An evaluation of mentoring to develop a strategy for facilitating the objectives of the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998)
- Authors: Berry, David Michael
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Mentoring in business , Employees -- Training of -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech (Human Resource Management)
- Identifier: vital:10858 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/127 , Mentoring in business , Employees -- Training of -- Evaluation
- Description: The research problem in this study was to identify what mentoring strategies organisations can use to facilitate the objectives of the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998). To achieve this objective a nine-phase theoretical model for organisational mentoring was presented. The presentation of the theoretical model consisted of the following three sub-processes: -The first consisted of a survey of literature related to the development of the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998) and the implications of the Act for organisations: The second comprised surveying the literature dealing specifically with the impact of mentoring programmes on career development, organisational success and career satisfaction, particularly in terms of employees from designated groups; The third surveyed the literature dealing with various mentoring strategies and models used by organisations for facilitating management development. The theoretical model served as a basis for drawing up a survey questionnaire to establish the extent to which individuals at different levels in the organisations agree with the theoretical model developed in the study. The survey questionnaire was sent to a random sample of individuals employed in the automobile industries of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality and the Buffalo City Metropole. The empirical results obtained from the survey indicated a strong concurrence with the theoretical organisational mentoring model presented in the study. These results were included in the theoretical model, leading to the development of an integrated model for organisational mentoring. From the survey literature and the study it became evident that if organisations plan to introduce mentoring strategies that will contribute towards facilitating their employment equity objectives, it is necessary to ensure that a transformational culture exists. Many South African organisations are currently experiencing problems in recruiting, training and retaining individuals from designated groups. The introduction of a mentoring programme based on the integrated model for organisational mentoring cannot be considered as the sole strategy for alleviating these problems and for facilitating management development to achieve the objectives of the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998). However, when this programme is effectively managed and incorporated into the overall development programme of an organisation committed to transformation, the potential to ease these problems and achieve the objectives of the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998) is greatly enhanced.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Berry, David Michael
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Mentoring in business , Employees -- Training of -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech (Human Resource Management)
- Identifier: vital:10858 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/127 , Mentoring in business , Employees -- Training of -- Evaluation
- Description: The research problem in this study was to identify what mentoring strategies organisations can use to facilitate the objectives of the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998). To achieve this objective a nine-phase theoretical model for organisational mentoring was presented. The presentation of the theoretical model consisted of the following three sub-processes: -The first consisted of a survey of literature related to the development of the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998) and the implications of the Act for organisations: The second comprised surveying the literature dealing specifically with the impact of mentoring programmes on career development, organisational success and career satisfaction, particularly in terms of employees from designated groups; The third surveyed the literature dealing with various mentoring strategies and models used by organisations for facilitating management development. The theoretical model served as a basis for drawing up a survey questionnaire to establish the extent to which individuals at different levels in the organisations agree with the theoretical model developed in the study. The survey questionnaire was sent to a random sample of individuals employed in the automobile industries of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality and the Buffalo City Metropole. The empirical results obtained from the survey indicated a strong concurrence with the theoretical organisational mentoring model presented in the study. These results were included in the theoretical model, leading to the development of an integrated model for organisational mentoring. From the survey literature and the study it became evident that if organisations plan to introduce mentoring strategies that will contribute towards facilitating their employment equity objectives, it is necessary to ensure that a transformational culture exists. Many South African organisations are currently experiencing problems in recruiting, training and retaining individuals from designated groups. The introduction of a mentoring programme based on the integrated model for organisational mentoring cannot be considered as the sole strategy for alleviating these problems and for facilitating management development to achieve the objectives of the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998). However, when this programme is effectively managed and incorporated into the overall development programme of an organisation committed to transformation, the potential to ease these problems and achieve the objectives of the Employment Equity Act (Act 55 of 1998) is greatly enhanced.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
An evaluation of the effectiveness of change management models utilised by organisations in the East Cape motor industry cluster
- Authors: Flesch, Devin Edward
