The decision to stay or go: study of generation y chartered accountants in South Africa
- Authors: Hluyo, Fungai
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53031 , vital:44878
- Description: Having deduced from literature that millennials have a very high employee turnover, the purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of what factors would make millennial Chartered Accountants in South Africa, or (CA)s, stay with or leave organisations. This is a case study within a qualitative research paradigm and followed an interpretivistic approach. A purposeful sampling technique was used in selecting a sample of seven millennial CAs for data collection. The sample constituted millennials who had changed jobs at least once in the past five years as these fell within the scope of this study. Semistructured interviews were conducted virtually using an interview guide as a data collecting instrument. Data saturation was reached after the interview of the sixth participant. The interview process provided a good blance of subjective views, opinions, emotions, and values of all participants. Having transcribed the interview transcripts, a manually detailed coding process was completed. Eight main emerging themes were identified which ultimately provided responses to the research questions. The data analysis revealed that millennial CA(SA)s prioritise, and in fact, demand flexibility coupled with a work-life balance. They expect their employers to understand and be supportive of these expectations. Other important retaining factors for this cohort of employees include, amongst others; training and development opportunities, growth, diversity, obtaining performance feedback, and coaching. An important issue that participants highlighted is the importance of ethics at work and or ethical leadership. The researcher could not probe more into this due to time constraints. This is recommended for further research. Having interviewed only six participants, this relatively small number poses a limitation to this study as these findings cannot be generalised to apply to all millennial CAs in South Africa. The data collected however, provided useful recommendations to employers looking for ways to retain millennial Chartered Accountants. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Fisher’s hypothesis from a disaggregated perspective for South Africa: an asymmetric approach
- Authors: Mbekeni, Lutho
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52978 , vital:44863
- Description: In this study, we re-examine Fisher’s hypothesis for the South African economy during the post-inflation targeting era of 2002:Q1 to 2019:Q4, and in doing so, we present four noteworthy empirical contributions. Firstly, we employ two nonlinear frameworks to carry out our empirical analysis, i.e. i) Flexible Fourier Function (FFF) unit root tests, and ii) Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag model (NARDL). Secondly, we take the disaggregated approach in examining Fisher’s hypothesis by making use of survey-based inflation expectations data for financial analysts, the business sector, trade unions representatives, and household participants. Thirdly, we capture our inflation expectations using three different forecast horizons (i.e. current, 12-month ahead, and 24-month ahead). Lastly, we conduct a sensitivity analysis. After employing our FFF based tests, the empirical results highlighted the Reserve Bank’s success of stabilizing real interest rates for periods subsequent to the 2008 Subprime crisis, as compared to periods before the crisis. Furthermore, after employing the NARDL model, we observed that nominal interest rates are more responsive to the falling inflation expectations across all economic agents except for trade unions during the pre-crisis period. On the other hand, nominal interest rates were found to be more responsive to rising expectations of all economic agents in the post-crisis period. Essentially, our findings have important policy implications for monetary policy. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The readiness of embracing the fourth industrial revolution disruptive innovations: a case for an automotive assembler in the Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Authors: Mbolekwa, Luvuyo
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52988 , vital:44866
- Description: Organisations and people find themselves in the era of what is known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Unlike the preceding revolutions, this revolution is characterised by technological advancements that lead to disruptive phenomena. These advancements are growing at an exponential rate. They have brought disruptive innovations that have either reshaped many industries, causing them to lose market share or exit altogether. Some organisations are keen to embrace disruptive innovation to ensure that they are sustainable into the future, while others are only inclined to use known technologies to leverage economies of scale. The 4IR has already been around for a while and is moving at a fast pace. The level of readiness for the automotive assembler, Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf), to take advantage of such technological changes brought by the 4IR, has not yet been measured. The primary objective of this study is to investigate IMSAf’s perceptions and readiness to embrace technological changes brought by the 4IR. The perceptions and readiness are assessed based on the technology embracing organisational framework of efficiencies, innovation, skills and re-training. This study is grounded in the philosophy of positivism and the related method used is a quantitative study to test the research questions in an objective manner. A questionnaire was the sole method of collecting first-hand data from the selected sample. The population size consisted of 139 respondents working in various business units within IMSAf. These individuals are occupying various roles and they have in depth, tacit, and multi-disciplinary knowledge of processes and would be the first to experience technological changes brought by the 4IR. A quantitative analysis technique is applied, such as descriptive and inferential statistics, to analyse data. A literature review on the topic was conducted as well as an empirical study. The results from both the literature review and the empirical study found that with the implementation of 4IR emerging technologies within an organisation, there is a significant improvement on efficiencies, innovation and skills and re-training. Furthermore, the level of awareness and understanding about the benefits of embracing 4IR emerging technologies within IMSAf is significant. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The development of a framework to assess the effectiveness of the existing viability based lending format of development funding institutions to facilitate increased financial inclusion; recent evidence from the SME sector in Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa
