place on a computer system within an organisation. For this reason, these logs can be used by these tools to gain valuable information on security violations, such as intrusions and, therefore, are able to monitor the current actions of each user (Microsoft, 2002; Smith, 1989, pp. 116-117). User profiles are files that contain information about users` desktop operating environments and are used by the operating system to structure each user environment so that it is the same each time a user logs onto the system (Microsoft, 2002; Block, 1994, p.54). Thus, a user profile is used to indicate which actions the user is allowed to perform on the system. Both technical controls (audit logs and user profiles) are frequently available in most computer environments (such as, UNIX, Firewalls, Windows, etc.) (Cooper et al, 1995, p.129). Therefore, seeing that the audit logs record most events taking place on an information system and the user profile indicates the authorized actions of each user, the system administrator could most probably utilise these controls in a more proactive manner.
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  • Date Issued: 2003

Non-payment of municipal rates and service charges with reference to the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan municipality

  • Authors: Ngxongo, Malusi
  • Date: 2003
  • Subjects: Collecting of accounts , Municipal default -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Public utilities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Public Management)
  • Identifier: vital:10772 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/258 , Collecting of accounts , Municipal default -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Public utilities -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
  • Description: The local government sphere is comprised of municipalities whose functions include the provision of consumer services. A substantial portion of municipal revenue, which is also used for service provision, is derived from rates and service charges. Through the billing process, the municipality stipulates the amount due to be paid by each account holder. In the case of rates and consumer tariffs, this usually occurs on a monthly basis. Towards the end of 2002, overdue rates and service charges in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality amounted to over R800 million. In spite of various attempts undertaken by the municipality to collect overdue amounts, some residents are struggling to pay. Various reasons have been advanced for this scenario. However non-payment of rates and service charges has a negative impact on municipal budget and service delivery. Probably, if alternatives to the current credit control and revenue collection processes could be found, non-payment of rates and service charges could be eliminated.
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  • Date Issued: 2003

Strategic change and its impact on the organisational structure of Pennypinchers (PTY) Ltd.: a case study

  • Authors: Kemp, Leona
  • Date: 2003
  • Subjects: Organizational change , Strategic planning
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:10877 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/262 , Organizational change , Strategic planning
  • Description: During the 1990’s many South African companies experienced the need to change and adapt. This was largely because of the environmental changes brought about by a new political regime. One of these changes was the exposure of South African companies to global competition. Because the South African business environment had remained relatively static during the 1980’s, many companies had no idea of how to manage change when it became necessary for economic survival. This inability led to the demise of many organisations. As change as a business concept covers a vast area, the main objective of this study was to isolate one area of change and examine it in a practical context. The chosen area was the relationship, if any, between strategy and organisational structure. The practical context chosen was an organisation, which had recently undergone strategic change. The research methodology for this study included the conducting of an intensive literature study, to determine the academic stance on the strategy/structure relationship. Various academic theories were examined to determine whether there was a relationship between the two concepts, and if so, what the relationship should be. This provided a background for the practical evaluation. Literary opinion showed consensus that there was indeed a relationship between the two; in fact the one was integral to the success of the other. That is, if an organisation chooses to consider adopting a change strategy, it should carefully consider its impact on organisational structure. To summarise, in a situation of change, structure should support strategy to ensure a successful transition. An empirical study was then conducted at Pennypinchers (Pty) Ltd , which had recently undertaken to implement a change strategy. The focus of the empirical study was the relationship between the chosen change strategy and organisational structure. The aim was to determine whether the strategy had an impact on organisational structure, and if so, whether the structure underwent During the 1990’s many South African companies experienced the need to change and adapt. This was largely because of the environmental changes brought about by a new political regime. One of these changes was the exposure of South African companies to global competition. Because the South African business environment had remained relatively static during the 1980’s, many companies had no idea of how to manage change when it became necessary for economic survival. This inability led to the demise of many organisations. As change as a business concept covers a vast area, the main objective of this study was to isolate one area of change and examine it in a practical context. The chosen area was the relationship, if any, between strategy and organisational structure. The practical context chosen was an organisation, which had recently undergone strategic change. The research methodology for this study included the conducting of an intensive literature study, to determine the academic stance on the strategy/structure relationship. Various academic theories were examined to determine whether there was a relationship between the two concepts, and if so, what the relationship should be. This provided a background for the practical evaluation. Literary opinion showed consensus that there was indeed a relationship between the two; in fact the one was integral to the success of the other. That is, if an organisation chooses to consider adopting a change strategy, it should carefully consider its impact on organisational structure. To summarise, in a situation of change, structure should support strategy to ensure a successful transition. An empirical study was then conducted at Pennypinchers (Pty) Ltd , which had recently undertaken to implement a change strategy. The focus of the empirical study was the relationship between the chosen change strategy and organisational structure. The aim was to determine whether the strategy had an impact on organisational structure, and if so, whether the structure underwent.
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  • Date Issued: 2003

