Middle management communication in the midst of a crisis
- Authors: Mbolekwano, Veliswa A
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/52477 , vital:26194
- Description: Crisis communication by organisational top leadership to external stakeholders has been explored in literature, while internal crisis communication dynamics by middle managers with their employees within the organisation has been under studied. This paper pursues an understanding of crisis communication dynamics between middle management and their subordinates by investigating how the Middle Managers/Team Leaders of Makana Brick Manufacturing Firm (MBMF) communicated with their employees in the midst of the Eskom load shedding crisis in 2014. The investigation is not limited only to how they handled or made sense of the crisis, but also examines the effect and efficiency of their daily communication on both employees (subordinates) and operations in pursuing this end. As a foundation and background, the study broadly explores the literature on Crisis Leadership, Crisis and Crisis Communication, which are critical topics to understanding the communication role of the middle managers who were the primary subject of this research. The research was conducted through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. Nine Team Leaders were interviewed. The data collected was transcribed verbatim and analysed through open coding. In the literature of crisis management, the concept of crisis communication has been extensively examined as a function of crisis management, primarily with regards to the crisis communication strategy, encompassing the actual verbal and nonverbal responses an organisation uses to address a crisis. The findings are generally congruent with the crisis communication literature, and reinforce the importance of efficient internal communication in building a culture of transparency between management and employees, as espoused in the literature reviewed, which in addition presents an invaluable opportunity for employees across all levels to engage in and be informed of the organisation’s priorities and therefore has the potential to dictate the success or failure of any major change or crisis situation. As such, it can be argued that there is a need for the same analytical rigour that is given to external crisis communication to be given to financial or operational measures (Barrett, 2002). For both external and internal stakeholders, human compassion, concern and empathy; faith in legitimate and appropriate actions taken by the chosen organisation spokesperson; and honesty, candidness and openness in communication (Seeger 2006, p. 242) are universal. The quality and the quantity of communication, essentially, affect the level of trust and involvement of employees (Thomas, Zolin & Hartman, 2009), which is particularly relevant in times of crisis (Mazzei & Ravazzani, 2015 p. 322). Trust must be developed with staff through clear, honest communication and transparent actions. These encompass being fair, open in communication and intentions, showing consistency, fulfilling promises and being honest about what middle managers can and cannot communicate to their employees (Farrel & Schlesinger, 2013, p. 125). In this study, face to face communication proved to be the most preferred communication channel because of its rewarding advantages such as direct feedback, two-way communication, relationship building and project collaboration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mbolekwano, Veliswa A
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/52477 , vital:26194
- Description: Crisis communication by organisational top leadership to external stakeholders has been explored in literature, while internal crisis communication dynamics by middle managers with their employees within the organisation has been under studied. This paper pursues an understanding of crisis communication dynamics between middle management and their subordinates by investigating how the Middle Managers/Team Leaders of Makana Brick Manufacturing Firm (MBMF) communicated with their employees in the midst of the Eskom load shedding crisis in 2014. The investigation is not limited only to how they handled or made sense of the crisis, but also examines the effect and efficiency of their daily communication on both employees (subordinates) and operations in pursuing this end. As a foundation and background, the study broadly explores the literature on Crisis Leadership, Crisis and Crisis Communication, which are critical topics to understanding the communication role of the middle managers who were the primary subject of this research. The research was conducted through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. Nine Team Leaders were interviewed. The data collected was transcribed verbatim and analysed through open coding. In the literature of crisis management, the concept of crisis communication has been extensively examined as a function of crisis management, primarily with regards to the crisis communication strategy, encompassing the actual verbal and nonverbal responses an organisation uses to address a crisis. The findings are generally congruent with the crisis communication literature, and reinforce the importance of efficient internal communication in building a culture of transparency between management and employees, as espoused in the literature reviewed, which in addition presents an invaluable opportunity for employees across all levels to engage in and be informed of the organisation’s priorities and therefore has the potential to dictate the success or failure of any major change or crisis situation. As such, it can be argued that there is a need for the same analytical rigour that is given to external crisis communication to be given to financial or operational measures (Barrett, 2002). For both external and internal stakeholders, human compassion, concern and empathy; faith in legitimate and appropriate actions taken by the chosen organisation spokesperson; and honesty, candidness and openness in communication (Seeger 2006, p. 242) are universal. The quality and the quantity of communication, essentially, affect the level of trust and involvement of employees (Thomas, Zolin & Hartman, 2009), which is particularly relevant in times of crisis (Mazzei & Ravazzani, 2015 p. 322). Trust must be developed with staff through clear, honest communication and transparent actions. These encompass being fair, open in communication and intentions, showing consistency, fulfilling promises and being honest about what middle managers can and cannot communicate to their employees (Farrel & Schlesinger, 2013, p. 125). In this study, face to face communication proved to be the most preferred communication channel because of its rewarding advantages such as direct feedback, two-way communication, relationship building and project collaboration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
How the leaders of an Eastern Cape development agency experienced a transition from specialist roles to the leadership roles and how this shaped their leadership identity
- Authors: Mbokoma, Noxolo Patricia
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- Managemenat -- South Africa -- Case studies , Organizational change -- South Africa -- Case studies , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Case studies , Leadership -- South Africa -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171997 , vital:42147
- Description: This study sought to investigate the experiences of leaders involved in a transition from specialist role to leadership role at the Eastern Cape Development Agency, South Africa. A qualitative case study within a constructivist paradigm was adopted. Bridges’ (1991) theory of transition was used in this study to understand and analyse the process of transition in this study. The study used purposive sampling technique, where six leaders were selected and interviewed. The data was analysed through inductive and content analysis techniques. The findings are presented thematically and supported with participants verbatim. The study established that as specialists transition to leadership roles they experience lack of role clarity, stress (role strain), resistance, inadequate support, shock, increased work load (role strain) and role conflict. These experiences influence on their role identity, expertise, peer relationships and financial status. The study also established that for smooth and successful transition, consultation, participation, proper succession planning, and training is vitally important. This was necessary to ease the tension between management, leadership, specialist responsibilities, and resistance from specialists. The study recommends adequate support and preparation in all stages of transition to ensure that the organization benefits from the transition.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Mbokoma, Noxolo Patricia
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Economic development projects -- Managemenat -- South Africa -- Case studies , Organizational change -- South Africa -- Case studies , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Case studies , Leadership -- South Africa -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171997 , vital:42147
- Description: This study sought to investigate the experiences of leaders involved in a transition from specialist role to leadership role at the Eastern Cape Development Agency, South Africa. A qualitative case study within a constructivist paradigm was adopted. Bridges’ (1991) theory of transition was used in this study to understand and analyse the process of transition in this study. The study used purposive sampling technique, where six leaders were selected and interviewed. The data was analysed through inductive and content analysis techniques. The findings are presented thematically and supported with participants verbatim. The study established that as specialists transition to leadership roles they experience lack of role clarity, stress (role strain), resistance, inadequate support, shock, increased work load (role strain) and role conflict. These experiences influence on their role identity, expertise, peer relationships and financial status. The study also established that for smooth and successful transition, consultation, participation, proper succession planning, and training is vitally important. This was necessary to ease the tension between management, leadership, specialist responsibilities, and resistance from specialists. The study recommends adequate support and preparation in all stages of transition to ensure that the organization benefits from the transition.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
Strategic thinking during a period of turbulence : a case study of the BancABC Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mberi, Mary-Jane
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: BancABC (Zimbabwe) , Strategic planning -- Case studies , Strategic planning -- Zimbabwe , Inflation (Finance) -- Zimbabwe , Problem solving -- Zimbabwe , Crisis management -- Zimbabwe , Decision making -- Zimbabwe , Critical incident technique
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:861 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020603
- Description: A review of strategic thinking literature indicates that research has tended to focus on experiences contributing to strategic thinking, the strategic thinking perspectives that executives are likely to follow based on the environments in which they have developed their strategic competencies, and examining executives’ cognitive maps within the context of strategic management (O’ Shannassy 2003; Kutschera, and Ryan, 2009; Meyer, 2007). As an expansion of these principles and foundations of strategic thinking, this research was a study of the extent to which strategic thinking perspectives are utilised during macro environmental turbulence. According to Cravens et al. (2009: 31) volatility, reinvention, and fundamental changes in markets present unprecedented challenges to researchers and executives. “Unfortunately, too often traditional conceptual models and theories fail to provide adequate insight for coping with this new and rapidly changing business environment. Traditional market perspectives and conceptual logic may even blind researchers and strategic decision makers to the real threats present in the changing competitive landscape and new market space, and to opportunities for added value which can be uncovered and exploited” Cravens et al. (2009: 31). Hyperinflation in Zimbabwe was a major problem from 2003 to April 2009, when the country suspended its own currency and for the next five years the country continued to struggle with various macro environmental challenges. It is this backdrop that makes this research intriguing, where the soundness of any organisation is said to be crucially linked to the soundness of the macro environment, including macroeconomic policies as well as internal governance, market discipline; regulation and supervision (Louw and Venter, 2010). The research was a case study of BancABC Zimbabwe and focused on the period 2009 to 2013. BancABC Zimbabwe is a subsidiary of ABC Holdings Limited which is listed on the Botswana and Zimbabwe stock exchanges (BancABC, 2012). The aim of the study as the first key activity was to explore and describe how the BancABC executives responded to the critical macro environmental incidents identified, at a management or executive team perspective, and secondly, whether the rational reasoning or generative reasoning perspective was dominant during the period of turbulence. The goal is to gain insights of the strategic thinking process followed by executives during a period of macro-environmental turbulence. Literature defines strategic thinking concept as the cognitive process undertaken by executives in relation to problem solving in the business context. Two main perspectives are discussed: Strategic thinking as a science (rational thinking) is the prescriptive, structured nature of strategic thinking; arguments are that it is a less complex perspective for executives to adopt. Strategic thinking as an art (generative thinking) is the perspective that allows the strategist to think outside the box and be more creative about solving strategic problems. The discussion presents how the two perspectives can be used to complement each other and provide a more robust strategic thinking framework. The multi-perspective approach to strategic thinking recommends the right balance between analysis, intuition and creativity can be used to create new frameworks and innovative solutions. The ability to balance these strategic thinking perspectives enables executives to solve strategic problems (Linkov, 1999). The research findings highlighted the effect of time and availability of information on the strategic thinking perspective adopted by executives during times of uncertainty. It was noted that when time and information were available, executives appeared to use the rational strategic thinking perspective, while if there was limited time and information to solve problems the generative thinking perspective was dominantly used. Further the importance of integrative strategic thinking which facilitates the use of both intuition and analysis when solving strategic problems in a turbulent macro environment was also highlighted. The research thesis adopted the structure of a case study, relying on the critical incident technique to create the context of the study; and can be used to explore and discuss strategic thinking for teaching purposes. The results of the study can be recognised as a contribution towards the development of strategic thinking particularly in times of turbulence. It can also form the basis for future studies in the context of strategic thinking.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Mberi, Mary-Jane
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: BancABC (Zimbabwe) , Strategic planning -- Case studies , Strategic planning -- Zimbabwe , Inflation (Finance) -- Zimbabwe , Problem solving -- Zimbabwe , Crisis management -- Zimbabwe , Decision making -- Zimbabwe , Critical incident technique
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:861 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020603
