A skills profile of female managers in the construction and engineering industry of Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Mackenzie, Caleigh Simone
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Women executives -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/2824 , vital:16229
- Description: The male-dominated nature of the construction and engineering industries is a well-known phenomenon. This research provides insight into the skills required by female managers in order to manage successfully in these industries dominated by males. The primary purpose of this research is to identify the skills profile of female managers in the construction and engineering industry of Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB). Even though the number of female managers in senior management positions is increasing, South Africa still has a long way to go before men and women are considered equal with regard to the roles that they play and the positions that they occupy in the work-place (Mail & Guardian Online, 2012: 1). Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the skills needed by female managers in the construction and engineering industry of NMB. This study attempts to provide answers to the following research questions: What are the management skills a manager should have? What is the skills profile of female managers in the construction and engineering sector of NMB? Is there a skills gap in the current literature? The literature overview was conducted on roles, functions and skills of managers as well as female managers in male-dominated industries from journals and books published between 2000 and 2014. Topics researched included the roles and functions of managers, generic management skills and industry-specific management skills, females as managers and leaders, barriers to managerial success for females, and the nature of the construction and engineering industries. Chapter four discusses the research design and methodology used in this study. The quantitative research approach was used in order to solve the main problem of this study. A non-probability sampling method was used for this study. Purposive sampling and snowball sampling methods were used. These methods seemed most appropriate given the small sample size, the fact that self-completion questionnaires were used to gather data from female managers, and the fact that the researcher investigated only the skills exhibited data. The Master Builders’ Association was contacted in order to identify respondents in construction. Respondents in engineering were identified using snowball sampling, which forms part of non-probability sampling. A questionnaire was developed based on the management skills identified in the literature study conducted. Primary data was collected through e-mail distribution of a cover letter requesting the respondent to complete the attached questionnaire. The data was then loaded on an Excel data base for further use and analysis. Once primary data had been collected, it was analysed using appropriate statistical methods. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data to determine the skills’ profile of female managers in the construction and engineering industry of NMB, as reflected in the collected data. These results were then used to identify areas for further research. The analysis revealed that the majority of the sample was between the ages of 29 and 38 years old and employed in the construction industry. The sample mainly consisted of top level managers with a Masters as their highest educational qualification (41 per cent). The majority of the respondents agreed that conceptual, technical, political, analytic, administrative, and diagnostic skills are required to effectively manage an organisation. Based on the findings, the majority of the respondents strongly agreed that leadership, planning, organising, conflict management, and project management skills are industry-specific management skills required to manage effectively in the construction and engineering industry. The majority of respondents indicated that they had learned these skills through workplace training and experience. The majority of the respondents agree that female managers excel in certain managerial skills and even believe that female managers possess different skills to those of male managers. The results of this study are expected to create awareness of the current state of the construction and engineering industry in NMB. The information will enable employers as well as FET institutions to create interventions and equip females with the necessary skills to become engineering and construction professionals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Mackenzie, Caleigh Simone
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Women executives -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/2824 , vital:16229
- Description: The male-dominated nature of the construction and engineering industries is a well-known phenomenon. This research provides insight into the skills required by female managers in order to manage successfully in these industries dominated by males. The primary purpose of this research is to identify the skills profile of female managers in the construction and engineering industry of Nelson Mandela Bay (NMB). Even though the number of female managers in senior management positions is increasing, South Africa still has a long way to go before men and women are considered equal with regard to the roles that they play and the positions that they occupy in the work-place (Mail & Guardian Online, 2012: 1). Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the skills needed by female managers in the construction and engineering industry of NMB. This study attempts to provide answers to the following research questions: What are the management skills a manager should have? What is the skills profile of female managers in the construction and engineering sector of NMB? Is there a skills gap in the current literature? The literature overview was conducted on roles, functions and skills of managers as well as female managers in male-dominated industries from journals and books published between 2000 and 2014. Topics researched included the roles and functions of managers, generic management skills and industry-specific management skills, females as managers and leaders, barriers to managerial success for females, and the nature of the construction and engineering industries. Chapter four discusses the research design and methodology used in this study. The quantitative research approach was used in order to solve the main problem of this study. A non-probability sampling method was used for this study. Purposive sampling and snowball sampling methods were used. These methods seemed most appropriate given the small sample size, the fact that self-completion questionnaires were used to gather data from female managers, and the fact that the researcher investigated only the skills exhibited data. The Master Builders’ Association was contacted in order to identify respondents in construction. Respondents in engineering were identified using snowball sampling, which forms part of non-probability sampling. A questionnaire was developed based on the management skills identified in the literature study conducted. Primary data was collected through e-mail distribution of a cover letter requesting the respondent to complete the attached questionnaire. The data was then loaded on an Excel data base for further use and analysis. Once primary data had been collected, it was analysed using appropriate statistical methods. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data to determine the skills’ profile of female managers in the construction and engineering industry of NMB, as reflected in the collected data. These results were then used to identify areas for further research. The analysis revealed that the majority of the sample was between the ages of 29 and 38 years old and employed in the construction industry. The sample mainly consisted of top level managers with a Masters as their highest educational qualification (41 per cent). The majority of the respondents agreed that conceptual, technical, political, analytic, administrative, and diagnostic skills are required to effectively manage an organisation. Based on the findings, the majority of the respondents strongly agreed that leadership, planning, organising, conflict management, and project management skills are industry-specific management skills required to manage effectively in the construction and engineering industry. The majority of respondents indicated that they had learned these skills through workplace training and experience. The majority of the respondents agree that female managers excel in certain managerial skills and even believe that female managers possess different skills to those of male managers. The results of this study are expected to create awareness of the current state of the construction and engineering industry in NMB. The information will enable employers as well as FET institutions to create interventions and equip females with the necessary skills to become engineering and construction professionals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
A stakeholder framework for sustainable Supply chain management in the Zimbabwean food industry
- Authors: Munuhwa,Shakerod
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Stakeholder , Supply chain management , Food industry -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60315 , vital:64397
- Description: The food supply chain plays an important role in the Zimbabwean food industry. More so sustainable food supply chain management (SFSCM) is a subject that has not received much attention, and yet it is so pertinent in determining food security in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe has faced episodes of inadequate grain/cereal food reserves, hence the urgent need to develop a stakeholder framework for sustainable food supply chain management. The main objective of the study was to develop a stakeholder framework for SFSCM in the food industry. To accomplish the main objective, the research intended to achieve the following sub-objectives, namely to: establish the drivers for SFSCM; identify SFSCM practices within the food industry; identify the key stakeholders’ dynamic capabilities (SDCs) in the food industry and identify challenges faced by stakeholders in implementing SFSCM. The study also sought to establish the influence of: SFSCM drivers on implementing SFSCM practices; SFSCM drivers on SDCs; SFSCM practices on SDCs; SFSCM practices on SFSCM performance; SFSCM drivers on SFSCM performance; and SDCs on SFSCM performance. This study further sought to assess the mediation effect of: SFSCM drivers on the relationship between SFSCM practices and SDCs; SDCs on the relationship between SFSCM practices and SFSCM performance; SFSCM drivers on the relationship between SDCs and SFSCM performance and finally to assess the mediation effect of SDCs on the relationship between SFSCM drivers and SFSCM performance. This study employed a pragmatic philosophy that allowed for the collection of primary data using a fixed concurrent mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) approach. The data analysis for this research included qualitative data from 22 participants and quantitative data from 292 respondents, all of whom were recruited through nine gatekeepers (Grain Marketing Board, Consumer Council of Zimbabwe, Food and Nutrition Association of Zimbabwe, Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement, Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, Food and Agriculture Organization in Zimbabwe, Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers and Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce). A thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. For the quantitative data, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 package was used to perform descriptive analysis, and principal component analysis for factor reduction and dimensional groups. Analysis of a Moment Structures (AMOS 26) program was used viii to perform structural equation modelling (SEM) for model fit evaluations and hypothesis tests. The mixed methods approach (both qualitative and quantitative) results identified regulatory pressure, market pressure, societal pressure, availability of resources, organisational culture and corporate objectives as some of the key SFSCM drivers. Additionally, the results identified the following as the key SFSCM practices: waste management, carbon emission reduction, logistics optimisation, water conservation, energy conservation, cost reduction and price efficiency, employment of competent people, cultivation of profitable grain crops, corporate social responsibility, fair distribution of food, human development on nutritious food consumption, food donations and continuously conducting consumer tastes surveys. Further, the mixed methods approach results cited the following key SDCs: sensing, seizing, reconfiguration, reflexive control, partner development, co-evolving and supply chain integration capabilities. Major challenges faced by stakeholders when implementing SFSCM were also identified and these involved lack of resources, lack of top management commitment, poor information sharing, lack of mutual trust amongst stakeholders, unmotivated employees, lack of government support, ever-changing food regulations, poor customer demand for sustainable and healthy foods, corruption and economic hardship challenges. The study also sought to establish relationships amongst variables. The mixed methods approach results revealed that SFSCM drivers have a positive influence on SFSCM practices, SDCs and SFSCM performance. The results also report a positive and significant influence of SFSCM practices on SDCs. The results further indicate that SDCs have a positive and significant influence on SFSCM performance. Although the qualitative findings reported a positive influence of SFSCM practices on SFSCM performance, the quantitative results from the SEM path analysis reported a very weak positive and insignificant influence of SFSCM practices on SFSCM performance. Mediation analysis was also performed using the quantitative data analysis only, and the results revealed that SFSCM drivers have significant partial mediation effect on the relationship between SFSCM practices and SDCs. The results also report that SDCs have a significant full mediation effect on the relationship between SFSCM practices and SFSCM performance. SFSCM drivers were found to have a significant ix partial mediation influence on the relationship between SDCs and SFSCM performance. Lastly, SDCs have a significant partial mediation effect on the relationship between SFSCM drivers and SFSCM performance. Based on the empirical results, conclusions were drawn, and recommendations were made. The research proposes a new stakeholder framework for SFSCM in the food industry. The study recommends that stakeholders consider providing training and education to all employees about the critical role of SFSCM in ensuring Zimbabwe's food security. Additionally, policymakers are urged to implement supply chain anticorruption and fair-trading policies in order to boost SFSCM performance. Stakeholder institutions are also urged to reward internal stakeholders who perform exceptionally well in terms of SFSCM in order to positively motivate all staff, and ultimately improve SFSCM. , Thesis (PHD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
- Authors: Munuhwa,Shakerod
- Date: 2022-12
- Subjects: Stakeholder , Supply chain management , Food industry -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/60315 , vital:64397
- Description: The food supply chain plays an important role in the Zimbabwean food industry. More so sustainable food supply chain management (SFSCM) is a subject that has not received much attention, and yet it is so pertinent in determining food security in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe has faced episodes of inadequate grain/cereal food reserves, hence the urgent need to develop a stakeholder framework for sustainable food supply chain management. The main objective of the study was to develop a stakeholder framework for SFSCM in the food industry. To accomplish the main objective, the research intended to achieve the following sub-objectives, namely to: establish the drivers for SFSCM; identify SFSCM practices within the food industry; identify the key stakeholders’ dynamic capabilities (SDCs) in the food industry and identify challenges faced by stakeholders in implementing SFSCM. The study also sought to establish the influence of: SFSCM drivers on implementing SFSCM practices; SFSCM drivers on SDCs; SFSCM practices on SDCs; SFSCM practices on SFSCM performance; SFSCM drivers on SFSCM performance; and SDCs on SFSCM performance. This study further sought to assess the mediation effect of: SFSCM drivers on the relationship between SFSCM practices and SDCs; SDCs on the relationship between SFSCM practices and SFSCM performance; SFSCM drivers on the relationship between SDCs and SFSCM performance and finally to assess the mediation effect of SDCs on the relationship between SFSCM drivers and SFSCM performance. This study employed a pragmatic philosophy that allowed for the collection of primary data using a fixed concurrent mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative) approach. The data analysis for this research included qualitative data from 22 participants and quantitative data from 292 respondents, all of whom were recruited through nine gatekeepers (Grain Marketing Board, Consumer Council of Zimbabwe, Food and Nutrition Association of Zimbabwe, Grain Millers Association of Zimbabwe, Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement, Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, Food