A strategic approach for handling information security incidents in higher education
- Authors: Khamali, Rethabile
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Computer security -- Management , Computer security , Information resources management , Corporate governance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64588 , vital:73769
- Description: Information Security Management System (ISMS) is a set of processes to protect institution information assets and information and to preserve confidentiality, integrity, and availability of institutional information. In the world of computers, it is known that there is no silver bullet when it comes to protecting an IT infrastructure. At some point, an organisation will face a security breach, and how it deals with the information security incident depending on the robustness of its processes and the strategy for handling incidents. In today’s world, information communication and technology (ICT) is integral in automating manual tasks that can take hours and even days to execute. The more institutions depend on technology, the more they become vulnerable to cyber threats. This could result in an institution losing its competitive edge, facing legal issues, loss of reputation, customer confidence and productivity, and lastly, financial loss. Various information security standards, frameworks, and methodologies can be applied to protect information assets. Many of these best practices define the ‘what’ and not the ‘how’ making it even more complex for institutions such as Higher Education to implement ISMS. The study aims is to develop a strategy for handling information security incidents that Higher Education Institutions can follow to improve how incidents, cyber threats and breaches are handled. The primary research objective is addressed through several secondary research objectives, namely, to investigate current strategies that Higher Education Institutions can utilise for the handling of information security incidents, to understand various challenges that Higher Education Institutions encounter when handling information security incidents, to assess the current capacity of relevant personnel in handling information security incidents through semi-structured interviews. A detailed literature review was undertaken to delve into existing various information security standards, frameworks, and methodologies. In addition, an investigation was conducted on ISMS adoption and implementation by institutions and Higher Education Institutions in general and how modern best practices such as ISO2700x, COBIT, ITIL, NIST, etc, relate to ISMS. Furthermore, semi-structured interviews were conducted to determine information security incidents at South African Higher Education Institutions. Expert interviews are utilised to evaluate the proposed strategy and provide input. The literature review findings, together with results obtained from semi-structured and expert interviews, are used to develop a strategy evaluated for its robustness, effectiveness, and suitability for the purpose. The developed strategy can be considered a beneficial tool for Higher Education Institutions in South Africa for handling information security incidents. This study’s findings significantly contribute to ISMS research in Higher Education Institutions in South Africa. In conclusion, findings of the study can be summarized as follows. The first chapter, which is also an introduction, sets out the scene for the entire research study undertaken by first highlighting information technology as an integral part of any business nowadays. Higher education institutions collect, process and store sensitive information of current and prospective students and employees, which might be of value to hackers. An information security management system (ISMS) can minimise damage by ensuring information assets are protected from a wide range of threats and business resilience in case of a breach or an incident. Chapter 2 reviews the existing literature for these frameworks, standards, and methods. In addition, various ISMS challenges and limitations within Higher Education Institutions were explored. The third chapter outlines the research design process and an emphasises that it must be based on real-world or tangible challenges. The fourth chapter presented and discussed results that were obtained from semi-structured interviews. The study’s analysis and findings vividly show that there is a need to implement a strategy to handle information security incidents for South African higher education institutions. The strategic management approach used to formulate a strategy to address the identified real problem is discussed in detail in chapter 5. The strategy is developed based on the information gathered from the literature review and semi-structured interviews. The results of the assessment of the proposed strategy carried out by the experts are presented in Chapter 6.The chapter also includes recommendations made by the experts to improve the proposedstrategy. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Information Technology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Khamali, Rethabile
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Computer security -- Management , Computer security , Information resources management , Corporate governance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/64588 , vital:73769
- Description: Information Security Management System (ISMS) is a set of processes to protect institution information assets and information and to preserve confidentiality, integrity, and availability of institutional information. In the world of computers, it is known that there is no silver bullet when it comes to protecting an IT infrastructure. At some point, an organisation will face a security breach, and how it deals with the information security incident depending on the robustness of its processes and the strategy for handling incidents. In today’s world, information communication and technology (ICT) is integral in automating manual tasks that can take hours and even days to execute. The more institutions depend on technology, the more they become vulnerable to cyber threats. This could result in an institution losing its competitive edge, facing legal issues, loss of reputation, customer confidence and productivity, and lastly, financial loss. Various information security standards, frameworks, and