- Description: A review of strategic thinking literature indicates that research has tended to focus on experiences contributing to strategic thinking, the strategic thinking perspectives that executives are likely to follow based on the environments in which they have developed their strategic competencies, and examining executives’ cognitive maps within the context of strategic management (O’ Shannassy 2003; Kutschera, and Ryan, 2009; Meyer, 2007). As an expansion of these principles and foundations of strategic thinking, this research was a study of the extent to which strategic thinking perspectives are utilised during macro environmental turbulence. According to Cravens et al. (2009: 31) volatility, reinvention, and fundamental changes in markets present unprecedented challenges to researchers and executives. “Unfortunately, too often traditional conceptual models and theories fail to provide adequate insight for coping with this new and rapidly changing business environment. Traditional market perspectives and conceptual logic may even blind researchers and strategic decision makers to the real threats present in the changing competitive landscape and new market space, and to opportunities for added value which can be uncovered and exploited” Cravens et al. (2009: 31). Hyperinflation in Zimbabwe was a major problem from 2003 to April 2009, when the country suspended its own currency and for the next five years the country continued to struggle with various macro environmental challenges. It is this backdrop that makes this research intriguing, where the soundness of any organisation is said to be crucially linked to the soundness of the macro environment, including macroeconomic policies as well as internal governance, market discipline; regulation and supervision (Louw and Venter, 2010). The research was a case study of BancABC Zimbabwe and focused on the period 2009 to 2013. BancABC Zimbabwe is a subsidiary of ABC Holdings Limited which is listed on the Botswana and Zimbabwe stock exchanges (BancABC, 2012). The aim of the study as the first key activity was to explore and describe how the BancABC executives responded to the critical macro environmental incidents identified, at a management or executive team perspective, and secondly, whether the rational reasoning or generative reasoning perspective was dominant during the period of turbulence. The goal is to gain insights of the strategic thinking process followed by executives during a period of macro-environmental turbulence. Literature defines strategic thinking concept as the cognitive process undertaken by executives in relation to problem solving in the business context. Two main perspectives are discussed: Strategic thinking as a science (rational thinking) is the prescriptive, structured nature of strategic thinking; arguments are that it is a less complex perspective for executives to adopt. Strategic thinking as an art (generative thinking) is the perspective that allows the strategist to think outside the box and be more creative about solving strategic problems. The discussion presents how the two perspectives can be used to complement each other and provide a more robust strategic thinking framework. The multi-perspective approach to strategic thinking recommends the right balance between analysis, intuition and creativity can be used to create new frameworks and innovative solutions. The ability to balance these strategic thinking perspectives enables executives to solve strategic problems (Linkov, 1999). The research findings highlighted the effect of time and availability of information on the strategic thinking perspective adopted by executives during times of uncertainty. It was noted that when time and information were available, executives appeared to use the rational strategic thinking perspective, while if there was limited time and information to solve problems the generative thinking perspective was dominantly used. Further the importance of integrative strategic thinking which facilitates the use of both intuition and analysis when solving strategic problems in a turbulent macro environment was also highlighted. The research thesis adopted the structure of a case study, relying on the critical incident technique to create the context of the study; and can be used to explore and discuss strategic thinking for teaching purposes. The results of the study can be recognised as a contribution towards the development of strategic thinking particularly in times of turbulence. It can also form the basis for future studies in the context of strategic thinking.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The effects of education on economic growth and global competitiveness: a statistical approach
- Mbatha, Erica Isabel Tavares Da Silva
- Authors: Mbatha, Erica Isabel Tavares Da Silva
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Economic development -- Effect of education on -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Educational attainment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147558 , vital:38649
- Description: This thesis investigates whether there is a relationship between education, economic growth and global competitiveness and whether there is a relationship between South Africa’s current throughput rates in institutions of higher education, and its economic growth and global competitiveness. Economic growth is defined as a country’s ability to improve the life of its average citizen based on the strength of its economy. As such, it is increasingly important for a country to assess the factors that contribute to the improvement of their economy, which will ultimately result in its economic growth. Global competitiveness is an indication of how countries are able to provide for their people internally, as well as participate in the international market. To this end, economic growth and global competitiveness are two proxies that can be used to demonstrate the economic wellbeing of a country. Considering that prosperity under economic growth and global competitiveness of a country are driven by its people, one of the aims of this thesis was to investigate whether there is a relationship between education and economic growth and global competitiveness. Considering the recent demand in free education in South Africa, it is also important to understand whether there is a relationship between South Africa’s current throughput rates at higher education institutions and its economic growth and global competitiveness. Bearing in mind the political past which has led to inequality in the country, it is important to understand which types of education contribute to the economy and which types need to be further supported in order to increase the country’s economic productivity. Therefore, an additional aim of the thesis was to determine the relationship between South Africa’s current throughput rates in institutions of higher education, and its economic growth and global competitiveness. To address the aforementioned aims, data were collected from various open access online repositories. All the data were collated and numerous general linear models were constructed and tested to determine the different relationships as per the two aims. The results reveal that secondary school education had the highest impact on economic growth and global competitiveness on a global scale. This could be attributed to the fact that secondary school graduates tend to make up the largest part of the general workforce and as such, would make up a substantial proportion of the economy. Regarding South Africa, the only significant relationships were between green cluster universities (universities that focus on both research and technical training) and global competitiveness. Overall average throughput rates in all academic institutions were low; this could indicate that perhaps there are issues within the higher education system itself that need to be addressed in order to increase the throughput rate. From a managerial perspective, the results of this research stress the importance for the government to further investigate this area of study, as the call for free education becomes more prominent. The low throughput rates seem to suggest that the government is spending substantial amounts of money on students who do not always complete their studies. More research needs to be done to assess the root of the problem in South Africa’s tertiary education system, in order to ensure that this aspect increases its positive contribution towards the country’s economic growth and global competitiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mbatha, Erica Isabel Tavares Da Silva
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Economic development -- Effect of education on -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Educational attainment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/147558 , vital:38649
- Description: This thesis investigates whether there is a relationship between education, economic growth and global competitiveness and whether there is a relationship between South Africa’s current throughput rates in institutions of higher education, and its economic growth and global competitiveness. Economic growth is defined as a country’s ability to improve the life of its average citizen based on the strength of its economy. As such, it is increasingly important for a country to assess the factors that contribute to the improvement of their economy, which will ultimately result in its economic growth. Global competitiveness is an indication of how countries are able to provide for their people internally, as well as participate in the international market. To this end, economic growth and global competitiveness are two proxies that can be used to demonstrate the economic wellbeing of a country. Considering that prosperity under economic growth and global competitiveness of a country are driven by its people, one of the aims of this thesis was to investigate whether there is a relationship between education and economic growth and global competitiveness. Considering the recent demand in free education in South Africa, it is also important to understand whether there is a relationship between South Africa’s current throughput rates at higher education institutions and its economic growth and global competitiveness. Bearing in mind the political past which has led to inequality in the country, it is important to understand which types of education contribute to the economy and which types need to be further supported in order to increase the country’s economic productivity. Therefore, an additional aim of the thesis was to determine the relationship between South Africa’s current throughput rates in institutions of higher education, and its economic growth and global competitiveness. To address the aforementioned aims, data were collected from various open access online repositories. All the data were collated and numerous general linear models were constructed and tested to determine the different relationships as per the two aims. The results reveal that secondary school education had the highest impact on economic growth and global competitiveness on a global scale. This could be attributed to the fact that secondary school graduates tend to make up the largest part of the general workforce and as such, would make up a substantial proportion of the economy. Regarding South Africa, the only significant relationships were between green cluster universities (universities that focus on both research and technical training) and global competitiveness. Overall average throughput rates in all academic institutions were low; this could indicate that perhaps there are issues within the higher education system itself that need to be addressed in order to increase the throughput rate. From a managerial perspective, the results of this research stress the importance for the government to further investigate this area of study, as the call for free education becomes more prominent. The low throughput rates seem to suggest that the government is spending substantial amounts of money on students who do not always complete their studies. More research needs to be done to assess the root of the problem in South Africa’s tertiary education system, in order to ensure that this aspect increases its positive contribution towards the country’s economic growth and global competitiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
The implementation of a performance management system in the Northern Cape Department of Environment and Nature Conservation
- Authors: Mbanjwa, Sibonelo Glenton
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Performance -- Management -- South Africa -- Northern Cape Northern Cape (South Africa). Dept. of Environment and Nature Conservation Government productivity -- South Africa -- Northern Cape -- Evaluation Civil service -- South Africa -- Northern Cape -- Evaluation Civil service -- South Africa -- Northern Cape -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:748 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003869
- Description: This document consists of three sections, and they are the academic paper (section 1), literature review (section 2) and research methodology (section 3). The academic paper consists of the purpose of the research, the summarised literature review, summarised research methodology and the research findings. The literature review section is a detailed review of literature used in this study. The research methodology section explains the research methodology and design which was employed in this study and it gives more details than the summarised version of the academic paper section. This summary integrated all the elements of section 1, section 2 and section 3. The purpose of this research is to identify the main problems that the Department of Environment and Nature Conservation (DENC) could encounter during the implementation and use of a performance management system, based on employee perspectives. The objectives of this research are therefore: to establish how often a particular problem has been encountered during the implementation and use of a performance management system in DENC; to identify the impact of various problems on the implementation of a performance management system, to establish whether these problems can be easily solved or not, and to analyse the problems associated with the implementation of a performance management system, as well as making recommendations for the successful implementation of a performance management system in the future. In this study, the researcher employed both quantitative and qualitative research approaches, informed by post-positivism as research orientation. The data collection techniques employed in this research include survey questionnaires and individual interviews. The survey questionnaire was answered by fifty respondents, and interview questions were answered by four respondents. The ethical issues were addressed by writing a letter to the Head of Department and getting authorisation to complete the research and informing respondents of their right to withdraw and to participate voluntarily. The findings indicate that the problems are either sometimes encountered or rarely encountered, and the division is about fifty percent of those sometimes encountered to those rarely encountered. This research indicates that most of the problems have a moderate impact on the use and implementation of a performance management system. The lack of management has a high impact, and a lack of positive attitude to performance management system (PMS) certainly has an impact on the use and implementation of the performance management system. Items such as the problem of information and communication technology (ICT) which does not support PMS adequately, and defining too many key performance indicators (KPI), have a small impact on the use and implementation of the performance management system. There are three problems which are difficult to solve and they are: lack of management commitment, organisational members‟ lack of positive attitude to the PMS and an insufficient period of commitment from management to PMS. This research indicates that most of the problems associated with PMS are moderately easy to solve. Two other problems that are easy to solve include the problem where there are too many KPIs defined and the problem where there is no organisational member appointed to take ownership of the PMS. According to this research, the top ten ranking problems have high ranking scores and this indicates that they can create major difficulties for the DENC in implementing the performance management system, and the chance of encountering these problems is high in the DENC in comparison to other problems. Almost all the problems ranked in the top ten seem to score highly in terms of the severity of their impact, and therefore this means that these are the problems which have an impact and, when they are not easily solved, they can become a tenacious issue for the organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Mbanjwa, Sibonelo Glenton
