A framework for the adoption and optimization of technology within Coega Business Center
- Authors: Zulu, Zwelibanzi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Technological innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40206 , vital:35982
- Description: The special economic zone sector plays an important role in economies across the African continent. The mission of the COEGA Development Corporation (CDC) is to provide a competitive investment location supported by value added business services that ultimately enable socio-economic development. The Entity is mandated to develop and operate the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), which is located adjacent to the modern deep-water port facility, Port of Ngqura, developed and owned by Transnet National Ports Authority. The CDC attracts investors from all over the world and in different business sectors through investment promotion as well as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The Coega Development Corporation whose core mandate is to attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) struggles to adopt innovative information technologies expeditiously, which is problem for the organization. The organization currently has Information Technology (IT) systems and applications such as the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and other IT systems that have been used, but there has been failure in maximizing the IT capabilities implemented internally. Employees are not understanding and seeing the benefit of using IT systems and there is no integration of systems within the CDC. This paper aims to acquire underlying knowledge of how IT is adopted in private sector organizations and further explore what factors impact its adoption. The main objective of this study was to propose a framework for adopting an optimizing technology usage within the Coega development Corporation to enhance productivity and efficiency. The study focused on the effect of components such as top management involvement, management styles, innovative organization culture, end user training, innovation diffusion, championship and knowledge management. In conclusion, this study showed the importance of optimizing technology, within the Coega Business Center. The author presented and made Recommendations on how to integrate the independent variables identified can influence the optimization of technology. v The proposed conceptual IT innovation adoption and optimization framework is a contribution to theory. This framework presents a detailed list of internal factors that influence IT adoption and optimization in government sector organizations such as the Coega Development Corporation. The author inferences that each factor within this framework signifies its importance and must be considered by organizations while adopting innovation technologies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Zulu, Zwelibanzi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Technological innovations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40206 , vital:35982
- Description: The special economic zone sector plays an important role in economies across the African continent. The mission of the COEGA Development Corporation (CDC) is to provide a competitive investment location supported by value added business services that ultimately enable socio-economic development. The Entity is mandated to develop and operate the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), which is located adjacent to the modern deep-water port facility, Port of Ngqura, developed and owned by Transnet National Ports Authority. The CDC attracts investors from all over the world and in different business sectors through investment promotion as well as Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The Coega Development Corporation whose core mandate is to attract Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) struggles to adopt innovative information technologies expeditiously, which is problem for the organization. The organization currently has Information Technology (IT) systems and applications such as the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and other IT systems that have been used, but there has been failure in maximizing the IT capabilities implemented internally. Employees are not understanding and seeing the benefit of using IT systems and there is no integration of systems within the CDC. This paper aims to acquire underlying knowledge of how IT is adopted in private sector organizations and further explore what factors impact its adoption. The main objective of this study was to propose a framework for adopting an optimizing technology usage within the Coega development Corporation to enhance productivity and efficiency. The study focused on the effect of components such as top management involvement, management styles, innovative organization culture, end user training, innovation diffusion, championship and knowledge management. In conclusion, this study showed the importance of optimizing technology, within the Coega Business Center. The author presented and made Recommendations on how to integrate the independent variables identified can influence the optimization of technology. v The proposed conceptual IT innovation adoption and optimization framework is a contribution to theory. This framework presents a detailed list of internal factors that influence IT adoption and optimization in government sector organizations such as the Coega Development Corporation. The author inferences that each factor within this framework signifies its importance and must be considered by organizations while adopting innovation technologies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Investigating COBIT 5 implementation in the public TVET college sector in South Africa
- Authors: Zulu, Motlalepule Jacobeth
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Information technology -- Management , Computer security Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44246 , vital:37142
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the COBIT 5 ICT governance framework has been implemented successfully in the public TVET sector. The study clarifies that ICT governance is not only about satisfying audit requirements; the core of ICT governance based on Cobit 5 is alignment between business and ICT. The study proposed a theoretical framework whereby the perceived benefits of implementing COBIT 5 in the public TVET college sector in South Africa was the dependent variable. The proposed independent variables were namely; Training, Adoption, Leadership, Value in IT Investment and Risk Management. The study infers that the board and/or council within an organisation need to lead the process in relation to the governance of ICT. Moreover, the study takes cognisance that ICT is a strategic enabler and thus the board or council ought to play their role of oversight, monitoring and ensuring optimal utilisation of IT resources. The study challenges the perception that IT is a mere operational functional and deduces that top management ought to incorporate IT when formulating and/or reviewing the business strategy. IT ought to be included in any strategic related activity in the organisation. IT should not be left out of the boardroom if management envisage to derive value from ICT investment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Zulu, Motlalepule Jacobeth
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Information technology -- Management , Computer security Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44246 , vital:37142
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the COBIT 5 ICT governance framework has been implemented successfully in the public TVET sector. The study clarifies that ICT governance is not only about satisfying audit requirements; the core of ICT governance based on Cobit 5 is alignment between business and ICT. The study proposed a theoretical framework whereby the perceived benefits of implementing COBIT 5 in the public TVET college sector in South Africa was the dependent variable. The proposed independent variables were namely; Training, Adoption, Leadership, Value in IT Investment and Risk Management. The study infers that the board and/or council within an organisation need to lead the process in relation to the governance of ICT. Moreover, the study takes cognisance that ICT is a strategic enabler and thus the board or council ought to play their role of oversight, monitoring and ensuring optimal utilisation of IT resources. The study challenges the perception that IT is a mere operational functional and deduces that top management ought to incorporate IT when formulating and/or reviewing the business strategy. IT ought to be included in any strategic related activity in the organisation. IT should not be left out of the boardroom if management envisage to derive value from ICT investment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Government support and sustainable small, medium enterprises (SMEs) in the ocean economy: a case of Eastern Cape
- Authors: Zilimbola, Mlungiseleli
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Marine resources -- Economic aspects Shipping -- Economic aspects Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44291 , vital:37149
- Description: In the past few years, South Africa has started to follow other developing countries, such as Japan and Greece, in pursuit of oceans economy. The presidency launched operation phakisa in Port Elizabeth in 2016 with the hope that it would contribute greatly to job creation and economic development in South Africa. It has been noted that oceans economy is a wide concept and covers a number of activities/sectors in the oceans. This study will focus on different economic is a wide concept and covers a number of activities, such as transport, fishing, bunkering and many other economic activities. This study seeks to investigate the strategic role of SMEs in the oceans economy. In accordance with the report drafted by the small enterprise development agency (seda) in 2016, which was commissioned by the department of trade and industry , the report show that SMMEs are struggling because of access to finance and markets, poor infrastructure, labour laws, crime, skills shortages.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Zilimbola, Mlungiseleli
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Marine resources -- Economic aspects Shipping -- Economic aspects Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44291 , vital:37149
- Description: In the past few years, South Africa has started to follow other developing countries, such as Japan and Greece, in pursuit of oceans economy. The presidency launched operation phakisa in Port Elizabeth in 2016 with the hope that it would contribute greatly to job creation and economic development in South Africa. It has been noted that oceans economy is a wide concept and covers a number of activities/sectors in the oceans. This study will focus on different economic is a wide concept and covers a number of activities, such as transport, fishing, bunkering and many other economic activities. This study seeks to investigate the strategic role of SMEs in the oceans economy. In accordance with the report drafted by the small enterprise development agency (seda) in 2016, which was commissioned by the department of trade and industry , the report show that SMMEs are struggling because of access to finance and markets, poor infrastructure, labour laws, crime, skills shortages.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019
Leadership influence on organisational performance at Eskom
- Authors: Xawuka, Asanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42433 , vital:36655
- Description: The role and the impact of leadership in business and society is a topic of interest to many in business. This is evident by the increase in the number of studies on the topic of leadership. Organisational leaders are responsible to oversee the company’s operations including the allocation of resources, people management and to facilitate process integration to enable the organisation to achieve its stated objectives. State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) such as Eskom has a mandate to provide infrastructure services to improve the country’s economic conditions. In particular, Eskom is responsible for electricity generation, transmission and distribution in South Africa and other neighbouring counties. Infrastructure development is much needed in South Africa (SA) to enable the country to attract investors and to grow local businesses, as its economy was downgraded to one notch above‘junk status’ in June 2017 (Mutize & Gossel, 2017). Apart from social responsibility, SOEs are required to operate efficiently in line with good corporate governance and become self-sufficient to fund their own future growth plans. Hence, the importance of SOEs to improve their own performance and efficiencies. In the past few years, Eskom has underperformed in meeting its key deliverables as stipulated in the shareholder compact. These include the electrification of households, maintenance of the current infrastructure and the building of excess electricity capacity. The poor performance has negatively affected the country economy due to planned outages when trying to balance electricity demand and supply. It has further contributed to ongoing community service delivery protests, which costs the country millions of rands (Kekana, 2017; Nyembezi, 2015). In the same period, the company faced many leadership changes which partly contribute to its not fully implementing its strategic plans. The objective of this study was to contribute to a possible improvement in Eskom’s performance by examining the influence of leadership on organisational performance, using the independent variables of the leadership conduct (authenticity), work support and performance determinants (culture, communication, change management, strategy implementation and talent management) and further to add to the current literature in explaining how leadership influences performance. The research design was positivistic asthe relationship amongst the above-mentioned variables was statistically tested. The sample consisted of 111 managerial and non-managerial employees in Eskom, across the nine provinces in South Africa. The empirical results were reported and interpreted. The results revealed that the talent management process, work support, effective communication and strategy implementation have a positive influence on employee performance, which in turn has a positive influence on organisational performance. These results were discussed in terms of the implications they hold for the leadership at Eskom. The limitations are reported, thereby providing areas for possible future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Xawuka, Asanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Leadership -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42433 , vital:36655