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Organizational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motor industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrial management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Human Resources Management)
- Identifier: vital:10856 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/125 , Organizational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motor industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrial management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: There has never been an age in which change did not take place. However, the increase in the unpredictability of many factors of the 21st century means that organisations are susceptible to, and must embrace change. This results in an increase in the pace at which organisations may have to deal with change. This research study evaluates the interventions considered to bring about optimal change within organisations. In order to complete this study it was necessary to address the fundamentals of change management, tools utilised to manage change and the current theoretical models that assist organisations in managing change. The study took place within the Eastern Cape as it is regarded as the second fastest growing economy in South Africa. The researcher used the automotive cluster as the population for the study as it is the largest industry within the Eastern Cape. Based on the theoretical findings of a literature survey a questionnaire was developed and distributed to a randomly selected sample in the automotive cluster. The objective of the questionnaire was to evaluate the theory used and to develop a process model of change management. The results of the empirical study were statistically analysed and interpreted. Among the most important findings of the research was the fact that organisations in the Eastern Cape do not follow any specific theoretical model for managing change and very few organisations have a formal change management policy. Although the respondents to the survey acknowledged that it is imperative to engender an awareness of change management principles, especially among top management, the majority does not adhere to this principle because it is too time consuming! This research study highlights a number of areas where the management of change can be improved and presents a practical process model that can be adapted and used by the majority of organisations within the East Cape Motor Industry Cluster.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Flesch, Devin Edward
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Organizational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motor industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrial management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech (Human Resources Management)
- Identifier: vital:10856 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/125 , Organizational change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Motor industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Industrial management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: There has never been an age in which change did not take place. However, the increase in the unpredictability of many factors of the 21st century means that organisations are susceptible to, and must embrace change. This results in an increase in the pace at which organisations may have to deal with change. This research study evaluates the interventions considered to bring about optimal change within organisations. In order to complete this study it was necessary to address the fundamentals of change management, tools utilised to manage change and the current theoretical models that assist organisations in managing change. The study took place within the Eastern Cape as it is regarded as the second fastest growing economy in South Africa. The researcher used the automotive cluster as the population for the study as it is the largest industry within the Eastern Cape. Based on the theoretical findings of a literature survey a questionnaire was developed and distributed to a randomly selected sample in the automotive cluster. The objective of the questionnaire was to evaluate the theory used and to develop a process model of change management. The results of the empirical study were statistically analysed and interpreted. Among the most important findings of the research was the fact that organisations in the Eastern Cape do not follow any specific theoretical model for managing change and very few organisations have a formal change management policy. Although the respondents to the survey acknowledged that it is imperative to engender an awareness of change management principles, especially among top management, the majority does not adhere to this principle because it is too time consuming! This research study highlights a number of areas where the management of change can be improved and presents a practical process model that can be adapted and used by the majority of organisations within the East Cape Motor Industry Cluster.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
An investigation into relationship-marketing strategies used by Morkels to retain customers
- Authors: Giddy, Peter Allan Spence
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Relationship marketing -- South Africa , Morkels (Firm, South Africa) , Furniture industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10855 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/134 , Relationship marketing -- South Africa , Morkels (Firm, South Africa) , Furniture industry and trade -- South Africa