methodologies can be applied to protect information assets. Many of these best practices define the ‘what’ and not the ‘how’ making it even more complex for institutions such as Higher Education to implement ISMS. The study aims is to develop a strategy for handling information security incidents that Higher Education Institutions can follow to improve how incidents, cyber threats and breaches are handled. The primary research objective is addressed through several secondary research objectives, namely, to investigate current strategies that Higher Education Institutions can utilise for the handling of information security incidents, to understand various challenges that Higher Education Institutions encounter when handling information security incidents, to assess the current capacity of relevant personnel in handling information security incidents through semi-structured interviews. A detailed literature review was undertaken to delve into existing various information security standards, frameworks, and methodologies. In addition, an investigation was conducted on ISMS adoption and implementation by institutions and Higher Education Institutions in general and how modern best practices such as ISO2700x, COBIT, ITIL, NIST, etc, relate to ISMS. Furthermore, semi-structured interviews were conducted to determine information security incidents at South African Higher Education Institutions. Expert interviews are utilised to evaluate the proposed strategy and provide input. The literature review findings, together with results obtained from semi-structured and expert interviews, are used to develop a strategy evaluated for its robustness, effectiveness, and suitability for the purpose. The developed strategy can be considered a beneficial tool for Higher Education Institutions in South Africa for handling information security incidents. This study’s findings significantly contribute to ISMS research in Higher Education Institutions in South Africa. In conclusion, findings of the study can be summarized as follows. The first chapter, which is also an introduction, sets out the scene for the entire research study undertaken by first highlighting information technology as an integral part of any business nowadays. Higher education institutions collect, process and store sensitive information of current and prospective students and employees, which might be of value to hackers. An information security management system (ISMS) can minimise damage by ensuring information assets are protected from a wide range of threats and business resilience in case of a breach or an incident. Chapter 2 reviews the existing literature for these frameworks, standards, and methods. In addition, various ISMS challenges and limitations within Higher Education Institutions were explored. The third chapter outlines the research design process and an emphasises that it must be based on real-world or tangible challenges. The fourth chapter presented and discussed results that were obtained from semi-structured interviews. The study’s analysis and findings vividly show that there is a need to implement a strategy to handle information security incidents for South African higher education institutions. The strategic management approach used to formulate a strategy to address the identified real problem is discussed in detail in chapter 5. The strategy is developed based on the information gathered from the literature review and semi-structured interviews. The results of the assessment of the proposed strategy carried out by the experts are presented in Chapter 6.The chapter also includes recommendations made by the experts to improve the proposedstrategy. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology, School of Information Technology, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
Problems facing governance of small business in South Africa: non-owner perspective
- Mabotha, Mathipe Pontsho Ramakgahlele
- Authors: Mabotha, Mathipe Pontsho Ramakgahlele
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Small business -- Management , New business enterprises -- South Africa , Corporate governance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51787 , vital:43372
- Description: Small businesses have been perceived to have governance problems in South Africa. The problem is that in SA there is a limited amount of research available regarding these complex investigations into the problems of governance of SMEs in South Africa. The objectives of this study were to conduct an extensive literature review on governance of small businesses, and the factors which affect the governance of such small businesses and what key resources could be identified and built up for the successful adoption of innovations in the sector, to lead to an understand of weaknesses in the current capacity-building of SMEs. It also sought to determine the current situations contributing to the weaknesses of SMEs; to understand challenges in the governance of small businesses in South Africa, to determine the types of financial support that exists and the contribution of financial support to the development of SMEs and to understand the ways government can help and develop SMEs. Qualitative research was used because it is more subjective and relies on experiences and opinions of participants. The study used exploratory research. An interview protocol for semi-structured face-to-face interviews was designed and used to obtain the views of SME owners and managers. The findings of the study showed that a lack of financial support is one of the challenges in the current capacity-building of small businesses. Moreover, the findings of the study showed that access to information on available markets and on the creation of new opportunities is another weakness in the current capacity-building of small businesses. SMEs need access to buyers, information on product demand, pricing knowledge and standards. The findings of the study also showed that the lack of support through business management knowledge is one of the weaknesses in the current capacity-building of small businesses. The findings showed that, most small business owners do not have the needed business management knowledge to transform their businesses. The study recommends that the government assist small businesses with financial support. It is also suggested that small businesses have human resource management knowledge to manage people who help them develop their businesses. Moreover, the study recommends that small businesses embrace new technology to boost their business by easy operations using new technologies. Moreover, the study recommends that small businesses owners use the same strategies, approaches and novel technology to compete with other businesses all over the world since there is fierce competition due to globalization. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Mabotha, Mathipe Pontsho Ramakgahlele
