Executing a process enhancement intervention on the processing lines at Seavuna Fishing Company
- Authors: Abdullah, Philip Rodger
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa Workflow -- South Africa -- Management Business planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13592 , vital:27255
- Description: The fresh hake processing lines at Seavuna fishing company in Mossel Bay are not consistently achieving their volume output standards and this is resulting in higher processing costs and loss of processing opportunities. The company’s senior management are concerned about this trend and require a complete review of the effectiveness of the resources deployed on the lines. This with the view of establishing the causes of poor process volume output. In order to resolve the process inefficiency challenges mentioned, this study used both empirical and time studies to investigate the effectiveness of the company’s resources directly deployed in the processing unit. The study focused on investigating the human factor, machinery and equipment, the environment and the current efficiency standards. Relevant literature in the field of process efficiency improvement was consulted to assist in identifying factors that are known to cause process inefficiencies, and also to establish which improvement techniques would be relevant in correcting the situation. From the Literature reviewed, it was evident that a ‘one size fits all’ solution to resolving inefficiencies is almost non-existent and that a solution that is relevant to the problem is more effective. In addition, a benchmarking exercise was also done to establish how Seavuna’s current volume output standards fair against its major rivals. Once data from both studies were collected, the results were analysed using the some of the basic quality tools. Thereafter, lean manufacturing principles were used to attempt to resolve the current efficiency challenges. The study recommended that the company construct a business strategy and a corresponding organisational culture to direct its continuous improvement interventions. The use of strategic quality planning would go a long way in assisting the company to execute some of the interventions recommended.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A framework for managing the impact of information communication technology on employee well-being
- Authors: Ackerman, Richard
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Work environment -- Psychological aspects , Work -- Technological innovations Employees -- Mental health Job stress Flextime
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21449 , vital:29523
- Description: Employees who work with Information Communication Technology (hereafter referred to as ICT) face a risk in a rise of portable work. This in turn provides a means for employees to be connected to work, even when at home. Flexible work solutions and ability to work any hour of the week creates non-standard work schedules, which in turn can lead to a condition of work-a-holism. In most cases, this phenomena is driven by the belief that being constantly available to work demonstrates a devotion to one’s career and employer. The higher demands placed on employees, are in most cases at the expense of employees’ health, work-life balance and overall well-being. The primary objective of this study is therefore to establish whether the use of ICT outside of normal working hours affects employee well-being, as measured in terms of work-life balance. The second objective of this study is to provide the Target Company within the automotive component supply industry located in Port Elizabeth, in the Republic of South Africa, with a framework for managing the impact of ICT on employee well-being. The research paper has been prompted by the Target Company having recently introduced flexible working solutions for its employees. Research on the topic of alternative forms of work schedules, has shown flexible working arrangements gives employees more choice and control over where, when and by how much they work. Flexibility allows employees to actively shape their working conditions which helps them solve the demands of integrating personal life and work commitments. Whether management should encourage or permit the use of ICT amongst its employees to extend beyond normal working hours however remains unclear. In order to answer the research questions, this study has applied a quantitative, positivistic and deductive research based methodology. The approach applied within this study included conducting an extensive literature review on the effects of ICT use after hours on employee well-being. Thereafter using literature as a foundation, a measuring instrument was constructed in the form of an online questionnaire. The questionnaire was emailed to respondents to collect primary data, in order to measure the dependent and independent variables in terms of the hypothesised relationships. Testing of the variables followed, in order to establish whether the use of ICT use after hours negatively impacts employee well-being as measured in terms of work-life balance and stress. Secondly, the study set out to establish whether flexible working conditions linked to ICT use after hours negatively impacts on employee work-life balance. Thirdly, the relationship between physiological aspects such as age, gender and ethnicity were interrogated to establish an employees’ ability to adapt to changing work conditions, brought about as a direct result of ICT. Lastly, this study set out to establish which ICT tool (email, cellular phone, smartphone or other) has the highest impact on employee wellness. The data collection process yielded a sample of 103 respondents in middle and senior management levels of the Target Company, with 97% being recipients of employer provided ICT tools. These respondents represented the employees who are most likely to be affected by the phenomena under investigation. The survey data was captured and analysed using descriptive statistical techniques. The interpretation revealed aspects which formed the basis for managerial recommendations in the form of a proposed framework to manage the impact of ICT on employee well-being. The findings of the study found that the use of ICT outside of normal working hours has a negative influence on employee well-being as measured in terms of work-life balance and stress. The literature review findings were confirmed as supporting the statement that flexible working conditions linked to ICT use after hours having a positive influence on employee work-life balance. A further finding of the study was the confirmation of physiological aspects affects an employees’ ability to adapt to changing working conditions, thereby having a negative influence on employee work-life balance. Lastly, to the question of which ICT tool has the biggest impact on well-being, it was found that differing ICT tools (email, cellular, smartphone, or other) do not have a negative influence on employee wellness. These findings formed the basis for the recommendations in the form of a framework which has been proposed to manage the impact of ICT on