Technology auditing as a means of ensuring business continuity in a manufacturing organisation

  • Authors: Vlok, Nico
  • Date: 2003
  • Subjects: Technology -- Management , Manufacturing industries -- Technological innovations -- Auditing , Technology -- Auditing
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:10880 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/264 , Technology -- Management , Manufacturing industries -- Technological innovations -- Auditing , Technology -- Auditing
  • Description: Successful organisations have a well-defined mission and a strategy for accomplishing that mission. The organisation strategy involves the building of a competitive advantage in a defined market. Activities are oriented around this business strategy. When utilised effectively, technology is a powerful instrument for enhancing the organisation’s competitiveness. Technology management is the application of managerial techniques most suitable for ensuring that the technological factor is exploited for achievement of an organisation's goals. It is critical to correctly implement appropriate practices related to technology and innovation management at organisational level. Most organisations are technology intensive and deliver products or services. The research investigates, through the use of technology auditing, the present and future technology needs of the organisation. It also tried to establish the impact of technology auditing on the competitive advantage of the organisation. The research attempts to set a strategic context for the array of tools, technologies and standards emerging to support the organisation. The research analysed the potential of technology auditing to facilitate a dynamic scale of economy where the organisations take on the tasks of managing its technology. Basic theoretical principles of a technological audit were applied when the researcher conducted the technology audit. Because there is no organisation that is an exact replica of another, a technology audit must be custom made for the specific organisation where it is conducted. A micro business, MP Engineering, in the Port Elizabeth Metropole was chosen to conduct the technology audit at for the purpose of this research project. The research results confirmed the literature currently available.
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  • Date Issued: 2003

The development of a financial performance measurement framework for South African education institutions

  • Authors: Leo, Terrance
  • Date: 2003
  • Subjects: Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Finance , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Evaluation , Performance -- Measurement
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:10903 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/217 , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Finance , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Evaluation , Performance -- Measurement
  • Description: Limited research has been conducted on financial performance indicators in South Africa. In European countries, Australia and the United States of America, literature has shown that there has been extensive research and implementation of performance indicators, to measure the achievements of objectives. A literature study was conducted for this research on the usage of PI’s, with a view to pinpointing the financial indicators. The literature study was used to develop a questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed to universities and Technikons in South Africa, to obtain a measure of relevance and agreement on the performance indicators. The findings of the questionnaire culminated in a model that only consists of those indicators with a high level of concurrence among respondents. Performance indicators can serve as a management tool to measure performance and as a means to enhance transparency and accountability.
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  • Date Issued: 2003

The development of a generic integrated model of promotional management for purposes of optimising organisational turnover growth and increased profits from sales promotional activities