- Description: The role and the impact of leadership in business and society is a topic of interest to many in business. This is evident by the increase in the number of studies on the topic of leadership. Organisational leaders are responsible to oversee the company’s operations including the allocation of resources, people management and to facilitate process integration to enable the organisation to achieve its stated objectives. State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) such as Eskom has a mandate to provide infrastructure services to improve the country’s economic conditions. In particular, Eskom is responsible for electricity generation, transmission and distribution in South Africa and other neighbouring counties. Infrastructure development is much needed in South Africa (SA) to enable the country to attract investors and to grow local businesses, as its economy was downgraded to one notch above‘junk status’ in June 2017 (Mutize & Gossel, 2017). Apart from social responsibility, SOEs are required to operate efficiently in line with good corporate governance and become self-sufficient to fund their own future growth plans. Hence, the importance of SOEs to improve their own performance and efficiencies. In the past few years, Eskom has underperformed in meeting its key deliverables as stipulated in the shareholder compact. These include the electrification of households, maintenance of the current infrastructure and the building of excess electricity capacity. The poor performance has negatively affected the country economy due to planned outages when trying to balance electricity demand and supply. It has further contributed to ongoing community service delivery protests, which costs the country millions of rands (Kekana, 2017; Nyembezi, 2015). In the same period, the company faced many leadership changes which partly contribute to its not fully implementing its strategic plans. The objective of this study was to contribute to a possible improvement in Eskom’s performance by examining the influence of leadership on organisational performance, using the independent variables of the leadership conduct (authenticity), work support and performance determinants (culture, communication, change management, strategy implementation and talent management) and further to add to the current literature in explaining how leadership influences performance. The research design was positivistic asthe relationship amongst the above-mentioned variables was statistically tested. The sample consisted of 111 managerial and non-managerial employees in Eskom, across the nine provinces in South Africa. The empirical results were reported and interpreted. The results revealed that the talent management process, work support, effective communication and strategy implementation have a positive influence on employee performance, which in turn has a positive influence on organisational performance. These results were discussed in terms of the implications they hold for the leadership at Eskom. The limitations are reported, thereby providing areas for possible future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The impact of job embeddedness on innovative work behaviours
- Authors: Wood, Jaryd Marc
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Organizational behavior -- South Africa , Employee retention -- South Africa Work -- Psychological aspects Work ethic -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44379 , vital:37160
- Description: Modern day organisations compete in an ever growing and highly competitive global environment. International competitiveness continues to play a critical role in ensuring that both organisations and employees grow and succeed. An organisation’s and employee’s ability to innovate remains one of the key factors in ensuring that they remain competitive and relevant amongst global organisations. Globalisation, access to advanced technology and the enhanced ability to travel has further enabled consumers and to keep up to date with international trends. These phenomena’s make it increasingly and ever important to remain relevant and innovate to attract new customers or consumers and to retain the current ones. The term job embeddedness relates to the relationships employees have between the organisation they work for and the community they form part of. It is felt that a link may exist between job embeddedness and employees engagement in innovative work behaviours to ensure that employees continuously generate new and improved processes, ideas, technologies to contribute to the organisations success. It is against this setting that an empirical study was created for the purpose of concluding evidential data needed to draw conclusions and make recommendations to leadership within organisation’s relating to the impact that job embeddedness has on engagement in innovative work behaviours. Furthermore, the impact of job embeddedness is tested against employee’s engagement in innovative work behaviours. 90 professional part-time executive MBA programme individuals who were enrolled at the Nelson Mandela University Business School in South Africa and who are based at the four major centres of the Business School, which included Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg were approached to take part in this study. These individuals were employed in a variety of spheres in industry, including engineering, financial services, information technology, accounting and management in organisations that spanned a multitude of additional industries. As a result of these individuals participation, 549 participants took part in the survey. Key findings of the study includes that employee fit into the organisation, employee fit into the community and employee perceived sacrifice in the event of leaving the organisation are all significantly related to engagement in innovative work behaviours. A key recommendation of the study would be that in order to increase the organisational aspect of job embeddedness, organisational leaders would need to consider ways to or place emphasis on factors that would promote organisational fit and organisational sacrifice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Wood, Jaryd Marc
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Organizational behavior -- South Africa , Employee retention -- South Africa Work -- Psychological aspects Work ethic -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44379 , vital:37160
- Description: Modern day organisations compete in an ever growing and highly competitive global environment. International competitiveness continues to play a critical role in ensuring that both organisations and employees grow and succeed. An organisation’s and employee’s ability to innovate remains one of the key factors in ensuring that they remain competitive and relevant amongst global organisations. Globalisation, access to advanced technology and the enhanced ability to travel has further enabled consumers and to keep up to date with international trends. These phenomena’s make it increasingly and ever important to remain relevant and innovate to attract new customers or consumers and to retain the current ones. The term job embeddedness relates to the relationships employees have between the organisation they work for and the community they form part of. It is felt that a link may exist between job embeddedness and employees engagement in innovative work behaviours to ensure that employees continuously generate new and improved processes, ideas, technologies to contribute to the organisations success. It is against this setting that an empirical study was created for the purpose of concluding evidential data needed to draw conclusions and make recommendations to leadership within organisation’s relating to the impact that job embeddedness has on engagement in innovative work behaviours. Furthermore, the impact of job embeddedness is tested against employee’s engagement in innovative work behaviours. 90 professional part-time executive MBA programme individuals who were enrolled at the Nelson Mandela University Business School in South Africa and who are based at the four major centres of the Business School, which included Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg were approached to take part in this study. These individuals were employed in a variety of spheres in industry, including engineering, financial services, information technology, accounting and management in organisations that spanned a multitude of additional industries. As a result of these individuals participation, 549 participants took part in the survey. Key findings of the study includes that employee fit into the organisation, employee fit into the community and employee perceived sacrifice in the event of leaving the organisation are all significantly related to engagement in innovative work behaviours. A key recommendation of the study would be that in order to increase the organisational aspect of job embeddedness, organisational leaders would need to consider ways to or place emphasis on factors that would promote organisational fit and organisational sacrifice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An evaluation of social team building intervention on MBA group formation
- Authors: Westraadt, Johan Ewald
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Team learning approach in education , Business Administration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45679 , vital:38926
- Description: Teamwork and the ability to work effectively in a team is a critical skill in a technologically complex workplace where no individual can possess all the knowledge and skills. MBA programmes, therefore, require students to work in collaborative learning groups in order to not only share their knowledge and skills, but also to develop the needed team-based competencies. However, collaborative learning groups are prone to many pitfalls that could result in intra-group conflict and inefficiencies such as social loafing, where the group performance is less than the sum of the output of the individual members when working alone. Team development interventions (TDI) aim to improve team-based competencies of a team. One type of TDI that is often employed is social team building. It typically consists of a one-day extra-mural excursion involving some non-work-related tasks performed by teams to improve interpersonal relationships. The MBA groups are pre-allocated at the start of the academic programme and team building interventions are therefore needed to facilitate group formation. The main research question in this study deals with the effectiveness of these social team building TDI’s to promote group formation. The literature of teams and the factors that influence team effectivity were reviewed. Input-Process-Output models relate the factors that drive team performance. Three team viability measures critical to a teams’ performance were identified namely, group cohesion, group communication and goal-setting. There is strong empirical evidence that these factors contribute positively to the performance of the team. The influence of team building interventions on each of these factors were discussed. There is empirical evidence for the impact of team building interventions on these affective outcomes. However, empirical evidence for the link to objective performance measures is still lacking
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Westraadt, Johan Ewald
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Team learning approach in education , Business Administration -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45679 , vital:38926
- Description: Teamwork and the ability to work effectively in a team is a critical skill in a technologically complex workplace where no individual can possess all the knowledge and skills. MBA programmes, therefore, require students to work in collaborative learning groups in order to not only share their knowledge and skills, but also to develop the needed team-based competencies. However, collaborative learning groups are prone to many pitfalls that could result in intra-group conflict and inefficiencies such as social loafing, where the group performance is less than the sum of the output of the individual members when working alone. Team development interventions (TDI) aim to improve team-based competencies of a team. One type of TDI that is often employed is social team building. It typically consists of a one-day extra-mural excursion involving some non-work-related tasks performed by teams to improve interpersonal relationships. The MBA groups are pre-allocated at the start of the academic programme and team building interventions are therefore needed to facilitate group formation. The main research question in this study deals with the effectiveness of these social team building TDI’s to promote group formation. The literature of teams and the factors that influence team effectivity were reviewed. Input-Process-Output models relate the factors that drive team performance. Three team viability measures critical to a teams’ performance were identified namely, group cohesion, group communication and goal-setting. There is strong empirical evidence that these factors contribute positively to the performance of the team. The influence of team building interventions on each of these factors were discussed. There is empirical evidence for the impact of team building interventions on these affective outcomes. However, empirical evidence for the link to objective performance measures is still lacking
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The importance of a donor management framework on the sustainability of non-profit organisations in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Van Boomen, Clinton
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Nonprofit organizations -- Management , Nonprofit organizations -- Finance -- Management Nonprofit organizations -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43676 , vital:37029