employee well-being. The most pertinent aspect of the framework includes the employer communicating a well-defined ICT usage policy, which clearly outlines a standard operating procedure in relation to ICT use to all its employees. The findings furthermore propose that the employer should take the time to explain and train its employees as to what is considered acceptable and non-acceptable use of ICT devices, especially in relation to after hour use and leave absences from work. To ensure employee well-being, employees should be encouraged to implement defined time blocks for when they are available for work and when they are not. This can be applied through the act of switching off their ICT devices, which constitutes a boundary work tactic as an action in order to prevent work-related interruptions in the private sphere. While the employer can take described measures, it should also be noted that there is responsibility on the part of the employee to ensure personal wellness, including regular exercise, relaxation, and taking appropriate breaks when necessary. Moreover, employees can apply work and life boundary management techniques through the selective use of devices. By not applying automatic work email updates on ICT devices such as smart phones is yet another boundary management technique which can be utilised by employees. There are a range of practical suggestions which are proposed as a method to minimize the risk of ICT use on employee well-being within this research document. The above proposals have only served to highlight a select few aspects. While it is acknowledged that there are important advantages associated with the development and use of ICT, it is equally important to allow employees to recharge their batteries in the form of appropriate downtime to regain perspective, thus allowing the organisation to maintain its competitive advantage, with the well-being of its employees taken to heart.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The cultural determinants of success in Indian owned family businesses
- Authors: Adams, Leigh Christie
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- Management , Indian business enterprises , Small business -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8543 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1258 , Family-owned business enterprises -- Management , Indian business enterprises , Small business -- Management
- Description: Family owned businesses play a vital role in the economy of a country, therefore their sustainability and succession is a topic that requires adequate research and analysis. This is required to determine the impact and contribution at a socioeconomic level and future development of the family owned business. Within the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area previous research has been conducted analysing the above with regard to Greek family businesses. There is a little evidence to suggest similar studies have been conducted on Indian owned family businesses, specifically businesses operating at a third generation level. This research will therefore analyse Indian owned family businesses that are at a minimum level of third generation within the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area. The purpose is to investigate whether there is any specific cultural attributes of the Indian culture which have contributed to their success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
An international marketing framework for Ford South Africa in Nigeria
- Authors: Adams, Pedro Duan
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Export marketing -- Cross-cultural studies , Marketing -- Cross-cultural studies , Marketing -- Management -- Cross-cultural studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3869 , vital:20471
- Description: Africa is seen as the last investment frontier and according to literature will have a GDP of $1.5 trillion by the year 2016 and a population that is double the size of Europe. The rapid expansion of infrastructure and construction in African countries, such as Mozambique and Zambia has increased the demand for commercial vehicles. This has sparked unparalleled marketing opportunities for automotive manufacturers and the continent is fast attracting major players in this sector. The international marketing literature still lacks detailed studies and research into the marketing deliberations and trades in Africa. Therefore, according literature a greater representation of African culture within the international marketing literature would provide relevance and richness in the global market place and offer greater insight to organisations who are seeking to invest and expand their businesses in Africa. The management issue here is to comprehend the diversity and vastness of this region and putting together all spheres to ensure growth and creating brand loyalty. The key challenge here is for management to be able to grasp and understand not only the various cultures but also the way of doing business in such a vastly different region. It is therefore imperative for Ford Motor Company to fully understand these factors so as to take full advantage associated with entering a market early which is commonly referred as first-mover-advantage. A case in point is when General Motors entered the Chinese automotive industry in 1997 when the Chinese market was relatively small. General Motors’ enthusiasm and commitment back in 1997 was driven by a belief that China would ultimately become an economic powerhouse and emerge as one of the world’s largest automotive markets. By the year 2010 China was one of the world’s biggest automotive markets and General Motors was a dominant force in this market. Africa has all the key elements for the growth and development of a robust automotive market. By studying past experiences and outcomes from empirical studies on international marketing with emphasis on the automotive industry, it will be possible to draw lessons and experience about the potential growth of the automotive sector on the African continent. This study will also be of great significance to other automotive manufacturers and suppliers looking to expand their business and market share across Africa due to the increase of the middle class. Therefore creative strategies and thinking of how to circumvent challenges in the African cultural environment, creativity in managing bureaucracy and due diligence about business and investment opportunities will uncover unprecedented volumes of profitable business that lies untapped on the African continent. Data from the quantitative study suggest that culture, political environment, country-of-origin, competition and country infrastructure in Nigeria, are essential factors to the development of a successful international marketing strategy for Ford South Africa. This study therefore concludes that Ford Motor Company of South Africa can utilize this framework in order to gain greater market share and ultimately success in Nigeria. Recommendations were also made for future research studies that can contribute to the international marketing literature with emphasis on the African market.