  • Authors: Marques, Kenneth
  • Date: 2003
  • Subjects: Sales promotion , Profit
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:10913 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/119 , Sales promotion , Profit
  • Description: This paper concerns itself with the devising of a model which organisations can consult when considering hosting any sales promotional activities. The success regarding profits derived from these sales promotions activities vary. These anomalies prompted a further investigation into the need for a single promotional model which could be utilized in varied business environments to optimize profits derived from sales promotions. The uniqueness of the South African environment was also taken into account when considering the various criteria in the development of the model. Sensitivity with regards to the types of barriers peculiar to South Africa is vital. The following excerpt from East Cape Weekend (An Eastern Cape newspaper) reinforces the belief that there are factors to which global environments are not exposed, and thus, the model should and will be designed to cater for these South African peculiarities by virtue of the fact that it will be based on the critical success factors of successful South African retail organisations. Resistance to technological progress due to the threat of possible job redundancy is one of the South African peculiarities that is referred to in the East Cape Weekend 09/06/2001 Michelle Pugh-Parry, “Controversial telephone technology will make paying bills safer”. Besides safety and convenience, the system can alleviate the R600m PE municipal areas debt, yet the union has outwardly rejected the plan and stormed the municipal buildings, protesting that it may cause job loss. It is precisely this type of peculiar barrier to progress that the author intends to accommodate for in the devising of his model. South African organizations will be considered when performing the empirical and primary studies in order to formulate a model that has been adapted to and caters for local needs due to its fundamental aspects being based on the South African circumstance. The information in this study contains the analysis of promotions in a broad context in terms of the following six facets of retail management, namely, operations, human resources, marketing, organizational behaviour, economics and strategies. The results of an analysis of promotional activities used by organizations in the Port Elizabeth municipal area was gained via the application of a questionnaire. An empirical study was performed and provided information that could be used in the development of a promotional model. The application of the model, benefits to whom and importance of the model was debated in the summary, conclusions and recommendations. The table of contents follows.
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  • Date Issued: 2003

The development of a model for organising educational resources on an Intranet

  • Authors: Sing Min, Yvonne Monica
  • Date: 2003
  • Subjects: Intranets (Computer networks) , Education -- Computer network resources , Internet in education
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Information Technology)
  • Identifier: vital:10799 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/221 , Intranets (Computer networks) , Education -- Computer network resources , Internet in education
  • Description: The twenty-first century has found education at the crossroads of change. There are burgeoning challenges facing the modern educator. To rise to the importuning, educators find themselves turning to Information Technology for the answers. The technologies utilised in attempts to overcome the challenges often include the Internet and electronic educational resources. Although the Internet is not unduly called the Information Highway, it is also fraught with misleading and incorrect information. Educators’ arduous searches result in few good and useable resources. Thus, to store, organise and efficiently retrieve the discovered resources is a matter of time-saving. The aim of the study was to develop a method to organise and retrieve educational resources in an efficient and personalised manner. In order to do this, an exploration into pedagogy and educational paradigms was undertaken. The current educational paradigm, constructivism, proposes that each learner is an individual with unique learning and personal needs. To develop a new model, the current models need to be understood. The current solutions for the organising of educational resources are realised as several software packages, also called e-learning packages. A list of criteria that describes the essential requirements for organising educational resources was established. These criteria were based upon the pedagogical principles prescribed by educators and the practical technological frameworks necessary to fulfil the needs of the teaching/learning situation. These criteria were utilised to critique and explore the available solutions. It was found that although the available e-learning packages fulfil a need within their genre, it does not meet with the core requirements of constructivism. The resource base model seeks to address these needs by focussing on the educational aspects of resource delivery over an Intranet. For the purposes of storing, organising and delivering the resources, a database had to be established. This database had to have numerous qualities, including the ability to search and retrieve resources with great efficiency. Retrieving data in an efficient manner is the forte of the star schema, while the storing and organising of data is the strength of a normalised schema. It is not standard practice to utilise both types of schemas within the same database. A star schema is usually reserved for data warehouses because of its data retrieval abilities. It is customary to utilise a normalised schema for operational databases. The resource base model, however, needs both the storage facilities of an operational database and the efficient query facilities of a data warehouse. The resource base model, therefore, melds both schemas into one database with interlinking tables. This database forms the foundation (or the back-end) of the resource base. The resource base model utilises web browsers as its user interface (or front-end). The results of the study on the pedagogy, the current e-learning solutions and the resource base were written up within this dissertation. The contribution that this dissertation makes is the development of a technique to efficiently store, organise and retrieve educational resources in such a manner that both the requirements of constructivism and outcomes-based education are fulfilled. To this end, a list of technological and pedagogical criteria on which to critique a resource delivery technique has been developed. This dissertation also elaborates on the schema designs chosen for the resource base, namely the normalised schema and the star schema. From this schema, a prototype has been developed. The prototype’s function was two-fold. The first function is to determine the feasibility of the technique. Secondly, to determine the success of the technique in fulfilling the needs expressed in the list of criteria
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  • Date Issued: 2003