- Description: Fundraising and income generation to service operational expenses play a significant role in ensuring the sustainability of non-profit organisations. Literature maintains that in order for non-profit organisations to remain sustainable, designing campaigns and strategies with stakeholder needs in mind is crucial. The study aims at improving donor relations by determining the role donor management systems play in the strategic objectives of non-profit organisations, and whether non-profits adopt strategic approaches to create and maintain relationships with donors. The research also attempted to understand the importance of managing relationships with donors. According to the framework of Determinants of Philanthropy formulated by Bekkers and Wiepking, the researcher utilised the eight key mechanisms as a framework to answer the research question. In the study, simple probability sampling was used to identify non-profit organisations within Nelson Mandela Bay. Data from anonymous participants were collected using a self-completion questionnaire using the determinants of philanthropy framework themes to link responses to the research question and literature. While the study returned a low response rate, the main finding of the research was that non-profit organisations spent more time servicing relationships with existing donors, instead of creating relationships with new potential donors. In the event that a major long-term donor stopped donating, this left the non-profit with a significant predicament of sourcing a new donor, which could be time consuming at best. A possible solution to this issue is to create a strategic relationship management framework which identifies each new and existing donor’s attributes, thereby linking it to the correct campaigns at the right time. The anticipated outcome of this solution is to ensure that there is a consistent supply of donors which will ensure sustainability for the non-profit organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Van Boomen, Clinton
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Nonprofit organizations -- Management , Nonprofit organizations -- Finance -- Management Nonprofit organizations -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43676 , vital:37029
- Description: Fundraising and income generation to service operational expenses play a significant role in ensuring the sustainability of non-profit organisations. Literature maintains that in order for non-profit organisations to remain sustainable, designing campaigns and strategies with stakeholder needs in mind is crucial. The study aims at improving donor relations by determining the role donor management systems play in the strategic objectives of non-profit organisations, and whether non-profits adopt strategic approaches to create and maintain relationships with donors. The research also attempted to understand the importance of managing relationships with donors. According to the framework of Determinants of Philanthropy formulated by Bekkers and Wiepking, the researcher utilised the eight key mechanisms as a framework to answer the research question. In the study, simple probability sampling was used to identify non-profit organisations within Nelson Mandela Bay. Data from anonymous participants were collected using a self-completion questionnaire using the determinants of philanthropy framework themes to link responses to the research question and literature. While the study returned a low response rate, the main finding of the research was that non-profit organisations spent more time servicing relationships with existing donors, instead of creating relationships with new potential donors. In the event that a major long-term donor stopped donating, this left the non-profit with a significant predicament of sourcing a new donor, which could be time consuming at best. A possible solution to this issue is to create a strategic relationship management framework which identifies each new and existing donor’s attributes, thereby linking it to the correct campaigns at the right time. The anticipated outcome of this solution is to ensure that there is a consistent supply of donors which will ensure sustainability for the non-profit organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Critical determinants of service quality for the port of cape town users
- Authors: Thomas, Darren Roger
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Physical distribution of goods -- Management , Business logistics -- South Africa -- Cape Town Harbors -- South Africa -- Cape Town Shipping -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43845 , vital:37052
- Description: This research study was motivated by the daily observed operational experiences from the perspective of the researcher’s logistics business. Poor levels of operational service quality were observed in the Port of Cape Town during the 2017/2018 “wind season” which occurs from September to March, where the port lost more than 1200-man hours due to wind delays. The poor levels of operational service quality are further compounded by the effects of the wind delays and its impact on congestion at the port which results in financial loss to importers and exporters and their intermodal service providers. Nearly ninety six percent (96%) of exports from South Africa are by sea, therefore South Africa’s trade with the rest of the world is by sea. Thus, ports are important economic contributors and play an important role for both inbound and outbound logistics. Service quality failures affect business-to-business players in the logistics chain. Port users suffer financial and reputational damage when containers, which are shipped via the port, are delayed due to service quality failures. The purpose of this treatise was to determine what the critical determinants of service quality for the Port of Cape Town users are. To achieve this a conceptual research model was developed, where six variables were identified that have an influence on service quality. The six variables identified are Communication, Competence, Access, Reliability, Understanding/Knowing Customer and Tangibles. A literature review was then conducted to determine what the difference between B2C and B2B operational service quality is. This was done by investigating both the similarities and differences between B2C and B2B and providing a review of service quality and customer satisfaction. Similarly, a literature review was also conducted to investigate the contrasts between international and local port service quality. This was achieved by investigating the importance of ports and an overview of the South African port network. An overview of the Port of Cape Town was then provided where inefficiencies in the Port of Cape Town are discussed. Service quality in selected international ports are then discussed before the chapter was concluded by providing a review of service quality at the port of Cape Town’s two closest international competitors. The methodological approach to the study was quantitative research using a survey strategy to test the conceptual model. Analysis was performed through descriptive and inferential statics. Based on the analysis, the study could conclude by making important managerial recommendations that the management of the Port of Cape Town could implement to improve the level of Operational Service Quality at the port. Some of the recommendations are, that the ports staff should be trained in the importance of proactive communication. Port staff should receive regular training with respect to their operational functions. The port should provide a platform which will allow port users to raise concerns or provide compliments related to container operations or port staff interactions. Before communicating start up times after port stoppages, the port needs to take in to consideration the necessary time required to get staff back to their operational posts and other start-up operations when advising the port reopening time to port users. Port management should implement a better maintenance programme for the container handling equipment as it was the respondent’s perception that the handling equipment used in the port is not always in good working condition.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Thomas, Darren Roger
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Physical distribution of goods -- Management , Business logistics -- South Africa -- Cape Town Harbors -- South Africa -- Cape Town Shipping -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43845 , vital:37052
- Description: This research study was motivated by the daily observed operational experiences from the perspective of the researcher’s logistics business. Poor levels of operational service quality were observed in the Port of Cape Town during the 2017/2018 “wind season” which occurs from September to March, where the port lost more than 1200-man hours due to wind delays. The poor levels of operational service quality are further compounded by the effects of the wind delays and its impact on congestion at the port which results in financial loss to importers and exporters and their intermodal service providers. Nearly ninety six percent (96%) of exports from South Africa are by sea, therefore South Africa’s trade with the rest of the world is by sea. Thus, ports are important economic contributors and play an important role for both inbound and outbound logistics. Service quality failures affect business-to-business players in the logistics chain. Port users suffer financial and reputational damage when containers, which are shipped via the port, are delayed due to service quality failures. The purpose of this treatise was to determine what the critical determinants of service quality for the Port of Cape Town users are. To achieve this a conceptual research model was developed, where six variables were identified that have an influence on service quality. The six variables identified are Communication, Competence, Access, Reliability, Understanding/Knowing Customer and Tangibles. A literature review was then conducted to determine what the difference between B2C and B2B operational service quality is. This was done by investigating both the similarities and differences between B2C and B2B and providing a review of service quality and customer satisfaction. Similarly, a literature review was also conducted to investigate the contrasts between international and local port service quality. This was achieved by investigating the importance of ports and an overview of the South African port network. An overview of the Port of Cape Town was then provided where inefficiencies in the Port of Cape Town are discussed. Service quality in selected international ports are then discussed before the chapter was concluded by providing a review of service quality at the port of Cape Town’s two closest international competitors. The methodological approach to the study was quantitative research using a survey strategy to test the conceptual model. Analysis was performed through descriptive and inferential statics. Based on the analysis, the study could conclude by making important managerial recommendations that the management of the Port of Cape Town could implement to improve the level of Operational Service Quality at the port. Some of the recommendations are, that the ports staff should be trained in the importance of proactive communication. Port staff should receive regular training with respect to their operational functions. The port should provide a platform which will allow port users to raise concerns or provide compliments related to container operations or port staff interactions. Before communicating start up times after port stoppages, the port needs to take in to consideration the necessary time required to get staff back to their operational posts and other start-up operations when advising the port reopening time to port users. Port management should implement a better maintenance programme for the container handling equipment as it was the respondent’s perception that the handling equipment used in the port is not always in good working condition.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An evaluation of loyalty programmes
- Authors: Thaver, Aneshree Terrilla
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Customer loyalty programs -- South Africa , Customer clubs -- Evaluation Customer relations -- Evaluation Customer services -- Management Consumer satisfaction -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43856 , vital:37062
- Description: A Loyalty Programme, is the term most commonly used to summarise various Customer Relationship Management programmes instituted by companies, to endear and encourage loyalty from customers. In order to better understand the component of loyalty within the context of Loyalty Programmes, a dimensional approach has been suggested. The dimensional approach is based firstly, on behavioural loyalty theories, which focus on purchase patterns to qualify/quantify loyalty. Secondly, it included attitudinal loyalty measures to account for customer’s actions and feelings to aid in both the conceptualisation and measurement of loyalty. The need to understand and evaluate the effects of programmes specifically designed to promote loyalty from customers has prompted a surge in academic research, which has led to great debate over the effectiveness of these programmes. Previous empirical research has provided divergent findings and many polarised views abound. This is due in part to the lack of consistent research methodologies, concepts and measurements of previous studies, which has made the comparison of Loyalty Programmes increasingly difficult. However, despite these challenges, there remains substantial evidence in support of the overall effectiveness of Loyalty Programmes. The aim of this research has been to focus on developing a model to evaluate the components of Loyalty Programmes based on attitudinal and behavioural loyalty dimensions, with the view of recommending components that should be included in the design of Loyalty Programmes. An in-depth literature review was conducted and the two dimensions of loyalty (attitudinal and behavioural) were examined. Additionally, the following Theories were explored Social Exchange Theory, Equity Theory and the Theory of Planned Behaviour, to examine the interchange between participants of Loyalty Programmes. The review of literature further laid the foundation for the conceptual model that proposed purchase behaviour, trust, communication, personalisation, flexibility, rewards and methods of participation as components which influenced Loyalty Programmes. A multi-method study, with 1090 respondents, was conducted and a proposed conceptual model was compiled. An analysis was conducted through various descriptive and inferential statistical tests as well as Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis. The results of the study identified the following factors Attitudinal loyalty (Attitudinal – Communication, Attitudinal – Flexibility, Attitudinal – General, Attitudinal – Rewards (Personal and Monetary) and Attitudinal – Trust) and Behavioural loyalty (Behavioural – Communication, Behavioural – Flexibility, Behavioural – General, Behavioural – Personalisation, Behavioural – Purchasing Behaviour, Behavioural – Rewards and Behavioural – Trust) to be of influence with regard to the effectiveness of Loyalty Programmes. The study concludes with managerial recommendations for the improvement in the design of Loyalty Programmes to enhance Attitudinal and Behavioural loyalty from participants. The recommendations from this study are based on the three strongest factor relationships identified through Pearson Product Moment Correlations. They are (a) Attitude – General and Behavioural – General (0.723), (b) Attitude – Communication and Behavioural – Communication (0.691) and (c) Attitude – Trust and Behavioural – Trust (0.595). Hence it is suggested that communication surrounding Loyalty Programmes needs to embrace new technologies and adopt a multichannel and multi-directional strategy to be more responsive to customers. Furthermore, trust was found to be influential in Loyalty Programme participation and how managers used the shared personal data, impacted customer willingness to participate in Loyalty Programmes. This study found that overall purchasing behaviour is poorly influenced by Loyalty Card/Programmes, as discounts and promotions did not sway shopper purchasing behaviour and that the most preferred rewards were monetary, free shipping and brand partnerships. In summary, consideration should be given to the type, flexibility and expiration of rewards offered. Further, a regular review of personalisation strategies, customer expectations and participation methods are recommended to bridge the mismatch between idle membership and active participation in Loyalty Programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Thaver, Aneshree Terrilla