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- Date Issued: 2016
The use of mobile commerce to improve the services of life insurance post sale activities
- Authors: Afrifa, Rexford
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Mobile commerce -- South Africa , Mobile computing -- South Africa , Mobile communication systems -- South Africa , Personal communication service systems -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8718 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/913 , Mobile commerce -- South Africa , Mobile computing -- South Africa , Mobile communication systems -- South Africa , Personal communication service systems -- South Africa
- Description: Mobile commerce, due to its inherent characteristics of mobility and reachability in enhancing personalized services provides an excellent means for life insurers to exploit such avenue in their service offerings. The objective of this study was to determine whether mobile commerce can be used to improve the services of life insurance post-sale activities. This objective was achieved with the relevant literature and empirical study. To accomplish the objective of this treatise, a triangulated research approach was selected and a multiple-case study consisting of four cases was conducted. The four cases selected comprised of leading insurers with large market share in the life insurance market in South-Africa. The primary data were collected through questionnaire and face-to-face interviews with selected respondents. The main finding shows that the respondents had a positive view about mobile commerce and its application in their companies. This was demonstrated by 80 percent of respondents who agreed that mobile commerce was more of an opportunity rather than a challenge or even a threat for the life insurance market. The results also indicate that customer relationship management, mobile messaging services and field service automation functions were used by all the insurers; although minor discrepancies were observed due to the efficiency of each firms IT infrastructure. The Internet was found to assist in the collection of more precise data, to increase service performing abilities. Some of the major obstacles that were found to hinder the deployment of mobile commerce in the industry were security concerns, low and infrequent internet usage and performance by supporting industries. Cumbersome and inefficient legacy systems were declared as the greatest technological weakness particularly by respondents from case 1 and 2. Conversely, hardware and network infrastructure, lack of software packages, lack of technical expertise and the fear of disintermediation was rated low in hindering the deployment of mobile commerce. However, according to the findings the key benefits derived from engaging in increased mobile commerce activities include enhancing customer contact and service, more transparency and speed of claims management, increasing client retention and policy extension rates hence increasing overall company profit.
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- Date Issued: 2008
The morale and motivation of government employees in a science environment
- Authors: Alberts, Lauren Erna
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Employee morale -- South Africa -- Cape Town Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Civil service -- Personnel management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46262 , vital:39541
- Description: This study investigated the problem of low morale and motivation of government employees in a scientific environment. There is not a significant amount of research about morale and motivation of government or public sector employees, specifically in the scientific environment. The emphasis of this study was to establish those factors contributing to the causes of low morale in government employees through identifying motivational factors that impact their morale. This quantitative study of a sample of 74 respondents develops a framework to foster morale and motivation in government employees working at the Forensic Science Laboratory in Cape Town, South Africa. Extrinsic motivational factors (working environment, salary and job security) and intrinsic motivational factors (recognition, responsibility and training) were measured against morale. In identifying the key areas relating to those of the motivation factors and morale in government employees, the issue can be addressed and measures implemented to meet the needs of these employees. The findings demonstrated evidence of the presence of a significant relationship between morale and the extrinsic motivational factor, job security, as well as the intrinsic motivation factors of recognition, responsibility and training.