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Performance -- Management -- South Africa -- Northern Cape Northern Cape (South Africa). Dept. of Environment and Nature Conservation Government productivity -- South Africa -- Northern Cape -- Evaluation Civil service -- South Africa -- Northern Cape -- Evaluation Civil service -- South Africa -- Northern Cape -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:748 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003869
- Description: This document consists of three sections, and they are the academic paper (section 1), literature review (section 2) and research methodology (section 3). The academic paper consists of the purpose of the research, the summarised literature review, summarised research methodology and the research findings. The literature review section is a detailed review of literature used in this study. The research methodology section explains the research methodology and design which was employed in this study and it gives more details than the summarised version of the academic paper section. This summary integrated all the elements of section 1, section 2 and section 3. The purpose of this research is to identify the main problems that the Department of Environment and Nature Conservation (DENC) could encounter during the implementation and use of a performance management system, based on employee perspectives. The objectives of this research are therefore: to establish how often a particular problem has been encountered during the implementation and use of a performance management system in DENC; to identify the impact of various problems on the implementation of a performance management system, to establish whether these problems can be easily solved or not, and to analyse the problems associated with the implementation of a performance management system, as well as making recommendations for the successful implementation of a performance management system in the future. In this study, the researcher employed both quantitative and qualitative research approaches, informed by post-positivism as research orientation. The data collection techniques employed in this research include survey questionnaires and individual interviews. The survey questionnaire was answered by fifty respondents, and interview questions were answered by four respondents. The ethical issues were addressed by writing a letter to the Head of Department and getting authorisation to complete the research and informing respondents of their right to withdraw and to participate voluntarily. The findings indicate that the problems are either sometimes encountered or rarely encountered, and the division is about fifty percent of those sometimes encountered to those rarely encountered. This research indicates that most of the problems have a moderate impact on the use and implementation of a performance management system. The lack of management has a high impact, and a lack of positive attitude to performance management system (PMS) certainly has an impact on the use and implementation of the performance management system. Items such as the problem of information and communication technology (ICT) which does not support PMS adequately, and defining too many key performance indicators (KPI), have a small impact on the use and implementation of the performance management system. There are three problems which are difficult to solve and they are: lack of management commitment, organisational members‟ lack of positive attitude to the PMS and an insufficient period of commitment from management to PMS. This research indicates that most of the problems associated with PMS are moderately easy to solve. Two other problems that are easy to solve include the problem where there are too many KPIs defined and the problem where there is no organisational member appointed to take ownership of the PMS. According to this research, the top ten ranking problems have high ranking scores and this indicates that they can create major difficulties for the DENC in implementing the performance management system, and the chance of encountering these problems is high in the DENC in comparison to other problems. Almost all the problems ranked in the top ten seem to score highly in terms of the severity of their impact, and therefore this means that these are the problems which have an impact and, when they are not easily solved, they can become a tenacious issue for the organisation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An evaluation of co-management practices: A case of a South African platinum mine management and the local community
- Authors: Matsimela, Tebogo Mapipi
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Mines and mineral resource -- Management -- South Africa , Mines and mineral resource -- Management -- Social aspects , Mines and mineral resource -- Management -- Moral and ethical aspects , Platinum mines and mining -- Management -- South Africa -- Case studies , Corporate governance -- South Africa -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171874 , vital:42134
- Description: A vast body of literature reveals the paradigm shift of South Africa’s economy from an agricultural community to an industrial economy. Elbra (2013) illustrated that South African mining host communities viewed that mineral endowments have become a “resource curse” instead of a driver of local economic development for the benefit of the community. To understand the mining and community conflict and their subsequent complexities, the Marikana massacre in August 2012 must be revisited (Bell, 2016). The problems may be broadly summarised as a lack of stakeholder engagement and inclusivity. Studies involving stakeholder management and co-management focused on the identification of stakeholders and their management. The research evaluated the co-management practices between mine management and a local community. It considered the challenges that emanated from the co-management practices. The primary focus of this research has been to evaluate the co-management features between the mine management and the local community and to identify the challenges associated with co-management from a mine management perspective. Furthermore, the research attempted to find effective co-management practices between the mine management and the local community which may be used to improve the partnership. Armitage, Berkes and Doubleplay (2007) recognised that in facilitating effective co-management, the commitment towards fulfilling good governance and accountability was paramount in ensuring that the rights and obligations of both private and public actors were achieved. However, Ran and Qi (2018) acknowledged that such partnerships were not immune to challenges because the poor implementation of co-management features like power-sharing could collapse a co-management partnership. This study aimed to evaluate the current co-management practices from the mine management’s perspective. A literature search revealed the range of co-management features that explained the different use of practices. The features included co-management and power sharing, co-management and institution building, co-management and trust and social capital, co-management as a process, co-management and problem solving, and co-management and governance. The study evaluated the co-management features between the mine management and the local community, identified the current challenges associated with co-management from a mine management perspective and attempted to make recommendations on effective co-management practices between the mine management and a local community. A qualitative case study method was employed. This method allowed the researcher to evaluate multifaceted matters which may have been investigated in the past but not inconsiderable detail (Baxter and Jack, 2008). Data was sampled using purposive sampling. This was because the population sample was chosen according to their roles and responsibilities and their involvement in the co-management between the mine management and the local community. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and document analyses. The findings of the research were derived from a range of company documents. Thematic analysis was employed to understand the practices of co-management which underpinned the co-management partnership between the mine management and the local community. It was found that there was a positive relationship between the literature study and the response from the mine management. The shared responsibilities emerged out of a dialogue characterised by deliberation and negotiations between the mine management and the stakeholders. Berkes (2009), asserted that co-management bore a resemblance to the process of the sharing of ideas of how responsibilities could be better shared and that it emanated from a process of deliberation and negotiation. Furthermore, if the evolution of the co-management partnership was not managed carefully, it could pose a risk to the partnership itself. It was acknowledged by the research respondents that there were complications involved in having the community as a shareholder in the mine, but equally, the community showed an appreciation of being involved in building a sustainable mine. The model of sustainable partnership emphasised that any viable partnership should adopt this model to achieve a sustainable performance (Thomson and Boutilier, 2011). This research showed that the co-management practices between the mine management and the local community concurred with the findings of Zvarivadza (2018). Trust and transparency between mine management and the community could go a long way in ensuring that the mine fulfilled its legal responsibilities in the local community where the mine is located.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Matsimela, Tebogo Mapipi
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Mines and mineral resource -- Management -- South Africa , Mines and mineral resource -- Management -- Social aspects , Mines and mineral resource -- Management -- Moral and ethical aspects , Platinum mines and mining -- Management -- South Africa -- Case studies , Corporate governance -- South Africa -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171874 , vital:42134
- Description: A vast body of literature reveals the paradigm shift of South Africa’s economy from an agricultural community to an industrial economy. Elbra (2013) illustrated that South African mining host communities viewed that mineral endowments have become a “resource curse” instead of a driver of local economic development for the benefit of the community. To understand the mining and community conflict and their subsequent complexities, the Marikana massacre in August 2012 must be revisited (Bell, 2016). The problems may be broadly summarised as a lack of stakeholder engagement and inclusivity. Studies involving stakeholder management and co-management focused on the identification of stakeholders and their management. The research evaluated the co-management practices between mine management and a local community. It considered the challenges that emanated from the co-management practices. The primary focus of this research has been to evaluate the co-management features between the mine management and the local community and to identify the challenges associated with co-management from a mine management perspective. Furthermore, the research attempted to find effective co-management practices between the mine management and the local community which may be used to improve the partnership. Armitage, Berkes and Doubleplay (2007) recognised that in facilitating effective co-management, the commitment towards fulfilling good governance and accountability was paramount in ensuring that the rights and obligations of both private and public actors were achieved. However, Ran and Qi (2018) acknowledged that such partnerships were not immune to challenges because the poor implementation of co-management features like power-sharing could collapse a co-management partnership. This study aimed to evaluate the current co-management practices from the mine management’s perspective. A literature search revealed the range of co-management features that explained the different use of practices. The features included co-management and power sharing, co-management and institution building, co-management and trust and social capital, co-management as a process, co-management and problem solving, and co-management and governance. The study evaluated the co-management features between the mine management and the local community, identified the current challenges associated with co-management from a mine management perspective and attempted to make recommendations on effective co-management practices between the mine management and a local community. A qualitative case study method was employed. This method allowed the researcher to evaluate multifaceted matters which may have been investigated in the past but not inconsiderable detail (Baxter and Jack, 2008). Data was sampled using purposive sampling. This was because the population sample was chosen according to their roles and responsibilities and their involvement in the co-management between the mine management and the local community. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and document analyses. The findings of the research were derived from a range of company documents. Thematic analysis was employed to understand the practices of co-management which underpinned the co-management partnership between the mine management and the local community. It was found that there was a positive relationship between the literature study and the response from the mine management. The shared responsibilities emerged out of a dialogue characterised by deliberation and negotiations between the mine management and the stakeholders. Berkes (2009), asserted that co-management bore a resemblance to the process of the sharing of ideas of how responsibilities could be better shared and that it emanated from a process of deliberation and negotiation. Furthermore, if the evolution of the co-management partnership was not managed carefully, it could pose a risk to the partnership itself. It was acknowledged by the research respondents that there were complications involved in having the community as a shareholder in the mine, but equally, the community showed an appreciation of being involved in building a sustainable mine. The model of sustainable partnership emphasised that any viable partnership should adopt this model to achieve a sustainable performance (Thomson and Boutilier, 2011). This research showed that the co-management practices between the mine management and the local community concurred with the findings of Zvarivadza (2018). Trust and transparency between mine management and the community could go a long way in ensuring that the mine fulfilled its legal responsibilities in the local community where the mine is located.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
An evaluation of the City of Johannesburg’s Igoli 2002 programme from 2003 to 2010
- Matebese, Zolani Loyiso Chukwuemeka Bantu, Musengi-Ajulu, Sandra
- Authors: Matebese, Zolani Loyiso Chukwuemeka Bantu , Musengi-Ajulu, Sandra
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Municipal government -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Local government -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Expenditures, Public -- South Africa -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:828 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012949