- Authors: Mkhize, Bukhosi Walter
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52999 , vital:44867
- Description: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) internationally have a significant involvement in global economies, as they often are key drivers of economic growth through job creation, increasing production volumes, increased exports and imports. SMEs’ access to development finance and other financing products in the market remains one of the most significant constraints to the establishment, survival, growth, and productivity of SMEs. The South African Government has enacted policies to support SME development and enhance financial inclusion; however, the financing gap has proven to be persistent. Most SMEs cannot access various development and commercial credit funding due to a number of reasons, such as: the detailed complex financial documentation, own contribution and collateral required by finance institutions to grant loan finance; high cost involved in raising loan funding and high punitive interest rates due to the perceived high risk nature of the SMEs; and long time frames for the economic viability and business sustainability assessment processes for credit approval. In this study, a broad analysis of a viability based lending format of a development funding institution was conducted with the intention to develop a framework to assess its effectiveness to facilitate increased financial inclusion in the SMEs sector in KwaZulu-Natal. The study used the literature review to identify key factors that have an impact on economic viability and business sustainability/feasibility in terms of how these factors influence perceived financial inclusion of SMEs. The empirical section of the study tested SMEs’ perceptions and understanding of the concepts that influence the economic viability and business sustainability/feasibility of the SME sector. Strong evidence emerged from the empirical study that SMEs lack crucial resources such as own contribution to achieve an optimal equity structure in the business, lack of grant funding information available to support SMEs, lack of collateral required for funding security, lack of business support available to SMEs to compile comprehensive business plans and lack of own resources to manage various aspects of the business. Without appropriate coordination of the SMEs’ ecosystem, financial inclusion for SMEs will remain a challenge. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Improving customer service through the marketing-logistic interface for automotive suppliers in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Mkumatela, Yolisa
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52955 , vital:44865
- Description: The primary purpose of this study was to investigate if the marketing-log-istics interface can improve customer service for automotive suppliers in the Eastern Cape. The rationale was that the poor service delivery by automotive suppliers can negatively affect the customer service levels, which can lead to dissatisfied customers and thus decrease the firm's profits while improved customer service levels may benefit the supplier, as customers may seek the best service from the supplier in terms of the right price, good quality, on time delivery, correct order quantities, and the correct delivery location for orders. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
A baseline study of land tenure rights and livelihoods in the Amatole District in the context of proposed shale gas development
- Authors: Mmtsila, Mkhuseli
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52969 , vital:44869
- Description: Shale Gas Exploration (SGE) is one among various means that are seen as a solution to the energy crisis of the 21st century. In many first world countries, especially in America, Shale Gas Exploration (SGE) has been one of the energy sources that has been utilised along with other energy sources like coal as a means of moving towards a cleaner and more sustainable renewable energy source to reduce carbon emissions as it burns cleaner than coal. Shale Gas Development (SGD) is now gaining momentum around the world, including in the African continent and in particular, South Africa, which has shown potential for exploration. The recently discovered shale gas deposits in the Karoo region have drawn significant attention across the entire central region of the interior, including the Amathole District of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, a region often neglected in the discussion surrounding SGD as it falls within the far eastern corner of the existing areas under application for exploration. In the District, as in the Province as a whole, this has brought discussions around potential for development for the area and the country at large. Since the discovery of shale gas extracts in the Karoo, there has also been a heated debate in looking at Shale Gas Development (SGD) as one of the alternatives to coal within the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) to be a part of a mixed resource plan for the country. The heated debate is based on anticipated environmental short run effects together with long-run impacts in comparison with the economic benefits that could bring about economic growth and development in the Eastern Cape and South Africa at large. The concerns around Shale Gas Development (SGD) make it difficult to exploit the resource due to scepticism of residents of the Amathole District Municipality, environmental organisations, NGOs and civil society, including land tenure rights as there is an unresolved land question in South Africa. The debate around the land question in South Africa is based on redressing the socio-economic imbalances that were caused by the historical land dispossessions and the apartheid system that disallowed the indigenous black majority land rights. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Department of Development Studies, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