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- Date Issued: 2017
Evaluating service quality at George Municipality : a complaints management systems approach
- Authors: Alcock, Sandra
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Consumer complaints -- South Africa -- George , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- George , Customer services -- Management , Local government -- South Africa -- George
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8717 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/917 , Consumer complaints -- South Africa -- George , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- George , Customer services -- Management , Local government -- South Africa -- George
- Description: The search for service and product quality has come to the forefront of business studies as the most important consumer trend of the past two decades. Studies conducted indicate that the 1990s saw a dramatic change in customer expectations concerning service quality and standards with a corresponding increase in the number of complaints from disgruntled customers. In response to this, many organisations have established customer care and complaints management services to respond to the need of customers. A substantial amount of literature exists on the subject of complaints management and its role in service quality, however, the focus has been on organisations in the private sector. The research undertaken in this paper aimed to investigate the role of complaints management systems (CMS) to evaluate service quality. The focus of this research was on local government with special attention on George Municipality. A literature review was done to establish the importance of service quality for local government as well as to investigate the link between an effective complaints management system and improvement in service quality. Furthermore, it was necessary to investigate the characteristics, design and implementation of an effective complaints management system. A questionnaire was developed in order to obtain primary data from a selected sample group. The data obtained from the questionnaire was statistically analysed and interpreted. The core findings from the analysed questionnaire indicated the following: service quality is relevant in local government; there is no clear method to measure service quality; no formal and structured complaints management system exist, and the implementation of an effective complaints management system will both improve service delivery and provide benefits to all involved. iv This study recommends that: service quality standards and measurement be of strategic importance to local government; customers should be consulted and involved when determining the service quality standards and measurement, and an organised and structured complaints management system that seeks to address all complaints in order to improve the level of service quality to customers be developed. Finally, the success of the CMS will depend on management’s commitment to change on a continuous basis as well as the degree to which management proactively resolves customer complaint through the involvement of the customer.
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- Date Issued: 2008
Assessing intrapreneurship in a pharmaceutical manufacturing firm in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Allen, Kevin Ian
- Date: 2014
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8828 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019758
- Description: Continuous innovation in terms of products, processes, administration and structures is needed to compete effectively in the global markets of the 21st century. This continuous innovation within an existing firm can be described in terms of intrapreneurship. The extent to which intrapreneurship is practiced within a Pharmaceutical firm (Firm A) within the Eastern Cape is the main question addressed in the research conducted. The research conducted involved the collection of two data sets. The first set looked at the perceived intrapreneurial characteristics of employees and their superiors. The second data set involved an assessment of 13 constructs (Strong customer orientation; Entrepreneurial leadership; Resource availability and accessibility; Innovation and creativity / new ideas encouraged; Empowered teams / multi-disciplined teamwork and diversity; Tolerance for risk, mistakes and failure; Sponsors (champions); Discretionary time and work; Appropriate rewards and reinforcement; Flat organisational structure with open communication and strong sense of belonging; Vision and strategic intent; Continuous- and cross-functional learning; Management support) measuring the intrapreneurial climate within the firm. Research took place within Firm A via a survey questionnaire that measured intrapreneurial characteristics using a 20 question self and superior assessment. The intrapreneurial climate survey consisted of 68 statements, which were assessed using a likert scale. A census was used given that the firm size was 450 employees. Results for the intrapreneurial climate gave Cronbach alpha values of greater than 0.6 for all of the constructs thus proving reliability of the data. With regard to the intrapreneurial characteristics results indicated that superiors were perceived to have weak characteristics as opposed to self-assessments which indicated strong characteristics. Three intrapreneurial climate constructs (Tolerance for risk, mistakes and failure; Appropriate rewards and reinforcement and Flat organisational structure) had mean results between 1.5 and 2.5 indicating respondents are not satisfied and attention needs to be given to improvement initiatives. The remaining ten constructs had mean scores between 2.5 and 3.5 indicating that respondents are neutral to the statement, indicating that improvement is recommended. Inferential statistics did not find significant differences in all constructs for any of the demographic variables tested. From the research it was concluded that the level of intrapreneurship within firm A is poor and recommendations are given. Further research within the firm is recommended.
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- Date Issued: 2014
The development of a project management body of knowledge model for Vodacom in the eastern region of RSA
- Authors: Alley, Andre
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Cell phone services industry -- South Africa , Project management Knowledge management Organizational learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/50338 , vital:42110
- Description: The purpose of this research was the development of a project management body of knowledge model for Vodacom in the Eastern Region of the Republic of South Africa (RSA). As a result of a recent increase of complaints regarding projects delivered by Vodacom Eastern Region. The research started with a structured literature review, followed by a qualitative case study research design using embedded units of analysis, providing useful insights in sustainable project management in Vodacom Easter Region, RSA. The outcome of the research was in the form of a sustainable project management body of knowledge model for Vodacom in the Eastern Region of RSA, which highlighted five focus areas, namely; team structure, project organisational structure, stakeholder management, attributes of team members, communication and information technology enablers. The study concluded with practical recommendations for a relevant and sustainable project management model under the five focus areas.