- Description: Integrative Summary: Municipalities are the third level of government and are responsible for delivery of basic services to citizens. They carry the developmental mandate of government and are often the first point of interaction between government and citizens. Being at the front line of service delivery, the issue of fiscal stability of municipalities and their ability to deliver sustainable services is of grave importance (Carter & Ajam 2003). Unfortunately in a South African context most municipalities are not fiscally sustainable (Roos & Stander 2005). In a study of 142 South African municipalities, it was found that poor collection of outstanding debt and irregular or wasteful expenditure were the biggest causes of fiscal stress (Roos & Stander 2005). In fact, in 2004 the difficulties appear to have reached crisis level (Lubbe & Roussouw 2005). The fiscal situation within municipalities was so bad that the South African Local Government Authority (SALGA) implemented a unit specifically to assist municipalities that were at “crisis point” (Roos & Stander, 2005 p. 165). This research report focuses on the evaluation of Igoli 2002 which was a response to fiscal crisis within the City of Johannesburg metropolitan municipality when in 1997 the City of Johannesburg was declared insolvent. The research evaluated the long term sustainability of the Igoli 2002 programme to determine its success in addressing the issues of fiscal stress and crisis facing the municipality. The research also attempted to assess the applicability of international indicators of fiscal stress and crisis to the City of Johannesburg. The research evaluated the Igoli 2002 programme via a financial condition analysis, against international indicators of fiscal stress and crisis and against a logic framework detailing the goals of the programme. The research found that ultimately, the Igoli 2002 intervention implemented by the City of Johannesburg was successful in improving the fiscal position and sustainability of the City. In addition, indicators from predictive models of fiscal stress and crisis were found to be relevant to the City of Johannesburg.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Matebese, Zolani Loyiso Chukwuemeka Bantu , Musengi-Ajulu, Sandra
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Municipal government -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Local government -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Expenditures, Public -- South Africa -- Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:828 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012949
- Description: Integrative Summary: Municipalities are the third level of government and are responsible for delivery of basic services to citizens. They carry the developmental mandate of government and are often the first point of interaction between government and citizens. Being at the front line of service delivery, the issue of fiscal stability of municipalities and their ability to deliver sustainable services is of grave importance (Carter & Ajam 2003). Unfortunately in a South African context most municipalities are not fiscally sustainable (Roos & Stander 2005). In a study of 142 South African municipalities, it was found that poor collection of outstanding debt and irregular or wasteful expenditure were the biggest causes of fiscal stress (Roos & Stander 2005). In fact, in 2004 the difficulties appear to have reached crisis level (Lubbe & Roussouw 2005). The fiscal situation within municipalities was so bad that the South African Local Government Authority (SALGA) implemented a unit specifically to assist municipalities that were at “crisis point” (Roos & Stander, 2005 p. 165). This research report focuses on the evaluation of Igoli 2002 which was a response to fiscal crisis within the City of Johannesburg metropolitan municipality when in 1997 the City of Johannesburg was declared insolvent. The research evaluated the long term sustainability of the Igoli 2002 programme to determine its success in addressing the issues of fiscal stress and crisis facing the municipality. The research also attempted to assess the applicability of international indicators of fiscal stress and crisis to the City of Johannesburg. The research evaluated the Igoli 2002 programme via a financial condition analysis, against international indicators of fiscal stress and crisis and against a logic framework detailing the goals of the programme. The research found that ultimately, the Igoli 2002 intervention implemented by the City of Johannesburg was successful in improving the fiscal position and sustainability of the City. In addition, indicators from predictive models of fiscal stress and crisis were found to be relevant to the City of Johannesburg.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An analysis of stakeholder engagement in the integrated development planning process: a case of Blue Crane Route Local Municipality
- Authors: Marambana, Nonkululeko
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Stakeholder management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- Public relations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public administration -- Citizen participation , Government publicity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Blue Crane Route Local Municipality , Integrated Development Plan (IDP)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63659 , vital:28466
- Description: Stakeholder engagement in local government is a legislated function that should be implemented by appointed and elected government officials. The 2015/16 financial year report of the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA), revealed challenges pertaining to stakeholder engagement processes by the Blue Crane Route Municipality (BCRM), in that stakeholder inputs were not incorporated in the municipal Integrated Development Plan (IDP) of the 2016/17 financial year. The concern is that there is a gap regarding stakeholders’ engagement processes within BCRM and that affects the quality of IDP which serves as the municipal strategic document. The aim and objectives of this study are to understand stakeholder engagement processes on the IDP formulation by the BCRM in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The research questions are: How does BCRM conduct stakeholder engagement processes during IDP formulation? What institutional arrangements are in place for stakeholder engagement? And recommendation on how stakeholder engagement processes can be improved within the BCRM? The research questions were answered through a qualitative study, where data was collected through face-to-face interviews, focus groups and a document review. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with the municipal manager and the managers responsible for IDP as well as the officer responsible for public participation. Focus group sessions were conducted with the community leaders and the departmental leadership. Documents that were reviewed included IDP and process plans, minutes from community consultation meetings, public participation policies, and intergovernmental relations terms of reference. The responses received showed gaps in the following: institutional arrangements related to the integration of stakeholder engagement in municipal key performance indicators and procedures; communication between the municipality and stakeholders; community education related to the impact on community stakeholder engagement, and management processes related to the stakeholder database, capacity development, records management, collaboration and cooperation. Further research on how the municipality communicates and imparts knowledge to its stakeholders is recommended as it could contribute significantly to the body of knowledge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Marambana, Nonkululeko
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Stakeholder management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Local government -- Public relations -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Political participation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public administration -- Citizen participation , Government publicity -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Blue Crane Route Local Municipality , Integrated Development Plan (IDP)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63659 , vital:28466
- Description: Stakeholder engagement in local government is a legislated function that should be implemented by appointed and elected government officials. The 2015/16 financial year report of the Auditor General of South Africa (AGSA), revealed challenges pertaining to stakeholder engagement processes by the Blue Crane Route Municipality (BCRM), in that stakeholder inputs were not incorporated in the municipal Integrated Development Plan (IDP) of the 2016/17 financial year. The concern is that there is a gap regarding stakeholders’ engagement processes within BCRM and that affects the quality of IDP which serves as the municipal strategic document. The aim and objectives of this study are to understand stakeholder engagement processes on the IDP formulation by the BCRM in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. The research questions are: How does BCRM conduct stakeholder engagement processes during IDP formulation? What institutional arrangements are in place for stakeholder engagement? And recommendation on how stakeholder engagement processes can be improved within the BCRM? The research questions were answered through a qualitative study, where data was collected through face-to-face interviews, focus groups and a document review. Face-to-face interviews were conducted with the municipal manager and the managers responsible for IDP as well as the officer responsible for public participation. Focus group sessions were conducted with the community leaders and the departmental leadership. Documents that were reviewed included IDP and process plans, minutes from community consultation meetings, public participation policies, and intergovernmental relations terms of reference. The responses received showed gaps in the following: institutional arrangements related to the integration of stakeholder engagement in municipal key performance indicators and procedures; communication between the municipality and stakeholders; community education related to the impact on community stakeholder engagement, and management processes related to the stakeholder database, capacity development, records management, collaboration and cooperation. Further research on how the municipality communicates and imparts knowledge to its stakeholders is recommended as it could contribute significantly to the body of knowledge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An exploratory case study of accelerator programmes in the Republic of South Africa
- Authors: Mametse, Mmankitseng Lerato
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92639 , vital:30737
- Description: South Africa is facing a challenge of poverty, unemployment and low growth. Government has identified the small and medium-sized business (SME) sector as one of the ways through which to combat these challenges. Government has also set up programmes and agencies to support SMEs in their search for funding and other kinds of support. South Africa, however, has one of the highest rates of SME failures in the world, with the majority not surviving beyond three years. Alternative interventions are therefore required to support South Africa’s SMEs to become sustainable companies beyond three years and to contribute positively to economic growth, poverty alleviation and job creation. This paper explores one kind of intervention that has been used internationally and that is increasingly being adopted in South Africa. Accelerator programmes, aimed at supporting start-ups to get to the next level of their development, have been growing in numbers around the world, trying to replicate the success of the original accelerator programme – the Y Combinator – which was responsible for the success of household names such as Airbnb and Dropbox. Accelerator programmes help start-up companies define and build their initial products, identify promising customer segments, and secure resources, including capital and employees. By making these necessary resources available to start-ups, it may be possible to ensure that fewer start-ups fail and more SMEs remain sustainable into the future. Several accelerator programmes have been founded in South Africa, all with a similar aim: to accelerate the development of start-ups that have the potential to grow exponentially given access to the right resources. This paper examines how South African accelerator programmes work in terms of the key resources made available to the start-ups that participate in their programmes. An increasing number of academic papers have been written on accelerator programmes internationally, but little information is available for the South African context. This research study investigated the phenomenon of accelerator programmes in South Africa through the lens of Resource-based Theory. The theory posits that, in order to gain a sustained competitive advantage, companies need to utilise their resources (including physical, human and organisational) in a manner that is effective and efficient, both internally and externally. The research answers the following questions: How do accelerator programmes work in South Africa? What value (in terms of resources offered) do they claim to bring to start-ups that go through their accelerator programmes? An exploratory case study method was selected to understand the phenomenon of accelerator programmes in South Africa. Purposeful sampling was used in the selection of accelerator programmes, as it allows for the selection of information-rich cases. The research findings indicate that accelerator programmes in South Africa follow the structure of providing start-ups, over a period between three months and one year, with resources that will assist them to be successful into the future. The investigation finds that human and financial resources are some of the most valuable resources that accelerator programmes provide to start-ups to help progress these start-ups to their next level of development. The most important resource is mentorship from knowledgeable industry players who are themselves entrepreneurs. Access to networks to gain access to the market, as well as funding, is also made available by accelerator programmes. This investigation provides a glimpse of the accelerator programme phenomenon in South Africa and highlights the important role that mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, and access to markets and funding, play in the development of start-ups.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mametse, Mmankitseng Lerato
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92639 , vital:30737
- Description: South Africa is facing a challenge of poverty, unemployment and low growth. Government has identified the small and medium-sized business (SME) sector as one of the ways through which to combat these challenges. Government has also set up programmes and agencies to support SMEs in their search for funding and other kinds of support. South Africa, however, has one of the highest rates of SME failures in the world, with the majority not surviving beyond three years. Alternative interventions are therefore required to support South Africa’s SMEs to become sustainable companies beyond three years and to contribute positively to economic growth, poverty alleviation and job creation. This paper explores one kind of intervention that has been used internationally and that is increasingly being adopted in South Africa. Accelerator programmes, aimed at supporting start-ups to get to the next level of their development, have been growing in numbers around the world, trying to replicate the success of the original accelerator programme – the Y Combinator – which was responsible for the success of household names such as Airbnb and Dropbox. Accelerator programmes help start-up companies define and build their initial products, identify promising customer segments, and secure resources, including capital and employees. By making these necessary resources available to start-ups, it may be possible to ensure that fewer start-ups fail and more SMEs remain sustainable into the future. Several accelerator programmes have been founded in South Africa, all with a similar aim: to accelerate the development of start-ups that have the potential to grow exponentially given access to the right resources. This paper examines how South African accelerator programmes work in terms of the key resources made available to the start-ups that participate in their programmes. An increasing number of academic papers have been written on accelerator programmes internationally, but little information is available for the South African context. This research study investigated the phenomenon of accelerator programmes in South Africa through the lens of Resource-based Theory. The theory posits that, in order to gain a sustained competitive advantage, companies need to utilise their resources (including physical, human and organisational) in a manner that is effective and efficient, both internally and externally. The research answers the following questions: How do accelerator programmes work in South Africa? What value (in terms of resources offered) do they claim to bring to start-ups that go through their accelerator programmes? An exploratory case study method was selected to understand the phenomenon of accelerator programmes in South Africa. Purposeful sampling was used in the selection of accelerator programmes, as it allows for the selection of information-rich cases. The research findings indicate that accelerator programmes in South Africa follow the structure of providing start-ups, over a period between three months and one year, with resources that will assist them to be successful into the future. The investigation finds that human and financial resources are some of the most valuable resources that accelerator programmes provide to start-ups to help progress these start-ups to their next level of development. The most important resource is mentorship from knowledgeable industry players who are themselves entrepreneurs. Access to networks to gain access to the market, as well as funding, is also made available by accelerator programmes. This investigation provides a glimpse of the accelerator programme phenomenon in South Africa and highlights the important role that mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs, and access to markets and funding, play in the development of start-ups.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A critical analysis of social enterprise in Slovenia
