Wellness strategies for unskilled and semi-skilled employees in the built environment
- Authors: Dido, Romano William
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Employee health promotion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6929 , vital:21168
- Description: More employees in organisations in the built environment are beginning to suffer from ill health related to work when compared with employees in other industries. There are many reasons for this, such as: unsuitable working conditions, physical demands linked to the occupation and the high proportion of transient unskilled and semi-skilled employees. A study concerning the wellness levels of unskilled and semi-skilled employees therefore contributes to the understanding and improvement of employee health within the industry. The main objective of this study was therefore to identify the wellness levels of employees in the built environment and their perceptions of the extent to which their company provides wellness interventions or strategies. The methodological approach used in this study was within a quantitative paradigm, and a questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument. The findings indicated that the employees engaged in healthy activities and that the organisation encouraged the employees to maintain healthy lifestyles. However, there were areas that required consideration. Specifically, more attention should be given to budgeting for wellness interventions, regular health screenings should take place and more attention to substance abuse is required.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Dido, Romano William
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Employee health promotion
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6929 , vital:21168
- Description: More employees in organisations in the built environment are beginning to suffer from ill health related to work when compared with employees in other industries. There are many reasons for this, such as: unsuitable working conditions, physical demands linked to the occupation and the high proportion of transient unskilled and semi-skilled employees. A study concerning the wellness levels of unskilled and semi-skilled employees therefore contributes to the understanding and improvement of employee health within the industry. The main objective of this study was therefore to identify the wellness levels of employees in the built environment and their perceptions of the extent to which their company provides wellness interventions or strategies. The methodological approach used in this study was within a quantitative paradigm, and a questionnaire was used as a data collection instrument. The findings indicated that the employees engaged in healthy activities and that the organisation encouraged the employees to maintain healthy lifestyles. However, there were areas that required consideration. Specifically, more attention should be given to budgeting for wellness interventions, regular health screenings should take place and more attention to substance abuse is required.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Variables affecting family employee remuneration in South African family businesses
- Authors: Pitsiladi, Lesvokli N
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Human capital -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3449 , vital:20431
- Description: The purpose of this multi-case study research was to determine variables that affect The Perceived Success of Fair Family Employee Compensation in South African family businesses. Five propositions: Human Capital, Outside Advice, Succession Planning, Fairness and Family Harmony were tested and as a result, Human Capital, Fairness and Family Harmony were deduced to have a positive influence, while Outside Advice and Succession Planning had a non-significant influence. The present research effort begun with an in-depth literature review on family business and the variables: Human Capital, Outside Advice, Succession Planning, Fairness, Family Harmony and Fair Family Employee Compensation, followed by a qualitative explanatory multi-case study research design using embedded units of analysis and provided a valuable insight into compensation issues regarding family businesses in South Africa. Replication logic was used to generalise the results and it was recommended that the preliminary theory regarding Outside Advice and Succession Planning be revised and tested with another set of cases, while the results indicated that Human Capital, Fairness and Family Harmony could be generalised to the broader theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Pitsiladi, Lesvokli N
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Human capital -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3449 , vital:20431
- Description: The purpose of this multi-case study research was to determine variables that affect The Perceived Success of Fair Family Employee Compensation in South African family businesses. Five propositions: Human Capital, Outside Advice, Succession Planning, Fairness and Family Harmony were tested and as a result, Human Capital, Fairness and Family Harmony were deduced to have a positive influence, while Outside Advice and Succession Planning had a non-significant influence. The present research effort begun with an in-depth literature review on family business and the variables: Human Capital, Outside Advice, Succession Planning, Fairness, Family Harmony and Fair Family Employee Compensation, followed by a qualitative explanatory multi-case study research design using embedded units of analysis and provided a valuable insight into compensation issues regarding family businesses in South Africa. Replication logic was used to generalise the results and it was recommended that the preliminary theory regarding Outside Advice and Succession Planning be revised and tested with another set of cases, while the results indicated that Human Capital, Fairness and Family Harmony could be generalised to the broader theory.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The usage of outdoor gyms in South Africa
- Authors: Greyling, Grant André
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Outdoor recreation -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Outdoor recreation industry -- South Africa , Parks -- Public use -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7483 , vital:21787
- Description: The main research problem of this study was to investigate underlying factors, which influence people in the use of outdoor gyms in South Africa. The main research problem gave rise to five research sub-problems. The sub-problems were addressed by the following actions. A literature study was conducted to investigate theories explaining human behaviour. Particular attention was given to the Theory of Planned Behaviour, which provided the basis for the research design. A pilot study was conducted with ten members in the sample group to identify accessible behavioural, normative and control beliefs in order to construct a list of modal accessible beliefs, reflective of the most commonly held beliefs for the population. A standard questionnaire was developed, incorporating Ajzen’s (2002) conceptual and methodological considerations. The self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 974 members of the public from diverse backgrounds. The response rate was 21%, with 203 questionnaires being returned. The final sample size was 156, due to 47 questionnaires being incorrectly completed. The results from the study were largely consistent with the existing literature. A remarkable finding was the strong degree of multi-collinearity displayed between attitude and subjective norms. For this reason, t-stats were used (instead of regression coefficients) to compare the strength of the relationships between the independent and dependent variables. The model explained 34% of the variation in intention to use an outdoor gym. Subjective norms had the strongest significant effect on intentions. Outdoor gym installations are growing globally, as well as in South Africa and local governments regard outdoor gyms as an inexpensive solution to improving public health (Madren, 2013). This study can assist in the design of future physical activity intervention programs. The findings of the study are important as there are a number of public benefits of exercising at outdoor gyms (Madren, 2013: 1). The results of the study revealed the importance of subjective norms in the context of outdoor gyms. The findings further suggested that a special relationship existed between attitudes and subjective norms, which should be considered for effective health interventions. The role of perceived behaviour control is also significant and intervention campaigns should consider a number of proposals suggested in the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Greyling, Grant André
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Outdoor recreation -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Outdoor recreation industry -- South Africa , Parks -- Public use -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7483 , vital:21787
- Description: The main research problem of this study was to investigate underlying factors, which influence people in the use of outdoor gyms in South Africa. The main research problem gave rise to five research sub-problems. The sub-problems were addressed by the following actions. A literature study was conducted to investigate theories explaining human behaviour. Particular attention was given to the Theory of Planned Behaviour, which provided the basis for the research design. A pilot study was conducted with ten members in the sample group to identify accessible behavioural, normative and control beliefs in order to construct a list of modal accessible beliefs, reflective of the most commonly held beliefs for the population. A standard questionnaire was developed, incorporating Ajzen’s (2002) conceptual and methodological considerations. The self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 974 members of the public from diverse backgrounds. The response rate was 21%, with 203 questionnaires being returned. The final sample size was 156, due to 47 questionnaires being incorrectly completed. The results from the study were largely consistent with the existing literature. A remarkable finding was the strong degree of multi-collinearity displayed between attitude and subjective norms. For this reason, t-stats were used (instead of regression coefficients) to compare the strength of the relationships between the independent and dependent variables. The model explained 34% of the variation in intention to use an outdoor gym. Subjective norms had the strongest significant effect on intentions. Outdoor gym installations are growing globally, as well as in South Africa and local governments regard outdoor gyms as an inexpensive solution to improving public health (Madren, 2013). This study can assist in the design of future physical activity intervention programs. The findings of the study are important as there are a number of public benefits of exercising at outdoor gyms (Madren, 2013: 1). The results of the study revealed the importance of subjective norms in the context of outdoor gyms. The findings further suggested that a special relationship existed between attitudes and subjective norms, which should be considered for effective health interventions. The role of perceived behaviour control is also significant and intervention campaigns should consider a number of proposals suggested in the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The role of women in black family business in South Africa
- Authors: Mrara,Lulama
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Women executives -- South Africa Women -- Economic conditions -- 21st century Women in the professions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12253 , vital:27048