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- Date Issued: 2020
An assessment of the viability of establishing a hyperbaric oxygen therapy facility in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality area
- Authors: Allie, Dean Gerard
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Hyperbaric oxygenation -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole , Hyperbaric oxygenation -- Practice
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:9262 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/151 , Hyperbaric oxygenation -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Metropole , Hyperbaric oxygenation -- Practice
- Description: At present, the Eastern Cape is the only province in South Africa lacking a clinical hospital-based hyperbaric facility. East Cape Hyperbaric, to be situated at Greenacres Hospital in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan, will offer the Eastern Cape community access to a world-class facility that will offer their patients Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and a Wound-Healing Facility. The objective of this study was to assess the viability of establishing a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) facility for the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (NMMM), using sound business planning principles. A business plan precisely defines the business, identifies the goals, and serves as the firm's resume. A business plan will assist in allocating resources effectively, handle unforeseen complications, and assist in making sound business decisions. Because it provides specific and organized information about the company and how the company will repay borrowed money, a good business plan is a crucial part of business planning. In order to quantify the demand for a Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy facility, a questionnaire was designed, in such a manner as to identify the current demand for a HBOT facility. The questionnaires were distributed to all medical practitioners within the NMMM by means of fax, e-mail and hand-delivery. Research conducted indicates that the results are promising enough to warrant the expedient creation of this business facility.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Creating value through customer relationships in the services sector
- Authors: Allie, Hisham
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Customer services , Value added
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8740 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/790 , Customer services , Value added
- Description: Many academic studies in the past have focussed on how to create value for businesses in terms of adding profit to the bottom line through performance, and many argue that adding value for the client is also viewed as a profitable business strategy. This strategy translates as a win-win business relationship since long-term relationships ensure customer loyalty, customer retention and repeat business. In the services sector, it is difficult to quantify the worth or value that a particular service has since services are intangible products. The perception of value of such a service is known as “perceived value” since value recognition rests with the consumer who attempts to quantify the worth of that service. It is generally accepted in the services sector that establishing long-term, mutually beneficial, meaningful business relationships add value for the client and helps them to attach a value to the services that company provides. A company cannot establish such relationships without the help of its employees who represents the face of the organisation and implements the value adding strategy on the organisation’s behalf. Recent studies have begun to address this, examining value creation in business relationships in the context of the sale of tangible goods. The process of value creation for customers in services relationships remains underresearched. Perceived value explains why customers choose one particular service over another, why service companies gain competitive advantage by maintaining genuine longterm customer relationships, and why “the personal touch”, created through emotional attributes such as trust, caring and empathy, adds value from customers’ perspective. This dissertation presents a study of perceived value from the perspective of the customer within the context of the delivery of a credence product in a services relationship model. Using grounded theory methodology; following in-depth interviews with consumers of general insurance, a number of customer-value creation dimensions for businesses have been identified. Parallel interviews with members of staff from the supplier company add a further perspective. This research demonstrates how organisations or suppliers in the services industry can add value when delivering a credence product in a services relationship context. It is believed that an understanding of the value-adding dimensions can be implemented to create opportunities to build value for customers, with commensurate benefits for suppliers. Following analysis of the interviews held with each buyer, a total of six value dimensions are identified in the findings chapter. Each dimension is individually described, discussed, and illustrated with quotations from customers and supplier’s staff. Other issues relating to value arising from the interviews are examined in the discussion chapter. Three areas for further research are proposed in the conclusion.