An assessment of risk management in a State-Owned Enterprise (SOE): a case of Transnet engineering
- Authors: Mnyiphika, Aphiwe
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53009 , vital:44868
- Description: State-owned enterprises are facing several challenges. The challenges are associated with several risks in the business environment. Risk management has become increasingly important in the day to operations of any enterprise. This study is conducted to assess risk management implementation and execution within a state-owned enterprise (SOE). The main reason behind this research is that very little is known about risk management in the SOE sector in South Africa, as can be seen by the perpetual failure of these organisations. Therefore, this research focused on assessing the implementation and execution of risk management at Transnet Engineering because it continues to suffer losses as a result of “state capture”. The study sought to find out the role of organisational culture on the adoption of risk management in a state-owned enterprise. the main objectives of the research focused on the impact of commitment on the adoption of risk management in a state-owned enterprise; the function of implementation on the adoption of risk management in a state-owned enterprise; and the impact of monitoring on the adoption of risk management in a state-owned enterprise. A qualitative research methodology was utilised to attain results for these research objectives.The areas focused on Transnet Engineering with it regions and excluded other subdivisions of Transnet such as Transnet National Ports Authority, Freight rail, Port Terminals Pipelines and Properties. Convenience sampling was used to select 10 appropriate participants who were willing to provide the needed information to furnish the study’s findings. Interviews were utilised to collect data for this study. The data that was collected in this study was analysed using thematic analysis. The main findings of this study show that the organisational culture of Transnet Engineering is not enhancing the adoption and implementation of Enterprise Risk Management (ERM). , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The relationship between psychological capital and employee wellness in the retail sector in South Africa
- Authors: Mphinyana, Masindi
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53018 , vital:44870
- Description: Psychological Capital (PsyCap) and employee wellness. Moreover, the study investigated demographic differences in relation to the variables. The study employed a cross-sectional, correlational design to achieve the objectives. Additionally, a non-probability convenience sampling method was used. Data was collected from retail employees in Gauteng, Pretoria through a composite self-administered paper-and-pencil questionnaire which incorporated a biographical questionnaire, the PCQ-24 and the PWS. To determine whether a relationship exists between the constructs, Pearson’s product-moment correlations were used. To further determine demographical differences, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilised, and post-hoc Tukey HSD tests were used to determine where the differences lie. Results indicated that PsyCap was positively correlated with wellness; and significant differences in the means for both PsyCap and wellness were observed for demographic variables. The study further revealed that PsyCap is predictive of employee wellness. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resources, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Customer experience in the South African retail banking industry
- Authors: Mtyu, Noluchumo
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53037 , vital:44874
- Description: This treatise explores customer experience in the South African banking industry and its importance for the success of retail banks. Customer experience leaves a memory that has critical effects on future spending of not only direct customers, but others around them. The main issues addressed by this study are how customer experience is a differentiator in the South African banking industry. The banking industry is a highly competitive industry and the importance of customer service in the banking industry is essential for business if they wish to stay relevant and have sustained continuity and growth. In today’s fast-evolving business life, customer experience has become the new battleground for businesses and banks can no longer rely on products or prices to be competitive. Retail banks now need to compete by providing exceptional customer experiences, which cannot be imitated by their competitors. Services provided by South African banks are very similar and banks need to use superior customer experiences to gain competitive advantage over rivals. Understanding customer experience in achieving customer satisfaction is essential to ensure that banks have satisfied customers who encourage others to join or stay with the bank. Once understood, customer experience will assist bank managers to provide inimitable and superior experiences, resulting in business success. The study aims to assist South African banks to improve customer experiences by investigating customer experience and factors that influence it. Definitions and theories are discussed as well as the importance of customer experience in the South African retail banking industry. This study specifically explored the role of the customer experience through factors brand experience, service experience and post-purchase experience. Each factor is statistically explored and its importance highlighted. An empirical study, using a questionnaire, was conducted amongst 858 respondents. The purpose of this was to determine the satisfaction levels of South African retail banking customers, by using data analyses and descriptive and inferential statistics to test the factors identified in the conceptual model. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Psychological capital and burnout in the financial service sector