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Small business -- Management , New business enterprises -- South Africa , Corporate governance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/51787 , vital:43372
- Description: Small businesses have been perceived to have governance problems in South Africa. The problem is that in SA there is a limited amount of research available regarding these complex investigations into the problems of governance of SMEs in South Africa. The objectives of this study were to conduct an extensive literature review on governance of small businesses, and the factors which affect the governance of such small businesses and what key resources could be identified and built up for the successful adoption of innovations in the sector, to lead to an understand of weaknesses in the current capacity-building of SMEs. It also sought to determine the current situations contributing to the weaknesses of SMEs; to understand challenges in the governance of small businesses in South Africa, to determine the types of financial support that exists and the contribution of financial support to the development of SMEs and to understand the ways government can help and develop SMEs. Qualitative research was used because it is more subjective and relies on experiences and opinions of participants. The study used exploratory research. An interview protocol for semi-structured face-to-face interviews was designed and used to obtain the views of SME owners and managers. The findings of the study showed that a lack of financial support is one of the challenges in the current capacity-building of small businesses. Moreover, the findings of the study showed that access to information on available markets and on the creation of new opportunities is another weakness in the current capacity-building of small businesses. SMEs need access to buyers, information on product demand, pricing knowledge and standards. The findings of the study also showed that the lack of support through business management knowledge is one of the weaknesses in the current capacity-building of small businesses. The findings showed that, most small business owners do not have the needed business management knowledge to transform their businesses. The study recommends that the government assist small businesses with financial support. It is also suggested that small businesses have human resource management knowledge to manage people who help them develop their businesses. Moreover, the study recommends that small businesses embrace new technology to boost their business by easy operations using new technologies. Moreover, the study recommends that small businesses owners use the same strategies, approaches and novel technology to compete with other businesses all over the world since there is fierce competition due to globalization. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business Administration, 2021
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
A strategic HRM framework for improving corporate governance in a municipal environment
- Gomomo, Jongisizwe Augustine
- Authors: Gomomo, Jongisizwe Augustine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Corporate governance -- South Africa , Personnel management Personnel departments
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39698 , vital:35349
- Description: In South Africa, the concept of corporate governance in a municipal environment is relatively new and the application of corporate governance principles remains a challenge (Ard and Berg, 2010, pp. 80-82). Previous research on corporate governance in a municipal environment mainly focused on challenges with regards to corporate governance and not on the role of strategic Human Resource Management in improving corporate governance. The main purpose of this study was therefore to develop a SHRM framework that could be utilised by municipalities to improve corporate governance. The following actions were taken to achieve this objective: A literature study was conducted to examine theory related to corporate governance and to consider corporate governance from an international, African and local government perspective. Various approaches, principles and practices related to corporate governance were also examined. The literature study further explored the legislative frameworks introduced in South Africa to improve corporate governance and in this respect the contribution of the Constitution of South Africa, the King Reports I-IV, Batho-Pele principles, municipal structures, municipal integrated development plans and the South African Board for People Practice are outlined. Existing SHRM models were analysed and specific HR strategies for improving corporate governance in municipalities were extracted from these models. The findings from the literature review were then integrated into a best practice SHRM framework for establishing corporate governance at municipalities. This integrated SHRM framework was used as a basis for the development of a survey questionnaire administered to employees in leadership positions at selected Eastern Cape metropolitan and district municipalities and the Eastern Cape Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs. The questionnaire incorporated seven main HR strategies, indicators of corporate governance and corporate governance challenges at municipalities. The empirical results from this study revealed that HR Risk Management and Performance Management strategies were the main predictors of corporate governance at municipalities. Combining the HR strategies into a summative factor also demonstrated that HR strategies should be vertically aligned with the overall vision and mission of municipalities (effective and efficient service delivery) and horizontally integrated for optimal impact on corporate governance. Challenges experienced at municipalities did not moderate the relationship between the