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- Date Issued: 2007
Attracting and retaining customers in South Adrica's banking sector
- Authors: Anani, Ajibola Plakunle
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Customer services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Customer relations -- Management , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8575 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1532 , Banks and banking -- Customer services -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Customer relations -- Management , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The business environment and the economy of the society today are continuously witnessing the impact of globalisation. Telecommunication advancement and transportation has greatly made the impact of globalisation to be felt. Globalisation though argued to have its merits and its demerits have resulted in fierce competition amongst businesses. The banking industry is not isolated from these competitions. Any business wishing to survive and stay profitable in the recent world must be able to compete in the global economy. Hence, for any bank to sustain itself and remain profitable it must be able to withstand the competition in the environment it operates. To be able to compete in the banking industry means delivering better services to customers than competitors. This study presents how the South African banks can satisfy their customers and remain profitable in the face of competition. The South African banking industry consists of local and foreign banks and these banks compete for customers in the environment in which they are located. Increase in different branches by different banks has made the competition even fierce. In other to suggest recommendations for the South African banks to satisfy their customers and become profitable, the researcher identified some problem areas that need to be improved upon. These include customer loyalty, relationship banking and electronic banking. These variables were researched to understand how they affect the banks and the customers and where tested using both a qualitative and a quantitative analysis to ascertain if the customers were satisfied with the banks‟ approach of managing these variables. The results indicated that the customers were satisfied to a lesser extent. Any bank wishing to satisfy its customers and remain profitable in other to compete in the industry needs to satisfy the customer to a large extent. Therefore, recommendations where suggested based on the empirical results to help improve the banking industry‟s ways of attracting and retaining customers. The former will lead to customer satisfaction which again will lead to increased profitability.
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- Date Issued: 2010
Designing a lean manufacturing model for Johnson Controls SA
- Authors: Andersson, Carl
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Production management -- South Africa , Just-in-time systems , Manufacturing resource planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8566 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/188 , Production management -- South Africa , Just-in-time systems , Manufacturing resource planning
- Description: An increase in global competitiveness has forced manufacturing organisations to re – look at their facility from an output and quality standpoint. Leveraging a manufacturing operation into a competitive advantage must at all times support the organisation’s objectives. It is therefore vital that the operation reviews its strategy so that it fulfils the everchanging needs of its market. The main objective of this research was to identify possible approaches that Johnson Controls South Africa (JCI SA) could pursue when implementing a Lean Manufacturing model. In doing this it will improve JCI SA’s manufacturing efficiency and quality, thus giving the organisation a competitive edge over its opposition. The research presented an empirical study of how a Lean Manufacturing model should be implemented in JCI SA. A theoretical and empirical study was conducted on how to successfully implement Lean Manufacturing within an organisation. The main purpose was to establish a theoretical Lean Manufacturing model that the organisation can utilise as a strategic plan to become the global leader in its market place.
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- Date Issued: 2006
An investigation into the potential for implementing lean Grindrod Container Depot in Stanbridge Road
- Authors: Andrews, Ferderico Recardo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Management , Container industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Just-in-time systems -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8781 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012967
- Description: On a daily basis organizations strive to achieve maximum output with minimum input for greater levels of efficiency and profitability. However, in our dynamic modern world and economy the variables have changed dramatically and the time when business was simply about the ‘bottom line’ and all else was subordinate to the objective of profit, has come and gone. In the contemporary world of business today the variables are much broader and more dynamic, as people are no longer just employees, and suppliers are no longer people whose payment should be delayed for as long as possible. In addition, the environment is no longer to be plundered at all costs. Today Lean as an all-encompassing management philosophy with its emphasis on adding value, is more relevant in business than at any other point in business history. At a time when the global economy is facing some of its greatest challenges, it is ultimately business and its networks that, through effective management, can restore the global economy and provide livelihoods to millions of people. The Lean management philosophy is about constantly searching for the best possible way of doing things and eliminating waste in pursuit of value. If Lean is in pursuit of eliminating waste and turning it into value, and the customer, irrespective of required product, is in constant pursuit of finding value, then Lean is surely the management philosophy that can deliver the greatest level of customer satisfaction. This means satisfied customers returning to an organization for repeat sales as long as they perceive that the value they derive meets their expectations.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Investigating the relationship between human resource practices and organisational commitment amongst financial advisors in an insurance company in Kwa-Zulu Natal
- Authors: Appasamy, Sherilyn
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Financial services industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47514 , vital:40120
- Description: The insurance sector within the financial services industry faces a significant human capital dilemma due to its largely aging workforce. Over the last decade, the financial services industry has been plagued by enormous and complex change. This plethora of change is as a result of changing regulatory landscape, the evolving digitalisation of the world and the state of the declining youth African economy. This uncertainty and instability has the potential to impact the career aspirations of financial advisors in the insurance sector as they experience many hurdles to growth. This volatility also impacts organisations as attraction into the role diminishes. Human Resource Management practices which are meant to fulfill strategic partnership role within organisations are meant to guide business accordingly to attract and retain top talent. This paper presents an investigation of Human Resource Management (HRM) practices within an insurance company and the impact of Human Resources Management practices on the organisational commitment of financial advisors. An empirical study, consisting of an online questionnaire, was conducted amongst 102 employees from an insurance company in Kwa-Zulu Natal. The analysis revealed that the relationship of HRM practices to organisational commitment outcomes in the insurance company was exclusive in that only three of the five HRM practices being recruitment and selection; training and development; and workplace culture and climate, were found to be positively and significantly related to the organisational commitment of advisors. It was concluded that recruitment and selection plays an important role in matching the right skills, abilities and personality for the job. There is a critical need for the shift in focus from academy classroom learning to on-the-job practical training and mentorship from senior advisors. Thirdly, workplace climate and culture is a key determinant into whether an employee will stay and creating a space which is diverse, flexible and harnesses work-life integration will be more critical moving forward.