- Authors: Malila, Brett
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Social entrepreneurship -- Slovenia , Social entrepreneurship -- Slovenia -- Case studies , Social entrepreneurship -- Law and legilstion-- Slovenia , Business enterprises -- Law and legilstion-- Slovenia
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166436 , vital:41364
- Description: This research presents a case study on the nature of social enterprise in Slovenia. From a resource-based view (RBV), the case study has been used to show what some of the intangible resources are that can be used to promote sustainable social enterprise (SE). The purpose of this research study is to analyse social enterprises in Slovenia in order to establish a framework which other social entrepreneurs can use as the basis from which to operate and achieve competitive advantage. It is an important piece of research for both the process of social enterprise development in Slovenia, as well as to provide ideas and thoughts as to the way forward in this sector for other developing societies. Social enterprise is a developing field and it has been be important to develop cases to begin to explore the concept with real life actualities. The goal is to provide a clearer conceptualisation from which other social entrepreneurs can use as the basis to analyse, plan and improve social enterprise in their own specific contexts. The primary purpose of the study is thus to unpack the core elements that identify social enterprise in Slovenia using the resource-based view. The research aims to understand social enterprise within Slovenia in relation to where it occurs, which are the main industries concerned, and what are the unique resources used to promote sustainable growth. To achieve this, the research was guided by the resource-based view for social enterprise as highlighted by Day and Jean-Denis (2016) as well as that proposed by Bacq and Eddleston (2018). A mind map for a possible route towards improved implementation and understanding of social enterprise in Slovenia, was done through accessing registered social enterprises. This database was from the Ministry of Economic Development in Slovenia. An analysis of 2591 social enterprise, a desktop review of the Slovenian legislation on social enterprise and the unpacking of unique resources available to Slovenian social enterprise was done. This provided a perfect test case to show how the provision of legislation, supportive structures; financial targets, a regional vision and government mentoring social enterprise enhance a contested terrain in Slovenia. Findings highlighted that there have been sustainable successes, but not at the levels expected. It is clear that the government has created various unique resources to build and develop the social enterprise (SE) sector. From an RBV analysis of the social enterprise environment in Slovenia, it is essential to have resources such as legislation, mind-set, in migration (labour) and youth skills be created, monitored and supported. However, there is a need for improved monitoring and tighter implementation of the legislation for social enterprise to provide the solution to destructive social ills.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Malila, Brett
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Social entrepreneurship -- Slovenia , Social entrepreneurship -- Slovenia -- Case studies , Social entrepreneurship -- Law and legilstion-- Slovenia , Business enterprises -- Law and legilstion-- Slovenia
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166436 , vital:41364
- Description: This research presents a case study on the nature of social enterprise in Slovenia. From a resource-based view (RBV), the case study has been used to show what some of the intangible resources are that can be used to promote sustainable social enterprise (SE). The purpose of this research study is to analyse social enterprises in Slovenia in order to establish a framework which other social entrepreneurs can use as the basis from which to operate and achieve competitive advantage. It is an important piece of research for both the process of social enterprise development in Slovenia, as well as to provide ideas and thoughts as to the way forward in this sector for other developing societies. Social enterprise is a developing field and it has been be important to develop cases to begin to explore the concept with real life actualities. The goal is to provide a clearer conceptualisation from which other social entrepreneurs can use as the basis to analyse, plan and improve social enterprise in their own specific contexts. The primary purpose of the study is thus to unpack the core elements that identify social enterprise in Slovenia using the resource-based view. The research aims to understand social enterprise within Slovenia in relation to where it occurs, which are the main industries concerned, and what are the unique resources used to promote sustainable growth. To achieve this, the research was guided by the resource-based view for social enterprise as highlighted by Day and Jean-Denis (2016) as well as that proposed by Bacq and Eddleston (2018). A mind map for a possible route towards improved implementation and understanding of social enterprise in Slovenia, was done through accessing registered social enterprises. This database was from the Ministry of Economic Development in Slovenia. An analysis of 2591 social enterprise, a desktop review of the Slovenian legislation on social enterprise and the unpacking of unique resources available to Slovenian social enterprise was done. This provided a perfect test case to show how the provision of legislation, supportive structures; financial targets, a regional vision and government mentoring social enterprise enhance a contested terrain in Slovenia. Findings highlighted that there have been sustainable successes, but not at the levels expected. It is clear that the government has created various unique resources to build and develop the social enterprise (SE) sector. From an RBV analysis of the social enterprise environment in Slovenia, it is essential to have resources such as legislation, mind-set, in migration (labour) and youth skills be created, monitored and supported. However, there is a need for improved monitoring and tighter implementation of the legislation for social enterprise to provide the solution to destructive social ills.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
An analysis of how leadership has shaped the culture of customer centricity in the branch of a bank
- Authors: Mali, Mandisa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Customer services , Banks and banking -- Customer services -- South Africa -- Case studies , Customer relations -- Management , Customer relations -- Management -- South Africa -- Case studies , Relationship banking -- South Africa -- Case studies , Bank management -- South Africa -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171852 , vital:42132
- Description: Financial institutions are faced with increasing competition as there has been an increase in new entrants in the industry, therefore a battle of market share in banking is in progress. Digitization is fast changing how customers perceive value, customers have become spoilt for choice and thus banks have to implement strategies that will help them to increase their market share by keeping the customers they currently have and strategies that help them to acquire more customers. A strategy on its own will not support organizational goals, if it is not adopted by the executers – the employees on the ground. It is important for leaders to support the strategic goals of an organization by ensuring that the goals become a culture, a way of doing things in that organization. This study is an analysis of how leadership shaped a culture of customer centricity in the branch of a bank. The objectives of the study were to: (1) To describe the culture of customer centricity that was cultivated by the branch manager; (2) To analyse what the leader pays attention to, measures and controls on a regular basis, in support of a culture of customer centricity; (3) To analyse how the leader conducts deliberate role modelling, teaching and coaching in support of a culture of customer centricity; (4) To analyse whether - and if so how - the quality of the dyadic relations between the leader and her followers enables or disables the effect of cultural mechanisms on the culture of customer centricity; and (5) To analyse how the leader built high quality relations with her followers The study took the form of a case study of a branch of a bank, where nine universal bankers and their former leader were interviewed. The data were then analysed using a deductive thematic analysis. The findings met all objectives of the study and the findings supported the propositions. The findings also discovered that reward and recognition contributed to the shaping of a culture of customer centricity. In conclusion the limitations and delimitations of the study are acknowledged, and recommendations are made. The study contributes towards the Social Exchange Theory (SET) and demonstrates how high-quality leader member exchange (LMX) relations can be developed. Several recommendations are made for further studies on factors shaping a culture of customer centricity, and implications for management are considered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mali, Mandisa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Customer services , Banks and banking -- Customer services -- South Africa -- Case studies , Customer relations -- Management , Customer relations -- Management -- South Africa -- Case studies , Relationship banking -- South Africa -- Case studies , Bank management -- South Africa -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/171852 , vital:42132
- Description: Financial institutions are faced with increasing competition as there has been an increase in new entrants in the industry, therefore a battle of market share in banking is in progress. Digitization is fast changing how customers perceive value, customers have become spoilt for choice and thus banks have to implement strategies that will help them to increase their market share by keeping the customers they currently have and strategies that help them to acquire more customers. A strategy on its own will not support organizational goals, if it is not adopted by the executers – the employees on the ground. It is important for leaders to support the strategic goals of an organization by ensuring that the goals become a culture, a way of doing things in that organization. This study is an analysis of how leadership shaped a culture of customer centricity in the branch of a bank. The objectives of the study were to: (1) To describe the culture of customer centricity that was cultivated by the branch manager; (2) To analyse what the leader pays attention to, measures and controls on a regular basis, in support of a culture of customer centricity; (3) To analyse how the leader conducts deliberate role modelling, teaching and coaching in support of a culture of customer centricity; (4) To analyse whether - and if so how - the quality of the dyadic relations between the leader and her followers enables or disables the effect of cultural mechanisms on the culture of customer centricity; and (5) To analyse how the leader built high quality relations with her followers The study took the form of a case study of a branch of a bank, where nine universal bankers and their former leader were interviewed. The data were then analysed using a deductive thematic analysis. The findings met all objectives of the study and the findings supported the propositions. The findings also discovered that reward and recognition contributed to the shaping of a culture of customer centricity. In conclusion the limitations and delimitations of the study are acknowledged, and recommendations are made. The study contributes towards the Social Exchange Theory (SET) and demonstrates how high-quality leader member exchange (LMX) relations can be developed. Several recommendations are made for further studies on factors shaping a culture of customer centricity, and implications for management are considered.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
An investigation into fraud and corruption risk management policies and procedures at institutions of higher learning
- Authors: Makhooane, Stephen Malefane
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Fraud -- South Africa -- Prevention Corruption -- South Africa -- Prevention Risk management -- South Africa -- Evaluation Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:777 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003898
- Description: Fraud and corruption cost South Africa billions of rand yearly. Institutions of higher learning are no less vulnerable to fraud and corruption than other organisations, but are also subject to risks that are unique to academia. The Public Finance Management Act. No.1 of 1999 requires Public entities including the councils (university or college controlling body) of public institutions of higher learning to adopt enterprise risk management, which includes a fraud and corruption risk management policy and procedures. The function of the fraud and corruption policy is to provide an objective strategy to prevent, detect and investigate any possible irregularity in order to prevent further loss in line with Corporate Governance requirements. The anti-fraud and corruption strategy measures include setting the appropriate tone by management of the institution, being proactive (fraud risk assessments), and being reactive (reporting process, investigation and taking appropriate action). The actions include disciplinary action and criminal or civil proceedings in order to recover assets lost. The procedures address the implementation of the policy. This research focused on identifying the relevant issues that could be included in the formulation of fraud and corruption risk management policies and procedures for institutions of higher learning. The research was conducted using a qualitative methodology consisting of a document analysis and interviews. It was found that, out of eleven institutions of higher learning investigated only one institution meets the criteria set out in the framework developed in the research as an assessment tool. The other institutions involved in the research did not have fraud and corruption risk management policies or procedures and therefore did not comply with the Public Finance Management Act.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Makhooane, Stephen Malefane
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Fraud -- South Africa -- Prevention Corruption -- South Africa -- Prevention Risk management -- South Africa -- Evaluation Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:777 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003898