- Authors: Muller, Nadia
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52990 , vital:44872
- Description: The purpose of this research study was to determine the relationship between PsyCap and burnout in a service-related working environment that is somewhat unexplored, including the non-banking financial services sector. To achieve this purpose, a correlational research design was employed and the convenience, non-probability sampling method was utilised as the technique for sourcing participants. Data was collected by way of an online survey comprising of the PCQ-24, OLBI and a Biographical Section, which was distributed among 380 non-banking employees in the sample company, and a final sample size of N=88 was achieved. The two psychometric instruments utilised were both proven to be valid and reliable, thus increasing the credibility of the data obtained. The raw data was processed and analysed through statistical calculations, performed by a qualified Statistician, and included descriptive and inferential statistics in the form of cronbach’s alpha coefficients, pearsons correlations, t-tests, ANOVA’s, and linear regression for the data interpretation. The results revealed that there was a negative, statistically significant relationship between PsyCap and burnout, and that PsyCap explained 18% of the variance in burnout scores amongst the sample. In addition, statistically significant differences were found between burnout, disengagement, and position, as well as between PsyCap and some of its dimensions with gender, educational level, position, and department in terms of the demographic variables. The researcher has considered the ethical principles of autonomy, confidentiality, anonymity, and ownership of the data throughout the research process, and the research paper was submitted for assessment and ethical approval before commencement of this study. The primary aim of this research study was achieved in that a significant and negative correlation between PsyCap and burnout was revealed. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resources, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Entrepreneurial intentions of Eskom employees in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Ngamlana, Vuyiseka Pakama
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53026 , vital:44871
- Description: Entrepreneurship has been gathering increasing attention because of its critical impact on the economy. This is due to Entrepreneurship serving both as an engine driving economic growth and as a strategy, which promotes the discovery, dissemination and implementation of innovation. In South Africa, limited research has been conducted to test the entrepreneurial intentions of employees working in the State Owned Enterprises (SOEs). SOEs such as Eskom are facing significant political, institutional and normative pressures which minimise its ability to perform its mandate. Eskom has a surplus work force with a headcount of 47 600 employees, this is 15 000 more than the headcount it had a decade ago, while the electricity production has not changed. The aim of this study is to examine entrepreneurial intentions of Eskom employees and the factors that influence individuals to select employment in the public sector. The entrepreneurial intention model used in this study draws from the work by Mhlanga (2019). The model consists of culture, family obligations, job security, role modelling, entrepreneurial self – efficacy, access to financial resources and locus of control to entrepreneurial intentions. Convenience sampling was used in this study (n=160). The research design involved a cross-sectional approach. SPSS and STATA statistical software were used for the analyses. Job security, role modelling and selfefficacy were found to influence entrepreneurial intentions of Eskom employees in the Eastern Cape. Eskom employees in the Eastern Cape were found to be optimistic about the availability of financing and accessibility for start-ups business ventures. One of the recommendations therefore is for Eskom management to facilitate initiatives such as Entrepreneurship Workshops for Eskom employees to network and share ideas, with funders and mentors. The target population consist of 2050 employees sample size of 160 respondents was obtained. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NNU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Impacts of food security programmes at Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: Ngxeba, Zola
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Masters theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53030 , vital:44875