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Customer loyalty programs -- South Africa , Customer clubs -- Evaluation Customer relations -- Evaluation Customer services -- Management Consumer satisfaction -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43856 , vital:37062
- Description: A Loyalty Programme, is the term most commonly used to summarise various Customer Relationship Management programmes instituted by companies, to endear and encourage loyalty from customers. In order to better understand the component of loyalty within the context of Loyalty Programmes, a dimensional approach has been suggested. The dimensional approach is based firstly, on behavioural loyalty theories, which focus on purchase patterns to qualify/quantify loyalty. Secondly, it included attitudinal loyalty measures to account for customer’s actions and feelings to aid in both the conceptualisation and measurement of loyalty. The need to understand and evaluate the effects of programmes specifically designed to promote loyalty from customers has prompted a surge in academic research, which has led to great debate over the effectiveness of these programmes. Previous empirical research has provided divergent findings and many polarised views abound. This is due in part to the lack of consistent research methodologies, concepts and measurements of previous studies, which has made the comparison of Loyalty Programmes increasingly difficult. However, despite these challenges, there remains substantial evidence in support of the overall effectiveness of Loyalty Programmes. The aim of this research has been to focus on developing a model to evaluate the components of Loyalty Programmes based on attitudinal and behavioural loyalty dimensions, with the view of recommending components that should be included in the design of Loyalty Programmes. An in-depth literature review was conducted and the two dimensions of loyalty (attitudinal and behavioural) were examined. Additionally, the following Theories were explored Social Exchange Theory, Equity Theory and the Theory of Planned Behaviour, to examine the interchange between participants of Loyalty Programmes. The review of literature further laid the foundation for the conceptual model that proposed purchase behaviour, trust, communication, personalisation, flexibility, rewards and methods of participation as components which influenced Loyalty Programmes. A multi-method study, with 1090 respondents, was conducted and a proposed conceptual model was compiled. An analysis was conducted through various descriptive and inferential statistical tests as well as Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis. The results of the study identified the following factors Attitudinal loyalty (Attitudinal – Communication, Attitudinal – Flexibility, Attitudinal – General, Attitudinal – Rewards (Personal and Monetary) and Attitudinal – Trust) and Behavioural loyalty (Behavioural – Communication, Behavioural – Flexibility, Behavioural – General, Behavioural – Personalisation, Behavioural – Purchasing Behaviour, Behavioural – Rewards and Behavioural – Trust) to be of influence with regard to the effectiveness of Loyalty Programmes. The study concludes with managerial recommendations for the improvement in the design of Loyalty Programmes to enhance Attitudinal and Behavioural loyalty from participants. The recommendations from this study are based on the three strongest factor relationships identified through Pearson Product Moment Correlations. They are (a) Attitude – General and Behavioural – General (0.723), (b) Attitude – Communication and Behavioural – Communication (0.691) and (c) Attitude – Trust and Behavioural – Trust (0.595). Hence it is suggested that communication surrounding Loyalty Programmes needs to embrace new technologies and adopt a multichannel and multi-directional strategy to be more responsive to customers. Furthermore, trust was found to be influential in Loyalty Programme participation and how managers used the shared personal data, impacted customer willingness to participate in Loyalty Programmes. This study found that overall purchasing behaviour is poorly influenced by Loyalty Card/Programmes, as discounts and promotions did not sway shopper purchasing behaviour and that the most preferred rewards were monetary, free shipping and brand partnerships. In summary, consideration should be given to the type, flexibility and expiration of rewards offered. Further, a regular review of personalisation strategies, customer expectations and participation methods are recommended to bridge the mismatch between idle membership and active participation in Loyalty Programmes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Supply chain efficacy for reefer cargo destined for Cape Town terminal
- Authors: Tefu, Johanna
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Business logistics -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Industrial procurement Physical distribution of goods Marine terminals -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43867 , vital:37066
- Description: Economical earnings for South Africa rely severely on export earnings, which are dependent on the effectiveness and efficiency of the cold chain. Achieving an efficient, integrated, effective, collaborative, focused and proficient supply chain in the exporting of reefer cargo plays a pivotal role in growing a country’s economy. The purpose of this treatise is to develop a conceptual framework that can be adopted by the cold chain industry in South Africa to achieve supply chain efficacy for reefer cargo destined for Cape Town Terminal. A quantitative approach was adopted for the collection of data, as well as an in-depth literature review was conducted, where efficacy in a supply chain was studied. Variables that were explored in the study for the attainment of supply chain efficacy include; the reliability of the cold chain, communication, innovation, agility, asset management and the level of service quality. Information that was needed for the study was collected using a questionnaire and available literature. A questionnaire was used to determine key elements that are imperative in the development of a conceptual framework to ensure the attainment of supply chain efficacy. This study explores the necessary literature on the South Africa fruit industry, the cold chain and its participants, the SCOR process model and elements that determine supply chain efficacy. The study also explored the various dimensions of an integrated supply chain. The ideal conceptual framework was developed which was used to form a basis for the formulation of the questionnaire. The study comprised of 126 respondents and various statistical methods were used to analyse the conceptual model. Hereafter, a proposed conceptual model to measure supply chain efficacy was constructed. The model includes reliability, communication, innovation, asset management, and service quality, which have been tested to be determinants of supply chain efficacy. The study concludes with managerial recommendations that participants in the cold chain can adopt to achieve efficacy. Some of the recommendations include Port Terminals implementing control measures that will ensure proper and accurate pre-advice of reefer cargo, this is to take place prior to containers arriving at the terminal gate. Port Terminals and Shipping Lines to develop a platform e.g. an application whereby timeous and informative communication will be made available to industry when the port is faced with periods of high winds or any changes in vessel schedules. The fostering of partnerships that will make possible the opportunity for exploring Lean Six Sigma principles with efforts of improving export processes. The development of a performance tracking tool that can be used by the entire cold chain, so as to ascertain where improvement areas to the process are and implement immediate change. The industry to invest in extensive market research to examine and improve on fruit export trade. Focusing on strategies such as diversifying the market, this can be done as a result of the volatility of the sector. Port Terminals to explore possibilities of increasing rail activities for reefer containers. Controlling bodies such as the PPECB to conduct industry-wide training programmes for refining the handling of reefer cargo in aims of improving trade. The industry to also establish platforms were feedback would be given pertaining to the performance of the cold chain at the end of the reefer peak season, with variable action items. This treatise looks at proposing a conceptual framework that can be adopted to achieve supply chain efficacy for reefer cargo destined for the Cape Town Terminal. This study will enable the integration of the cold chain network in the Western Cape in order to meet fruit export demand and seasonality requirements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Tefu, Johanna
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Business logistics -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Industrial procurement Physical distribution of goods Marine terminals -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43867 , vital:37066
- Description: Economical earnings for South Africa rely severely on export earnings, which are dependent on the effectiveness and efficiency of the cold chain. Achieving an efficient, integrated, effective, collaborative, focused and proficient supply chain in the exporting of reefer cargo plays a pivotal role in growing a country’s economy. The purpose of this treatise is to develop a conceptual framework that can be adopted by the cold chain industry in South Africa to achieve supply chain efficacy for reefer cargo destined for Cape Town Terminal. A quantitative approach was adopted for the collection of data, as well as an in-depth literature review was conducted, where efficacy in a supply chain was studied. Variables that were explored in the study for the attainment of supply chain efficacy include; the reliability of the cold chain, communication, innovation, agility, asset management and the level of service quality. Information that was needed for the study was collected using a questionnaire and available literature. A questionnaire was used to determine key elements that are imperative in the development of a conceptual framework to ensure the attainment of supply chain efficacy. This study explores the necessary literature on the South Africa fruit industry, the cold chain and its participants, the SCOR process model and elements that determine supply chain efficacy. The study also explored the various dimensions of an integrated supply chain. The ideal conceptual framework was developed which was used to form a basis for the formulation of the questionnaire. The study comprised of 126 respondents and various statistical methods were used to analyse the conceptual model. Hereafter, a proposed conceptual model to measure supply chain efficacy was constructed. The model includes reliability, communication, innovation, asset management, and service quality, which have been tested to be determinants of supply chain efficacy. The study concludes with managerial recommendations that participants in the cold chain can adopt to achieve efficacy. Some of the recommendations include Port Terminals implementing control measures that will ensure proper and accurate pre-advice of reefer cargo, this is to take place prior to containers arriving at the terminal gate. Port Terminals and Shipping Lines to develop a platform e.g. an application whereby timeous and informative communication will be made available to industry when the port is faced with periods of high winds or any changes in vessel schedules. The fostering of partnerships that will make possible the opportunity for exploring Lean Six Sigma principles with efforts of improving export processes. The development of a performance tracking tool that can be used by the entire cold chain, so as to ascertain where improvement areas to the process are and implement immediate change. The industry to invest in extensive market research to examine and improve on fruit export trade. Focusing on strategies such as diversifying the market, this can be done as a result of the volatility of the sector. Port Terminals to explore possibilities of increasing rail activities for reefer containers. Controlling bodies such as the PPECB to conduct industry-wide training programmes for refining the handling of reefer cargo in aims of improving trade. The industry to also establish platforms were feedback would be given pertaining to the performance of the cold chain at the end of the reefer peak season, with variable action items. This treatise looks at proposing a conceptual framework that can be adopted to achieve supply chain efficacy for reefer cargo destined for the Cape Town Terminal. This study will enable the integration of the cold chain network in the Western Cape in order to meet fruit export demand and seasonality requirements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Improving the business success of SMMEs in the South African construction industry: the case of SMMEs in the city of Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Swapi, Sibongiseni
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Success in business -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Small business -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Construction industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43934 , vital:37085