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- Date Issued: 2020
Strategic management guidelines for construction SMEs in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Appels, Gaynor
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Construction industry -- Management , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8663 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1414 , Construction industry -- Management , Strategic planning
- Description: SMEs fulfil an important role in the long-term growth and development of the economy of the country. The development and growth of construction SMEs are important for all countries, as a strong SME base has the capacity to produce a high-quality infrastructure for the country. Construction SMEs also stimulate economic activity in other sectors of the economy. Research has, however, shown that the failure rate of small businesses within the first five years is high in South Africa. Reseatch has also indicated that the lack of long-term planning and the lack of strategic thinking are major contributing factors to the business failure of SMEs. SMEs operating in the construction industry are faced with the same challenges as their counterparts in other sectors of the economy, but in addition to those difficulties, construction SMEs also have to deal with the unique characteristics of the industry that have adverse implications for them. The construction industry has experienced considerable growth and success, in the past decade, particularly as a result of the government's considerable infrastructural spending, especially in the run-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The growth in the construction industry has, however, not resulted in similar results for Construction SMEs; and research has shown that most of them have not developed into more established entities. In fact, in the Eastern Cape, 91 per cent of all registered contractors fall within the lowest level of the Construction Industry Development Board's classification system. Many construction SMEs perform poorly, but among them there are those that have the potential to grow and develop into larger more established entities. Research has shown that contractor development programmes aimed at assisting the growth and development of construction companies have been successful in increasing participation in the industry, but not in ensuring that small enterprises grow into self-sustainable established enterprises. In contrast, the research has shown that SMEs that practice strategic management perform better, and that there are many advantages for SMEs in applying strategic management principles. This study, therefore, investigates how strategic management can be applied to address the problems faced by construction SMEs, and to exploire techniques and tools of strategic management that can make a significant contribution to their growth and development.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2010
Improving attendance at an automotive manufacturing company in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Arnolds, Allan
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Absenteeism (Labor) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8871 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020324
- Description: Attendance in the workplace is becoming a growing challenge for companies or organisations in general. Non-attendance has become a world-wide or international problem. According to Banks, Patel and Moola (2012) it is a common problem in all types of industries, minor or large, private or government. South African organisations are losing estimated billions of rand in cost annually due to poor attendance. These costs are having a negative effect on organisations’ revenue, effectiveness, health and safety. A satisfactory level of employee attendance at work is necessary to allow departments within organisations to achieve their objectives and targets. Research suggests many factors which influence employee attendance and these are investigated, analysed and discussed within this study. The aim of the study was to attempt to improve attendance at an automotive manufacturing company by investigating the influences of certain elements, namely motivation, leadership (supportive), job satisfaction and rewards. The literature study was done to investigate the relationship between these factors and elements and attendance. Through research the realisation of the importance of controlling absenteeism has become very imminent. The literature review has shown that these factors are related to attendance, some of them influencing the tendency to attend work positively and others having a negative influence causing employees to be absent from work. The study also investigates some of the common possible reasons and motives for non-attendance. The empirical part of the study was to determine the perception of workers with regard to attendance. A convenience sampling method was used to select the respondents and the size of the sample consisted of 198 respondents. A researched and well-designed questionnaire was used to gather the data. The information was analysed with the latest statistics software package. Independent tests and analysis of various techniques were used to determine the statistical significant differences in the relationship between attendance and the elements with regard to employee perception. These perceptions were grouped in biographical categories, namely race, age, shop, service length, marital status, gender, income and the number of days absent in the last three years. Through the study statistically no actual significant difference was found among these groups. The key findings within this study show that there are no significant relationships between the dependent variable (attendance) and the independent variables, (motivation, leadership, job satisfaction and rewards). This relation is highlighted by the statistical data which is discussed and analysed individually for this study The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed and recommendations based on these findings are provided.