- Description: Poverty is recognised as one of the greatest challenges faced by developing and the least developed countries. South Africa has been no different with increased levels of poverty which are also inherit from the substantial inequality in the country. Thus, food security programmes have become an innovative way to tackle the issue of poverty across municipalities. Taking a qualitative and quantitative root within the Buffallo City Municipality located in the Eastern Cape, this study evaluated the impact these programmes have on household food security. Through surveys and interviews with participants in the Siyazondla and Siyakhula food programme instituted by department of rural development and agrarian reform (DRDAR) the findings show that beneficiaries benefited heavily from the programmes. Several households reported increased scale of food supply due to programmes such as the gardening projects and inputs within the agricultural process particularly; seeds, fertilizer and equipment neccesary for planting. Thus, conclusively, the outcome of these food security programmes has been positive and it is adviced that the department of rural development and agrarian reform (DRDAR) increase the population of households in the projects offered by the department. Moreover, these projects should be implimented to provide means which could enable communities to continue the projects without need for dependence. This would entail providing individuals with the neccesary skills and education to continue these projects within their households at limited costs. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
A model for smart factories in the consumer health sector
- Authors: Nherera, Bruce
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52959 , vital:44879
- Description: The manufacturing sector, globally, is facing significant challenges due to current societal, economic, environmental, and technological developments. To overcome the challenges into the future, manufacturing organisations will need new capabilities to manage their end to end supply chains to make sure that it is responsive and agile. The Smart factories, as an element of Industry 4.0, drive efficient operations while at the same time ensure that employees are safe, and operations are environmentally sustainable. The ability to be flexible, to be reconfigured and to be connected to customers allows Smart factories to mass customise their customers’ orders and maintain the same efficiencies when compared to mass production operations. Technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) in Smart factories must be employed to further drive efficiencies, agility and ease of production by giving operations the capability to respond in real time to problems with machines and customer requests. Smart factory technology allows operational sustainability through the efficient use of resources. The Smart factory revolution is significantly changing the relationship between humans and machines. Based on the literature review conducted, a theoretical model was constructed which was tested at a Consumer Health Organisation to identify the relationship between the dependent and independent factors. The independent factors, specified in the model were job security, organisation culture, training and skills, trust, costs and resources, parent company and standards. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
A framework to integrate social entrepreneurship into development planning in South Africa
- Authors: Nwauche, Sokeibelemaye
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52982 , vital:44881
- Description: The thesis presents a framework to integrate social entrepreneurship (SE) into development planning in South Africa. Even though there is no consensus on a universally accepted definition of the term, there is concurrence that SE brings about social change that can influence the overall development of the community. In South Africa, SE is thus conceived of as one of the mechanisms for addressing the wicked and persistent socio-economic challenges that face the country. Social entrepreneurship occurs in areas such as education, health, skills development, youth programmes, rehabilitation, safety, food security, poverty, job creation, human rights activism, environmental issues, arts and culture, among others. However, it remains unclear how SE is integrated into the development planning and implementation processes. Questions of integrating SE into development planning are asked within the context of South Africa as a democratic developmental state that intervenes in the development process. It emphasises the mobilization of and engagement with all sectors towards the achievement of its development objectives as articulated in the national development plan (NDP). Also, government recognizes organizations in the social enterprise sector (such as NPOs and NPCs) as stakeholders and development partners who deliver relevant services towards the achievement of these development objectives. However, there is a lack of framework to mobilize and integrate the social enterprise sector and SE into the development planning process. Social entrepreneurship, therefore, tends to occur in insolation from other development programmes. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Understanding the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on SMEs in South Africa
- Authors: Ogunniyi, Vuyokazi
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53039 , vital:44883
- Description: The current research dissertation is on the topic- Understanding the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on SMEs in South Africa. It aims to analyse the strategies of SMEs to make positive results from the Fourth Industrial Revolution in South Africa. The research mainly concentrates on the concepts and techniques of technology implementation, customer relationship and advanced technology in SME Enterprises of South Africa. These techniques are needed to validate the importance of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the enhancement of SMEs in South Africa. In this entire process of research, the researcher evaluates current condition of SMEs in South Africa and the issues that are faced by these enterprises. The changes that are needed by these enterprises and their impact on organisational structure is also discussed. In addition to this, the researcher has also undertaken secondary research on the existing literature in this current topic and related topics. Therefore, the researcher was able to gain a clear insight into the study area. As SMEs are facing problems related to marketing and marking their position in the global market, useful recommendations are given to eliminate these problems. The researcher found out that SMEs need to improve policies to implement technological innovations to secure a market position for SMEs. In order to carry out the research, the researcher applied interpretivism and a deductive approach. Along with this, the qualitative research/methodology was chosen for carrying out the investigation. Qualitative data and non-probability sampling helped in collecting data. Analysis of this data was done by explaining transcripts of the interviews with the sample of entrepreneurs of South African SMEs. The researcher used a total of ten entrepreneurs from different industries in the country. Most of these entrepreneurs interviewed are from previously disadvantaged backgrounds with university degrees. The researcher made an effort to select candidates from different cities across South Africa. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