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

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

The development of a model to estimate the cost for the provision of free basic water before the implementation of a water project

  • Authors: Gillmer, Ir Ronald
  • Date: 2003
  • Subjects: Water-supply, rural -- South Africa -- Costs , Water-supply, rural -- South Africa -- Government policy
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:10874 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/222 , Water-supply, rural -- South Africa -- Costs , Water-supply, rural -- South Africa -- Government policy
  • Description: This research study addresses the problem of whether local government can afford free basic water in rural areas. To achieve this objective a comprehensive literature study was performed, which included: · Lessons in water sector approaches from international experience and how these experiences compare with the South African situation. 1.The current basic water supply legislation in South Africa and how this legislation affects the subsidy arrangements and the financing of free basic water. 2.The operation and maintenance cost and the benefits of effective operation and maintenance of water supply schemes. A model was developed that could estimate the cost of rural water supply per household per month from the operation and maintenance data that was collected over a period of twenty-two months from a water supply scheme. As part of the provision of free basic water, a nine-step flow chart was developed to determine rural water operation and maintenance subsidy and a free basic water policy to help local government make informed decisions. The model was tested on different water supply schemes to verify the accuracy of the models estimation of the cost of rural water supply per household per month. The information obtained from the literature and from the test of the model resulted in various recommendations and conclusions.
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  • Date Issued: 2003

The development of a science competency test for technikon students

  • Authors: Davids, Samiega
  • Date: 2003
  • Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Entrance requirements , Port Elizabeth Technikon Entrance requirements
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:10782 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/87 , Science -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Entrance requirements , Port Elizabeth Technikon Entrance requirements
  • Description: In the mid-1980’s institutions of higher learning were coerced by the South African government to admit students from all races. As a result, these institutions were confronted with the need to identify preparedness for higher learning, especially amongst the ex-Department of Education and Training (DET) learners. Grade 12 results were not a sufficient predictor for ex-DET learners, and a review of current admission criteria became a necessity. This study aims to develop a suitable science entry-level test to be used as a component of an existing test battery. The test battery is used as an admission tool by the Port Elizabeth Technikon to further assess first year applicants who do not meet the normal entrance requirements for a science course. The only requirement for further assessment being Grade 12 physical science. The science entry-level test consists of a list of validated science skills and knowledge to be used to assess the skills and knowledge mastered at the time of test taking. On the basis of test scores, an assessment is made regarding the applicant’s preparedness for higher learning. This study holds the view that preparedness in students for higher learning in science can be measured by means of valid science competencies. In addition, knowledge of the level of preparedness of the applicant enables further educational support and guidance to be provided where necessary. Research which measures manifest academic ability rather than potential to learn is favoured since it is believed that the former generates psychometric evidence of that which was already mastered academically whilst the latter determines whether the student will be able to achieve under ideal conditions. The content covered by the proposed Science Competency Test was sanctioned by technikon lecturers of first year physics and chemistry courses. The content was taken from the examinable section of the Grade 11 and 12 physical science syllabi. This content is the most acceptable and fair knowledge-base a prospective science student can be expected to have mastered at school. The content was limited to those skills and knowledge believed by the lecturers to contribute to academic success in the first year. Items that tested this content were compiled and pilot tests were administered to Grade 12 physical science learners at various disadvantaged schools. The Science Competency Test was compiled from the pool of trial items after the performance of the items was statistically determined. This final Science Competency Test was completed by a sample of 179 first-time first year science students. The findings of the study were inconclusive as the Science Competency Test showed a moderate predictive ability for only one section of the sample. It further showed that the weighted matric score, WMS was not a significant predictor of future academic performance of the sample either. A discrepancy in performance amongst learners of different home languages and educational backgrounds was also noted.
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  • Date Issued: 2003