- Description: This research has aimed at designing a framework for effective management of different Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the construction industry of South Africa. The research is derived from the SMMEs in Port Elizabeth. The research adopted a descriptive design and qualitative research methodology in order to achieve the research objectives. The research population of this research covered fifty (50) professional employees of SMMEs in the construction industry of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. It has been revealed in this research that there is a significant lack of management skills and training in the industry. Many construction SMMEs are also unable to access sufficient financial resources and government support for their operations. In this regard, the most important requirement has been found to be education and training for the employees working in the South African SMMEs in the construction industry. Along with this, government support and intervention is also required so that the SMMEs in the construction industry are able to access sufficient financial resources for building proper infrastructure. This research has also proposed an effective management framework that may include contract management, asset management as well as risk management of the South African SMMEs in the construction industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Swapi, Sibongiseni
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Success in business -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Small business -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Construction industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43934 , vital:37085
- Description: This research has aimed at designing a framework for effective management of different Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the construction industry of South Africa. The research is derived from the SMMEs in Port Elizabeth. The research adopted a descriptive design and qualitative research methodology in order to achieve the research objectives. The research population of this research covered fifty (50) professional employees of SMMEs in the construction industry of Port Elizabeth, South Africa. It has been revealed in this research that there is a significant lack of management skills and training in the industry. Many construction SMMEs are also unable to access sufficient financial resources and government support for their operations. In this regard, the most important requirement has been found to be education and training for the employees working in the South African SMMEs in the construction industry. Along with this, government support and intervention is also required so that the SMMEs in the construction industry are able to access sufficient financial resources for building proper infrastructure. This research has also proposed an effective management framework that may include contract management, asset management as well as risk management of the South African SMMEs in the construction industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring the financial giving behaviours at a congregational church in Port Elizabeth: a qualitative study
- Authors: Stoffels, Eldridge
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: United Congregational Church of Southern Africa , Bantu Congregational Church in South Africa Church finance -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Finance -- Psychological aspects Investments -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43990 , vital:37090
- Description: The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) was established in 1967 through the combination of Church bodies in the Congregational Union of Southern Africa (CUSA), The London Missionary Society (LMS) and Bantu Congregational Church of Southern Africa (BCCSA). The vision of the founders of the UCCSA (LMS) in 1799 was to establish the two Congregational Churches, complete the groundwork through erecting church buildings, provide training to Church Ministers and fund the churches until they became self-sustainable. Thereupon fruitful ways needed to be established to raise funds for the mission of the church. One of the primary methods of raising money was from financial giving of members. The Congregational Church that is the focus of this study forms part of the UCCSA, which includes the church bodies within Southern Africa. The financial statements of this church were scrutinised and it was found to be making losses in the prior 3 financial years (2015-2017). However, in the 2018 financial year the members’ contributions increased by 35 percent compared to the previous financial year. The study therefore explored the factors influencing financial giving behaviours among members at a Congregational Church in Port Elizabeth, taking into consideration a significant positive shift in financial giving in the 2018 financial year in comparison with the prior 3 financial years (2015-2017). Based on this exploration, recommendations will be developed that could assist in enhancing the financial position of the Congregational Church as well as its sustainability as a religious organisation in future. A qualitative, explorative and contextual design was used for the study. The causal model for financial giving described by Finke, Bahr and Scheitle (2006) was used as basis for a theoretical framework. Using purposive sampling, 12 church members that were aged between 18 and 60 years and had recently financially contributed through pledging (tithing), and other monetary donations as part of their church membership were chosen to participate in two focus group discussions, thereby ensuring the data collected was rich with context. The data was analysed by using ATLAS.ti software which has been proven to guarantee the reliability of results. To ensure a high standard of qualitative research, the study adhered to the main principles of trustworthiness by Lincoln and Guba, including dependability, transferability, confirmability and credibility of the research process. Ethical principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, informed consent, privacy, anonymity and confidentiality of data, as well as obtaining ethical clearance, were adhered to in the study. The study yielded data that gave rise to eleven main themes and five sub-themes with regard to the factors that influenced financial giving behaviours of church members. These included: blessings members received from God, church attendance, belonging to a church community and church size, church financial needs (sub-themes included leadership, transparency about the financial position of the church and historic influences), stewardship (sub-themes included non-financial giving behaviours and other financial giving responsibilities), church involvement, tithing, member’s budget, spirituality, and stages of life. Participants were in agreement that blessings from God, belonging to a church community, transparency about the financial position of the church, member’s budget, and spirituality positively influenced their financial giving behaviours in the church. Factors that negatively influenced their giving behaviours included church size, historic influences, non-financial giving behaviours and other financial giving responsibilities. Church involvement, the member’s budget, as well as stages of life both positively and negatively influenced their financial giving behaviours. Participants were not in agreement whether church attendance, leadership and tithing influenced their financial giving behaviours in the church. Finke et al. (2006)’s conceptual model could be used to explain the findings. However, additional factors were identified to be influencing financial giving behaviours among members at the church under study. Some of the main recommendations made, based on the objectives of the study, are: For the Church Council to remain transparent with communication to church members of the financial position of the church; To continue with the stewardship campaign on a yearly basis to encourage members to give financially and of their time and talents to the church; Communicate with members of the church regarding the financial position of the church if it again experiences financial difficulties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Stoffels, Eldridge
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: United Congregational Church of Southern Africa , Bantu Congregational Church in South Africa Church finance -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Finance -- Psychological aspects Investments -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43990 , vital:37090
- Description: The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) was established in 1967 through the combination of Church bodies in the Congregational Union of Southern Africa (CUSA), The London Missionary Society (LMS) and Bantu Congregational Church of Southern Africa (BCCSA). The vision of the founders of the UCCSA (LMS) in 1799 was to establish the two Congregational Churches, complete the groundwork through erecting church buildings, provide training to Church Ministers and fund the churches until they became self-sustainable. Thereupon fruitful ways needed to be established to raise funds for the mission of the church. One of the primary methods of raising money was from financial giving of members. The Congregational Church that is the focus of this study forms part of the UCCSA, which includes the church bodies within Southern Africa. The financial statements of this church were scrutinised and it was found to be making losses in the prior 3 financial years (2015-2017). However, in the 2018 financial year the members’ contributions increased by 35 percent compared to the previous financial year. The study therefore explored the factors influencing financial giving behaviours among members at a Congregational Church in Port Elizabeth, taking into consideration a significant positive shift in financial giving in the 2018 financial year in comparison with the prior 3 financial years (2015-2017). Based on this exploration, recommendations will be developed that could assist in enhancing the financial position of the Congregational Church as well as its sustainability as a religious organisation in future. A qualitative, explorative and contextual design was used for the study. The causal model for financial giving described by Finke, Bahr and Scheitle (2006) was used as basis for a theoretical framework. Using purposive sampling, 12 church members that were aged between 18 and 60 years and had recently financially contributed through pledging (tithing), and other monetary donations as part of their church membership were chosen to participate in two focus group discussions, thereby ensuring the data collected was rich with context. The data was analysed by using ATLAS.ti software which has been proven to guarantee the reliability of results. To ensure a high standard of qualitative research, the study adhered to the main principles of trustworthiness by Lincoln and Guba, including dependability, transferability, confirmability and credibility of the research process. Ethical principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, informed consent, privacy, anonymity and confidentiality of data, as well as obtaining ethical clearance, were adhered to in the study. The study yielded data that gave rise to eleven main themes and five sub-themes with regard to the factors that influenced financial giving behaviours of church members. These included: blessings members received from God, church attendance, belonging to a church community and church size, church financial needs (sub-themes included leadership, transparency about the financial position of the church and historic influences), stewardship (sub-themes included non-financial giving behaviours and other financial giving responsibilities), church involvement, tithing, member’s budget, spirituality, and stages of life. Participants were in agreement that blessings from God, belonging to a church community, transparency about the financial position of the church, member’s budget, and spirituality positively influenced their financial giving behaviours in the church. Factors that negatively influenced their giving behaviours included church size, historic influences, non-financial giving behaviours and other financial giving responsibilities. Church involvement, the member’s budget, as well as stages of life both positively and negatively influenced their financial giving behaviours. Participants were not in agreement whether church attendance, leadership and tithing influenced their financial giving behaviours in the church. Finke et al. (2006)’s conceptual model could be used to explain the findings. However, additional factors were identified to be influencing financial giving behaviours among members at the church under study. Some of the main recommendations made, based on the objectives of the study, are: For the Church Council to remain transparent with communication to church members of the financial position of the church; To continue with the stewardship campaign on a yearly basis to encourage members to give financially and of their time and talents to the church; Communicate with members of the church regarding the financial position of the church if it again experiences financial difficulties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring the financial giving behaviours at a congregational church in Port Elizabeth: a qualitative study
- Authors: Stoffels, Eldridge
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Tithes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43979 , vital:37089