An assessment of the key factors that may impact the future demand for red meat in South Africa
- Authors: Pearce, Nathan
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53019 , vital:44887
- Description: The global human population is estimated to be in excess of nine billion by the year 2050, and the added population is expected to put further pressure on already over- extended resources such as food and water. Increased demand, positive growth and record high prices should be encouraging for the red meat industry. Despite all the positives such as the growth in the world population and the consumer’s ability to spend, the popularity of red meat around the world and in South Africa is continually declining in favour of white meat and other non-meat proteins. Although red meat will often be the most expensive component of any diet, the nutritional value that red meat offers as part of a healthy and balanced eating plan, should not be understated. This study intends to identify and assess factors that may impact on the future sustainable demand for red meat. Sixty-two adults were surveyed through an electronic questionnaire to assess their views on red meat consumption in South Africa. A set of 52 questions were deduced from the main focus and objectives. The data was analysed and conclusions derived from it. The results show that the demand for red meat is sustainable if outlets selling red meat are accessible and the preference for red meat remains, even with stiff competition from substitutes like pork, chicken and vegetables. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Driving factors of mobile banking application in South Africa
- Authors: Peter, Unati
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52984 , vital:44885
- Description: There has been a gaping variance between the number of mobile phone users and landline users in South Africa (RSA). Results from an assessment in 2011 suggested that 29 million South Africans subscribed to mobile phones versus 5 million landline users (Balabanoff, 2014). The exponential growth of mobile applications has been precipitated by the increased growth of the mobile phone market. This growth is coupled with numerous advantages that mobile services bring to the user, such as better operability, productivity advances and entertainment (Balabanoff, 2014). Even though adoption strategies regarding mobile banking have been studied in various parts of the world, acceptance of mobile banking applications in South Africa has not been greatly researched. Hence, this study focused on exploring consumer behaviour and acceptance towards adopting mobile banking in South Africa, where mobile banking is at an elementary stage, but provides potential benefits to both users and business at large. A quantitative research style was followed by this research. An electronic quantitative questionnaire was distributed to South African civilians who are eligible to hold bank accounts in their own names. The research was then conducted on a sample size of 86 respondents. Due to limitations on time, this study utilised convenience sampling. Data gathered from the questionnaires was examined using statistical analysis to scrutinise the correlation between the variables used in the research model, this being Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model. The UTAUT is commonly used to predict and explain factors that influence the adoption of technology by users. These factors help decision-makers in formulating technology acceptance strategies. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Community development and sustainable livelihoods: the Jeffrey’s Bay wind farm bee-keeping initiative, South Africa
- Authors: Phillip, Busisiwe
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53033 , vital:44886
- Description: The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement (REIPPP) policy requirements set by the South Africa Government have shaped the responsibility of the socio-economic trajectory to include various stakeholders in the economy, such as the private sector companies that operate in and around areas affected by poverty and unemployment. The Eastern Cape is among the provinces of South Africa that are trapped in poverty (Edwards, 2003). The Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Consultative Council (2019) reported that in the first quarter of 2019 the Eastern Cape had the highest unemployment rate (34.7%) in the country and that the youth unemployment rate was at 50.8%; a record high. The Kouga Municipality, which is where the Rooidraai community is situated in Ward 13, has a population of 98 558 people of which 38 412 are economically active and of these, 21.5% are unemployed (StatsSA, 2019). In view of this, there seems to be a problem addressing poverty in the Eastern Cape, especially in rural communities. The aim of this study was to investigate if the Jeffrey’s Bay Wind Farm (JBWF) can create initiatives aimed at sustainable community development. In doing so, the research question will be answered, which entails investigating ways that the leaders of the Jeffrey’s Bay Wind Farm project can employ to improve the beekeeping initiative’s outcomes and perhaps launch future initiatives that are aimed at developing communities. The Rooidraai community was the study’s area of research. This area was chosen because the beekeeping initiative is mainly situated in this