summative HR strategies and corporate governance. As such, these challenges cannot be justification for poor corporate governance at municipalities. The study makes a valuable theoretical and empirical contribution to the field of corporate governance, HRM and specifically corporate governance in a municipal environment. The integrated SHRM framework developed in the study is comprehensive and tested. Furthermore, the framework provides a specific context for corporate governance in a municipal environment by incorporating the legal Regulatory and Statutory framework for corporate governance, the SABPP Code of Conduct for HR practitioners, and the seven main SHRM focus areas, namely HR vision and strategy, employment practices, on-boarding practices, human capital development practices, Performance Management, designing and establishing an ethical organisation and HR Risk Management. In addition, it provides a link between these strategies and corporate governance indicators that is deemed important in a municipal environment where effective and efficient service delivery is the ultimate test for success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Gomomo, Jongisizwe Augustine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Corporate governance -- South Africa , Personnel management Personnel departments
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39698 , vital:35349
- Description: In South Africa, the concept of corporate governance in a municipal environment is relatively new and the application of corporate governance principles remains a challenge (Ard and Berg, 2010, pp. 80-82). Previous research on corporate governance in a municipal environment mainly focused on challenges with regards to corporate governance and not on the role of strategic Human Resource Management in improving corporate governance. The main purpose of this study was therefore to develop a SHRM framework that could be utilised by municipalities to improve corporate governance. The following actions were taken to achieve this objective: A literature study was conducted to examine theory related to corporate governance and to consider corporate governance from an international, African and local government perspective. Various approaches, principles and practices related to corporate governance were also examined. The literature study further explored the legislative frameworks introduced in South Africa to improve corporate governance and in this respect the contribution of the Constitution of South Africa, the King Reports I-IV, Batho-Pele principles, municipal structures, municipal integrated development plans and the South African Board for People Practice are outlined. Existing SHRM models were analysed and specific HR strategies for improving corporate governance in municipalities were extracted from these models. The findings from the literature review were then integrated into a best practice SHRM framework for establishing corporate governance at municipalities. This integrated SHRM framework was used as a basis for the development of a survey questionnaire administered to employees in leadership positions at selected Eastern Cape metropolitan and district municipalities and the Eastern Cape Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs. The questionnaire incorporated seven main HR strategies, indicators of corporate governance and corporate governance challenges at municipalities. The empirical results from this study revealed that HR Risk Management and Performance Management strategies were the main predictors of corporate governance at municipalities. Combining the HR strategies into a summative factor also demonstrated that HR strategies should be vertically aligned with the overall vision and mission of municipalities (effective and efficient service delivery) and horizontally integrated for optimal impact on corporate governance. Challenges experienced at municipalities did not moderate the relationship between the summative HR strategies and corporate governance. As such, these challenges cannot be justification for poor corporate governance at municipalities. The study makes a valuable theoretical and empirical contribution to the field of corporate governance, HRM and specifically corporate governance in a municipal environment. The integrated SHRM framework developed in the study is comprehensive and tested. Furthermore, the framework provides a specific context for corporate governance in a municipal environment by incorporating the legal Regulatory and Statutory framework for corporate governance, the SABPP Code of Conduct for HR practitioners, and the seven main SHRM focus areas, namely HR vision and strategy, employment practices, on-boarding practices, human capital development practices, Performance Management, designing and establishing an ethical organisation and HR Risk Management. In addition, it provides a link between these strategies and corporate governance indicators that is deemed important in a municipal environment where effective and efficient service delivery is the ultimate test for success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The audit committee’s role in preventing corporate governance failure within state owned enterprises
- Authors: Mbatha, Feziwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Government business enterprises , Corporate governance -- South Africa , Audit committees -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32311 , vital:32015