- Description: Family businesses are major contributors to economies around the world. It is also recognised that family businesses are critical to entrepreneurship, socio- economic development and industrialisation around the world. Women in family business are major contributors to the success of the family business around the world. Limited research is available on the role of women in family business. The research conducted yielded similar results for South Africa. The impact of family business on entrepreneurship and the economy, with respect to socio- economic development, has placed great interest in family business studies in South Africa. This study focused on the role of women in black family business in South Africa. This research found that women in black family business focus on bringing softer skills to the business which are beneficial for people management. In their capacity as managers in the family business, women tend to take on a supportive role to the spouse; they tend to focus on ensuring a harmonious and peaceful culture in the work place. Women in family business have a dual role of ensuring business success and quality family life. They prefer to work in the shadow of their male counterparts. Challenges faced by women in black family business have been identified as the lack of inclusion in strategic decision- making, lack of decision-making career opportunities and the lack of consideration for succession within the business, a lack of business mentorship and ambiguity of roles in the business and in the family. It has been found that the role of women in black family business may be enhanced going forward. This may be done through educational programmes or workshops for management skills for women, networking opportunities and support groups, counselling on work/family management strategies, and spousal sharing of responsibilities in the work- family management relationship. A suggested area for future research is the impact of culture in family business in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mrara,Lulama
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Women executives -- South Africa Women -- Economic conditions -- 21st century Women in the professions -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12253 , vital:27048
- Description: Family businesses are major contributors to economies around the world. It is also recognised that family businesses are critical to entrepreneurship, socio- economic development and industrialisation around the world. Women in family business are major contributors to the success of the family business around the world. Limited research is available on the role of women in family business. The research conducted yielded similar results for South Africa. The impact of family business on entrepreneurship and the economy, with respect to socio- economic development, has placed great interest in family business studies in South Africa. This study focused on the role of women in black family business in South Africa. This research found that women in black family business focus on bringing softer skills to the business which are beneficial for people management. In their capacity as managers in the family business, women tend to take on a supportive role to the spouse; they tend to focus on ensuring a harmonious and peaceful culture in the work place. Women in family business have a dual role of ensuring business success and quality family life. They prefer to work in the shadow of their male counterparts. Challenges faced by women in black family business have been identified as the lack of inclusion in strategic decision- making, lack of decision-making career opportunities and the lack of consideration for succession within the business, a lack of business mentorship and ambiguity of roles in the business and in the family. It has been found that the role of women in black family business may be enhanced going forward. This may be done through educational programmes or workshops for management skills for women, networking opportunities and support groups, counselling on work/family management strategies, and spousal sharing of responsibilities in the work- family management relationship. A suggested area for future research is the impact of culture in family business in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The relationship between sales promotion techniques and consumer off-take and attitude within the SA non-alcoholic ready to drink market
- Authors: Mattheus, Jared Cameron
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Sales promotion Consumer behavior Advertising
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11586 , vital:26940
- Description: Over the past decade there has been a shift in marketing spend from above the line advertising, to below the line advertising commonly referred to as promotions. This has been brought about by recessionary economic conditions, increased competition, rising media costs and long term profitability prospects. Many fast moving consumer goods’ (FMCG) companies are shifting a large portion of their marketing spend from advertising to sales promotion. This has occurred because of consumers becoming more prone to deals, declining brand loyalty and the growing power of major retail chains. Sales promotion spend can comprise of as much as 50% of the marketing budget in certain industries and the majority of the marketing budget for most FMCG companies. This has been heightened further by the global financial recession which has both direct and indirect effects on South Africa. Approximately 70% of purchasing decisions are made in store by understanding how these decisions are made and how to influence them is essential in developing an effective marketing strategy. Besides product characteristics, promotional techniques are among the most popular instruments used by marketers to influence this process. Global trends show that 83% of all senior marketers increase or maintain spend on promotional merchandise year on year. However, they had limited insight into how to best spend the funds or if they even achieved their intended purpose. Despite the rise in promotional activity, especially in the FMCG sector, limited research has been conducted on the influence and effectiveness in South Africa. The purpose of this treatise, then, is to examine addresses the paucity in research with regard to consumer sales promotions in the non-alcoholic ready to drink (NARTD) market, particularly within South Africa. By developing a relationship model to measure the influence and effectiveness of selected sales promotion techniques on consumer off-take and attitude. That can be used by organisations to retain consumers, grow market share, improve brand equity and achieve higher profitability. Equipping marketers with an improved understanding of the impact of sales promotion techniques and consumer buying patterns within the South African NARTD market and delivering value to consumers through targeted promotions. In order to achieve this goal a thorough literature review was performed which drew on both academic- and industry-based research. This led to the development of a conceptual relationship model which was tested using rigorous measures incorporating questionnaire-style, quantitative data collection and statistical analysis. The research revealed that sales promotion techniques are an important element of a successful marketing strategy and when correctly executed deliver positive business results. FMCG companies operating within the NARTD market need to ensure that they incorporate sampling and premiums into their marketing mix even if this requires them to reduce their spend on above the line marketing activities. Ultimately, sampling and premiums were found to be effective sales promotion techniques within the South African NARTD market and have the ability to positively influence consumer off-take, brand love and buying behaviour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mattheus, Jared Cameron
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Sales promotion Consumer behavior Advertising
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11586 , vital:26940
- Description: Over the past decade there has been a shift in marketing spend from above the line advertising, to below the line advertising commonly referred to as promotions. This has been brought about by recessionary economic conditions, increased competition, rising media costs and long term profitability prospects. Many fast moving consumer goods’ (FMCG) companies are shifting a large portion of their marketing spend from advertising to sales promotion. This has occurred because of consumers becoming more prone to deals, declining brand loyalty and the growing power of major retail chains. Sales promotion spend can comprise of as much as 50% of the marketing budget in certain industries and the majority of the marketing budget for most FMCG companies. This has been heightened further by the global financial recession which has both direct and indirect effects on South Africa. Approximately 70% of purchasing decisions are made in store by understanding how these decisions are made and how to influence them is essential in developing an effective marketing strategy. Besides product characteristics, promotional techniques are among the most popular instruments used by marketers to influence this process. Global trends show that 83% of all senior marketers increase or maintain spend on promotional merchandise year on year. However, they had limited insight into how to best spend the funds or if they even achieved their intended purpose. Despite the rise in promotional activity, especially in the FMCG sector, limited research has been conducted on the influence and effectiveness in South Africa. The purpose of this treatise, then, is to examine addresses the paucity in research with regard to consumer sales promotions in the non-alcoholic ready to drink (NARTD) market, particularly within South Africa. By developing a relationship model to measure the influence and effectiveness of selected sales promotion techniques on consumer off-take and attitude. That can be used by organisations to retain consumers, grow market share, improve brand equity and achieve higher profitability. Equipping marketers with an improved understanding of the impact of sales promotion techniques and consumer buying patterns within the South African NARTD market and delivering value to consumers through targeted promotions. In order to achieve this goal a thorough literature review was performed which drew on both academic- and industry-based research. This led to the development of a conceptual relationship model which was tested using rigorous measures incorporating questionnaire-style, quantitative data collection and statistical analysis. The research revealed that sales promotion techniques are an important element of a successful marketing strategy and when correctly executed deliver positive business results. FMCG companies operating within the NARTD market need to ensure that they incorporate sampling and premiums into their marketing mix even if this requires them to reduce their spend on above the line marketing activities. Ultimately, sampling and premiums were found to be effective sales promotion techniques within the South African NARTD market and have the ability to positively influence consumer off-take, brand love and buying behaviour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The relationship between engagement strategies and intention-to-stay of engineering professionals
- Authors: Sibiya, Petros Mandla
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa Engineering -- Employment -- South Africa , Electric power-plants -- Maintenance and repair
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13028 , vital:27145