- Description: The research problem addressed in this study was an assessment of the relationship-marketing strategy that Morkels currently has in operation. This strategy focuses on membership of a club that is sold to customers when they open an account. The strategy is to keep in touch with the customer by means of the club magazine, a club card and various special events and offers that are exclusive to club members. The strategy, however, may not be entirely successful in achieving the goals and objectives as envisaged by the senior management of the company. The objective of the research was to establish what exactly relationship marketing is. Once having investigated the theory of relationship marketing, the objective of the research was to establish what the goals of the management at Morkels were and whether or not these goals were met. The methodology of the research was, firstly, to conduct a literature survey on relationship marketing. In particular the study of literature focused on the theory related to the retail market focussing essentially where similar marketing strategies had been investigated. A variety of aspects of relationship marketing and strategies that had previously been implemented were then examined. The literature survey also considered the way in which a successful strategy of relationship-marketing should be motivated, planned, implemented and followed through. Secondly the research established what the goals and objectives of the management of Morkels were by means of an investigation into the policies and manuals of the relationship-marketing department. Finally a questionnaire was disseminated to the senior management of Morkels to establish what they considered to be the needs and opinions of the customers of the Garden Route Area. A second questionnaire with similar questions was also submitted to a sample of club members. This was done to establish the opinions of both groups. The major findings of the research were that Morkels is experiencing a degree of success with its relationship-marketing strategy. The research findings also revealed that opinions of the customers and the management of Morkels do not concur on a number of issues. These differences and the most important factors were discussed and recommendations were made to management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Giddy, Peter Allan Spence
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Relationship marketing -- South Africa , Morkels (Firm, South Africa) , Furniture industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10855 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/134 , Relationship marketing -- South Africa , Morkels (Firm, South Africa) , Furniture industry and trade -- South Africa
- Description: The research problem addressed in this study was an assessment of the relationship-marketing strategy that Morkels currently has in operation. This strategy focuses on membership of a club that is sold to customers when they open an account. The strategy is to keep in touch with the customer by means of the club magazine, a club card and various special events and offers that are exclusive to club members. The strategy, however, may not be entirely successful in achieving the goals and objectives as envisaged by the senior management of the company. The objective of the research was to establish what exactly relationship marketing is. Once having investigated the theory of relationship marketing, the objective of the research was to establish what the goals of the management at Morkels were and whether or not these goals were met. The methodology of the research was, firstly, to conduct a literature survey on relationship marketing. In particular the study of literature focused on the theory related to the retail market focussing essentially where similar marketing strategies had been investigated. A variety of aspects of relationship marketing and strategies that had previously been implemented were then examined. The literature survey also considered the way in which a successful strategy of relationship-marketing should be motivated, planned, implemented and followed through. Secondly the research established what the goals and objectives of the management of Morkels were by means of an investigation into the policies and manuals of the relationship-marketing department. Finally a questionnaire was disseminated to the senior management of Morkels to establish what they considered to be the needs and opinions of the customers of the Garden Route Area. A second questionnaire with similar questions was also submitted to a sample of club members. This was done to establish the opinions of both groups. The major findings of the research were that Morkels is experiencing a degree of success with its relationship-marketing strategy. The research findings also revealed that opinions of the customers and the management of Morkels do not concur on a number of issues. These differences and the most important factors were discussed and recommendations were made to management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
The development of a model of competencies for small, medium and microsized enterprises (SMME'S) to achieve competitive advantage in the East Cape Motor Industry Cluster
- Authors: De Beer, Lloyd
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10854 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/121 , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The research problem addressed in this study was to identify the generic strategies that small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME’s) are required to implement in order to achieve competitive advantage in the highly competitive global automotive market. Markets have merged into one huge global marketplace, increasing the competitive forces on all the participants in the automotive markets. Strategies to achieve competitive advantage has changed from the traditional domestic strategies to that of strategies required for global competitive advantage. This has created challenges for SMME’s to attain competitive advantage essential in the fast-changing global markets. The East Cape Motor Industry Cluster (ECMIC) is the heart of the SA automotive industry with three of the major automobile manufacturers having their assembly plants located in the Buffalo and Nelson Mandela Metropoles. A significant number of component manufacturers and their suppliers serve these manufacturers, as well as the other automobile manufacturers located elsewhere in South Africa. Many of these component manufacturers and suppliers are SMME’s. The need to become globally competitive is thus critical for SMME’s in the region. This study investigates the generic strategies that SMME organisations are required to implement in order to achieve competitive advantage in the ECMIC, and based on this and the empirical study that seeks opinion from management of SMME firms in the ECMIC, a model of generic strategies to create competitive advantage is developed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: De Beer, Lloyd