- Description: Widespread reports of the poor governance within the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) has proliferated the media in South Africa over recent years. This progressive decline of governance structures has raised varied concerns, most of which are expressed as questions of note. For example, questions exist about the reasons why laws, regulations and policies that aim to ensure effective corporate governance practices have largely been ignored. Secondly, questions exist about the identities of those employees / executives within these enterprises, who are responsible for ensuring that good corporate governance practices are maintained within an organisation. Similarly, there is need to clarify the role of the audit committees in upholding good corporate governance practices within SOEs? This study aims to identify, describe and clarify the role(s) of the audit committee in preventing corporate governance failures within SOEs. A qualitative research methodology was utilised as the basis for collating data to develop an in depth understanding of the audit committee’s oversight responsibility within SOEs. In-depth individual interviews (n=6) were conducted with board members as well as members of the audit committee of a specifically selected SOE that had a history of compromised corporate governance practices and suffered severe financial losses. From the interpretation of the collated data, it was noted that the presence of a strong audit committee enables a more accountable environment that requires senior management to account for their actions openly and transparently. SOEs need to appreciate corporate governance as an asset to a company’s operations rather than as a poorly rationalised compliance requirement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The audit committee’s role in preventing corporate governance failure within state owned enterprises
- Authors: Mbatha, Feziwe
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Government business enterprises , Corporate governance -- South Africa , Audit committees -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/32311 , vital:32015
- Description: Widespread reports of the poor governance within the State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) has proliferated the media in South Africa over recent years. This progressive decline of governance structures has raised varied concerns, most of which are expressed as questions of note. For example, questions exist about the reasons why laws, regulations and policies that aim to ensure effective corporate governance practices have largely been ignored. Secondly, questions exist about the identities of those employees / executives within these enterprises, who are responsible for ensuring that good corporate governance practices are maintained within an organisation. Similarly, there is need to clarify the role of the audit committees in upholding good corporate governance practices within SOEs? This study aims to identify, describe and clarify the role(s) of the audit committee in preventing corporate governance failures within SOEs. A qualitative research methodology was utilised as the basis for collating data to develop an in depth understanding of the audit committee’s oversight responsibility within SOEs. In-depth individual interviews (n=6) were conducted with board members as well as members of the audit committee of a specifically selected SOE that had a history of compromised corporate governance practices and suffered severe financial losses. From the interpretation of the collated data, it was noted that the presence of a strong audit committee enables a more accountable environment that requires senior management to account for their actions openly and transparently. SOEs need to appreciate corporate governance as an asset to a company’s operations rather than as a poorly rationalised compliance requirement.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A sustainability reporting framework for South African Higher Education Institutions
- Authors: Bosire, Samuel Mobisa
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Sustainable development reporting -- South Africa , Business intelligence -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Corporate governance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8798 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016126
- Description: Sustainability has gained prominence globally among nations, regions and organisations as a result of factors such as the effects of climate change on the environment, diminishing natural resources and rising population growth with their concomitant impact on economies and social systems. South Africa is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) that promotes international principles and best practices on sustainable development. Sustainability Reporting is one such best practice. Sustainability Reporting is imperative for good governance and organisations are now expected to support sustainability issues, risks and performance in a balanced and reasonable way. The United Nations and other global bodies have been in the vanguard in promoting guidelines for sustainability reporting with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) being the most Prominent Sustainability reporting guideline. The South African Higher Education Institutions generate a number of reports in the course of any given academic year. As has been the case in the global corporate world, failures in governance in some South African universities point to weaknesses in their governance, especially when it comes to oversight of the operations of institutions. Considering this, it is important to critically examine strategic planning processes to understand the aspects that are important for the survival of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and therefore they should be regularly and closely monitored. The study begins by exploring literature relating to strategic planning, governance, sustainability reporting practices and Business Intelligence (BI) technologies in Higher Education. The primary objective of the investigation is to propose a sustainability reporting framework for Higher Education Institutions in South Africa. It is argued that with the aid of appropriate BI tools, the proposed Sustainability Reporting framework would be useful in tracking progress in the implementation of strategic plans and at the same time strengthen governance in institutions. The study identified elements of Sustainability Reporting that are important for strategic planning. To develop the proposed framework, an empirical investigation was undertaken. Four online questionnaires were completed and returned by 108 participants comprising of Registrars and Information Managers at 23 South African Higher Education Institutions as well as to Information Managers in selected International Higher Education Institutions and Managers at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). The online questionnaires were developed to elicit information to include in the proposed framework. To analyse results, both descriptive and inferential statistics such as Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used. Results from the surveys revealed that Higher Education Institutions globally and in South Africa are grappling