- Description: Fraud and corruption cost South Africa billions of rand yearly. Institutions of higher learning are no less vulnerable to fraud and corruption than other organisations, but are also subject to risks that are unique to academia. The Public Finance Management Act. No.1 of 1999 requires Public entities including the councils (university or college controlling body) of public institutions of higher learning to adopt enterprise risk management, which includes a fraud and corruption risk management policy and procedures. The function of the fraud and corruption policy is to provide an objective strategy to prevent, detect and investigate any possible irregularity in order to prevent further loss in line with Corporate Governance requirements. The anti-fraud and corruption strategy measures include setting the appropriate tone by management of the institution, being proactive (fraud risk assessments), and being reactive (reporting process, investigation and taking appropriate action). The actions include disciplinary action and criminal or civil proceedings in order to recover assets lost. The procedures address the implementation of the policy. This research focused on identifying the relevant issues that could be included in the formulation of fraud and corruption risk management policies and procedures for institutions of higher learning. The research was conducted using a qualitative methodology consisting of a document analysis and interviews. It was found that, out of eleven institutions of higher learning investigated only one institution meets the criteria set out in the framework developed in the research as an assessment tool. The other institutions involved in the research did not have fraud and corruption risk management policies or procedures and therefore did not comply with the Public Finance Management Act.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An analysis of barriers to employee adoption of workplace health and safety standards at Eskom, Makhanda (Grahamstown)
- Authors: Makholwane, Nobubele
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Eskom (Firm) -- Employees -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Eskom (Firm) -- Management -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Industrial hygiene -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/93898 , vital:30968
- Description: Workplace fatalities and injuries are a concern around the world, with over 2 million deaths because of workplace related activities. This makes safety culture in the workplace crucial to the sustainability of individuals, businesses and the society in general. Safety culture includes everything in the workplace, and is understood as common sense awareness and practice relating to safety. Central to developing a safety culture in an organization, is a good understanding of what safety problems existed in the past; what safety problems exist in the present, and what caused them, as well as what could be done to deal with those causes. The goal of this thesis, therefore, was to understand what barriers potentially exist for Eskom employees in Makhanda (Grahamstown) to understanding and adopting the company’s safety policies and measures. A secondary aim was to explore different strategies for addressing these barriers. In order to get to the goal, it was important to; first, understand which aspects of Eskom’s health and safety standards do employees have difficulty adopting. Second, it was important to investigate the specific barriers to employees’ non-adoption of health and safety standards, by understanding their perceptions of safety issues in the workplace. Third, based on the findings, the study aimed to propose recommendations for improving the adoption of safety policies and measures by employees of Eskom. The key findings of the study include the fact that car accidents are the company’s and employees major concern, but the employees also have many other concerns that they see as needing the company’s attention (e.g. dealing with attacks on employees by customers; focusing on incentives rather than harsh enforcement for violators of safety policies). However, it is also clear that most employees do see safety as their responsibility as well. The two key areas of recommendations are, first, that leadership of Eskom adopt alternative leadership styles that focus more on ethical leadership, rather than transactional leadership that focus on profit margins more than it does on people. Second, it is recommended that Eskom provide incentives for compliance with safety policies; more training and education about safety; encouragement for Eskom to not put so much pressure on employees, who can lead fatigue; rather they should employ more people to do the jobs that the high pressure. To conclude, this research argues that neither do employees not employers think death and injuries are good for anybody. This is why this researcher is hopeful that this will get better, not worse, in terms of having a firm safety culture at Eskom as a workplace environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Makholwane, Nobubele
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Eskom (Firm) -- Employees -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Eskom (Firm) -- Management -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Industrial hygiene -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/93898 , vital:30968
- Description: Workplace fatalities and injuries are a concern around the world, with over 2 million deaths because of workplace related activities. This makes safety culture in the workplace crucial to the sustainability of individuals, businesses and the society in general. Safety culture includes everything in the workplace, and is understood as common sense awareness and practice relating to safety. Central to developing a safety culture in an organization, is a good understanding of what safety problems existed in the past; what safety problems exist in the present, and what caused them, as well as what could be done to deal with those causes. The goal of this thesis, therefore, was to understand what barriers potentially exist for Eskom employees in Makhanda (Grahamstown) to understanding and adopting the company’s safety policies and measures. A secondary aim was to explore different strategies for addressing these barriers. In order to get to the goal, it was important to; first, understand which aspects of Eskom’s health and safety standards do employees have difficulty adopting. Second, it was important to investigate the specific barriers to employees’ non-adoption of health and safety standards, by understanding their perceptions of safety issues in the workplace. Third, based on the findings, the study aimed to propose recommendations for improving the adoption of safety policies and measures by employees of Eskom. The key findings of the study include the fact that car accidents are the company’s and employees major concern, but the employees also have many other concerns that they see as needing the company’s attention (e.g. dealing with attacks on employees by customers; focusing on incentives rather than harsh enforcement for violators of safety policies). However, it is also clear that most employees do see safety as their responsibility as well. The two key areas of recommendations are, first, that leadership of Eskom adopt alternative leadership styles that focus more on ethical leadership, rather than transactional leadership that focus on profit margins more than it does on people. Second, it is recommended that Eskom provide incentives for compliance with safety policies; more training and education about safety; encouragement for Eskom to not put so much pressure on employees, who can lead fatigue; rather they should employ more people to do the jobs that the high pressure. To conclude, this research argues that neither do employees not employers think death and injuries are good for anybody. This is why this researcher is hopeful that this will get better, not worse, in terms of having a firm safety culture at Eskom as a workplace environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An exploratory study on the impact of three critical incidents on SMEs within the Petroleum retail sector in South Africa
- Authors: Makhaya, Humbulani Portia
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Strikes and lockouts Petroleum industry South Africa , Motor fuels Taxation South Africa , Stockout South Africa , Small and medium enterprises South Africa , Service stations Location South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/403025 , vital:69915
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of three critical incidents with a direct effect on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within the Petroleum retail sector in South Africa. This study assessed three specific areas: (1) the impact of fuel levy increase on Petroleum retailers, (2) explore how fuel stock-outs are experienced by the SMEs, and (3) the effects of fuel distributors' strike on SMEs in the petroleum sector in South Africa. To address the research objectives, the study employed a qualitative research approach, based on a narrative research design. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with six SMEs in the fuel retail business in Johannesburg. An interview guide was used. Findings highlighted that the location of fuel retail SMEs is an important determinant of how the fuel retailers are affected by these three critical incidents of fuel levy increases, stock-outs and strikes. The study found that while the fuel levy increases are felt through reduced sales volumes, the impact is not the same across fuel retailers. The study revealed that the elasticity of demand varies depending on the location for which it is elastics for those retailers in high Living Standards Measure (LSM) locations and inelastic for those located in lower LSM locations. It was found that the impact is much less for those fuel retailers located in affluent suburbs with a high LSM. In locations such as Beyers Naude and Radiokop in Northern Johannesburg with a high LSM, the demand for fuel remains constant irrespective of price increases. The locations are also less likely to be adversely affected by protest actions. Concerning SMEs’ experiences of fuel stock-outs, the study found that stock-outs impact fuel retail business operations through overhead costs that are incurred while the fuel stations are out of stock. The small margins make it impossible for fuel retailers to quickly recover, as their profitability is dependent on sales volumes, which are compromised when there are stock-outs. Fuel retailers also suffer from reduced future sales volumes due to waning customer loyalty. Finally, the study found that the occurrence of wage-related strikes is minimal due to the nature of collective agreements that are signed within the sector. However, protests actions were found to have deleterious effects on the fuel retailer situated in lower LSM locations. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
- Authors: Makhaya, Humbulani Portia
- Date: 2022-10-14
- Subjects: Strikes and lockouts Petroleum industry South Africa , Motor fuels Taxation South Africa , Stockout South Africa , Small and medium enterprises South Africa , Service stations Location South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/403025 , vital:69915
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of three critical incidents with a direct effect on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) within the Petroleum retail sector in South Africa. This study assessed three specific areas: (1) the impact of fuel levy increase on Petroleum retailers, (2) explore how fuel stock-outs are experienced by the SMEs, and (3) the effects of fuel distributors' strike on SMEs in the petroleum sector in South Africa. To address the research objectives, the study employed a qualitative research approach, based on a narrative research design. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews conducted with six SMEs in the fuel retail business in Johannesburg. An interview guide was used. Findings highlighted that the location of fuel retail SMEs is an important determinant of how the fuel retailers are affected by these three critical incidents of fuel levy increases, stock-outs and strikes. The study found that while the fuel levy increases are felt through reduced sales volumes, the impact is not the same across fuel retailers. The study revealed that the elasticity of demand varies depending on the location for which it is elastics for those retailers in high Living Standards Measure (LSM) locations and inelastic for those located in lower LSM locations. It was found that the impact is much less for those fuel retailers located in affluent suburbs with a high LSM. In locations such as Beyers Naude and Radiokop in Northern Johannesburg with a high LSM, the demand for fuel remains constant irrespective of price increases. The locations are also less likely to be adversely affected by protest actions. Concerning SMEs’ experiences of fuel stock-outs, the study found that stock-outs impact fuel retail business operations through overhead costs that are incurred while the fuel stations are out of stock. The small margins make it impossible for fuel retailers to quickly recover, as their profitability is dependent on sales volumes, which are compromised when there are stock-outs. Fuel retailers also suffer from reduced future sales volumes due to waning customer loyalty. Finally, the study found that the occurrence of wage-related strikes is minimal due to the nature of collective agreements that are signed within the sector. However, protests actions were found to have deleterious effects on the fuel retailer situated in lower LSM locations. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Commerce, Rhodes Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-10-14
A critical evaluation of the preferential procurement strategy and enterprise development strategy of a major motor manufacturer in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Makapela, Nobuntu Unathi B
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: DaimlerChrysler Employee empowerment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Black people -- South Africa -- Economic conditions Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:808 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007274
- Description: This research is born out of recognition of the challenges Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) in the private sector faces in South Africa, with preferential procurement being one of the components of South Africa's Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Strategy. Over the past years, South Africa has witnessed the birth of a new economy, one that allows for investment in its people, makes provision for sustainable growth through skills transfer and development, and ensures economic empowerment. The focus of this research is the Preferential Procurement strategy implemented at DaimlerChrysler South Africa (DCSA) as part of its overall Black Economic Empowerment strategy, the perceptions and expectations of how the current BEE preferential procurement strategy should work versus the perceived performance of how it is working. An official definition of Black Economic Empowerment is presented in the study, followed by barriers to growth of BEE suppliers. The aim of defining Black Economic Empowerment is to provide a good reference point against which an organization like DaimlerChrysler can assess the implementation of its preferential procurement programmes. Having discussed the above, there will be a reflection on government scorecard and a brief discussion of the two charters namely, mining and financial services charter. The study also presents the following requirements for a successful BEE corporate strategy: Strategic intent; External Balanced Scorecard; Financial Assistance; Skills development; Communication. A research methodology for conducting this study and data analysis is presented, followed by limitations of the study and recommendations for further research. It is expected that the knowledge gained from this study will help to I. Demonstrate the need to change perceptions and behaviour regarding Black Economic Empowerment. 2. Assist procurement officials to include BEE objectives into their procurement strategy. 3. Identify policy implications and assist in improving DCSA's Black Economic Empowerment Procurement strategy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Makapela, Nobuntu Unathi B
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: DaimlerChrysler Employee empowerment -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Black people -- South Africa -- Economic conditions Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Economic development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:808 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007274