and Agriculture Organization in Zimbabwe, Confederation of Zimbabwe Retailers and Zimbabwe National Chamber of Commerce). A thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. For the quantitative data, the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27 package was used to perform descriptive analysis, and principal component analysis for factor reduction and dimensional groups. Analysis of a Moment Structures (AMOS 26) program was used viii to perform structural equation modelling (SEM) for model fit evaluations and hypothesis tests. The mixed methods approach (both qualitative and quantitative) results identified regulatory pressure, market pressure, societal pressure, availability of resources, organisational culture and corporate objectives as some of the key SFSCM drivers. Additionally, the results identified the following as the key SFSCM practices: waste management, carbon emission reduction, logistics optimisation, water conservation, energy conservation, cost reduction and price efficiency, employment of competent people, cultivation of profitable grain crops, corporate social responsibility, fair distribution of food, human development on nutritious food consumption, food donations and continuously conducting consumer tastes surveys. Further, the mixed methods approach results cited the following key SDCs: sensing, seizing, reconfiguration, reflexive control, partner development, co-evolving and supply chain integration capabilities. Major challenges faced by stakeholders when implementing SFSCM were also identified and these involved lack of resources, lack of top management commitment, poor information sharing, lack of mutual trust amongst stakeholders, unmotivated employees, lack of government support, ever-changing food regulations, poor customer demand for sustainable and healthy foods, corruption and economic hardship challenges. The study also sought to establish relationships amongst variables. The mixed methods approach results revealed that SFSCM drivers have a positive influence on SFSCM practices, SDCs and SFSCM performance. The results also report a positive and significant influence of SFSCM practices on SDCs. The results further indicate that SDCs have a positive and significant influence on SFSCM performance. Although the qualitative findings reported a positive influence of SFSCM practices on SFSCM performance, the quantitative results from the SEM path analysis reported a very weak positive and insignificant influence of SFSCM practices on SFSCM performance. Mediation analysis was also performed using the quantitative data analysis only, and the results revealed that SFSCM drivers have significant partial mediation effect on the relationship between SFSCM practices and SDCs. The results also report that SDCs have a significant full mediation effect on the relationship between SFSCM practices and SFSCM performance. SFSCM drivers were found to have a significant ix partial mediation influence on the relationship between SDCs and SFSCM performance. Lastly, SDCs have a significant partial mediation effect on the relationship between SFSCM drivers and SFSCM performance. Based on the empirical results, conclusions were drawn, and recommendations were made. The research proposes a new stakeholder framework for SFSCM in the food industry. The study recommends that stakeholders consider providing training and education to all employees about the critical role of SFSCM in ensuring Zimbabwe's food security. Additionally, policymakers are urged to implement supply chain anticorruption and fair-trading policies in order to boost SFSCM performance. Stakeholder institutions are also urged to reward internal stakeholders who perform exceptionally well in terms of SFSCM in order to positively motivate all staff, and ultimately improve SFSCM. , Thesis (PHD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-12
A statistical model for valuation of residential property in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area
- Authors: Van der Byl, Calven
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Residential real estate -- Port Elizabeth , Housing -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9347 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020045
- Description: This study applies a process of correlation analysis and hedonic based modelling to investigate the influence of housing attributes and date of sale on transaction prices for residential real estate in the Nelson Mandela Metropole area. Availability of reliable data is a challenge in real estate studies in South Africa. This study integrates several publicly available resources for the purposes of constructing a statistical model. A model is constructed based on a forward variable selection routine using selection criteria. The resulting model shows six highly significant variables that can be used for modelling purposes. The resulting model is used to make comparisons in the value of the geographical location.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Van der Byl, Calven
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Residential real estate -- Port Elizabeth , Housing -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9347 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020045
- Description: This study applies a process of correlation analysis and hedonic based modelling to investigate the influence of housing attributes and date of sale on transaction prices for residential real estate in the Nelson Mandela Metropole area. Availability of reliable data is a challenge in real estate studies in South Africa. This study integrates several publicly available resources for the purposes of constructing a statistical model. A model is constructed based on a forward variable selection routine using selection criteria. The resulting model shows six highly significant variables that can be used for modelling purposes. The resulting model is used to make comparisons in the value of the geographical location.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A strategic analysis of Capitec Bank Limited within the South African banking industry
