Challenges faced by state owned entities and economic development in South Africa
- Authors: Willie, Ntsikelelo Mike Mncedi
- 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/10948/52976 , vital:44907
- Description: Background: State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) play a vital role in government activities and the delivery of basic services to the people. The Government is active in the key sectors, such as, services, utilities, transportation and construction. Presumably, the distribution of basic resources and infrastructure development is to some extent dependent on SOEs. South Africa is inundated with challenges in SOE’s, such as, lack of service delivery, poor financial management, less growth, massive unemployment, corruption and low business confidence. These are a threat to economic and financial sustainability of a country. Twenty years into democracy, South Africa’s SOEs environment had many scandals in both private and public sectors. SOEs such as SABC, Eskom, and Transnet had their share of malpractice, fraud and corruption in management and at board level. These incidents call for interrogation at all levels as the impact undermines political, economic stability and growth prospects. One of today’s core challenges is to justify the existence of some of the SOEs in our economy. Looking at South Africa, most of the SOEs financial performances are severely deteriorating. Due to their financial constraints, they receive a bailout from government to enable them to continue to operate. Aim: This study identified specific governance challenges faced by SOEs and economic development in South Africa, over the period of 10 years (2014 - 2018). The study made recommendations to restore good governance in SOEs. Setting: This study reviewed articles and literature on the challenges faced by SOEs and economic development in South Africa. Primary sources for the document review took the form of newspapers, various official reports and ongoing records of SOEs activities, government departments, student transcripts, mission statements, annual reports, policy, manuals, student handbooks, and strategic plans, and press releases, theses from academic institutions, trade journals, business journals, government publications and business review publications. Secondary sources used were published books and journal articles. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences , School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Main thesis title 2021: Evaluating the incentive to move freight distribution from road to rail
- Authors: Williams, John Steven
- 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/10948/52953 , vital:44909
- Description: South Africa’s uncompetitive freight logistics system is severely hampering the country’s competitiveness and the current disproportionate reliance on the road freight sector is a main contributing factor. The need for a modal shift from road to rail has long been advocated as a necessity to correct this freight logistics imbalance. This study aims to gain a better understanding of the incentives needed to move freight distribution from road to rail within shorter distance corridors and specifically the Port Elizabeth- Gauteng corridor. Specifically, it evaluates the incentives needed, the importance of cost, distance and whether special capabilities are required to achieve such a move. Empirical data were collected with an online survey and distributed via the Road freight Association (RFA) to transport operators and micro operators within South Africa. Statistical analysis was used to analyse the main research and sub-questions through descriptive statistics, multiple regression analysis and Pearson correlation. The results showed that a mostly strong positive correlation exists between the measured variables in this study while also indicating a significant relationship between the independent variables and moving freight distribution from road to rail. These results proved that all the factors are related to each other and that implementing a move of freight from road to rail would need to include the consideration of all these factors. The study concludes that moving freight distribution from road to rail will be possible if incentives regarding cost rebates or subsidies amongst others are taken into account and included in additional future legislation or more practical implementation plans. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciencence, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
A systematic review of research into working capital management in South Africa
- Authors: Watson, Storm Brandon
- 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/10948/52995 , vital:44906
- Description: This study is set out to apply mixed methods approach to a systematic review of research into working capital management in South Africa. Research into working capital management has primarily focused on the effect it has on a business’s profitability, liquidity and performance. There is, however, limited research on the topic working capital management in South Africa and, as such, the primary objective of this study is to review research outputs on working capital management in South Africa. The purpose is to identify research gaps in the current body of knowledge by means of the development of a recommendation’s framework. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The relationship between workplace well-being and authentic leadership
- Authors: Vezile, Sindile
- 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/10948/52971 , vital:44900