with the same issues. When it comes to Sustainability Reporting, factors such as information culture and Business Intelligence maturity levels were not found to be very different among the various institutions. In the case study at NMMU, correlational analysis confirmed that variables such as Management buying and the availability of BI reports were positively related to effective strategic planning and vice versa. Similarly, a strong correlation was observed between reporting guidelines and strategic planning. Moreover, the study highlighted the critical role of management and leadership in a university in creating an environment that supports Sustainability Reporting. In conclusion, it was recommended that efforts should be directed at creating awareness and at training staff on aspects that promote sustainability. It is incumbent upon the institution to take advantage of and promote technological tools and techniques to enable the easy flow of data and information in understandable and usable formats to all its stakeholders. Finally, a Framework for Sustainability Reporting for Higher Education Institutions (FSRHEI) and guidelines for implementing Sustainability Reports are proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Bosire, Samuel Mobisa
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Sustainable development reporting -- South Africa , Business intelligence -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Corporate governance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8798 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016126
- Description: Sustainability has gained prominence globally among nations, regions and organisations as a result of factors such as the effects of climate change on the environment, diminishing natural resources and rising population growth with their concomitant impact on economies and social systems. South Africa is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) that promotes international principles and best practices on sustainable development. Sustainability Reporting is one such best practice. Sustainability Reporting is imperative for good governance and organisations are now expected to support sustainability issues, risks and performance in a balanced and reasonable way. The United Nations and other global bodies have been in the vanguard in promoting guidelines for sustainability reporting with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) being the most Prominent Sustainability reporting guideline. The South African Higher Education Institutions generate a number of reports in the course of any given academic year. As has been the case in the global corporate world, failures in governance in some South African universities point to weaknesses in their governance, especially when it comes to oversight of the operations of institutions. Considering this, it is important to critically examine strategic planning processes to understand the aspects that are important for the survival of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and therefore they should be regularly and closely monitored. The study begins by exploring literature relating to strategic planning, governance, sustainability reporting practices and Business Intelligence (BI) technologies in Higher Education. The primary objective of the investigation is to propose a sustainability reporting framework for Higher Education Institutions in South Africa. It is argued that with the aid of appropriate BI tools, the proposed Sustainability Reporting framework would be useful in tracking progress in the implementation of strategic plans and at the same time strengthen governance in institutions. The study identified elements of Sustainability Reporting that are important for strategic planning. To develop the proposed framework, an empirical investigation was undertaken. Four online questionnaires were completed and returned by 108 participants comprising of Registrars and Information Managers at 23 South African Higher Education Institutions as well as to Information Managers in selected International Higher Education Institutions and Managers at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). The online questionnaires were developed to elicit information to include in the proposed framework. To analyse results, both descriptive and inferential statistics such as Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used. Results from the surveys revealed that Higher Education Institutions globally and in South Africa are grappling with the same issues. When it comes to Sustainability Reporting, factors such as information culture and Business Intelligence maturity levels were not found to be very different among the various institutions. In the case study at NMMU, correlational analysis confirmed that variables such as Management buying and the availability of BI reports were positively related to effective strategic planning and vice versa. Similarly, a strong correlation was observed between reporting guidelines and strategic planning. Moreover, the study highlighted the critical role of management and leadership in a university in creating an environment that supports Sustainability Reporting. In conclusion, it was recommended that efforts should be directed at creating awareness and at training staff on aspects that promote sustainability. It is incumbent upon the institution to take advantage of and promote technological tools and techniques to enable the easy flow of data and information in understandable and usable formats to all its stakeholders. Finally, a Framework for Sustainability Reporting for Higher Education Institutions (FSRHEI) and guidelines for implementing Sustainability Reports are proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The critical implications of Ubuntu for contemporary management theory
- Mashasha, Tamsanqa Munyaradzi
- Authors: Mashasha, Tamsanqa Munyaradzi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Management -- Africa -- Philosophy , Ubuntu (Philsophy) , Corporate governance -- South Africa , Management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2879 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013116