- Description: The focus of the study was on the relationship between employee engagement strategies and intention-to-stay of engineering professionals at a power station. The investigated engagement strategies or drivers in the model adopted for this study included: leadership style, remuneration structure, physical and emotional work climate, nature of work and career development opportunities. The purpose of the study was to investigate and contribute to a better understanding of a voluntary turnover problem of engineering professionals at a power station by considering the influence of engagement on intention-to-stay. The research was conducted on a sample of 65 engineering professionals employed at a power station. The findings of the study revealed that only one variable, namely nature of work, was significantly related to employee engagement. It was also established that of the five engagement strategies investigated, nature of work and leadership style (transformational) were significantly related to intention-to-stay. A positive relationship between employee engagement and intention-to-stay was proven in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Sibiya, Petros Mandla
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Employee retention -- South Africa Engineering -- Employment -- South Africa , Electric power-plants -- Maintenance and repair
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13028 , vital:27145
- Description: The focus of the study was on the relationship between employee engagement strategies and intention-to-stay of engineering professionals at a power station. The investigated engagement strategies or drivers in the model adopted for this study included: leadership style, remuneration structure, physical and emotional work climate, nature of work and career development opportunities. The purpose of the study was to investigate and contribute to a better understanding of a voluntary turnover problem of engineering professionals at a power station by considering the influence of engagement on intention-to-stay. The research was conducted on a sample of 65 engineering professionals employed at a power station. The findings of the study revealed that only one variable, namely nature of work, was significantly related to employee engagement. It was also established that of the five engagement strategies investigated, nature of work and leadership style (transformational) were significantly related to intention-to-stay. A positive relationship between employee engagement and intention-to-stay was proven in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The relationship between emotional intelligence and success in the project management
- Authors: Tikwayo, Victor Vuyile
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Project Management--South Africa Emotional Intelligence--South Africa , Tire industry--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45300 , vital:38568
- Description: Project management plays an important role as a common method of reinforcing chosen organisational strategies that leads to sustainable competitive advantage (Steyn, et al. 2013:5). Organisations that respond quickly to customer demands with the use of projects have more opportunities of adding value to their shareholders and increase their market share or responding faster to mitigate risk. A major challenge facing management in many manufacturing organisations is the increasing gap between big investment demands on one hand and the knowledge and expertise on the other hand of the teams that need to make the project a reality. The increasing recognition of failures encountered in projects to meet the expectations of their stakeholders are cited to be jeopardizing the economic development and growth many developing countries like South Africa. As such, organisations are forced to become more resourceful to reduce project failures in an effort to ensure that the positive project outcomes are realized. Relationship management has been identified as one of the aspects that can help improve coordination and communication between all parties involved in a project. As such, emotional intelligence provides a framework for interpersonal skills among project teams, which is claimed to contribute to project success (Clarke, 2010a:14; Davis, 2011:39)The contemporary study, therefore explored the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and success in project management. The study was conducted within the context of manufacturing projects in Continental Tyre South Africa (CTSA). Based on the main findings, it was concluded that emotional intelligence plays an important role in project success. Various recommendations from the results of the empirical study are presented in the final chapter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Tikwayo, Victor Vuyile
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Project Management--South Africa Emotional Intelligence--South Africa , Tire industry--South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/45300 , vital:38568
- Description: Project management plays an important role as a common method of reinforcing chosen organisational strategies that leads to sustainable competitive advantage (Steyn, et al. 2013:5). Organisations that respond quickly to customer demands with the use of projects have more opportunities of adding value to their shareholders and increase their market share or responding faster to mitigate risk. A major challenge facing management in many manufacturing organisations is the increasing gap between big investment demands on one hand and the knowledge and expertise on the other hand of the teams that need to make the project a reality. The increasing recognition of failures encountered in projects to meet the expectations of their stakeholders are cited to be jeopardizing the economic development and growth many developing countries like South Africa. As such, organisations are forced to become more resourceful to reduce project failures in an effort to ensure that the positive project outcomes are realized. Relationship management has been identified as one of the aspects that can help improve coordination and communication between all parties involved in a project. As such, emotional intelligence provides a framework for interpersonal skills among project teams, which is claimed to contribute to project success (Clarke, 2010a:14; Davis, 2011:39)The contemporary study, therefore explored the relationship between emotional intelligence (EI) and success in project management. The study was conducted within the context of manufacturing projects in Continental Tyre South Africa (CTSA). Based on the main findings, it was concluded that emotional intelligence plays an important role in project success. Various recommendations from the results of the empirical study are presented in the final chapter.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The National School Nutrition Programme in selected schools in Peddie
- Authors: Zazini, Thando William
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: School children -- Food -- South Africa -- Peddie School children -- Nutrition , School management teams -- Nutrition -- South Africa -- Peddie
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12769 , vital:27119
- Description: The Department of Basic Education classifies the NSNP as one of the critical omponents of the government's Programme of Action, which was specifically assigned the responsibility of addressing learners' ability to learn by providing them with nutritious meals. The success of the programme may therefore contribute towards the country's realisation of the Millennium Development Goals which include the reduction of mortality and the eradication of extreme hunger and poverty by 2015 as well as achieving universal primary education. The aim of the National School Nutrition Programme seeks to promote sustainable food production initiatives in all School Nutrition Schools in order to develop skills. It also aims to enhance learning capacity of a learner through feeding and to promote nutrition education in order to improve healthy eating and lifestyles amongst communities. This study seeks to assess the current status in administering the NSNP in selected schools in Peddie, Eastern Cape. Due to the extensive nature of the geographical area of Peddie, this study focused exclusively on 25 schools. For the purpose of this study, a quantitative approach was employed through a questionnaire constructed to obtain the perceptions of the sample group. The responses from the statements in the questionnaire were analysed by a Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University registered statistician. In the last chapter a number of recommendations are stated to aid in improving the current administering status of the National School Nutrition Programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Zazini, Thando William
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: School children -- Food -- South Africa -- Peddie School children -- Nutrition , School management teams -- Nutrition -- South Africa -- Peddie
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12769 , vital:27119
- Description: The Department of Basic Education classifies the NSNP as one of the critical omponents of the government's Programme of Action, which was specifically assigned the responsibility of addressing learners' ability to learn by providing them with nutritious meals. The success of the programme may therefore contribute towards the country's realisation of the Millennium Development Goals which include the reduction of mortality and the eradication of extreme hunger and poverty by 2015 as well as achieving universal primary education. The aim of the National School Nutrition Programme seeks to promote sustainable food production initiatives in all School Nutrition Schools in order to develop skills. It also aims to enhance learning capacity of a learner through feeding and to promote nutrition education in order to improve healthy eating and lifestyles amongst communities. This study seeks to assess the current status in administering the NSNP in selected schools in Peddie, Eastern Cape. Due to the extensive nature of the geographical area of Peddie, this study focused exclusively on 25 schools. For the purpose of this study, a quantitative approach was employed through a questionnaire constructed to obtain the perceptions of the sample group. The responses from the statements in the questionnaire were analysed by a Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University registered statistician. In the last chapter a number of recommendations are stated to aid in improving the current administering status of the National School Nutrition Programme.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The leadership characteristics and development of Doctor Trudy Thomas : a case study in servant-leadership
- Authors: Fietze, Jennifer Anne
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Servant leadership , Thomas, Trudi , Leadership -- South Africa -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:860 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020184