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10854 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/121 , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The research problem addressed in this study was to identify the generic strategies that small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME’s) are required to implement in order to achieve competitive advantage in the highly competitive global automotive market. Markets have merged into one huge global marketplace, increasing the competitive forces on all the participants in the automotive markets. Strategies to achieve competitive advantage has changed from the traditional domestic strategies to that of strategies required for global competitive advantage. This has created challenges for SMME’s to attain competitive advantage essential in the fast-changing global markets. The East Cape Motor Industry Cluster (ECMIC) is the heart of the SA automotive industry with three of the major automobile manufacturers having their assembly plants located in the Buffalo and Nelson Mandela Metropoles. A significant number of component manufacturers and their suppliers serve these manufacturers, as well as the other automobile manufacturers located elsewhere in South Africa. Many of these component manufacturers and suppliers are SMME’s. The need to become globally competitive is thus critical for SMME’s in the region. This study investigates the generic strategies that SMME organisations are required to implement in order to achieve competitive advantage in the ECMIC, and based on this and the empirical study that seeks opinion from management of SMME firms in the ECMIC, a model of generic strategies to create competitive advantage is developed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
The identification of factors that contribute to the competitive advantage of the intermodal industry in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan municipality
- Authors: De Koker, Jacques Michael
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Freight and freightage -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Containerization -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Competition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10861 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/239 , Freight and freightage -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Containerization -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Competition
- Description: The research problem addressed in the study was to identify the factors contributing to a competitive advantage in the intermodal industry in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (NMMM). To achieve this objective, a literature study on competitive advantage and the intermodal industry was undertaken. Porter’s diamond of competitive advantage was used as basis for the study. A structured questionnaire was developed from the literature study on competitive advantage, and interviews were with clients of the intermodal industry in the NMMM. The empirical study showed a strong concurrence with the literature on competitive advantage. This study identified the following factors promoting a competitive advantage: performance factors, demand conditions, related and supporting industries, and the organisation’s strategy, structure and rivalry. In conclusion, recommendations on how the intermodal industry can achieve a competitive advantage included the choice between a focused strategy and a combination of price and differentiation strategy. Further recommendations included the development of a comprehensive land freight information system, promotion of environmental protection, human resource development, and the promotion of an efficient and competitive intermodal industry within the limits of the road transport infrastructure.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: De Koker, Jacques Michael
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Freight and freightage -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Containerization -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Competition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10861 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/239 , Freight and freightage -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Containerization -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Competition
- Description: The research problem addressed in the study was to identify the factors contributing to a competitive advantage in the intermodal industry in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (NMMM). To achieve this objective, a literature study on competitive advantage and the intermodal industry was undertaken. Porter’s diamond of competitive advantage was used as basis for the study. A structured questionnaire was developed from the literature study on competitive advantage, and interviews were with clients of the intermodal industry in the NMMM. The empirical study showed a strong concurrence with the literature on competitive advantage. This study identified the following factors promoting a competitive advantage: performance factors, demand conditions, related and supporting industries, and the organisation’s strategy, structure and rivalry. In conclusion, recommendations on how the intermodal industry can achieve a competitive advantage included the choice between a focused strategy and a combination of price and differentiation strategy. Further recommendations included the development of a comprehensive land freight information system, promotion of environmental protection, human resource development, and the promotion of an efficient and competitive intermodal industry within the limits of the road transport infrastructure.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
The use of strategies to promote and market products and services online as well the use of customer relationship management to attract and retain customers
- Authors: Cohen, Howard
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Internet marketing , Customer relations -- Management , Consumer satisfaction , Customer loyalty
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10862 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/270 , Internet marketing , Customer relations -- Management , Consumer satisfaction , Customer loyalty