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between authentic leadership and employee well-being. Data was collected from an online questionnaire survey sent to 141 Special Economic Zone employees who worked as non-managerial employees. Ninety-four employees responded. The collected data was analysed using statistical tools from SPSS 20. Subsequently, descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations and correlations were used to summarise information for demographic variables, authentic leadership and well-being. In addition, ANOVA was used to determine sub-group differences. First, it has been shown that project managers were seen by their subordinates as trustworthy leaders. Second, there was a connection between authentic leadership and well-being in the workplace. Third, it was discovered that all aspects of ethical leadership, apart from Work Intrusion (IoW), had a relationship with organisational well-being. Fourth, it has shown that males and females experience different levels of job satisfaction and feel differently about respect for the organisation. Keywords: Well- , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resources, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Investigating financing options for business success
- Authors: Vena, Sindile
- 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/10948/53002 , vital:44908
- Description: The study sought to examine the extent to which the financing options chosen by entrepreneurs will have an impact on business success. The investigator adopted the progression of the ventures along the business life cycle stages as a benchmark for assessing success. The study focused primarily on small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the Eastern Cape Information Communication Technologies (ICT) sector. An empirical study, using an online survey was conducted amongst 50 small business owners/ business representative within the ICT sector in the Eastern Cape Province. Key results revealed that the financial support of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) and personal savings have played a key role in the success of ICT SMMEs throughout the business life cycle phases. This occurs after an ICT SMME has advanced successfully over the startup stage and aims for success in the development phase. The empirical finding revealed that for these SMMEs to attain success at this stage, they should finance their business investment projects utilising financing and credit trade in the form of bank loans, families, relatives and friends. According to the empirical finding in chapter five, the abovementioned financing options are only substantially linked to good advancement from the development phase onto the expansion phase. In addition, suggestions have been made to the ICT SMME management to include BBBEE finance, personal savings, bank loans, families, relatives and friends and trade credit as suitable funding choices for the ICT SMME's life cycle. The recommendations made included that proponents of the BBBEE legislation underpinning the enterprise development and supplier development, should intentionally pressure the private sector to comply with this legislation, as compliance will increase the pool of capital available to SMMEs.The chances of receiving these forms of support would therefore improve the probabilites of sucess for ICT SMMEs. Moreover, personal financing is crucial to successful progress for ICT SMMEs along the business life cycle. It is recommended that startup owners should always exercise iv saving in their personal capacity. In the early stages, the owner's capital will still be valuable as "seed financing" for start-up businesses., when all the other options of external funding are not available. Moreover, SMMEs should continuously explore the other financing options, such as bank loans, families, relatives and friends and trade credit only when their business goals are achieving success at the development stage. The study calls upon academia to consider performing descriptive studies to look at these findings. Through setting a concise financing approach for SMMEs in the ICT sector, SMMEs may help to close the distance between themselves and access to various financing options and supportive organisations. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Fiscal consolidation framework: tax compliance and behavioural response in the South African context
- Authors: Tshabalala, Nomonde
- 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/10948/52993 , vital:44897
- Description: Recent unfavourable macroeconomic and socio-economic conditions have placed South Africa’s economy in a difficult fiscal situation with rapidly growing public debt and large government deficits. South Africa’s government expenditure cuts and tax hikes have not achieved the goal of Public debt reduction and economic growth has been shrinking, recorded to have shrunk by an annualised 0.6% in 2019. Fiscal policy is a mix of government spending and tax and this study reviewed the tax side of fiscal policy and its effectiveness in reducing government debt, the study further explored the behavioural factors that influence taxpayers’ decisions to comply with tax and the strategies that can be used to increase compliance and improve tax administration and collection by the South African Revenue Services (SARS). This study employed the ordered logistic model to compare the behaviour of South African citizens towards tax compliance and tax evasion. findings revealed that the perceptions, attitudes, and behaviour of South African citizens have generally shifted from a society that values tax compliance to a nation that justifies cheating on taxes. The main behavioural factors that shape perception and behaviour towards tax compliance and tax evasion were found to be amongst others demographic factors such as age, level of education, employment status, social class, income level, and ethnic group. In addition to demographic factors, the level of confidence and patriotism have proved to be important variables that shape taxpayers’ compliance decision. Regarding the aforementioned variables, the study found that the level of confidence in the government has significantly reduced as well as the degree of patriotism. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Export diversification, export specialization and economic growth in G20 countries