- Description: Doctor Trudy Thomas is a leader that served; as a medical doctor and as a public servant over five decades during and after the apartheid era in South Africa. The aim of this qualitative study was to identify the leadership characteristics that are evident in Doctor Thomas, the former MEC for Health for the Province of the Eastern Cape; as a leader and to explore how they developed over five decades, given her role within healthcare in South Africa. The first requirement of a servant-leader according to Robert Greenleaf (the contemporary pioneer of servant-leadership) (Greenleaf, 1977), is that the leader is a servant first and starts with a desire to serve. Doctor Thomas started her professional life as a medical missionary doctor, a profession that by its nature is serving and ultimately healing, in the poor rural communities of the Eastern Cape. Her leadership grew out of her initial concern for her patients and their communities and by the opportunities that she was presented with to apply her skills to serve. She was able to identify the deeper needs within these communities and was able to envision practical solutions to these problems, enlisting the assistance of others. Throughout her leadership journey she exhibited humility, and many other trademarks of a servant-leader. She did not see herself as a leader, believing rather that it was a privilege to serve and help people. This study was therefore able to conclude that the leadership that Doctor Thomas has exhibited is that of a servant-leader and that her leadership journey was unintentional and grew out of her desire and ability to serve. This thesis consists of three separate yet interrelated sections. Section One, The Academic Case Study is a holistic, biographical academic case study on an individual. The outcomes of this research are presented as an academic paper, which includes a condensed literature review, results and discussion, as well as recommendations for future research. It also presents recommendations regarding the application of servant-leadership in service industries like Healthcare in South Africa. The presentation of the results is predominantly qualitative with some quantitative aspects. Section Two, The Literature Review presents an extensive review of literature that relates to the phenomena of leadership; servant-leadership; leader and leadership development; servant-leadership development through service and finally servant-leadership in South Africa. Other aspects like Ubuntu and Unintentional leadership are examined. The literature review conducted serves as a broad foundation for understanding servant-leadership but does not purely focus on the issues of this individual study. Section Three, The Research Methodology is an outline of the research aim and objectives, and the research paradigm that has been adopted. The discussion also details the research methodology; the case study method; an inductive approach; an intersubjective position; the individual researched; data collection techniques and analysis; objectivity; issues of quality; ethics; and the limitations of this research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Fietze, Jennifer Anne
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Servant leadership , Thomas, Trudi , Leadership -- South Africa -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:860 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020184
- Description: Doctor Trudy Thomas is a leader that served; as a medical doctor and as a public servant over five decades during and after the apartheid era in South Africa. The aim of this qualitative study was to identify the leadership characteristics that are evident in Doctor Thomas, the former MEC for Health for the Province of the Eastern Cape; as a leader and to explore how they developed over five decades, given her role within healthcare in South Africa. The first requirement of a servant-leader according to Robert Greenleaf (the contemporary pioneer of servant-leadership) (Greenleaf, 1977), is that the leader is a servant first and starts with a desire to serve. Doctor Thomas started her professional life as a medical missionary doctor, a profession that by its nature is serving and ultimately healing, in the poor rural communities of the Eastern Cape. Her leadership grew out of her initial concern for her patients and their communities and by the opportunities that she was presented with to apply her skills to serve. She was able to identify the deeper needs within these communities and was able to envision practical solutions to these problems, enlisting the assistance of others. Throughout her leadership journey she exhibited humility, and many other trademarks of a servant-leader. She did not see herself as a leader, believing rather that it was a privilege to serve and help people. This study was therefore able to conclude that the leadership that Doctor Thomas has exhibited is that of a servant-leader and that her leadership journey was unintentional and grew out of her desire and ability to serve. This thesis consists of three separate yet interrelated sections. Section One, The Academic Case Study is a holistic, biographical academic case study on an individual. The outcomes of this research are presented as an academic paper, which includes a condensed literature review, results and discussion, as well as recommendations for future research. It also presents recommendations regarding the application of servant-leadership in service industries like Healthcare in South Africa. The presentation of the results is predominantly qualitative with some quantitative aspects. Section Two, The Literature Review presents an extensive review of literature that relates to the phenomena of leadership; servant-leadership; leader and leadership development; servant-leadership development through service and finally servant-leadership in South Africa. Other aspects like Ubuntu and Unintentional leadership are examined. The literature review conducted serves as a broad foundation for understanding servant-leadership but does not purely focus on the issues of this individual study. Section Three, The Research Methodology is an outline of the research aim and objectives, and the research paradigm that has been adopted. The discussion also details the research methodology; the case study method; an inductive approach; an intersubjective position; the individual researched; data collection techniques and analysis; objectivity; issues of quality; ethics; and the limitations of this research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The influence of power distance relationships on the success of lean manufacturing implementations
- Authors: De Beer, Lourens
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Corporate culture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6919 , vital:21166
- Description: The research project measured the influence of lean culture elements as well as power distance elements on the success of lean manufacturing implementations. The literature review revealed that lean transformations are not always successful and sustainable since organisation see these as quick win opportunities to improve short term profits. Lean, however, is a long term philosophy that entails not just quick changes but a fundamental change in the way that business is done. The elements that were measured in the study were organisational awareness, employee engagement, managerial consistency, accountability, mutual respect and autocratic behaviour. The study revealed a strong relationship between these factors and the success of lean implementations. The results indicated that there is a positive relationship between lean culture and the other lean elements. The study also indicated that autocratic behaviour has a positive relationship to lean implementation. The study showed that tools that were developed in the past are valid across various industries and that power distance does play a role in lean implementations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: De Beer, Lourens
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Lean manufacturing , Corporate culture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6919 , vital:21166
- Description: The research project measured the influence of lean culture elements as well as power distance elements on the success of lean manufacturing implementations. The literature review revealed that lean transformations are not always successful and sustainable since organisation see these as quick win opportunities to improve short term profits. Lean, however, is a long term philosophy that entails not just quick changes but a fundamental change in the way that business is done. The elements that were measured in the study were organisational awareness, employee engagement, managerial consistency, accountability, mutual respect and autocratic behaviour. The study revealed a strong relationship between these factors and the success of lean implementations. The results indicated that there is a positive relationship between lean culture and the other lean elements. The study also indicated that autocratic behaviour has a positive relationship to lean implementation. The study showed that tools that were developed in the past are valid across various industries and that power distance does play a role in lean implementations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The impact of gain-sharing on employee job satisfaction at a manufacturing company in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Mbotshelwa, Sipo Victor
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Gain sharing -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Employee loyalty -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11691 , vital:26955
- Description: In this economically challenging era, companies have got to find the best system that can help to enhance productivity. A very important method is by encouraging takeholders through various forms of incentives. The gain-sharing incentive has been adopted by many organisations today to enhance staff loyalty and productivity. A gain-sharing programme ensures that both the organisation and team members benefit from the expected performances, rather than an individual or group incentive which is given based on a specific finite goal which could be achieved at the cost of other key critical business need. A couple of years ago Autocast Aluminium decided to enhance employee performance by initiating the gain-sharing incentive programme. After the programme was rolled out, the organisation is yet to examine the extent to which it enhances job satisfaction in the organisation. The primary objective or aim of the study is to examine the extent to which gain-sharing at Autocast meets the purpose for which it was created. The sample of the study was 176 of the employees at Autocast Aluminium; however 130 questionnaires were distributed. A total of 88 questionnaires were returned, of which 80 were usable, whilst eight were scrapped due to more half of the questionnaire having missing data. This resulted in a 68 % response rate. A framework has been developed to measure to what extent does the programme enable employees to feel satisfied with their jobs. The empirical results revealed that out of six independent variables tested: fair payment, involvement, personal growth, communication, job security and leadership style, only three that plays significant role on employee job satisfaction. These are fair payment, communication and leadership style.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mbotshelwa, Sipo Victor
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Gain sharing -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Employee loyalty -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11691 , vital:26955
- Description: In this economically challenging era, companies have got to find the best system that can help to enhance productivity. A very important method is by encouraging takeholders through various forms of incentives. The gain-sharing incentive has been adopted by many organisations today to enhance staff loyalty and productivity. A gain-sharing programme ensures that both the organisation and team members benefit from the expected performances, rather than an individual or group incentive which is given based on a specific finite goal which could be achieved at the cost of other key critical business need. A couple of years ago Autocast Aluminium decided to enhance employee performance by initiating the gain-sharing incentive programme. After the programme was rolled out, the organisation is yet to examine the extent to which it enhances job satisfaction in the organisation. The primary objective or aim of the study is to examine the extent to which gain-sharing at Autocast meets the purpose for which it was created. The sample of the study was 176 of the employees at Autocast Aluminium; however 130 questionnaires were distributed. A total of 88 questionnaires were returned, of which 80 were usable, whilst eight were scrapped due to more half of the questionnaire having missing data. This resulted in a 68 % response rate. A framework has been developed to measure to what extent does the programme enable employees to feel satisfied with their jobs. The empirical results revealed that out of six independent variables tested: fair payment, involvement, personal growth, communication, job security and leadership style, only three that plays significant role on employee job satisfaction. These are fair payment, communication and leadership style.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The impact of credible municipal budget planning and implementation on service delivery: a comparative study of two municipalities