- Description: The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) was established in 1967 through the combination of Church bodies in the Congregational Union of Southern Africa (CUSA), The London Missionary Society (LMS) and Bantu Congregational Church of Southern Africa (BCCSA). The vision of the founders of the UCCSA (LMS) in 1799 was to establish the two Congregational Churches, complete the groundwork through erecting church buildings, provide training to Church Ministers and fund the churches until they became self-sustainable. Thereupon fruitful ways needed to be established to raise funds for the mission of the church. One of the primary methods of raising money was from financial giving of members. The Congregational Church that is the focus of this study forms part of the UCCSA, which includes the church bodies within Southern Africa. The financial statements of this church were scrutinised and it was found to be making losses in the prior 3 financial years (2015-2017). However, in the 2018 financial year the members’ contributions increased by 35 percent compared to the previous financial year. The study therefore explored the factors influencing financial giving behaviours among members at a Congregational Church in Port Elizabeth, taking into consideration a significant positive shift in financial giving in the 2018 financial year in comparison with the prior 3 financial years (2015-2017). Based on this exploration, recommendations will be developed that could assist in enhancing the financial position of the Congregational Church as well as its sustainability as a religious organisation in future. A qualitative, explorative and contextual design was used for the study. The causal model for financial giving described by Finke, Bahr and Scheitle (2006) was used as basis for a theoretical framework. Using purposive sampling, 12 church members that were aged between 18 and 60 years and had recently financially contributed through pledging (tithing), and other monetary donations as part of their church membership were chosen to participate in two focus group discussions, thereby ensuring the data collected was rich with context. The data was analysed by using ATLAS.ti software which has been proven to guarantee the reliability of results. To ensure a high standard of qualitative research, the study adhered to the main principles of trustworthiness by Lincoln and Guba, including dependability, transferability, confirmability and credibility of the research process. Ethical principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, informed consent, privacy, anonymity and confidentiality of data, as well as obtaining ethical clearance, were adhered to in the study. The study yielded data that gave rise to eleven main themes and five sub-themes with regard to the factors that influenced financial giving behaviours of church members. These included: blessings members received from God, church attendance, belonging to a church community and church size, church financial needs (sub-themes included leadership, transparency about the financial position of the church and historic influences), stewardship (sub-themes included non-financial giving behaviours and other financial giving responsibilities), church involvement, tithing, member’s budget, spirituality, and stages of life. Participants were in agreement that blessings from God, belonging to a church community, transparency about the financial position of the church, member’s budget, and spirituality positively influenced their financial giving behaviours in the church. Factors that negatively influenced their giving behaviours included church size, historic influences, non-financial giving behaviours and other financial giving responsibilities. Church involvement, the member’s budget, as well as stages of life both positively and negatively influenced their financial giving behaviours. Participants were not in agreement whether church attendance, leadership and tithing influenced their financial giving behaviours in the church. Finke et al. (2006)’s conceptual model could be used to explain the findings. However, additional factors were identified to be influencing financial giving behaviours among members at the church under study. Some of the main recommendations made, based on the objectives of the study, are: For the Church Council to remain transparent with communication to church members of the financial position of the church; To continue with the stewardship campaign on a yearly basis to encourage members to give financially and of their time and talents to the church; iv Communicate with members of the church regarding the financial position of the church if it again experiences financial difficulties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Stoffels, Eldridge
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Tithes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43979 , vital:37089
- Description: The United Congregational Church of Southern Africa (UCCSA) was established in 1967 through the combination of Church bodies in the Congregational Union of Southern Africa (CUSA), The London Missionary Society (LMS) and Bantu Congregational Church of Southern Africa (BCCSA). The vision of the founders of the UCCSA (LMS) in 1799 was to establish the two Congregational Churches, complete the groundwork through erecting church buildings, provide training to Church Ministers and fund the churches until they became self-sustainable. Thereupon fruitful ways needed to be established to raise funds for the mission of the church. One of the primary methods of raising money was from financial giving of members. The Congregational Church that is the focus of this study forms part of the UCCSA, which includes the church bodies within Southern Africa. The financial statements of this church were scrutinised and it was found to be making losses in the prior 3 financial years (2015-2017). However, in the 2018 financial year the members’ contributions increased by 35 percent compared to the previous financial year. The study therefore explored the factors influencing financial giving behaviours among members at a Congregational Church in Port Elizabeth, taking into consideration a significant positive shift in financial giving in the 2018 financial year in comparison with the prior 3 financial years (2015-2017). Based on this exploration, recommendations will be developed that could assist in enhancing the financial position of the Congregational Church as well as its sustainability as a religious organisation in future. A qualitative, explorative and contextual design was used for the study. The causal model for financial giving described by Finke, Bahr and Scheitle (2006) was used as basis for a theoretical framework. Using purposive sampling, 12 church members that were aged between 18 and 60 years and had recently financially contributed through pledging (tithing), and other monetary donations as part of their church membership were chosen to participate in two focus group discussions, thereby ensuring the data collected was rich with context. The data was analysed by using ATLAS.ti software which has been proven to guarantee the reliability of results. To ensure a high standard of qualitative research, the study adhered to the main principles of trustworthiness by Lincoln and Guba, including dependability, transferability, confirmability and credibility of the research process. Ethical principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, informed consent, privacy, anonymity and confidentiality of data, as well as obtaining ethical clearance, were adhered to in the study. The study yielded data that gave rise to eleven main themes and five sub-themes with regard to the factors that influenced financial giving behaviours of church members. These included: blessings members received from God, church attendance, belonging to a church community and church size, church financial needs (sub-themes included leadership, transparency about the financial position of the church and historic influences), stewardship (sub-themes included non-financial giving behaviours and other financial giving responsibilities), church involvement, tithing, member’s budget, spirituality, and stages of life. Participants were in agreement that blessings from God, belonging to a church community, transparency about the financial position of the church, member’s budget, and spirituality positively influenced their financial giving behaviours in the church. Factors that negatively influenced their giving behaviours included church size, historic influences, non-financial giving behaviours and other financial giving responsibilities. Church involvement, the member’s budget, as well as stages of life both positively and negatively influenced their financial giving behaviours. Participants were not in agreement whether church attendance, leadership and tithing influenced their financial giving behaviours in the church. Finke et al. (2006)’s conceptual model could be used to explain the findings. However, additional factors were identified to be influencing financial giving behaviours among members at the church under study. Some of the main recommendations made, based on the objectives of the study, are: For the Church Council to remain transparent with communication to church members of the financial position of the church; To continue with the stewardship campaign on a yearly basis to encourage members to give financially and of their time and talents to the church; iv Communicate with members of the church regarding the financial position of the church if it again experiences financial difficulties.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The effective use of corporate social responsibility as a strategic marketing tool to achieve competitive advantage in the South African banking sector
- Authors: Sogoni, Shalene
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business , Business communication Mass media and business Marketing Banks and banking -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44034 , vital:37094
- Description: The South African banking sector has increasingly grown, with the rise of new entrants in the market and a strong fintech focus, offering a completely digital banking service with products designed to improve the money management of clients. Competition within this sector has become rife, giving banks the option to compete by using traditional means or pursue alternative options. In the past, banks focused more on lowering costs, increasing sales, improve customer retention strategies and the development of superior digital products and services driven by new technology. However banking organisations also understand that is not enough. In order to survive in a highly competitive industry, firms will be have to diversify and follow alternative means outside of the standard traditional ways of doing banking. The business case for engaging in corporate social responsibility is clear and unavoidable as the scope and nature of the socio-economic problems within our communities persist, so has these societal problems become interdependent with the business environment. Therefore, executive managers and are now encouraged to become good corporate citizens, by becoming more socially responsible in the way it does its business. In other words, by strategically applying CSR, as a marketing tool, a company can be profitable, obtain a competitive advantage and simultaneously contribute towards making a sustainable difference in society. The intent of this study is to determine if corporate social responsibility is being effectively used as a strategic marketing tool to achieve competitive advantage in the South African banking sector. In addressing the main research question, and several other secondary objectives, this study seeks to enrich the discussion by presenting a theoretical review that demonstrates the relationship between several concepts, namely, corporate strategy, strategic marketing, corporate social responsibility and competitive advantage, interrelated in this study. The study employs a qualitative research approach by empirically conducting in-depth discussions with industry experts on the subject matter at hand, underpinned by academic literature. The study will justify the interdependencies of business and the society and explores the benefits of integrating CSR into the core strategy of business. The findings will be valuable to business executives, corporate social responsibility or marketing managers, academics and scholars who are trying to better understand the determinant’s of corporate social responsibility, strategic management and competitive advantage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Sogoni, Shalene
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business , Business communication Mass media and business Marketing Banks and banking -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44034 , vital:37094
- Description: The South African banking sector has increasingly grown, with the rise of new entrants in the market and a strong fintech focus, offering a completely digital banking service with products designed to improve the money management of clients. Competition within this sector has become rife, giving banks the option to compete by using traditional means or pursue alternative options. In the past, banks focused more on lowering costs, increasing sales, improve customer retention strategies and the development of superior digital products and services driven by new technology. However banking organisations also understand that is not enough. In order to survive in a highly competitive industry, firms will be have to diversify and follow alternative means outside of the standard traditional ways of doing banking. The business case for engaging in corporate social responsibility is clear and unavoidable as the scope and nature of the socio-economic problems within our communities persist, so has these societal problems become interdependent with the business environment. Therefore, executive managers and are now encouraged to become good corporate citizens, by becoming more socially responsible in the way it does its business. In other words, by strategically applying CSR, as a marketing tool, a company can be profitable, obtain a competitive advantage and simultaneously contribute towards making a sustainable difference in society. The intent of this study is to determine if corporate social responsibility is being effectively used as a strategic marketing tool to achieve competitive advantage in the South African banking sector. In addressing the main research question, and several other secondary objectives, this study seeks to enrich the discussion by presenting a theoretical review that demonstrates the relationship between several concepts, namely, corporate strategy, strategic marketing, corporate social responsibility and competitive advantage, interrelated in this study. The study employs a qualitative research approach by empirically conducting in-depth discussions with industry experts on the subject matter at hand, underpinned by academic literature. The study will justify the interdependencies of business and the society and explores the benefits of integrating CSR into the core strategy of business. The findings will be valuable to business executives, corporate social responsibility or marketing managers, academics and scholars who are trying to better understand the determinant’s of corporate social responsibility, strategic management and competitive advantage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Loyalty programmes in the South African health and beauty industry
- Authors: Snyman, Carl Petrus
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Customer loyalty programs -- South Africa , Customer clubs -- South Africa Beauty shops -- South Africa Cosmetics industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44056 , vital:37097