The development of a strategic management model for industrial development zones to attract Greenfield Foreign Direct Investments

  • Authors: Rich, Guy Martin
  • Date: 2003
  • Subjects: Investments, foreign -- South Africa , Industrialization -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:10937 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/220 , Investments, foreign -- South Africa , Industrialization -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
  • Description: In order to become globally competitive, South Africa has embarked on an industrial development zone (IDZ) programme to boost investment, increase the socio-economic climate, attract world-class manufacturers and generate local and foreign direct investment (FDI) while creating employment, encouraging skills and technology transfer, and increasing foreign exchange earnings. Twelve strategic areas within South Africa have been identified and are in the process of, or have been, declared IDZs. East London and Coega are the first two IDZs to come online in South Africa and have generated much publicity in the past number of years. One of the aims of the IDZs, as world-class production areas, is to generate FDI. Drivers of international FDI include globalisation, political, economic and legal environments and competitive advantage. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (2002: 25), FDI accounts for 16 percent of worldwide gross fixed capital formation – and a growing proportion of this is going to developing nations. According to the World Economic Processing Zones Association (WEPZA), IDZs have been the star performer in attracting investment and technology to developing countries during the past 50 years (2002: www.wepza.org). If the Eastern Cape IDZ programme is to be a success, the development corporations that have been established as the management arms of the IDZs will need to facilitate strategic economic advantage, look towards strategic investments that are sustainable, take advantage of and grow existing industrial capacity and create economic and social benefits for the region. There are a number of dynamics and reasons behind global FDI decisions. In order to be successful at attracting FDI the development corporations need to understand these dynamics and reasons in order to achieve a strategic fit between potential investor and the IDZ. This can be done by adopting a strategic management model for greenfield FDI from international investors.
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  • Date Issued: 2003

The development of an integrated model for the implementation of a product data management system at Delta Motor Corporation

  • Authors: Stroud, Trevor
  • Date: 2003
  • Subjects: Computer integrated manufacturing systems , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
  • Identifier: vital:10873 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/224 , Computer integrated manufacturing systems , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
  • Description: Information technology in mature organisations is viewed as an enabler of teams working together in the product development process. Technology is no longer pursued as an end in itself, but for its contribution to cost control, product quality, and most importantly, time to profit. The focus of this research is the analysis of methodologies used to implement the Teamcenter Engineering Product Data Management (PDM) system at Delta Motor Corporation, which manages all of Delta’s CAD data. The main problem of this research is as follows: How can Delta Motor Corporation successfully implement the “Teamcentre Engineering” Product Data Management System? The main problem will be broken down into three distinct parts, namely the developing of a best practice process, analysing Delta’s implementation and making recommendations for improvement. The literature survey provides the basis for developing a best-practice process, which serves as a benchmark against which to evaluate the methodology used by Delta. Interviews were conducted with selected personnel who were involved in the implementation, and Tesch’s model for content analysis used to analyse the responses. The implementation process of Teamcenter Engineering at Delta was conducted in three phases and only the first was completed at the time of writing this research paper. For this reason, analysis revolves around the first phase of implementation, which was limited to the drawing office, while recommendations are made for the implementation of phase two and three, which roll-out this system to the rest of Delta and it’s supplier base.
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  • Date Issued: 2003

The effects of the Labour Relations Act on small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME's) in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan

  • Authors: Matiso, Khayalethu Goodman
  • Date: 2003
  • Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area , Industrial relations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Metropolitan Area
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Business Administration)
  • Identifier: vital:10912 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/123 , Small business -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Area , Industrial relations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Metropolitan Area
  • Description: The society in which we live is economically based and the greater part of our activities centres in the economy. Within this context, the Department of Trade and Industry recognized that small business development was an important area for government intervention. A long process of highlighting the importance of this sector and creating the right environment in which small businesses could grow and flourish was initiated at the level of policy and legislation. In the Labour Relations field, an attempt at achieving some measure of certainty in previously disputed areas was made through the passing of the Labour Relations Act of 1995. This study aims at exploring the effects of this Act on the growth and development of the small business sector in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. In fulfilling this aim, the focus was restricted to factors such as dismissal of workers, strikes and lock-outs, freedom of association and dispute resolution. The theory pertaining to Labour Legislation and small business development was obtained by means of conducting a comprehensive literature study. The literature study included all relevant perspectives on the Labour Relations Act and Government Policy on small businesses. From the study, a questionnaire was developed to test the impact of the Act on the growth and development of the small business sector in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. The empirical results, in general, indicated non-compliance with the Labour Relations Act and negative views on the value of the Act on the growth and development of the small business sector in the Nelson Mandela Metropole. From the literature study and the findings of the research questionnaire, it became apparent that: · A comprehensive audit of the small business sector in the Nelson Mandela Metropole is needed. The aim of the audit would be to review the current operations of the small business sector in the Metropole. This outcome will indicate the extent of understanding and compliance with the various aspects of the Labour Relations Act. · The acquisition of industrial relations knowledge and skills by owners and leaders in the sector is vital for the development of the sector. The Skills Development Act provides a funding framework for skills training that is relevant to a specific industry. The small business sector could benefit significantly from the provision of this piece of legislation. · A comprehensive support programme for SMME’s is a necessary prerequisite for the growth and development of the sector. The support system could include tax incentives, flexible labour legislation and training as indicated in the above paragraph.
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  • Date Issued: 2003

The evaluation of potential improvements of barton pot oxides for lead acid batteries

  • Authors: Geyer, Laurence Thomas
  • Date: 2003
  • Subjects: Lead oxides -- South Africa , Lead acid batteries -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:10982 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/233 , Lead oxides -- South Africa , Lead acid batteries -- South Africa
  • Description: Lead Oxide (PbO) is the main material used for the preparation of the active material for the positive and negative electrodes in the lead acid battery where the electrochemical reaction that provides the electrical energy of the battery takes place. The particle size distribution and surface area characteristics of the lead oxide play a major role in the electrical performance of the completed battery. The two most commonly used processes to manufacture PbO in the lead acid battery industry are the Barton pot and the Ball mill processes. These two processes produce oxides that differ in particle size distribution, particle shape and surface area. It is generally accepted that the Ball mill process produces an oxide with a smaller mean particle size with a higher surface area and better initial electrical performance than the Barton pot process to the detriment of an initial higher capital and running cost. The study showed that it is possible to improve the surface area and particle size distribution characteristics of Barton pot oxide, by subsequently hammer milling the oxide particles before the paste manufacturing process. The results showed that there was an initial reduction in the particle size with an increase in the surface area. This increased the electrochemical performance in terms of the high rate discharge. However, further hammering of the oxide reduced the average particle size only slightly with little change in the surface area and a reduction in the electrochemical performance. The study showed that an improvement in Barton pot oxide can be achieved with a hammering of the oxide in order to obtain a uniform particle size with improved surface area and an improved high rate performance of the electrochemical cells made with such an oxide. As a comparison, the particle size and surface area characteristics of Ball mill lead oxide subjected to the hammer milling process was also studied. The results showed a similar effect to the Barton pot oxide on the particle size distribution. However, there was no appreciable change in the surface area due to the hammer milling process.
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  • Date Issued: 2003