- Sikuza, Pumeza Ndabakazi Vuyelwa
- Authors: Sikuza, Pumeza Ndabakazi Vuyelwa
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local budgets -- Political aspects -- South Africa , Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12725 , vital:27115
- Description: Poor service delivery in South Africa is a serious problem.The poor delivery of services by municipalities has left many communities dissatisfied and even led to service delivery protests. The delivery of services to municipalities is financed through municipal budgets and this study evaluated the quality of the municipal budgets of two municipalities with one budget being credible and the other not being credible. Selected municipal conditional grant spending as well as the findings of the Auditor General’s office against each municipality were assessed and compared with each other. The purpose of this study was to assess whether a municipality with a credible budget achieved more of its service delivery targets than one which had a budget which was not credible. The findings of this study were that the municipality with the credible budget performed better, in terms of conditional grant spending and against predetermined objectives, than the municipality with the budget which was not credible. Therefore, more concerted efforts should be made by all relevant spheres of government to improve the quality of municipal budgets as this will ultimately lead to improved service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Sikuza, Pumeza Ndabakazi Vuyelwa
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Municipal services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Local budgets -- Political aspects -- South Africa , Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12725 , vital:27115
- Description: Poor service delivery in South Africa is a serious problem.The poor delivery of services by municipalities has left many communities dissatisfied and even led to service delivery protests. The delivery of services to municipalities is financed through municipal budgets and this study evaluated the quality of the municipal budgets of two municipalities with one budget being credible and the other not being credible. Selected municipal conditional grant spending as well as the findings of the Auditor General’s office against each municipality were assessed and compared with each other. The purpose of this study was to assess whether a municipality with a credible budget achieved more of its service delivery targets than one which had a budget which was not credible. The findings of this study were that the municipality with the credible budget performed better, in terms of conditional grant spending and against predetermined objectives, than the municipality with the budget which was not credible. Therefore, more concerted efforts should be made by all relevant spheres of government to improve the quality of municipal budgets as this will ultimately lead to improved service delivery.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The exploration of a relationship between leadership styles and organizational commitment of Richards Bay Coal Terminal employees
- Authors: Khoali, Bafokeng Ngcobile
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:870 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021315
- Description: Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT) is situated in the South African deep water harbour of KwaZulu- Natal. The company provides coal mining organizations a strategic logistics link to international coal markets by enabling the use of a coal exporting facility. RBCT recognizes that its lifeblood is the human capital it retains and that achieving a competitive edge equitably and fairly through its people is a priority (du Preez, 2012). In the modern organization operating in an environment of uncertainty and constant change, employee’s commitment to the organization can be a critical determinant of its success or failure in anchoring a competitive advantage (Ulrich, 1998). The current study explored a relationship between the full range leadership styles of supervisors and the organizational commitment of the subordinates to the organization. The literature reviewed in the study includes two models; the first model is by Bass and Avolio and is referred to as the full range leadership model (FRL). This is the independent variable of the research. The dependent variable is organizational commitment, which belongs to the three component model by Meyer and Allen. These models each contain an instrument which was used on a sample of 120 non-supervisory employees. The independent variable used an instrument called the multifactor leadership questionnaire (MLQ) and the dependent used the organizational commitment questionnaire (OCQ). The data collected with these two questionnaires was then subjected to statistical scrutiny. A two-tailed Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to ascertain the strength and direction of the linear relationship, but most importantly to, at 95%-99% confidence, ascertain the statistical significance of the relationships. The findings of the study reflected no statistically significant relationships between transactional leadership and all of the three components of organizational commitment. The two components; affective and normative commitment, both reported a significant relationship with laissez-faire, whilst continuance commitment reflected insignificance. A positive significant relationship between transformational leadership and affective commitment was evident. This leadership style demonstrated no statistically significant relationship between it and continuance and normative commitment. The combined findings suggested that transactional leadership style of supervisors is somewhat unrelated to the subordinate’s need, desire and or sense of obligation to remain employed. A more transformational style of leadership appears to inspire a desire to sustain employment and affectively commit to the organization, whilst this style bears no relation to the need and sense of moral obligation of the subordinate to maintain employment. Laissez-faire reported a weak insignificant negative relationship with continuance commitment. The result suggests the independence of the subordinates’ need to maintain employment to the lack of leadership presence of the supervision. The significant relationship between laissez-faire and normative commitment may be accepted as indicative of how the absence of leadership is related to the employee’s recognition of no developmental intentions demonstrated by the supervisor. Although weak, the relationship between laissez-faire and affective commitment entails that the more prevalent the non-leadership (absence of leadership) style of the supervisor, the less desire do subordinates demonstrate to remain employed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Khoali, Bafokeng Ngcobile
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:870 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021315
- Description: Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT) is situated in the South African deep water harbour of KwaZulu- Natal. The company provides coal mining organizations a strategic logistics link to international coal markets by enabling the use of a coal exporting facility. RBCT recognizes that its lifeblood is the human capital it retains and that achieving a competitive edge equitably and fairly through its people is a priority (du Preez, 2012). In the modern organization operating in an environment of uncertainty and constant change, employee’s commitment to the organization can be a critical determinant of its success or failure in anchoring a competitive advantage (Ulrich, 1998). The current study explored a relationship between the full range leadership styles of supervisors and the organizational commitment of the subordinates to the organization. The literature reviewed in the study includes two models; the first model is by Bass and Avolio and is referred to as the full range leadership model (FRL). This is the independent variable of the research. The dependent variable is organizational commitment, which belongs to the three component model by Meyer and Allen. These models each contain an instrument which was used on a sample of 120 non-supervisory employees. The independent variable used an instrument called the multifactor leadership questionnaire (MLQ) and the dependent used the organizational commitment questionnaire (OCQ). The data collected with these two questionnaires was then subjected to statistical scrutiny. A two-tailed Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to ascertain the strength and direction of the linear relationship, but most importantly to, at 95%-99% confidence, ascertain the statistical significance of the relationships. The findings of the study reflected no statistically significant relationships between transactional leadership and all of the three components of organizational commitment. The two components; affective and normative commitment, both reported a significant relationship with laissez-faire, whilst continuance commitment reflected insignificance. A positive significant relationship between transformational leadership and affective commitment was evident. This leadership style demonstrated no statistically significant relationship between it and continuance and normative commitment. The combined findings suggested that transactional leadership style of supervisors is somewhat unrelated to the subordinate’s need, desire and or sense of obligation to remain employed. A more transformational style of leadership appears to inspire a desire to sustain employment and affectively commit to the organization, whilst this style bears no relation to the need and sense of moral obligation of the subordinate to maintain employment. Laissez-faire reported a weak insignificant negative relationship with continuance commitment. The result suggests the independence of the subordinates’ need to maintain employment to the lack of leadership presence of the supervision. The significant relationship between laissez-faire and normative commitment may be accepted as indicative of how the absence of leadership is related to the employee’s recognition of no developmental intentions demonstrated by the supervisor. Although weak, the relationship between laissez-faire and affective commitment entails that the more prevalent the non-leadership (absence of leadership) style of the supervisor, the less desire do subordinates demonstrate to remain employed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effects of emotional intelligence on entrepreneurial intention of university students in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Kanonuhwa, Michelle
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- Psychological aspects Emotional intelligence Businesspeople -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8451 , vital:32833
- Description: Prompted by the various advantages presented by entrepreneurship, there has been an increase in studies investigating the factors that could influence entrepreneurial establishment and success. The purpose of this study was to determine whether emotional intelligence could stimulate entrepreneurial interest, thereby contributing to the literature on antecedents of entrepreneurship. This study tested the various socio-demographic characteristics of the sample and how each variable influenced entrepreneurial intent and emotional intelligence. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 385 students in the Eastern Cape Province using the purposive sampling method. Correlations, simple linear regression and multiple regressions were computed to test the hypotheses using the SPSS data analysis package. The findings of the study showed that there is a direct relationship between emotional intelligence and intention to become an entrepreneur. Furthermore, socio-demographic factors examined showed immense relevance to the development of entrepreneurial intent. As such the study suggested that apart from developing an effective entrepreneurship education program open to all individuals with a keen interest in the subject irrespective of academic merit; educators should create a learning environment that encourages effective expression and use of emotions to nurture the emotional intelligence of students. Moreover, mentorship relationships between students and local entrepreneurs should be highly encouraged.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Kanonuhwa, Michelle