- Description: This treatise will investigate Loyalty Programmes within the South African Health and Beauty Industry. The most used Loyalty Programmes within South Africa fall into this industry, with Clicks being the most popular programme. The factors that influence success of these Loyalty Programmes is yet to be established. Previous work on customer loyalty has focused on generic factors influencing loyalty, but not on Loyalty Programmes in the Health and Beauty Industry. The review of the literature concentrates on defining customer loyalty and what factors contribute to the success of Loyalty Programmes. This study assessed the success of Loyalty Programmes within the South African Health and Beauty Industry. This study was done using exploratory factor analysis of Loyalty Programme measurement items that looked at attitudes and behaviours influencing customer loyalty. Factor analysis was done using data gathered from an online questionnaire. The sample of this study was selected at random using convenience and snowball sampling. A sample size of n = 603 is used in this study. Descriptive statistics were used to organise the data. Inferential statistics were used to project the findings onto the full population. The biggest contribution of this study was the presentation and statistical assessment of an exploratory factor analysis of factors influencing Loyalty Programmes in the Health and Beauty Industry. The study found that attitudes regarding general assessment, communication, personalisation, trust, flexibility and rewards are factors to consider in Health and Beauty Industry Loyalty Programmes. The study also found factors related to behaviours influencing general assessment, communication, purchase behaviour, flexibility, rewards and personalisation are factors to consider for Loyalty Programmes in the Health and Beauty Industry. The variables pertaining to demographics were found not to have a significant influence on the difference in the attitudes and behaviour of Loyalty Programme participants towards taking part in Loyalty Programmes. Loyalty Programme participation was not found to necessarily influence Loyalty Programmes. Apparent value was found to be an important factor in influencing purchase behaviour of Loyalty Programme participants. Trust towards Loyalty Programmes is not confirmed by Loyalty Programme participation. In order to maintain the credibility of the programme, Loyalty Programmes must gain participants’ trust. The study found no strong indication that Loyalty Programme communication at the moment increases repeat purchase behaviour indicating that communication strategies are not effective in the Health and Beauty Industry Loyalty Programmes. The personalisation approach is more focused on the personalisation of products than services. The ability of participants to use points/rewards on different platforms is important to Loyalty Programme participants. Non-reward value added services such as priority service and limited access to products are not a popular type of reward in the Health and Beauty Industry Loyalty Programmes. The study added to the body of knowledge on the statistical analysis approach to assess customer loyalty in the South African Health and Beauty Industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Snyman, Carl Petrus
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Customer loyalty programs -- South Africa , Customer clubs -- South Africa Beauty shops -- South Africa Cosmetics industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44056 , vital:37097
- Description: This treatise will investigate Loyalty Programmes within the South African Health and Beauty Industry. The most used Loyalty Programmes within South Africa fall into this industry, with Clicks being the most popular programme. The factors that influence success of these Loyalty Programmes is yet to be established. Previous work on customer loyalty has focused on generic factors influencing loyalty, but not on Loyalty Programmes in the Health and Beauty Industry. The review of the literature concentrates on defining customer loyalty and what factors contribute to the success of Loyalty Programmes. This study assessed the success of Loyalty Programmes within the South African Health and Beauty Industry. This study was done using exploratory factor analysis of Loyalty Programme measurement items that looked at attitudes and behaviours influencing customer loyalty. Factor analysis was done using data gathered from an online questionnaire. The sample of this study was selected at random using convenience and snowball sampling. A sample size of n = 603 is used in this study. Descriptive statistics were used to organise the data. Inferential statistics were used to project the findings onto the full population. The biggest contribution of this study was the presentation and statistical assessment of an exploratory factor analysis of factors influencing Loyalty Programmes in the Health and Beauty Industry. The study found that attitudes regarding general assessment, communication, personalisation, trust, flexibility and rewards are factors to consider in Health and Beauty Industry Loyalty Programmes. The study also found factors related to behaviours influencing general assessment, communication, purchase behaviour, flexibility, rewards and personalisation are factors to consider for Loyalty Programmes in the Health and Beauty Industry. The variables pertaining to demographics were found not to have a significant influence on the difference in the attitudes and behaviour of Loyalty Programme participants towards taking part in Loyalty Programmes. Loyalty Programme participation was not found to necessarily influence Loyalty Programmes. Apparent value was found to be an important factor in influencing purchase behaviour of Loyalty Programme participants. Trust towards Loyalty Programmes is not confirmed by Loyalty Programme participation. In order to maintain the credibility of the programme, Loyalty Programmes must gain participants’ trust. The study found no strong indication that Loyalty Programme communication at the moment increases repeat purchase behaviour indicating that communication strategies are not effective in the Health and Beauty Industry Loyalty Programmes. The personalisation approach is more focused on the personalisation of products than services. The ability of participants to use points/rewards on different platforms is important to Loyalty Programme participants. Non-reward value added services such as priority service and limited access to products are not a popular type of reward in the Health and Beauty Industry Loyalty Programmes. The study added to the body of knowledge on the statistical analysis approach to assess customer loyalty in the South African Health and Beauty Industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Strategic service quality challenges within Metrorail in the Western Cape
- Skosana, Nkosinathi Thembinkosi
- Authors: Skosana, Nkosinathi Thembinkosi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Customer relations -- Management Railroads -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43368 , vital:36862
- Description: Service quality has become a major area of attention for organisations as there is proven research that highlights a strong link between business performance, customer loyalty, profitability and customer satisfaction. Therefore, understanding factors that influences the organisations service quality becomes vital for managements (Fukey & Issac, 2014). According to (Kotler, 1991), the main objective of any transport organisation is to achieve passenger satisfaction and loyalty, as well as a superior quality service which is envisioned to keep the service provider at a competitive position in the field of passenger transportation. The primary research problem in this study is to understand perceived service quality challenges within Metrorail Western Cape. The study employs a modified SERVPERF models in developing a model suitable for testing the perception of commuter in public rail transport. In order to assess this, the study adopts a Positivistic view with the aim to produce quantifiable data, through the use of large samples and the testing of hypotheses. The study is quantitative in principle. Quantitative study supports the use of surveys as a means of data collection and because the data is quantitative, this allows the use of rigorous statistical analyses in order come to a conclusion or finding. The results of this are of a descriptive nature and can easily be used to infer to a larger population. A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed electronically using the Questionpro links and manually distributed at stations. From the distributed total, a total of 257 responses were received and analysed using software package STATISTICA with the assistance of a qualified statistician. The key findings indicate that according to the perception of commuters, Metrorail service quality is below the expected levels. The major arears of importance for commuters in Western Cape are safety, communications and reliability of the service.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Skosana, Nkosinathi Thembinkosi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Customer relations -- Management Railroads -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43368 , vital:36862
- Description: Service quality has become a major area of attention for organisations as there is proven research that highlights a strong link between business performance, customer loyalty, profitability and customer satisfaction. Therefore, understanding factors that influences the organisations service quality becomes vital for managements (Fukey & Issac, 2014). According to (Kotler, 1991), the main objective of any transport organisation is to achieve passenger satisfaction and loyalty, as well as a superior quality service which is envisioned to keep the service provider at a competitive position in the field of passenger transportation. The primary research problem in this study is to understand perceived service quality challenges within Metrorail Western Cape. The study employs a modified SERVPERF models in developing a model suitable for testing the perception of commuter in public rail transport. In order to assess this, the study adopts a Positivistic view with the aim to produce quantifiable data, through the use of large samples and the testing of hypotheses. The study is quantitative in principle. Quantitative study supports the use of surveys as a means of data collection and because the data is quantitative, this allows the use of rigorous statistical analyses in order come to a conclusion or finding. The results of this are of a descriptive nature and can easily be used to infer to a larger population. A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed electronically using the Questionpro links and manually distributed at stations. From the distributed total, a total of 257 responses were received and analysed using software package STATISTICA with the assistance of a qualified statistician. The key findings indicate that according to the perception of commuters, Metrorail service quality is below the expected levels. The major arears of importance for commuters in Western Cape are safety, communications and reliability of the service.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Altruistic love culture and workers well-being: a study in workplace spirituality
- Authors: Simms, Michelle
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Employee assistance programs -- South Africa , Religion in the workplace Altruism Interpersonal relations and culture -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43468 , vital:36892
- Description: Business leaders and company analysts identify the fact that the marketplace necessitates flexibility and mobility to triumph over the competitive difficulties which businesses usually encounter. More recently approaches have focused on the role that people perform in bringing about competitive advantage and in particular strategies on how to increase Employee Well-being. Given the need for Employee Well-being in order to achieve desired work-related results, management has become progressively more enthusiastic about methods to improve the well-being of their employees. This research study seeks to make a contribution to this topic by investigating how Employee Well-being can be increased by inculcating an Altruistic Love culture amongst employees. To achieve this objective an Employee Well-Being Model was presented. Spiritual Leadership in the workplace was discussed as the theoretical framework with Altruistic Love as a feature in the intrinsic model of motivation explained further. Six values were defined and according to the theoretical framework were important in order to achieve Employee Well-being. These values were Appreciation, Kindness, Integrity, Compassion, Humility and Forgiveness. The Employee Well-Being Model served as a basis for the compilation of the survey questionnaire to investigate the role of Altruistic Love values in achieving Employee Well-being. The questionnaire was administered in two stages. The first was a printed survey distributed to all workers at a FMCG company called Springbok Discount Meat Centre. The second part was an electronic survey sent out by email, where a link to the online survey could be accessed. The empirical results revealed that Appreciation, Kindness, Integrity and Humility were significantly positively related to Employee Well-being. Compassion was significantly negatively related to Employee Well-being. It can consequently be postulated that there will be a significant improvement of Employee Well-Being in the workplace if Altruistic Love values, defined in the study as Appreciation, Kindness, Integrity and Humility are practised more often by employees including management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Simms, Michelle
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Employee assistance programs -- South Africa , Religion in the workplace Altruism Interpersonal relations and culture -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43468 , vital:36892
- Description: Business leaders and company analysts identify the fact that the marketplace necessitates flexibility and mobility to triumph over the competitive difficulties which businesses usually encounter. More recently approaches have focused on the role that people perform in bringing about competitive advantage and in particular strategies on how to increase Employee Well-being. Given the need for Employee Well-being in order to achieve desired work-related results, management has become progressively more enthusiastic about methods to improve the well-being of their employees. This research study seeks to make a contribution to this topic by investigating how Employee Well-being can be increased by inculcating an Altruistic Love culture amongst employees. To achieve this objective an Employee Well-Being Model was presented. Spiritual Leadership in the workplace was discussed as the theoretical framework with Altruistic Love as a feature in the intrinsic model of motivation explained further. Six values were defined and according to the theoretical framework were important in order to achieve Employee Well-being. These values were Appreciation, Kindness, Integrity, Compassion, Humility and Forgiveness. The Employee Well-Being Model served as a basis for the compilation of the survey questionnaire to investigate the role of Altruistic Love values in achieving Employee Well-being. The questionnaire was administered in two stages. The first was a printed survey distributed to all workers at a FMCG company called Springbok Discount Meat Centre. The second part was an electronic survey sent out by email, where a link to the online survey could be accessed. The empirical results revealed that Appreciation, Kindness, Integrity and Humility were significantly positively related to Employee Well-being. Compassion was significantly negatively related to Employee Well-being. It can consequently be postulated that there will be a significant improvement of Employee Well-Being in the workplace if Altruistic Love values, defined in the study as Appreciation, Kindness, Integrity and Humility are practised more often by employees including management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Factors affecting consumer behaviour in a black box products in South Africa: particularly in the telematics industry