- Description: This research is born out of recognition of the challenges Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) in the private sector faces in South Africa, with preferential procurement being one of the components of South Africa's Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment Strategy. Over the past years, South Africa has witnessed the birth of a new economy, one that allows for investment in its people, makes provision for sustainable growth through skills transfer and development, and ensures economic empowerment. The focus of this research is the Preferential Procurement strategy implemented at DaimlerChrysler South Africa (DCSA) as part of its overall Black Economic Empowerment strategy, the perceptions and expectations of how the current BEE preferential procurement strategy should work versus the perceived performance of how it is working. An official definition of Black Economic Empowerment is presented in the study, followed by barriers to growth of BEE suppliers. The aim of defining Black Economic Empowerment is to provide a good reference point against which an organization like DaimlerChrysler can assess the implementation of its preferential procurement programmes. Having discussed the above, there will be a reflection on government scorecard and a brief discussion of the two charters namely, mining and financial services charter. The study also presents the following requirements for a successful BEE corporate strategy: Strategic intent; External Balanced Scorecard; Financial Assistance; Skills development; Communication. A research methodology for conducting this study and data analysis is presented, followed by limitations of the study and recommendations for further research. It is expected that the knowledge gained from this study will help to I. Demonstrate the need to change perceptions and behaviour regarding Black Economic Empowerment. 2. Assist procurement officials to include BEE objectives into their procurement strategy. 3. Identify policy implications and assist in improving DCSA's Black Economic Empowerment Procurement strategy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
An assessment of own revenue management for financial sustainability of the Eastern Cape municipalities
- Authors: Majikijela, Vuyolwethu
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Revenue management , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Finance , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Cost effectiveness , Municipal services -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61445 , vital:28027
- Description: The purpose of the research is to assess the financial viability of municipalities in the Eastern Cape. Municipalities that are not financially viable and sustainable will always struggle to deliver basic services to communities. Without sound financial management systems, municipalities will be forced to discontinue their operations. Municipalities, particularly small and rural ones, are not self-sufficient thus cost benefit theory emphasises that municipality must adopt cost recovery revenue management. The application of cost recovery revenue management requires that municipalities take into account internal and external revenue management challenges that will be factored on user charges. Cost recovery also requires governance to lead the process through capacitation, transparency and communication with all stakeholders. This research highlights that municipalities in the province have not matured to a level wherein they are able to adopt cost recovery revenue management because of prevalent external revenue management challenges caused by high unemployment rate in the province and the slow economic growth. Municipalities in the province are thus financially unsustainable. This research therefore proposes that a phase in approach to cost recovery should be adopted in line with the changes in unemployment and economic growth. Increased transparency and consultation with intergovernmental relations should also be promoted to enable financial sustainability of municipalities in the province.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Majikijela, Vuyolwethu
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Revenue management , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Finance , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Cost effectiveness , Municipal services -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/61445 , vital:28027
- Description: The purpose of the research is to assess the financial viability of municipalities in the Eastern Cape. Municipalities that are not financially viable and sustainable will always struggle to deliver basic services to communities. Without sound financial management systems, municipalities will be forced to discontinue their operations. Municipalities, particularly small and rural ones, are not self-sufficient thus cost benefit theory emphasises that municipality must adopt cost recovery revenue management. The application of cost recovery revenue management requires that municipalities take into account internal and external revenue management challenges that will be factored on user charges. Cost recovery also requires governance to lead the process through capacitation, transparency and communication with all stakeholders. This research highlights that municipalities in the province have not matured to a level wherein they are able to adopt cost recovery revenue management because of prevalent external revenue management challenges caused by high unemployment rate in the province and the slow economic growth. Municipalities in the province are thus financially unsustainable. This research therefore proposes that a phase in approach to cost recovery should be adopted in line with the changes in unemployment and economic growth. Increased transparency and consultation with intergovernmental relations should also be promoted to enable financial sustainability of municipalities in the province.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Developing a lean and green manufacturing plan for the newspaper printing industry - considering the Rising Sun Printers
- Authors: Maharaj, Avish
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:867 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021249
- Description: This research is focused on lean and green manufacturing using a printing company in South Africa as a case study focusing on their printing division. The reason for addressing the printing division of the company was to develop a lean and green manufacturing plan to address the concerns of resource utilisation and waste disposal in the printing division. The research looked at the concept of lean and green individually as well as together and by analysing the relationship between the two concepts. The outcome was that environmental “green” waste is embedded in the seven types of lean waste which is overproduction, waiting, transport, inappropriate processing, unnecessary inventory, unnecessary motion and waste due to defects (Moreira, Alves and Sousa, 2010 cited in Pampanelli, Found and Bernardes, 2014). It was found that the company under consideration had not been familiar with these concepts but learnt and understood the value it could bring to the company. The research concludes with the plan using the 5S tool to reduce the seven types of waste linked to lean and green manufacturing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Maharaj, Avish
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:867 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1021249
- Description: This research is focused on lean and green manufacturing using a printing company in South Africa as a case study focusing on their printing division. The reason for addressing the printing division of the company was to develop a lean and green manufacturing plan to address the concerns of resource utilisation and waste disposal in the printing division. The research looked at the concept of lean and green individually as well as together and by analysing the relationship between the two concepts. The outcome was that environmental “green” waste is embedded in the seven types of lean waste which is overproduction, waiting, transport, inappropriate processing, unnecessary inventory, unnecessary motion and waste due to defects (Moreira, Alves and Sousa, 2010 cited in Pampanelli, Found and Bernardes, 2014). It was found that the company under consideration had not been familiar with these concepts but learnt and understood the value it could bring to the company. The research concludes with the plan using the 5S tool to reduce the seven types of waste linked to lean and green manufacturing.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
An evaluation of change communication in ensuring the sustainability of change at Barclays Africa's first "green" building
- Authors: Magubane, Nokuzola
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Barclays Bank , Sustainable buildings -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Organizational change -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Communication in organizations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:849 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017517
- Description: The purpose of the study was to conduct an evaluation on the effectiveness of the change communications distributed to the occupants of Barclays Towers West, Barclays Africa‟s first green building, in ensuring the sustainability of the change after the move into the building. In addition, recommendations are made to improve the change communications directed towards the building occupants to ensure the sustainability of the change and for future moves to green buildings. The research paper is made up of the following three distinct sections: Section One – Evaluation Research Report: this section outlines the organisational and research context for the study, the objectives of the research and rationale for conducting the research. A brief overview of the key theories and models on change communication that were utilised in the study are discussed, and definitions of important terms are presented. The research methodology is also described which includes an explanation on the evaluation research approach utilised as well as the use of both qualitative and quantitative data in the study. In addition, the results from the research conducted are presented, based on three data collection methods utilised: document analysis, semi-structured interviews and a survey. The results are then analysed and discussed in relation to the literature reviewed on change communication. Recommendations are made on improvements that can be made to the change communications to ensure the sustainability of the change. Section Two – Literature Review: the literature, theories and important concept definitions of organisational change management, change sustainability, change communication and green buildings which are relevant for the research topic and have been used as the theoretical base of the study are explored in this section. A key component of the literature review is the description of the change communication theories and models: communication theory, Armenakis, Harris and Field (2007) Model, and the Barrett (2002) Model. An understanding of the theories and models is imperative, as the effectiveness of the change communications after the move into Barclays Towers West is assessed based on the elements of the change communication theories and models. Section Three – Research Methodology: the research methodology for the study is described in this section. Specifically, the research aims and objectives, the research paradigm, the population and sampling, data collection, data analysis and ethical considerations are outlined. A key component of the section is the explanation on how the data was collected and analysed in the study and the sequence. The post move communications and artefacts and meeting presentations were collected first. The qualitative data was analysed and used to determine the questions for the semi structured interviews. Semi-structured one on one interviews were then conducted. The qualitative data and the change communication theories and models used in this study were used to determine the questions for the online survey. An online survey tool was used to administer a predominantly five point Likert scale questionnaire with an invitation to participate emailed to the building occupants. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistical analysis. Research Findings: The key research findings revealed that the messages communicated to the occupants after the move into the building have been mainly focused on operational matters and rarely on educating occupants on the green aspects of the building. A large majority of the survey respondents were aware of the building facilities, details and required behaviour. However it was found that the occupants, Line Managers and Senior Management are not displaying the required behaviour for a green building and do not know how to use some of the building facilities. A major gap was found in communicating with people moving into the building. In addition it was found that some of the information communicated to occupants is outdated. Written communications are used extensively and face to face communication is rarely used to communicate with the occupants. As a result, a number of changes are required to improve the effectiveness of the change communications to the occupants of Barclays Towers West. The improvements include communicating to new occupants; utilising additional communication channels; focusing communication messages on educating occupants on the strategic objectives for the building; rationale for building features and facilities; how to use the facilities and the impact of their behaviour on the building objectives being achieved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Magubane, Nokuzola
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Barclays Bank , Sustainable buildings -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Organizational change -- South Africa -- Johannesburg , Communication in organizations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:849 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017517
- Description: The purpose of the study was to conduct an evaluation on the effectiveness of the change communications distributed to the occupants of Barclays Towers West, Barclays Africa‟s first green building, in ensuring the sustainability of the change after the move into the building. In addition, recommendations are made to improve the change communications directed towards the building occupants to ensure the sustainability of the change and for future moves to green buildings. The research paper is made up of the following three distinct sections: Section One – Evaluation Research Report: this section outlines the organisational and research context for the study, the objectives of the research and rationale for conducting the research. A brief overview of the key theories and models on change communication that were utilised in the study are discussed, and definitions of important terms are presented. The research methodology is also described which includes an explanation on the evaluation research approach utilised as well as the use of both qualitative and quantitative data in the study. In addition, the results from the research conducted are presented, based on three data collection methods utilised: document analysis, semi-structured interviews and a survey. The results are then analysed and discussed in relation to the literature reviewed on change communication. Recommendations are made on improvements that can be made to the change communications to ensure the sustainability of the change. Section Two – Literature Review: the literature, theories and important concept definitions of organisational change management, change sustainability, change communication and green buildings which are relevant for the research topic and have been used as the theoretical base of the study are explored in this section. A key component of the literature review is the description of the change communication theories and models: communication theory, Armenakis, Harris and Field (2007) Model, and the Barrett (2002) Model. An understanding of the theories and models is imperative, as the effectiveness of the change communications after the move into Barclays Towers West is assessed based on the elements of the change communication theories and models. Section Three – Research Methodology: the research methodology for the study is described in this section. Specifically, the research aims and objectives, the research paradigm, the population and sampling, data collection, data analysis and ethical considerations are outlined. A key component of the section is the explanation on how the data was collected and analysed in the study and the sequence. The post move communications and artefacts and meeting presentations were collected first. The qualitative data was analysed and used to determine the questions for the semi structured interviews. Semi-structured one on one interviews were then conducted. The qualitative data and the change communication theories and models used in this study were used to determine the questions for the online survey. An online survey tool was used to administer a predominantly five point Likert scale questionnaire with an invitation to participate emailed to the building occupants. The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistical analysis. Research Findings: The key research findings revealed that the messages communicated to the occupants after the move into the building have been mainly focused on operational matters and rarely on educating occupants on the green aspects of the building. A large majority of the survey respondents were aware of the building facilities, details and required behaviour. However it was found that the occupants, Line Managers and Senior Management are not displaying the required behaviour for a green building and do not know how to use some of the building facilities. A major gap was found in communicating with people moving into the building. In addition it was found that some of the information communicated to occupants is outdated. Written communications are used extensively and face to face communication is rarely used to communicate with the occupants. As a result, a number of changes are required to improve the effectiveness of the change communications to the occupants of Barclays Towers West. The improvements include communicating to new occupants; utilising additional communication channels; focusing communication messages on educating occupants on the strategic objectives for the building; rationale for building features and facilities; how to use the facilities and the impact of their behaviour on the building objectives being achieved.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