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- Psychological aspects Emotional intelligence Businesspeople -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/8451 , vital:32833
- Description: Prompted by the various advantages presented by entrepreneurship, there has been an increase in studies investigating the factors that could influence entrepreneurial establishment and success. The purpose of this study was to determine whether emotional intelligence could stimulate entrepreneurial interest, thereby contributing to the literature on antecedents of entrepreneurship. This study tested the various socio-demographic characteristics of the sample and how each variable influenced entrepreneurial intent and emotional intelligence. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 385 students in the Eastern Cape Province using the purposive sampling method. Correlations, simple linear regression and multiple regressions were computed to test the hypotheses using the SPSS data analysis package. The findings of the study showed that there is a direct relationship between emotional intelligence and intention to become an entrepreneur. Furthermore, socio-demographic factors examined showed immense relevance to the development of entrepreneurial intent. As such the study suggested that apart from developing an effective entrepreneurship education program open to all individuals with a keen interest in the subject irrespective of academic merit; educators should create a learning environment that encourages effective expression and use of emotions to nurture the emotional intelligence of students. Moreover, mentorship relationships between students and local entrepreneurs should be highly encouraged.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effectiveness of research management at a selected higher education institution
- Authors: Koeberg, Algene Maria
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Research -- Management Education, Higher -- Research , Research institutes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47959 , vital:40456
- Description: Due to the importance of research in creating sustainability of knowledge, active research management has become a highly strategic function within progressive universities. The practice of research management and administration (RMA) in higher education and elsewhere has developed considerably over the last ten to fifteen years to become an activity that encompasses significant elements of institutional strategy, policy, governance, profile, finance, people management, postgraduate research, assessment, systems, and so on.The objective of the study was to improve research administration at the selected Higher Education Institution by investigating the role of strategic planning or an institutional research plan in the university‟s research portfolio and how effective and efficient it is in terms of research administration and service delivery to staff and students. A detailed literature review was conducted on the research trends in South Africa and globally, as well as on research management in higher education. A qualitative approach was used as the most appropriate research methodology for this study.In a selected South African university, the study investigated whether an Institutional Research Plan exists within its Research Office and whether the latter is effective and efficient with regards to research administration. A questionnaire was developed to survey the directors of the NMMU Research Office. Another questionnaire was developed to survey the postgraduate students‟ and staff members‟ perceptions about the quality of services that they received from the Research Office. The results were analysed and, based on the findings, recommendations were made for further research.The empirical results show that the selected higher education institution has an Institutional Research Plan located in the institution‟s Strategic Plan. Students and staff members surveyed in the study are largely satisfied with the services they received. The study also revealed factors that negatively impact the research office in this university, namely funding constraints due to historical political views about the institution; inadequate support from other support services within institutions; and uncompetitive salaries to attract and retain strong research academics. The study provides insights into the research function of the selected university and makes recommendations on how this function could be improved in other similar institutions. In this way, the study attempts to contribute to the body of knowledge on research management at higher education institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Koeberg, Algene Maria
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Research -- Management Education, Higher -- Research , Research institutes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/47959 , vital:40456
- Description: Due to the importance of research in creating sustainability of knowledge, active research management has become a highly strategic function within progressive universities. The practice of research management and administration (RMA) in higher education and elsewhere has developed considerably over the last ten to fifteen years to become an activity that encompasses significant elements of institutional strategy, policy, governance, profile, finance, people management, postgraduate research, assessment, systems, and so on.The objective of the study was to improve research administration at the selected Higher Education Institution by investigating the role of strategic planning or an institutional research plan in the university‟s research portfolio and how effective and efficient it is in terms of research administration and service delivery to staff and students. A detailed literature review was conducted on the research trends in South Africa and globally, as well as on research management in higher education. A qualitative approach was used as the most appropriate research methodology for this study.In a selected South African university, the study investigated whether an Institutional Research Plan exists within its Research Office and whether the latter is effective and efficient with regards to research administration. A questionnaire was developed to survey the directors of the NMMU Research Office. Another questionnaire was developed to survey the postgraduate students‟ and staff members‟ perceptions about the quality of services that they received from the Research Office. The results were analysed and, based on the findings, recommendations were made for further research.The empirical results show that the selected higher education institution has an Institutional Research Plan located in the institution‟s Strategic Plan. Students and staff members surveyed in the study are largely satisfied with the services they received. The study also revealed factors that negatively impact the research office in this university, namely funding constraints due to historical political views about the institution; inadequate support from other support services within institutions; and uncompetitive salaries to attract and retain strong research academics. The study provides insights into the research function of the selected university and makes recommendations on how this function could be improved in other similar institutions. In this way, the study attempts to contribute to the body of knowledge on research management at higher education institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The effect of on-site wellness programs on absenteeism, presenteeism, stress and health care costs
- Authors: Gxolo, Zingisani Mzontsundu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Employee health promotion -- Economic aspects Absenteeism (Labor)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14323 , vital:27570
- Description: The prevalence of health risk behaviours is growing among South African employees. The deteriorating health of the public and the costs there off, which arise from making unhealthy choices about one’s lifestyle, are a major cause of many preventable Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD’s). The effect of these NCD’s on an organisation can result in employees’ ill health and negative stress, which in turn can lead to absenteeism, presenteeism and thus decreased productivity. Several studies propose that the absenteeism together with presenteeism can cost an organisation up to three times as much as medical costs with stress also being flagged as a severe work-related hazard. Literature shows that ill health affects employee ability to function optimally, thus indirectly affects productivity. Studies on on-site wellness programs, although they report savings in health care costs and increase in productivity, their true effectiveness is not sufficiently measured. To add to this, there is a paucity of work that exists regarding the benefits of on-site wellness programs in South Africa. It is suggested that data about the effect of successful wellness programs does not always make its way to academic literature, thus the observed shortage in investment on such programs from South African companies. This study we aim to find out the effect of on-site wellness programs on absenteeism, presenteeism, stress and health care costs. The results oppose what literature findings report. Reasons for these findings are therefore speculated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Gxolo, Zingisani Mzontsundu
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Employee health promotion -- Economic aspects Absenteeism (Labor)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/14323 , vital:27570
- Description: The prevalence of health risk behaviours is growing among South African employees. The deteriorating health of the public and the costs there off, which arise from making unhealthy choices about one’s lifestyle, are a major cause of many preventable Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD’s). The effect of these NCD’s on an organisation can result in employees’ ill health and negative stress, which in turn can lead to absenteeism, presenteeism and thus decreased productivity. Several studies propose that the absenteeism together with presenteeism can cost an organisation up to three times as much as medical costs with stress also being flagged as a severe work-related hazard. Literature shows that ill health affects employee ability to function optimally, thus indirectly affects productivity. Studies on on-site wellness programs, although they report savings in health care costs and increase in productivity, their true effectiveness is not sufficiently measured. To add to this, there is a paucity of work that exists regarding the benefits of on-site wellness programs in South Africa. It is suggested that data about the effect of successful wellness programs does not always make its way to academic literature, thus the observed shortage in investment on such programs from South African companies. This study we aim to find out the effect of on-site wellness programs on absenteeism, presenteeism, stress and health care costs. The results oppose what literature findings report. Reasons for these findings are therefore speculated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The development of a recommended digital marketing strategy for Pan Macmillan, South Africa
- Authors: Conradie, Tessa Jane
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:865 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021247