- Description: The Internet has provided marketing with many new tools and given old tools new or improved meanings. The Net poses tremendous challenges for scholars in many lines of research, from usability studies and consumer behaviour research to marketing and advertising research. Because the World Wide Web (the Web) presents a fundamentally different environment for marketing activities than traditional media, conventional marketing activities are being transformed, as they are often difficult to implement in their present form. This means that in many cases these marketing activities have to be reconstructed in forms more appropriate for the new medium. A lot of technological changes have affected the marketing environment of today. Companies must adapt to these changes in order to improve their marketing strategies. This has, among other things, resulted in an emphasis on relationship marketing. The purpose of this thesis is to explore what strategies are used in practice by companies in order to market and promote their products and services by using their Web sites as well as to build effective Customer Relationship Management (CRM). In order to fulfil the research purpose, interviews were conducted at a number of companies (medium and large), and questionnaires were mailed to various companies in the motor retail industry. The result shows that a company can use traditional as well as online marketing and promotion strategies when conducting business. This can also help companies to gain better relations with their customers. The different marketing and promotion strategies are useful for attracting new business as well as maintaining and stimulating existing relations. The research problem addressed in this study was to determine the factors that are effective in marketing and promoting of Web sites as well as the methods used in building CRM.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Cohen, Howard
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Internet marketing , Customer relations -- Management , Consumer satisfaction , Customer loyalty
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10862 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/270 , Internet marketing , Customer relations -- Management , Consumer satisfaction , Customer loyalty
- Description: The Internet has provided marketing with many new tools and given old tools new or improved meanings. The Net poses tremendous challenges for scholars in many lines of research, from usability studies and consumer behaviour research to marketing and advertising research. Because the World Wide Web (the Web) presents a fundamentally different environment for marketing activities than traditional media, conventional marketing activities are being transformed, as they are often difficult to implement in their present form. This means that in many cases these marketing activities have to be reconstructed in forms more appropriate for the new medium. A lot of technological changes have affected the marketing environment of today. Companies must adapt to these changes in order to improve their marketing strategies. This has, among other things, resulted in an emphasis on relationship marketing. The purpose of this thesis is to explore what strategies are used in practice by companies in order to market and promote their products and services by using their Web sites as well as to build effective Customer Relationship Management (CRM). In order to fulfil the research purpose, interviews were conducted at a number of companies (medium and large), and questionnaires were mailed to various companies in the motor retail industry. The result shows that a company can use traditional as well as online marketing and promotion strategies when conducting business. This can also help companies to gain better relations with their customers. The different marketing and promotion strategies are useful for attracting new business as well as maintaining and stimulating existing relations. The research problem addressed in this study was to determine the factors that are effective in marketing and promoting of Web sites as well as the methods used in building CRM.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
Using value stream mapping to identify waste in the manufacturing of automotive components at Federal Mogul
- Authors: Fry, Peter-John
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Industrial efficiency , Production planning , Value added , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10865 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/271 , Industrial efficiency , Production planning , Value added , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This research addresses the application of Value Stream Mapping in the automotive component industry. The goal of this research is to investigate how Value Stream Mapping can identify waste, and to evaluate its benefits on a specific application instance. Value Stream Mapping is used to first map the current state and then used to identify sources of waste and to identify lean tools to try eliminate this waste. The future state map is then developed with lean tools applied to it. A South African company, Federal Mogul South Africa (FMSA), has experienced the impact of globalisation and the need to become globally competitive first hand. FMSA will be used as a case study to illustrate the impact of using Value Stream Mapping as a tool for identify waste and the need for improving the performance of a company’s value stream in achieving the international goals set for the company and its supply chain.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Fry, Peter-John
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Industrial efficiency , Production planning , Value added , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10865 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/271 , Industrial efficiency , Production planning , Value added , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This research addresses the application of Value Stream Mapping in the automotive component industry. The goal of this research is to investigate how Value Stream Mapping can identify waste, and to evaluate its benefits on a specific application instance. Value Stream Mapping is used to first map the current state and then used to identify sources of waste and to identify lean tools to try eliminate this waste. The future state map is then developed with lean tools applied to it. A South African company, Federal Mogul South Africa (FMSA), has experienced the impact of globalisation and the need to become globally competitive first hand. FMSA will be used as a case study to illustrate the impact of using Value Stream Mapping as a tool for identify waste and the need for improving the performance of a company’s value stream in achieving the international goals set for the company and its supply chain.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
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