A needs analysis of an employee wellness programme : the case of the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Swaziland
- Authors: Madlopha, Sboniso Charles
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Financial Services Regulatory Authority (Swaziland) , Employee health promotion -- Swaziland , Needs assessment -- Swaziland , Absenteeism (Labor) -- Swaziland , Employee morale -- Swaziland , Contracting out -- Swaziland
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:857 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018912
- Description: In 2010, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Swaziland noticed a significant increase in employee absenteeism which they discovered was related mainly to: poor health (sick leave), personal and financial stress (garnishee orders were increasing), and low staff morale, the consequence of which was low productivity and missed deadlines (FSRA, 2010:7). High levels of absenteeism meant that a sizeable number of employees were unable to complete their daily tasks (FSRA, 2010:7). Consequently, in 2011, the FSRA Human Resource Department started a wellness programme for all employees in the organization in an attempt to respond to the human resource challenges reported in 2009/10 financial year. By the end of 2012, FSRA management reported that the introduction of the EWP had not yielded the expected results. This therefore prompted management to request an evaluation of the FSRA employee wellness programme. The aim of this research was to identify and prioritize the needs of employees in terms of requirements of a wellness programme and how it should be delivered. The specific objectives of the study are as follows: to identify the wellness needs of employees, to identify employee preferences in terms of the type of interventions to be included in a wellness programme, to identify the preferred mode of delivery of the wellness programme and to make recommendations to management on the design of a wellness programme. Questionnaires with closed ended questions were used to collect data for this survey. The questionnaire used is attached as Appendix A. By means of a needs analysis survey, this research was designed to assess the FSRA employees’ needs in terms of an employee wellness programme, as well as the preferred EWP delivery methods. About 70 percent of FSRA employees participated in the survey. The respondents completed the questionnaire and submitted it online over a period of 10 working days (2 weeks). This report is structured into three sections, namely; section one, which is the evaluation report that gives details of the importance of the study, highlights research methods and then present the results, discussions and recommendations. Section two deals with the literature review while section three reports on the research methodology, research design and procedures and the limitation of the study. In light of the findings on the wellness needs of employees, 72 percent of the respondents felt the current wellness programme was very inadequate and a further 10 percent added that it was inadequate in addressing their wellness needs largely because the needs were not known. The most important wellness needs identified included: exercise, nutrition, personal hygiene, disease awareness and treatment of illness, coping with stress, coping with workload, ventilation, safety, bereavement, personal debt, and retirement planning. The most preferred wellness interventions that respondents proposed include Flexible Work Schedule, Safe Workplace, Improved Ventilation, Retirement Planning Advice and Gymnasium. Further analysis done using correlation analysis indicated that there was a significant positive relationship between the wellness needs and the wellness interventions. Concerning the delivery of the wellness programme, most of the employees indicated that outsourcing certain services was better than having them in house. The highest ranking of the services for out sourcing were nutrition education and medical checkups that ranked between 82 percent and 75 percent respectively. The respondents indicated that they want almost all the chosen interventions to be outsourced. Time slots should also be taken into consideration to ensure employee participation in the wellness programme services. The respondent FSRA employees seem to prefer interventions of an educational nature to be during the lunch hour. These include Nutrition Education, Health Education, Hygiene Education and Medical Check ups and Treatment, whereas Gymnasium was preferred to be after working hours.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Madlopha, Sboniso Charles
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Financial Services Regulatory Authority (Swaziland) , Employee health promotion -- Swaziland , Needs assessment -- Swaziland , Absenteeism (Labor) -- Swaziland , Employee morale -- Swaziland , Contracting out -- Swaziland
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:857 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1018912
- Description: In 2010, the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Swaziland noticed a significant increase in employee absenteeism which they discovered was related mainly to: poor health (sick leave), personal and financial stress (garnishee orders were increasing), and low staff morale, the consequence of which was low productivity and missed deadlines (FSRA, 2010:7). High levels of absenteeism meant that a sizeable number of employees were unable to complete their daily tasks (FSRA, 2010:7). Consequently, in 2011, the FSRA Human Resource Department started a wellness programme for all employees in the organization in an attempt to respond to the human resource challenges reported in 2009/10 financial year. By the end of 2012, FSRA management reported that the introduction of the EWP had not yielded the expected results. This therefore prompted management to request an evaluation of the FSRA employee wellness programme. The aim of this research was to identify and prioritize the needs of employees in terms of requirements of a wellness programme and how it should be delivered. The specific objectives of the study are as follows: to identify the wellness needs of employees, to identify employee preferences in terms of the type of interventions to be included in a wellness programme, to identify the preferred mode of delivery of the wellness programme and to make recommendations to management on the design of a wellness programme. Questionnaires with closed ended questions were used to collect data for this survey. The questionnaire used is attached as Appendix A. By means of a needs analysis survey, this research was designed to assess the FSRA employees’ needs in terms of an employee wellness programme, as well as the preferred EWP delivery methods. About 70 percent of FSRA employees participated in the survey. The respondents completed the questionnaire and submitted it online over a period of 10 working days (2 weeks). This report is structured into three sections, namely; section one, which is the evaluation report that gives details of the importance of the study, highlights research methods and then present the results, discussions and recommendations. Section two deals with the literature review while section three reports on the research methodology, research design and procedures and the limitation of the study. In light of the findings on the wellness needs of employees, 72 percent of the respondents felt the current wellness programme was very inadequate and a further 10 percent added that it was inadequate in addressing their wellness needs largely because the needs were not known. The most important wellness needs identified included: exercise, nutrition, personal hygiene, disease awareness and treatment of illness, coping with stress, coping with workload, ventilation, safety, bereavement, personal debt, and retirement planning. The most preferred wellness interventions that respondents proposed include Flexible Work Schedule, Safe Workplace, Improved Ventilation, Retirement Planning Advice and Gymnasium. Further analysis done using correlation analysis indicated that there was a significant positive relationship between the wellness needs and the wellness interventions. Concerning the delivery of the wellness programme, most of the employees indicated that outsourcing certain services was better than having them in house. The highest ranking of the services for out sourcing were nutrition education and medical checkups that ranked between 82 percent and 75 percent respectively. The respondents indicated that they want almost all the chosen interventions to be outsourced. Time slots should also be taken into consideration to ensure employee participation in the wellness programme services. The respondent FSRA employees seem to prefer interventions of an educational nature to be during the lunch hour. These include Nutrition Education, Health Education, Hygiene Education and Medical Check ups and Treatment, whereas Gymnasium was preferred to be after working hours.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Service quality importance-performance analysis as a strategic tool for management : the exploration of key customer satisfaction drivers in a South African electricity utility
- Authors: MacColl, Barry
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Eskom (Firm) Electric power distribution -- Customer services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Electric power distribution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Quality control Customer services -- Quality control Customer services -- Rating of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:806 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006972
- Description: This research was initiated due to declining customer satisfaction indices in the Southern region of Eskom, an electricity utility in South Africa. Given the link between customer satisfaction and purchase intentions, the sustainability of the business is at stake. The validity of the current MaxiCare survey tool is questioned and explored, as is the congruence of management and customers' perceptions regarding the key service quality constructs in the industry. The study's objective was to provide management with a reliable and valid customer satisfaction survey instrument as an alternate to the existing tool and to use the knowledge gained through the research process to recommend improvement strategies aimed at closing specific satisfaction gaps identified. The research was performed in two stages; firstly, semistructured interviews with customers and management to gain an understanding of the most important satisfaction dimensions. These influenced the design of a survey instrument based largely on the SERVPERF tool with the inclusion of importance ratings per item in the second stage. The quantitative survey results were used to assess the reliability and validity of the research and to suggest areas for future work. The results show that communication, quality of supply, assurance and price are uppermost in the consumer's mind. Tangibles are not significant and the inclusion of empathy is inconclusive. Management and customer perceptions at a macro level are closely aligned, however the two populations are not in agreement as to the underlying micro considerations. Similarly, the MaxiCare instrument is found to be valid as a macro indicator but lacks sufficient detail to be useful as a strategic tool and needs to be supplemented with additional sources of market information. The survey instrument used in the second phase is both descriptive and reliable but the number of factors it measures, the mix of items and the inclusion of the 'importance' dimension need further refinement to improve its validity. Future revisions of the tool will provide management with specific information that allows them to focus improvement strategies on disgruntled customers and their key service issues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: MacColl, Barry
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Eskom (Firm) Electric power distribution -- Customer services -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Electric power distribution -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Quality control Customer services -- Quality control Customer services -- Rating of -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:806 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006972
- Description: This research was initiated due to declining customer satisfaction indices in the Southern region of Eskom, an electricity utility in South Africa. Given the link between customer satisfaction and purchase intentions, the sustainability of the business is at stake. The validity of the current MaxiCare survey tool is questioned and explored, as is the congruence of management and customers' perceptions regarding the key service quality constructs in the industry. The study's objective was to provide management with a reliable and valid customer satisfaction survey instrument as an alternate to the existing tool and to use the knowledge gained through the research process to recommend improvement strategies aimed at closing specific satisfaction gaps identified. The research was performed in two stages; firstly, semistructured interviews with customers and management to gain an understanding of the most important satisfaction dimensions. These influenced the design of a survey instrument based largely on the SERVPERF tool with the inclusion of importance ratings per item in the second stage. The quantitative survey results were used to assess the reliability and validity of the research and to suggest areas for future work. The results show that communication, quality of supply, assurance and price are uppermost in the consumer's mind. Tangibles are not significant and the inclusion of empathy is inconclusive. Management and customer perceptions at a macro level are closely aligned, however the two populations are not in agreement as to the underlying micro considerations. Similarly, the MaxiCare instrument is found to be valid as a macro indicator but lacks sufficient detail to be useful as a strategic tool and needs to be supplemented with additional sources of market information. The survey instrument used in the second phase is both descriptive and reliable but the number of factors it measures, the mix of items and the inclusion of the 'importance' dimension need further refinement to improve its validity. Future revisions of the tool will provide management with specific information that allows them to focus improvement strategies on disgruntled customers and their key service issues.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004