The ibali of Nongqawuse: translating the oral tradition into visual expression

  • Authors: Nhlangwini, Andrew Pandheni
  • Date: 2003
  • Subjects: Nongqawuse, 1841-1898 , Xhosa (African people) -- History , Oral tradition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Oral history -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Art -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Fine Art)
  • Identifier: vital:10761 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/237 , Nongqawuse, 1841-1898 , Xhosa (African people) -- History , Oral tradition -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Oral history -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Art -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Description: The tribal life and the oral traditions of black South Africans have been marginalized. The consequence of the western civilization and the apartheid regime forced people to do away from their traditional heritage and culture; they adopted the western way of life. They buried their oral tradition and only a little has survived. To save the dying culture of the art of the oral tradition we need to go out and record and document the surviving oral tradition as soon as possible. Since the art of the oral tradition is an art form conducted by an artist, it may be possible to tell the ibali likaNongqawuse by means of visual imagery. Visual images can be read and be understood easily by the public because visual forms, sings, images can make up a language for both the literate as well as the illiterate.
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  • Date Issued: 2003

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

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

The long term effects of fire frequency and season on the colophospermum mopane shrubveld of the Kruger National Park

  • Authors: Lombard, Pieter Jacobus Lategan
  • Date: 2003
  • Subjects: Mopane tree -- Effect of fires on -- South Africa -- Kruger National Park
  • Language: English
  • Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
  • Identifier: vital:10970 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/257 , Mopane tree -- Effect of fires on -- South Africa -- Kruger National Park
  • Description: Background : The recorded history of veld burning in the Kruger National Park (KNP) started with the appointment of Colonel James Stevenson-Hamilton as warden of the Park (then the Sabie Game Reserve) in July 1912 and can be divided into five periods: From 1912 to 1926, a haphazard, and indecisive burning policy was practiced, mainly due to the perception that fire was unfavourable for the environment and because the means to combat veld fires were very meagre. From 1926 to 1948, in which period it was realized that fire was not only unavoidable over a large area such as the KNP, but also actually desirable, necessary and beneficial when applied with circumspection. During this period the capability to successfully introduce and apply a definite fire policy did not exist. From 1948 to 1956, prescribed burning was not practiced, but a network of graded firebreaks was being established (to create burning blocks), and wild fires were actively combated. From 1957 to 1993, during which period a definite prescribed burning policy was practiced, amended several times, but basically consisting of a triennial rotational system where blocks were burned by management. All fires of non-management ignition sources were combated. From 1993 to the present, when a policy of allowing lightning-ignited fires to burn freely was introduced, and fires of human origin were suppressed. The shift away from a rigid prescribed burning programme was because of the concern that the dominance of grass species characteristic of over utilised veld was a result of too frequent burning (Potgieter, 2001). Lightning fires probably played just as an important role in shaping African savanna in pre-industrial times as anthropogenic fires caused by preindustrial man. The role of post-industrial man as far as its influence on the creation of savanna is concerned is probably negligible, but significantly important in the role of maintaining savanna, although probably not more so than that of lighting fires. Fires caused by postindustrial man becomes suspect as far as the creation of savanna is concerned, because instead of the mere burning of the veld for the pure reasons of survival as practiced by pre-industrial man, a measure of commercialism crept in (Potgieter, 2001). Fire management of the KNP in pre-industrial times can be regarded in the same light as that of post-industrial times. Although the motive for burning the veld in the KNP was beyond reproach, the underlying reasoning was not. Managers’ thinking was geared towards preventing so called “devastating fires”, laying to waste large areas of the Park, not realising that this was in actual fact nature going about its business in this ecosystem. They therefore devised a system of firebreak roads, which was gradually extended to the extent that we now have more than 4000 km roads that must be maintained. This was all in the cause of preventing or managing lightning and arson fires. Given the above, a revision of the veld fire policy was extremely necessary. The mission statement hammered out during the revising process in 1993 underscored and supported the proposal put forward in 1992, that lightning fires should be recognised as a legitimate and completely natural phenomenon in the Lowveld ecosystem. This had to be weighed against the prevailing practice of combating all fires caused by lightning and non-management anthropogenic sources of fire. The essence of this policy would therefore be to allow lightning-fires to burn to their full extent i.e. if vegetation conditions (available biomass) are such that large areas will burn, then such burns will be permitted to proceed to their full extent with the provision that no more than 50% of the management unit will be allowed to burn out (no matter what the ignition source) in a specific fire season (Potgieter, 2001).
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  • Date Issued: 2003

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

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

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

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