- Description: This research attempts to create a recommended digital marketing strategy for Pan Macmillan, South Africa. As a result of the advance of technology and the increase of connectivity, digital marketing is becoming a highly important tool with regards to competitive advantage, differentiation and the overall marketing of a company and its product or service (Barwise and Farley, 2005, p. 68). Digital marketing is, in South Africa specifically, a relatively new concept (Sandmann, 2014, p. 1). If South African companies are able to efficiently utilise the gap in the market, they will ensure a significant competitive advantage (Sandmann, 2013, p. 1). In order to accomplish this successfully a digital marketing strategy must be created and adopted to ensure a full understanding of the requirements of effective digital marketing. This research focusses on understanding digital marketing requirements in relation to a South African book publisher and how those requirements can be met by the publisher through the development of a digital marketing strategy. The literature has been reviewed and previous research indicates that an established framework is needed to guide the development of a digital marketing strategy. The framework used in this research is the RACE framework (Chaffey and Bosomworth, 2013, p. 14) which is used in conjunction to the SOSTAC planning system (Chaffey and Bosomworth, 2014, p. 11) and the 7 steps to digital marketing strategy creation (Chaffey and Bosomworth, 2014, p. 2). The literature suggests that a combination of the established traditional marketing strategy of a company and current digital marketing practices and tools is the most practical with regards to the development of a successful digital marketing strategy, implementation and evaluation. In order to understand the current marketing strategy and practices of Pan Macmillan, interviews with the Marketing Manager of the company were conducted as well as an analysis of marketing documents relating to Pan Macmillan’s current marketing actions. Results of the interviews and documentation analysis showed that Pan Macmillan had many elements digital marketing but no decisive digital marketing strategy. Using the selected frameworks and information gathered on the company’s marketing practices, digital marketing goals were established and a digital marketing strategy was created. The goals of the research were reached as a recommended digital marketing strategy was developed for Pan Macmillan based on the assessment made, using RACE, SOSTAC and the 7 steps to digital marketing creation, of the company’s current practices, challenges and opportunities with regards to digital marketing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Conradie, Tessa Jane
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:865 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021247
- Description: This research attempts to create a recommended digital marketing strategy for Pan Macmillan, South Africa. As a result of the advance of technology and the increase of connectivity, digital marketing is becoming a highly important tool with regards to competitive advantage, differentiation and the overall marketing of a company and its product or service (Barwise and Farley, 2005, p. 68). Digital marketing is, in South Africa specifically, a relatively new concept (Sandmann, 2014, p. 1). If South African companies are able to efficiently utilise the gap in the market, they will ensure a significant competitive advantage (Sandmann, 2013, p. 1). In order to accomplish this successfully a digital marketing strategy must be created and adopted to ensure a full understanding of the requirements of effective digital marketing. This research focusses on understanding digital marketing requirements in relation to a South African book publisher and how those requirements can be met by the publisher through the development of a digital marketing strategy. The literature has been reviewed and previous research indicates that an established framework is needed to guide the development of a digital marketing strategy. The framework used in this research is the RACE framework (Chaffey and Bosomworth, 2013, p. 14) which is used in conjunction to the SOSTAC planning system (Chaffey and Bosomworth, 2014, p. 11) and the 7 steps to digital marketing strategy creation (Chaffey and Bosomworth, 2014, p. 2). The literature suggests that a combination of the established traditional marketing strategy of a company and current digital marketing practices and tools is the most practical with regards to the development of a successful digital marketing strategy, implementation and evaluation. In order to understand the current marketing strategy and practices of Pan Macmillan, interviews with the Marketing Manager of the company were conducted as well as an analysis of marketing documents relating to Pan Macmillan’s current marketing actions. Results of the interviews and documentation analysis showed that Pan Macmillan had many elements digital marketing but no decisive digital marketing strategy. Using the selected frameworks and information gathered on the company’s marketing practices, digital marketing goals were established and a digital marketing strategy was created. The goals of the research were reached as a recommended digital marketing strategy was developed for Pan Macmillan based on the assessment made, using RACE, SOSTAC and the 7 steps to digital marketing creation, of the company’s current practices, challenges and opportunities with regards to digital marketing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Sustainble public bus transport services in the Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Mntwini, Mkhonto
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Urban transportation -- Economic aspects Urban transportation -- Research Transportation -- Customer services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11875 , vital:27000
- Description: Purpose - Transport is a common constant variable found in just about every aspect of our lives as well as commercial activities; this is so because transport enables accessibility to people, places and goods. The effective management of public passenger transport operations is a more complex and all-embracing concept than what it may appear at first glance. Wider dispersed work place locations and urban sprawl is on the rise driven by among other factors the increased rate of globalisation. A unique opportunity is then presented in a developing country like South Africa for effective planning and management of public passenger bus operations. In the main, the purpose of this case study research was to develop a more sustainable public passenger transport bus operation to better connect people, places and goods. The organisation that will be studied is Blunden Coach Tours a luxury and semi-lux coach Tour operator, operating from the Nelson Mandela Bay. Design / Methodology / Approach – This study employed the case study research approach which was based on the qualitative research paradigm as such allowed for in-depth description and analysis of the case as well as related phenomena in real world context. The researcher focused only on the public passenger bus transport operations in Nelson Mandela Bay thus assuming a single context focus with a single case namely the development of a more sustainable public passenger transport operations in Nelson Mandela Bay. An embedded multiple unit of analysis strategy was employed selecting a sample of key persons responsible for strategic operational areas at Blunden Coach tours, sub-contractors and suppliers. The case study employed an in-depth probing interview process in an effort to better comprehend occurrences within the actual context of the events observed. The secondary sources of information gathered were used to structure and backup the interview questions. Practical implications – The case study enabled thought provoking insight which by virtue of South Africa’s historical socio-economic landscape offered an unusual perspective of the South African bus transport scene with a particular focus on environmental, regulatory and socio-economic sustainability considerations. A limitation to the study – The lack of responses to the interview questions from some of the key role players in the bus industry who were contacted as well as some of the respondents interviewed. The lack of responses to some of the interview questions could be perceived as a limitation to validating the Summary drawn from the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Mntwini, Mkhonto
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Urban transportation -- Economic aspects Urban transportation -- Research Transportation -- Customer services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11875 , vital:27000
- Description: Purpose - Transport is a common constant variable found in just about every aspect of our lives as well as commercial activities; this is so because transport enables accessibility to people, places and goods. The effective management of public passenger transport operations is a more complex and all-embracing concept than what it may appear at first glance. Wider dispersed work place locations and urban sprawl is on the rise driven by among other factors the increased rate of globalisation. A unique opportunity is then presented in a developing country like South Africa for effective planning and management of public passenger bus operations. In the main, the purpose of this case study research was to develop a more sustainable public passenger transport bus operation to better connect people, places and goods. The organisation that will be studied is Blunden Coach Tours a luxury and semi-lux coach Tour operator, operating from the Nelson Mandela Bay. Design / Methodology / Approach – This study employed the case study research approach which was based on the qualitative research paradigm as such allowed for in-depth description and analysis of the case as well as related phenomena in real world context. The researcher focused only on the public passenger bus transport operations in Nelson Mandela Bay thus assuming a single context focus with a single case namely the development of a more sustainable public passenger transport operations in Nelson Mandela Bay. An embedded multiple unit of analysis strategy was employed selecting a sample of key persons responsible for strategic operational areas at Blunden Coach tours, sub-contractors and suppliers. The case study employed an in-depth probing interview process in an effort to better comprehend occurrences within the actual context of the events observed. The secondary sources of information gathered were used to structure and backup the interview questions. Practical implications – The case study enabled thought provoking insight which by virtue of South Africa’s historical socio-economic landscape offered an unusual perspective of the South African bus transport scene with a particular focus on environmental, regulatory and socio-economic sustainability considerations. A limitation to the study – The lack of responses to the interview questions from some of the key role players in the bus industry who were contacted as well as some of the respondents interviewed. The lack of responses to some of the interview questions could be perceived as a limitation to validating the Summary drawn from the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Sports events for the citizens of the Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Solomon, Steffen Brett
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: City promotion -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Branding (Marketing) -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12897 , vital:27132