- Authors: Siswana, Sinesipho
- 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/10948/52951 , vital:44898
- Description: This study sought out to empirically investigate whether it is export diversification or export concentration that would help achieve and sustain higher economic growth in the G20 countries using data over the period of 1995 to 2017. The empirical analysis uses the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model within a Pooled Mean Group (PMG) to evaluate the existence of a long run cointegration and as a baseline for examining whether the relationship between export diversification (concentration) and growth is nonlinear through a Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL) model. The ARDL model confirms that the is a long run cointegration between the variables where both export diversification and concentration have a positive impact on growth. On the other hand, the NARDL model confirms that the relationship between export diversification and growth in the G20 countries is a nonlinear where a positive change in diversification has a negative effect on growth, while negative changes have a positive effect, thus, diversification has a negative effect on growth. The NARDL results for concentration do not confirm any nonlinearities, this implies that both positive and negative changes in concentration have negative and statistically insignificant effects on growth. Both the panel ARDL and panel NARDL model are superior models that can account and correct any serial autocorrelation that may exist, thus making the results robust enough. Seemingly, that both export diversification and concentration have a negative effect on growth and this effect may be attributed to the sample being a mixture of developed and developing economies, the study further analysed the effect on to sub-samples (G7 and non-G7). The results for the G7 panel show that there is no evidence of a nonlinear relationship between growth and concentration, as a positive change has a positive effect and a negative change has a negative effect. Overall, the G7 NARDL results are show that concentration will accelerate growth in developed economies in the long run more than diversification. The results for the non-G7 panel the NARDL results show that there is a linear relationship between export diversification (concentration) and growth. The overall, results of the study suggest, that for the G20 countries developmental levels need to be considered in order to know the correct export composition strategy to adopt in order to accelerate growth. With that said, in developed countries like the G7 export concentration would be beneficial in accelerating growth, while in developing countries like the non-G7 countries export diversification would accelerate growth. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Entrepreneurship development in South Africa
- Authors: Sibara, Siphokazi Nontando
- 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/10948/52986 , vital:44894
- Description: The current unemployment rate in South Africa is sitting at 30%. The South African government has identified various ways of combating this high rate. Entrepreneurship has been identified as one of the tools that can be utilised by the country to assist bring down these high levels. However, it seems that even though this is the case, there has been a decline in the sustainability of entrepreneurship. As per the GEM 2018 report on entrepreneurial activity in South Africa in the age group 25 – 34 years, there has been a downward trend as it has increased back from the low 2016 levels of 6.3% to 14.5% in 2017. The study aims to explore variables that can assist to develop entrepreneurship in South Africa, thereby assisting with its sustainability. Once entrepreneurship is sustainable it can assist with creating job opportunities thereby decreasing the high levels of unemployment in the country. The study starts by asking several research questions that introduce the various variables were identified that have an impact on the development of entrepreneurship. The variables that have been identified are the following: education, national and business culture, support, business skills and competencies. The study uses these variables to investigate the path leading to entrepreneurship development in the country. A qualitative research methodology has been used to carry out the research. Participants from the Eastern Cape, East London area are identified as a sample with which to conduct interviews and collect data. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Internationalisation at the Nelson Mandela University Business School
- Authors: Sapepa, Ongeziwe Ndimentle
- 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/10948/52946 , vital:44896