community and also because the majority of the beneficiaries are situated in this area. The dearth of research on issues pertaining to community development and sustainable livelihoods through beekeeping was a motivating factor to conduct the study. The problem statement highlighted that private sector companies are not particularly well versed with regard to community development approaches that deal with beneficiaries of projects that are imposed upon them that result in undesired outcomes that could have been avoided had proper processes been followed. The study used the theories of community development and sustainable livelihoods to assist in the research problem statement as these theories deal with issues of human development which have proposed approaches such as bottom-up development, self-reliance and giving voice to people at grassroots level. The study employed the qualitative approach due to its non-emergent nature and also the ability to predetermine methods of data collection and analysis through which semi-structured interviews, observations and field notes were employed as data collection tools and a thematic analysis and SLF analysis approaches were used as approaches for analysing the data. The study employed purposive sampling to which eight members of the beekeeping project made the sample size. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Customer experience: a comparative analysis between the banking and grocery retail sectors
- Authors: Pillay, Deneesha
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53007 , vital:44891
- Description: The notion of customer experience has gained prominence in the field of marketing over the last three decades. It has become a strategic imperative for firms in order to ensure sustained business growth. A positive customer experience not only has the ability to promote customer loyalty but can also assist firms in encouraging brand advocacy. While customer experience has been explored in several contexts, regions and industries, customer experience in South Africa’s banking and grocery retail sectors has not yet been adequately explored. Therefore, this study attempts to provide a comparative analysis of these two sectors and in turn present a model for improving customer experience as a marketing tool. The execution of this study requires a literature review to investigate the field of customer experience. This literature review assisted in developing a conceptual model for customer experience in the attempt of improving customer experience quality. Furthermore, this Treatise pursues a positivistic research approach using quantitative methods of analysis. Factor analysis was conducted using data gathered from an online questionnaire disseminated via e-mail. The sample of this study was selected at random using convenience and snowball sampling. A sample size of n = 858 is used in this study. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were conducted on the data. The primary contribution of this study was the presentation and statistical assessment of an exploratory factor analysis of factors influencing customer experience in South Africa’s grocery retail and banking sectors. This study found that the independent factors of Brand Experience, Service Experience and Post-purchase Experience were all found to have a positive effect on the overall customer experience. In the grocery-retail sector, Post-purchase Experience was found to have a strong positive correlation with customer experience. Brand Experience and Service Experience were strongly correlated with each other as independent factors, but did not demonstrate any practical or statistical significance in relation to the dependent factor, Customer Experience. However, in the banking sector, all of these factors demonstrate positive correlations with Customer Experience that are statistically and practically significant. The model presented in this study identifies the determinants of Customer Experience within both sectors. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Happiness in manufacturing
- Authors: Prinsloo, Christopher John
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52992 , vital:44893
- Description: The study of happiness, originally with a basis in psychology and sociology, became more scientific when methods were found to measure the complex concept. Humanity believe that happiness is meaningful, important, and worth achieving because, it is one of the most significant dimensions of human experience and emotions. The rewards of being happy for individuals and society are many including health, positivity, and productivity. The debate rages on whether subjective wellbeing increases as gross domestic product increases in countries and cities. Research has affirmed that happy employees are more productive, thereby improving financial sustainable, financial results for organisations and society. The opposite perspective is that unhappy employees negatively affect the performance, moral of fellow employees leading to negative results for organisations and poor social conditions. The Steel Wire and Rope manufacturing plant serves many organisations worldwide, where large industries exist including mining, offshore, agriculture and general-purpose applications. The manufacturing industry in which the study is based is strategic to South African local manufacture with critical applications in mine winding, by hoisting materials and men to the surface from the deepest mines in the world. Achievements include the longest and heaviest rope in the world. Happiness in this industry has not yet been explored, making this study new in this particular industry. The Steel Wire and Rope factory are a manufacturing facility and manufacturing companies can benefit from improving employee happiness levels. This makes this study of a steel wire and rope manufacturing facility important, as it would provide insight into similar manufacturing industries. The purpose of the study is to understand the happiness levels of employees in the steel, wire and rope manufacturing facility. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04