- Description: Since the dissolution of apartheid, corporate governance in South Africa has evolved from being a soft mainly ethical issue to a hard knowledge-based technological issue, recognised as pivotal to the success and revitalisation of the country’s capital markets and, ultimately, the prospects of the corporate economy. These high stakes have produced a succession of measures aimed at transforming corporate governance in the economy. As such, South Africa’s corporate managers are consistently faced with the seemingly unassailable obstacle of discerning and implementing technologically progressive and culturally/racially unbiased management strategies/systems. The focus of this thesis is the latter of these two obstacles. Ubuntu acts as the scope via which the issues embedded within the incumbent management strategies/systems are viewed. Ubuntu philosophy embodies a socio-cultural framework that applies to all individuals and institutions throughout the continent. It embodies collectivism and teamwork, creation of synergies and competitive advantages, humanist leadership styles and maturity, consensus in decision-making systems, effective communication, and community-based corporate social responsibility. Ubuntu is pervasive in almost all parts of Southern African continent – it is integrated into all aspects of day-to-day life throughout the region. This thesis reviews and analyses some of the lessons that can be learned through the inception of African management, more specifically Ubuntu management, within South Africa’s corporate sphere. This thesis aims to prove that there exists a need for a new South African corporate management system, one which is able to harmoniously integrate the incumbent, western-orientated management strategies and systems with one of African origins.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mashasha, Tamsanqa Munyaradzi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Management -- Africa -- Philosophy , Ubuntu (Philsophy) , Corporate governance -- South Africa , Management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2879 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013116
- Description: Since the dissolution of apartheid, corporate governance in South Africa has evolved from being a soft mainly ethical issue to a hard knowledge-based technological issue, recognised as pivotal to the success and revitalisation of the country’s capital markets and, ultimately, the prospects of the corporate economy. These high stakes have produced a succession of measures aimed at transforming corporate governance in the economy. As such, South Africa’s corporate managers are consistently faced with the seemingly unassailable obstacle of discerning and implementing technologically progressive and culturally/racially unbiased management strategies/systems. The focus of this thesis is the latter of these two obstacles. Ubuntu acts as the scope via which the issues embedded within the incumbent management strategies/systems are viewed. Ubuntu philosophy embodies a socio-cultural framework that applies to all individuals and institutions throughout the continent. It embodies collectivism and teamwork, creation of synergies and competitive advantages, humanist leadership styles and maturity, consensus in decision-making systems, effective communication, and community-based corporate social responsibility. Ubuntu is pervasive in almost all parts of Southern African continent – it is integrated into all aspects of day-to-day life throughout the region. This thesis reviews and analyses some of the lessons that can be learned through the inception of African management, more specifically Ubuntu management, within South Africa’s corporate sphere. This thesis aims to prove that there exists a need for a new South African corporate management system, one which is able to harmoniously integrate the incumbent, western-orientated management strategies and systems with one of African origins.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The role of governance: family owned butchery
- Authors: Farndell, Mark
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises -- Management , Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession , Corporate governance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8588 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1509 , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises -- Management , Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession , Corporate governance -- South Africa
- Description: The importance of SME family businesses is evident in society. Coming out of a recession, the innovation, labour absorption and employment creation capabilities of SMEs and family businesses globally, and in emerging economies with high levels of unemployment and poverty, is incredibly important for environmental sustainability and societal harmony. Good governance is empirically proven to improve long-term sustainability of organisations, and poor governance is linked to the demise of many businesses – large and small, family and non-family businesses alike. This research, by means of a thorough literature review of family business and governance, and a single in-depth case study, identifies the components of SME family business governance in a contextual setting in South Africa. The literature review defines SMEs, family businesses and corporate governance. It reviews the nuances of family businesses that make them distinctive from non-family businesses, the models of family businesses that have been developed over time, the approaches to corporate governance, corporate governance codes of conduct, and family business governance models, as well as the components and dynamics of family business governance. The qualitative case study approach adopted enables the in depth contextual identification and exploration of the dynamics of family business governance. Empirical data collected from interviews, observations and reports are analysed using triangulation and pattern matching logic to ensure validity and reliability. Empirical findings are discussed with reference to the literary research findings, integrating literary and empirical findings, and resulting in the development of a conceptual model of family business governance, an SME family business governance structures model, and an SME family business authority delegation model. Governance is defined as the manifestation of the intent of the founder/owners of the business. Governance is manifest in structures, strategies, policies, procedures, relationships and performance. The reciprocity of transfers and outputs between the family business systems, the family business and its contextual environment is reflected in the performance of the business; which in turn is a reflection of the governance of the family and the family business. The study concludes with the importance of the family and its cohesion and harmony, and the impact it has on synergy, unity and harmony in the business. The study also finds that governance is strategic leadership, and that efficient and effective governance leads to synergies between the family, the family business and its contextual environment that when harnessed and directed towards a vision, can produce unimitable competitive advantages for the family firm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Farndell, Mark