- Description: The concept of internationalisation of higher education is a dynamic process, continuously shaped and reshaped by the international context in which it occurs. While the topic of internationalisation has been explored, internationalisation at the Nelson Mandela University Business School has not been investigated. This study will attempt to determine the Nelson Mandela University Business School’s internationalisation. This study used literature reviews to investigate the definition and elements of internationalisation. The literature review facilitated the creation of a conceptual model for internationalisation. The network theory and the social exchange theory informed the theoretical basis of this study. This research pursues a positivistic approach using quantitative methods of analysis. Accordingly, the conceptual model was tested using Likert scale data and statistical analysis. This study surveyed current and former Nelson Mandela University Business School students This study established that the independent factors of International Affiliation, African Collaboration, Research, Curriculum, Field trips, Benefits, Risks and COVID-19 were all found to exert a significant positive effect on Internationalisation. An Exploratory Factor Analysis was conducted to explore the relationships among factors and to identify any possible patterns in the factor relationships. All these factors (except for African Collaboration and Field trips) demonstrated positive correlations with Internationalisation. In this study, the statistical data, relating to these factors helped to establish the hypothesised model for Internationalisation at Nelson Mandela University Business School. The data are established as a baseline, which allows for comparisons to be made between surveys at similar higher education institutions. Internationalisation requires additional research to refine and test its suitability and validity to test internationalisation. This study further makes contribution to the network theory as well as to the social exchange theory as the findings support these theories. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Determinants of domestic savings: why Africa is dissaving
- Authors: Ruiters, Caviner Glen
- 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/10948/52966 , vital:44888
- Description: The World Bank has emphasized the role of savings in financing domestic fixed capital formation, technology, education, employment and economic growth. Many African countries have experienced decreased savings and increased current account deficits worsened by the global financial crisis and capital outflows. This study seeks to explore the determinants of savings and determine the savings trend of African countries compared to that of the world. To this end, annual time series data for 20 representative countries from different economic groups were obtained from World Bank Indicators, International Monetary Fund (IMF), Penn World Tables and Integrated Network for Societal Conflict Research (INSCR) database over the period 2000 to 2018. The Panel ARDL/ Pooled Mean Group estimator was used to analyse the data. The main findings were that household variables, capital flow variables, human capital variables, institutional quality variables, financial and other social macroeconomic variables determine savings. Further, the speed of adjustment show causality from the explanatory variables to savings. The use of income and monetary policy dummy variables indicates that there is no difference in determinants of savings for countries with different income groups and monetary policies. It was recommended that African countries invest in education and ICT infrastructure, improve their financial systems and restructure policies on good governance and political stability as this has a significant effect on savings. The study was limited by a lack of time series data for all African countries, therefore, future research involving an increased sample size and variables were recommended. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Smart factory adoption for a dairy factory in South Africa
- Authors: Rudman, Richard
- 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/10948/52963 , vital:44895
- Description: Smart Factories are a key component of Industry 4.0 and have over the last few years become a relevant topic in manufacturing across all industries. The dairy industry is no different and many of the leading dairy manufacturers have adopted many Smart Factory components and technologies. These Smart Factory components and technologies have led to change in the workplace compared to the traditional way of manufacturing. With any organisational change, it is important to consider the impact that it has on the employees of the organisations and what their attitudes and perceptions towards these changes are. When understanding employees’ attitude and perceptions of changes or factors with regard to technological changes in the workplace, organisations can manage and improve the adoption of Smart Factory Adoption. There is limited research on Smart Factory adoption in the dairy manufacturing industry in South Africa. A conceptual model was proposed based on a literature study, identifying the main factors that influence the adoption of a Smart Dairy Factory. A hypothesised model was tested by conducting a research study with a sample of employees from different hierarchical levels in a dairy factory. The questionnaire was distributed to employees and management in the organisation. The results and insights obtained, determined the factors that influence the adoption of a Smart Dairy Factory in South Africa. This study identified that the independent factors of Individual Factors, Job Security, Perceived Benefits, Trust, Company Culture towards new innovations/technologies, Company Culture with employee involvement towards new innovation/technologies, Cost and Resources, Employee perceived value of Skills and Training and Organisational Skills and Training development all have a significant positive effect on Smart Dairy Adoption. The study further identified that the Job Level of employees have a significant effect on all of the factors influencing the Smart Dairy Adoption. This is a significant finding due to the fact that management, in general, is responsible for implementing Smart Factory technologies, whereas the general workforce are the ones accepting and being affected most by the change. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Enablers and dis-enablers to the success of the East London industrial development zone