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- Date Issued: 2014
An analysis of use of cloud enterprise resource planning systems in South Africa
- Authors: Atukwase, Denise
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Enterprise resource planning -- South Africa , Business planning -- South Africa , Management information systems -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8874 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020352
- Description: Due to innovation, Information Technology (IT) is changing all the time. One of the fast growing IT innovations is cloud computing. The phenomenon of cloud computing has changed the way that business consumes IT and in particular Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. This phenomenon has led to a need for research in the field of cloud ERP systems. A review of the literature revealed a gap in research related to cloud ERP systems and particularly to the adoption of these systems in South African companies. Only a few studies have been done regarding the adoption of cloud computing in South Africa, and the extent of adoption of cloud ERP systems in South Africa is not known. This study set out to answer the research question “What is the extent of understanding and adoption of ERP system in South African companies?” The study will be useful to the ERP industry in understanding the level of adoption of and perceptions about cloud ERP systems by South African companies. In order to answer the research question a survey research strategy was adopted and was of an exploratory nature. The sample was composed of IT professionals and line managers in South African companies. Questionnaires were sent via web link and 41 complete responses were obtained. The results showed that the respondents had a good understanding of the advantages/benefits of cloud ERP systems. However, a lack of clear understanding of the disadvantages/drawbacks of cloud ERP systems was evident in the research data which could lead to non-adoption of cloud ERP systems. Adoption of cloud ERP systems was highest in the engineering, manufacturing and IT sector. It was evident that IaaS and PaaS have not been adopted at all. The majority of the companies (60 percent) that had adopted cloud ERP systems were SMEs. This is in line with international studies that show that SMEs are driving the change in IT innovation such as cloud ERP systems.
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- Date Issued: 2015
Improving school management systems of low pass rate of high schools in the PE school district
- Authors: August, Thozama Ncediwe
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: School failure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education, Secondary -- Eastern Cape -- Port Elizabeth Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12571 , vital:27095
- Description: The DoE is structured in such a way that in all the provinces there are Districts which are formed by clusters. The performance of each province is measured according to that of the different Districts. This District performance reflects back to the schools in the clusters where they are found. Everyone is keen to know which District will be the top performer in the Grade 12 results in the Eastern Cape; because this is where performance of each school is measured. In the past years it was sad to notice that the Eastern Cape schools have had a very low pass rate. The DoE (PE) District has a challenge to change the situation in which the province finds itself. This research seeks to address the challenges encountered by the schools which are not able to improve their pass rate. It focuses on the school management systems of low pass rate schools; and how can they be modified. It is vitally important to manage the organisation or institution in a way which will optimize performance. That is the reason for discussing and debating the way school management is operated in the high pass rate schools, so that differences between the two categories of schools are noted and good strategies are utilised in low pass rate schools. For the PE District to improve; the schools in the circuits must improve in their performance. Each circuit is allocated an Educational Development Officer (EDO). It is the duty of the EDO to monitor and evaluate the schools in their circuits. These departmental officials have to ensure that schools are managed well; that is, that the school management systems are functioning properly. They need to assist the schools in any way they can, in order to improve the performance of the schools. This research study seeks to bring forward the challenges faced by the low performing schools so that every stakeholder in the schools and in the DoE is on board to improve the situation. Improvement in the circuit will help the province to enhance its overall performance.
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- Date Issued: 2011
A study of the effectiveness of the VCT service at the NMMU
- Authors: August, Yolande Margaret
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8540 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/470 , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention
- Description: The students are the future economic backbone of the country and it is essential that measures are taken to reduce the number of new HIV infections in this segment of the population. Free voluntary counselling and testing for HIV was introduced at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University as one of the prevention strategies to curb the spread of HIV. This service has grown steadily over the years but strategies need to be formulated and implemented to improve the existing service and thereby increase the utilisation of the testing service. This treatise takes the form of an investigative survey involving literature review and a survey of all the individuals who utilised the VCT service over a three month period. The author has attempted to portray the general views and best practices of experts in the field of VCT service delivery. The identified best practices were used as an assessment tool to determine to what extent the VCT service at the NMMU complies with national and international standards. The quantification of these insights must be viewed with caution since the survey sample was relatively low due to time constraints. It has been shown that the VCT service at the NMMU largely complies with national and international standards although several recommendations have been presented for consideration.
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- Date Issued: 2006