- Description: The concept of city branding has sprung to prominence in recent years. This can be attributed to globalisation and the ease of access to all corners of the globe with the improvements in technology and modes of transport. This increased competition for resources, skills, talent and revenue has made cities not only compete with other cities in close proximity to one another, but also with cities across the world. The answer to this conundrum was found to be a comprehensive marketing strategy composed of clever and catchy slogans, beautiful logos, media campaigns and public relations drives. This process only led to the loss of large amounts of money since the benefits were not longstanding and the results were not tangible as these avenues only benefitted the home country’s tourism industry. A long term solution for cities was needed to build a favourable image. Corporations were used as models to build a brand since manufacturers of similar products are in constant competition to gain market share and revenues from their competitors. The similarities between corporations and cities are undeniable and efforts were made to incorporate successful branding strategies from corporations into city branding efforts. Cities and corporations must be effective in developing and incorporating social, economic and political aspects of their culture into a successful city brand image. The major difference between cities and corporations stems from the fact that it takes considerably longer to leverage a comprehensive brand of a city, when compared to the brand of a product since their lifespans are completely different. In the past, city brands were based on historical significance. Today, city brands are exclusively influenced by the events it hosts. The hosting of events has been seen as a guaranteed way for a city to improve its brand image. On the contrary, the hosting of events has been found to either improve a city brand or tarnish it. Sports events have been deemed as the best way to improve a city brand because sports appeal to a wide audience and are relatively inexpensive to host in comparison to the benefit and improvements they bring. This treatise investigates the approach and various types of sports events which must be included for the successful branding of Nelson Mandela Bay as part of a destination marketing strategy. The suggestions from this study were formulated upon scrutiny of the available literature and case studies on various branding efforts undertaken by cities around the world to establish and improve their brand image. A survey was conducted amongst the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay using a questionnaire. A total of 952 responses were received. The questionnaire measured the respondents’ attitude to what types of sports events they will support, their feelings on the standard of facilities and quality of events in Nelson Mandela Bay. This treatise served to identify which sports events should be used in any branding effort undertaken by Nelson Mandela Bay. Literature and case studies served as the foundation for this study. The survey insights and expectations enabled a plan to be developed that will be unique for Nelson Mandela Bay based on its location, characteristics, tastes and preferences of its residents. This plan would serve to benefit the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay, the city itself and encourage additional investment from external sources. The results of this study indicate that the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay advocate the use of sports events as the main driver in branding the city. Furthermore, the residents have made it clear that cricket, rugby and Iron Man-type of events are favoured and more likely to be supported than any other type of sports event in Nelson Mandela Bay.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Solomon, Steffen Brett
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: City promotion -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Branding (Marketing) -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12897 , vital:27132
- Description: The concept of city branding has sprung to prominence in recent years. This can be attributed to globalisation and the ease of access to all corners of the globe with the improvements in technology and modes of transport. This increased competition for resources, skills, talent and revenue has made cities not only compete with other cities in close proximity to one another, but also with cities across the world. The answer to this conundrum was found to be a comprehensive marketing strategy composed of clever and catchy slogans, beautiful logos, media campaigns and public relations drives. This process only led to the loss of large amounts of money since the benefits were not longstanding and the results were not tangible as these avenues only benefitted the home country’s tourism industry. A long term solution for cities was needed to build a favourable image. Corporations were used as models to build a brand since manufacturers of similar products are in constant competition to gain market share and revenues from their competitors. The similarities between corporations and cities are undeniable and efforts were made to incorporate successful branding strategies from corporations into city branding efforts. Cities and corporations must be effective in developing and incorporating social, economic and political aspects of their culture into a successful city brand image. The major difference between cities and corporations stems from the fact that it takes considerably longer to leverage a comprehensive brand of a city, when compared to the brand of a product since their lifespans are completely different. In the past, city brands were based on historical significance. Today, city brands are exclusively influenced by the events it hosts. The hosting of events has been seen as a guaranteed way for a city to improve its brand image. On the contrary, the hosting of events has been found to either improve a city brand or tarnish it. Sports events have been deemed as the best way to improve a city brand because sports appeal to a wide audience and are relatively inexpensive to host in comparison to the benefit and improvements they bring. This treatise investigates the approach and various types of sports events which must be included for the successful branding of Nelson Mandela Bay as part of a destination marketing strategy. The suggestions from this study were formulated upon scrutiny of the available literature and case studies on various branding efforts undertaken by cities around the world to establish and improve their brand image. A survey was conducted amongst the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay using a questionnaire. A total of 952 responses were received. The questionnaire measured the respondents’ attitude to what types of sports events they will support, their feelings on the standard of facilities and quality of events in Nelson Mandela Bay. This treatise served to identify which sports events should be used in any branding effort undertaken by Nelson Mandela Bay. Literature and case studies served as the foundation for this study. The survey insights and expectations enabled a plan to be developed that will be unique for Nelson Mandela Bay based on its location, characteristics, tastes and preferences of its residents. This plan would serve to benefit the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay, the city itself and encourage additional investment from external sources. The results of this study indicate that the residents of Nelson Mandela Bay advocate the use of sports events as the main driver in branding the city. Furthermore, the residents have made it clear that cricket, rugby and Iron Man-type of events are favoured and more likely to be supported than any other type of sports event in Nelson Mandela Bay.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Promoting innovation through intrapreneurship at Eskom distribution (Eastern Cape)
- Authors: Phillips, Abraham James
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Technological innovations -- Economic aspects , Satellite solar power stations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13060 , vital:27148
- Description: Maintaining and improving innovation is vital to any organisation.There are many challenges organisations are faced with, both internally and externally when it comes to maintain and improving innovation. Eskom is such an organisation. The employees, both non-managerial and managerial, of Eskom are faced with various challenges in their daily activities. The quest for innovation advantages requires increased creativity to assist employees in adopting an intrapreneurial outlook to provide proactive solutions. Intrapreneurship is an autonomous process. Eskom which bulk suppliers South Africa mission is to provide electricity reliably at a low cost to all South African. This seems less reachable with high operating cost, slow capacity growth and aging infrastructure. This study focused and contributed to the innovation environment of Eskom, with the area of study being confined within the Eastern Cape. The study objectives sought to review Eskom Distribution’s business plan and innovation policy, while identifying if employees have intrapreneurial trait, if organisational culture, system and managerial styles are conducive for intraprenuership, if the external environment will promote intrapreneurship within the organisation, and which ideas have best adoption rates of innovation within the organisation, these factors may hinder the success of innovation in the organisation, based on the theoretical findings of the literature study. Employees, at both managerial and non-managerial levels participated in a research study. The research instrument used comprised of questions that covered the various objectives listed above. This provided the basis for a quantitative study to be done. Using statistical methods to identify any special relationships or trends, the research was conducted and recommendations were made based on the objectives of this study in relation to the organisation under study, Eskom Distribution, Eastern Cape Operating Unit. Based on the findings, recommendations to improve innovation, through intrapreneurship methods were made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Phillips, Abraham James
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Technological innovations -- Economic aspects , Satellite solar power stations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13060 , vital:27148
- Description: Maintaining and improving innovation is vital to any organisation.There are many challenges organisations are faced with, both internally and externally when it comes to maintain and improving innovation. Eskom is such an organisation. The employees, both non-managerial and managerial, of Eskom are faced with various challenges in their daily activities. The quest for innovation advantages requires increased creativity to assist employees in adopting an intrapreneurial outlook to provide proactive solutions. Intrapreneurship is an autonomous process. Eskom which bulk suppliers South Africa mission is to provide electricity reliably at a low cost to all South African. This seems less reachable with high operating cost, slow capacity growth and aging infrastructure. This study focused and contributed to the innovation environment of Eskom, with the area of study being confined within the Eastern Cape. The study objectives sought to review Eskom Distribution’s business plan and innovation policy, while identifying if employees have intrapreneurial trait, if organisational culture, system and managerial styles are conducive for intraprenuership, if the external environment will promote intrapreneurship within the organisation, and which ideas have best adoption rates of innovation within the organisation, these factors may hinder the success of innovation in the organisation, based on the theoretical findings of the literature study. Employees, at both managerial and non-managerial levels participated in a research study. The research instrument used comprised of questions that covered the various objectives listed above. This provided the basis for a quantitative study to be done. Using statistical methods to identify any special relationships or trends, the research was conducted and recommendations were made based on the objectives of this study in relation to the organisation under study, Eskom Distribution, Eastern Cape Operating Unit. Based on the findings, recommendations to improve innovation, through intrapreneurship methods were made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016