- Authors: Ramncwana, Ayanda
- 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/10948/52967 , vital:44890
- Description: Special Economic Zones (SEZs) have been a global phenomenon since the 1960s and have been integral to the transformation of emerging and ailing economies. In 2002 the South African government identified SEZs as instruments for advancing its economy into a higher industrialisation path based the assessment of potential socio-economic gains. Past research findings, however, suggest that South African SEZs, when compared to international SEZ performances, are lagging behind both in terms of delivering a compelling SEZ value proposition and achieving the desired socio-economic gains. Limited research has been conducted on the factors which enable and dis-enable the success of SEZs in South Africa. This study evaluates the factors that enable and dis-enable the effectiveness of South African SEZs in achieving their socio-economic development objectives. Applying a qualitative case study methodology, research was conducted on the East London Industrial Development Zone(ELIDZ), one of the first SEZs to be designated in South Africa in 2002. The study finds that a weak SEZ regulatory framework characterised by slow delivery of important SEZ industrial support has dis-enabled South African SEZs. A complex business environment has also dis-enabled the competitiveness of South African SEZs. The study reveals that while it is easier to conduct business inside the SEZs, South African SEZs are not given adequate policy latitude to be an experimental ground to drive reform that will improve the ease of doing business in South Africa. A challenging labour market marred by low productivity, high production costs and inadequately skilled labour continue to challenge the success of SEZs in South Africa. Poor regional infrastructure and delays in the roll out of fiscal incentives, are also some of the factors that have dis-enabled the success of the East London IDZ. World-class infrastructure inside the ELIDZ, inherent locational competitive advantages and the existence of locational-specific non-fiscal incentives have, however, been the key enablers that have improved the competitiveness of the ELIDZ. Despite some of the notable dis-enablers to the competitiveness of South African SEZs, the ELIDZ has done well in achieving short-term static outcomes such as employment, exports, investment attraction and FDI despite some of the factors that had dis-enabled the zone. The zone has also achieved certain dynamic outcomes such as skills upgrading, industrial upgrading, technology transfer and diversification of the economic output, albeit these still being at low levels. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Strategies to sustain SMEs post the hard lockdown period: a multiple case study in Gauteng
- Authors: Rabohale, Mokabolane Innocent
- 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/10948/53015 , vital:44889
- Description: The outbreak of the Covid 19 pandemic and the lockdown restrictions imposed by the government in March 2020 exacerbated uncertain conditions of the weak South African business environment. This meant that SME owners and managers in different sectors had to implement strategies to manoeuvre the further weakened and unprecedented business environment. To investigate this, the research question asked was: what sustainable strategies will SME owners and managers craft and implement to use post the lockdown period? The study analysed strategies before, during, and post the hard lockdown period to provide insight into how SMEs adopted to the uncertain business environment. This study interviewed twenty (20) SMEs in different sectors in Gauteng to explore strategies that SME owners and managers used to sustain their businesses prior to, during, and post the level 5 and level 4 lockdown. The study revealed strategies employed by SME owners across five sectors. Furthermore, the study indicated that during the hard lockdown, owners used a “wait and see” strategy in different degrees. Post the level 5 and 4 lockdown, different sectors were innovating, cost cutting, and digitisation according to their level of comfortability and diversification. The study reveals that strategic planning was missing prior, during, and post the level 4 and 5 lockdowns, despite SME owners’ educational background. , 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
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
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
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
- Full Text: false
- 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
- Full Text: false
- 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
- Full Text: false
- 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
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2021-04