- Authors: Sebate, Othusitse Ronny
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Consumer behavior , Marketing research Telecommunication -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43435 , vital:36881
- Description: Crime has given rise to the telematics market in South Africa, however, not much is known about this industry. The telematics products, or vehicle tracking products, have to be installed in vehicles in such a way that the criminals, let alone the owners, will not be able to find it. It is a “black box” product that it is not known what is inside, and it is not to be seen. This then posed a question of how then does one choose one telematics product over the other. This study was aimed at finding out what influences consumer behaviour in the South African telematics market. This study specifically looked at various factors such as understanding of deeper customer insights, operational excellence, readiness, predictive maintenance, new digital services and marketing mix on how they influence consumer behaviour. An empirical study using online survey was conducted amongst 98 respondents who own or rent a telematics product from various telematics companies in South Africa. The key findings indicated that most important atributes to influencing consumers in the telematics industry were operational excellence, response readiness, and the marketing mix. Recommendations were then given that although other atributes that were investigated such as understanding deeper customer insights, predictive maintenance, and new digital services are important, they will not bear much fruit for any organisation if the basics of operational excellence, response readiness, and marketing mix are not mastered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Sebate, Othusitse Ronny
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Consumer behavior , Marketing research Telecommunication -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43435 , vital:36881
- Description: Crime has given rise to the telematics market in South Africa, however, not much is known about this industry. The telematics products, or vehicle tracking products, have to be installed in vehicles in such a way that the criminals, let alone the owners, will not be able to find it. It is a “black box” product that it is not known what is inside, and it is not to be seen. This then posed a question of how then does one choose one telematics product over the other. This study was aimed at finding out what influences consumer behaviour in the South African telematics market. This study specifically looked at various factors such as understanding of deeper customer insights, operational excellence, readiness, predictive maintenance, new digital services and marketing mix on how they influence consumer behaviour. An empirical study using online survey was conducted amongst 98 respondents who own or rent a telematics product from various telematics companies in South Africa. The key findings indicated that most important atributes to influencing consumers in the telematics industry were operational excellence, response readiness, and the marketing mix. Recommendations were then given that although other atributes that were investigated such as understanding deeper customer insights, predictive maintenance, and new digital services are important, they will not bear much fruit for any organisation if the basics of operational excellence, response readiness, and marketing mix are not mastered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The impact of perceived ethical leadership on employees’ predisposition to behave ethically: a case study within a South African-based financial institution
- Authors: Rudzani, Magau
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Leadership -- Moral and ethical aspects , Leadership Business ethics Ethics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40768 , vital:36234
- Description: Ethical leaders consistently set ethical principles within the institution and act in accordance with them; hence, leaders should be a key source of ethical guidance for employees. As the business world is constantly evolving, leaders increasingly are required to ethically lead across different sectors. Current literature on ethical leadership and its influence of employees reflects mostly a Western, European and Asian-based private-sector perspective, pointing toward a compliance-oriented understanding of ethical and unethical leadership. This study examined how perceived ethical orientation of a leader has an impact on employees’ predisposition to behave ethically within a South African context. Qualitative data was collected as the study adopted the interpretivist paradigm, which made it easier for participants to use descriptive words and qualifying statements to express the level of influence their leaders had on their ethical orientation. The target population of the study included all staff of the institution; and participants were chosen using the purposive sampling method. Data was collected from 12 employees using semi-structure interviews. Thereafter, thematic analysis was used to identify and organise participants’ experiences into themes that established the basis for the study findings. These findings confirmed that perceived leader ethical orientation has an impact on employees’ predisposition to behave ethically. The study found that ethical leaders had a track record of being consistent, honest, trustworthy, truthful and credible, and being a role model. In addition, the study also found that unethical leaders are easily identifiable by their perpetual inability to uphold principles of integrity, reliability, rationality, and social justice and fairness. The researcher concluded that the moral identity of the leader has an influence on followers’ predisposition to behave ethically or unethically. The implications of this study are that ethical morals, by their very nature, are transferable from one person to the other and ethical leadership was one antecedent through which this transfer takes place. However, ethical leadership was not the only apparatus that influenced employees’ ethical predisposition and these afford opportunities for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Rudzani, Magau
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Leadership -- Moral and ethical aspects , Leadership Business ethics Ethics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40768 , vital:36234
- Description: Ethical leaders consistently set ethical principles within the institution and act in accordance with them; hence, leaders should be a key source of ethical guidance for employees. As the business world is constantly evolving, leaders increasingly are required to ethically lead across different sectors. Current literature on ethical leadership and its influence of employees reflects mostly a Western, European and Asian-based private-sector perspective, pointing toward a compliance-oriented understanding of ethical and unethical leadership. This study examined how perceived ethical orientation of a leader has an impact on employees’ predisposition to behave ethically within a South African context. Qualitative data was collected as the study adopted the interpretivist paradigm, which made it easier for participants to use descriptive words and qualifying statements to express the level of influence their leaders had on their ethical orientation. The target population of the study included all staff of the institution; and participants were chosen using the purposive sampling method. Data was collected from 12 employees using semi-structure interviews. Thereafter, thematic analysis was used to identify and organise participants’ experiences into themes that established the basis for the study findings. These findings confirmed that perceived leader ethical orientation has an impact on employees’ predisposition to behave ethically. The study found that ethical leaders had a track record of being consistent, honest, trustworthy, truthful and credible, and being a role model. In addition, the study also found that unethical leaders are easily identifiable by their perpetual inability to uphold principles of integrity, reliability, rationality, and social justice and fairness. The researcher concluded that the moral identity of the leader has an influence on followers’ predisposition to behave ethically or unethically. The implications of this study are that ethical morals, by their very nature, are transferable from one person to the other and ethical leadership was one antecedent through which this transfer takes place. However, ethical leadership was not the only apparatus that influenced employees’ ethical predisposition and these afford opportunities for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Possible futures of the atmospheric gases industry towards 2035
- Authors: Reddy, Kelly
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Gas industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43031 , vital:36730
- Description: Technological advancements in recent years have led to a disruptive phenomenon. In a world that is undergoing rapid change, it is important for the industry to understand that what they do today will determine if they will exist tomorrow. The fourth industrial revolution, also known as Industry 4.0, is gaining momentum with each passing day, and this will change every aspect of our lives. The world will see a transformation which will impact upon many industries and in some cases, replace them. The atmospheric gases industry needs to understand the impact the fourth industrial revolution will have on it and act or risk becoming obsolete. Futures studies is used in this study, to provide insight into the future of the atmospheric gases industry toward 2035. Futures studies is the study of the possible, probable and preferred futures and the worldviews and myths that underlie them. It seeks to use the future, how it is imagined, thought about and realised, to change the present. Work in futures studies aims to use the future before disruption takes place. It starts to predict and look at emerging issues to anticipate what could potentially happen. If this is not done, the business stays in a “business as usual” way of operating. This works only when the world is stable. When the world undergoes change such as technological, economic or geopolitical change, this disrupts organisations and gets them to start thinking about how they can survive. Through the understanding and application of the six pillars of futures studies which take one through the mapping of the present and future, anticipating the future, timing the future, deepening the future, creating alternatives to the present and finally, transforming the present, fresh insights are uncovered. These insights are used to provide strategic direction toward the preferred future for the atmospheric gases industry as well as providing an understanding of future emerging markets which the industry can capitalise on. Scenarios are developed to guide the industry to carry out what is required today, to create their preferred future. New ways of thinking about the future is needed for the industry to face the challenges and take hold of the opportunities that Industry 4.0 comes with.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Reddy, Kelly
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Gas industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43031 , vital:36730
- Description: Technological advancements in recent years have led to a disruptive phenomenon. In a world that is undergoing rapid change, it is important for the industry to understand that what they do today will determine if they will exist tomorrow. The fourth industrial revolution, also known as Industry 4.0, is gaining momentum with each passing day, and this will change every aspect of our lives. The world will see a transformation which will impact upon many industries and in some cases, replace them. The atmospheric gases industry needs to understand the impact the fourth industrial revolution will have on it and act or risk becoming obsolete. Futures studies is used in this study, to provide insight into the future of the atmospheric gases industry toward 2035. Futures studies is the study of the possible, probable and preferred futures and the worldviews and myths that underlie them. It seeks to use the future, how it is imagined, thought about and realised, to change the present. Work in futures studies aims to use the future before disruption takes place. It starts to predict and look at emerging issues to anticipate what could potentially happen. If this is not done, the business stays in a “business as usual” way of operating. This works only when the world is stable. When the world undergoes change such as technological, economic or geopolitical change, this disrupts organisations and gets them to start thinking about how they can survive. Through the understanding and application of the six pillars of futures studies which take one through the mapping of the present and future, anticipating the future, timing the future, deepening the future, creating alternatives to the present and finally, transforming the present, fresh insights are uncovered. These insights are used to provide strategic direction toward the preferred future for the atmospheric gases industry as well as providing an understanding of future emerging markets which the industry can capitalise on. Scenarios are developed to guide the industry to carry out what is required today, to create their preferred future. New ways of thinking about the future is needed for the industry to face the challenges and take hold of the opportunities that Industry 4.0 comes with.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019