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises -- Management , Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession , Corporate governance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8588 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1509 , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises -- Management , Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession , Corporate governance -- South Africa
- Description: The importance of SME family businesses is evident in society. Coming out of a recession, the innovation, labour absorption and employment creation capabilities of SMEs and family businesses globally, and in emerging economies with high levels of unemployment and poverty, is incredibly important for environmental sustainability and societal harmony. Good governance is empirically proven to improve long-term sustainability of organisations, and poor governance is linked to the demise of many businesses – large and small, family and non-family businesses alike. This research, by means of a thorough literature review of family business and governance, and a single in-depth case study, identifies the components of SME family business governance in a contextual setting in South Africa. The literature review defines SMEs, family businesses and corporate governance. It reviews the nuances of family businesses that make them distinctive from non-family businesses, the models of family businesses that have been developed over time, the approaches to corporate governance, corporate governance codes of conduct, and family business governance models, as well as the components and dynamics of family business governance. The qualitative case study approach adopted enables the in depth contextual identification and exploration of the dynamics of family business governance. Empirical data collected from interviews, observations and reports are analysed using triangulation and pattern matching logic to ensure validity and reliability. Empirical findings are discussed with reference to the literary research findings, integrating literary and empirical findings, and resulting in the development of a conceptual model of family business governance, an SME family business governance structures model, and an SME family business authority delegation model. Governance is defined as the manifestation of the intent of the founder/owners of the business. Governance is manifest in structures, strategies, policies, procedures, relationships and performance. The reciprocity of transfers and outputs between the family business systems, the family business and its contextual environment is reflected in the performance of the business; which in turn is a reflection of the governance of the family and the family business. The study concludes with the importance of the family and its cohesion and harmony, and the impact it has on synergy, unity and harmony in the business. The study also finds that governance is strategic leadership, and that efficient and effective governance leads to synergies between the family, the family business and its contextual environment that when harnessed and directed towards a vision, can produce unimitable competitive advantages for the family firm.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
A framework for IT governance in small businesses
- Authors: Koornhof, Herman
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Corporate governance -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa , Organisational Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9768 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/994 , Corporate governance -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa , Organisational Management
- Description: The primary objective of this treatise is to develop a framework that small businesses can use to implement IT governance. This framework for IT 6 Governance in Small Businesses, called ITGovSB, will be based primarily on the CobiT framework and the ISO/IEC 27002 information security controls. In order to achieve the primary objective, it is necessary to understand the differences between IT governance in small businesses and larger organisations. Consequently, one of the secondary objectives of the paper is to derive characteristics that define IT governance in small businesses. Another secondary objective is to implement the ITGovSB framework at a small business to evaluate its effectiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Koornhof, Herman
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Corporate governance -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa , Organisational Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9768 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/994 , Corporate governance -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa , Organisational Management
- Description: The primary objective of this treatise is to develop a framework that small businesses can use to implement IT governance. This framework for IT 6 Governance in Small Businesses, called ITGovSB, will be based primarily on the CobiT framework and the ISO/IEC 27002 information security controls. In order to achieve the primary objective, it is necessary to understand the differences between IT governance in small businesses and larger organisations. Consequently, one of the secondary objectives of the paper is to derive characteristics that define IT governance in small businesses. Another secondary objective is to implement the ITGovSB framework at a small business to evaluate its effectiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
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