- Authors: De Lange, Michael Coenraad
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- South Africa , Creative ability in business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8835 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019932
- Description: The South African banking industry is well regulated and oligopolistic by nature. The financial sector in South Africa is of a world class standard, comparing favourably to that of developed countries i.e. United States of America and Great Britian, and developing economies such as the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries. The South African financial sector possesses the critical elements to exhibit good growth and sustainable profitabiblity. Capitec Bank Limited revolutionised the banking industry by providing a simplified and cost effective banking solution targeting the masses i.e. the "unbanked" population of South Africa. The company pursued a disruptive innovation strategy by targeting the lower income earning segment of the market i.e. individuals who are employed but do not have bank account. Capite's strategic approach and business model were designed around innovation and technology, exploiting a previously untapped market that no other competitor targeted. This approach has resulted in the bank's phenomenal growth over the past decade and most notably has seen Capitec's return on equity (ROE) increase from 12 percent to 26 percent and advances to costomers increase from R116 million to 16 billion. This has set precedent which the big four banks, namely ABSA, First National Bank, Standard Bank and Nedbank, could not match. Contributing to Capitec's success and the basis on which its business model is built are four pillars: accessibilty, simplicity, affordability and personalised service. These pillars have created a compatitive advantage resulting in the bid four banks playing catch up. A strategic analysis of Capitec bank was conducted in order to assess the feasibility of expansion by the bank into Africa. The conclusion of the study indicated that it was indeed a viable option for Capitec to expand its footprint across borders into Africa through mergers with banks exhibiting a similar business model, for example Equity Bank based in Kenya.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: De Lange, Michael Coenraad
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- South Africa , Creative ability in business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8835 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1019932
- Description: The South African banking industry is well regulated and oligopolistic by nature. The financial sector in South Africa is of a world class standard, comparing favourably to that of developed countries i.e. United States of America and Great Britian, and developing economies such as the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries. The South African financial sector possesses the critical elements to exhibit good growth and sustainable profitabiblity. Capitec Bank Limited revolutionised the banking industry by providing a simplified and cost effective banking solution targeting the masses i.e. the "unbanked" population of South Africa. The company pursued a disruptive innovation strategy by targeting the lower income earning segment of the market i.e. individuals who are employed but do not have bank account. Capite's strategic approach and business model were designed around innovation and technology, exploiting a previously untapped market that no other competitor targeted. This approach has resulted in the bank's phenomenal growth over the past decade and most notably has seen Capitec's return on equity (ROE) increase from 12 percent to 26 percent and advances to costomers increase from R116 million to 16 billion. This has set precedent which the big four banks, namely ABSA, First National Bank, Standard Bank and Nedbank, could not match. Contributing to Capitec's success and the basis on which its business model is built are four pillars: accessibilty, simplicity, affordability and personalised service. These pillars have created a compatitive advantage resulting in the bid four banks playing catch up. A strategic analysis of Capitec bank was conducted in order to assess the feasibility of expansion by the bank into Africa. The conclusion of the study indicated that it was indeed a viable option for Capitec to expand its footprint across borders into Africa through mergers with banks exhibiting a similar business model, for example Equity Bank based in Kenya.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A strategic analysis on the meaning of work: a focus on the fashion retail industry
- Authors: Van Heerden, Lisle
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Retail trade -- South Africa Job satisfaction -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13936 , vital:27360
- Description: The primary objective of this research study was to strategically analyse the meaning of work for fashion retail industry employees with the aim of developing a calling orientation to work.A sample of 84 fashion retail industry employees from Port Elizabeth, South Africa indicated their perception of callings in work; the pathways to callings in work and job satisfaction. Furthermore, fashion retail industry employees also indicated their use of job crafting techniques as a tool to foster meaningful work. This is one of the first studies conducted on callings in work in the fashion retail industry.Findings of the study indicated that although on average fashion retail industry employees are neutral about having a calling orientation to work, 24-27% indicated to having a calling orientation to work. Furthermore the study showed that there is a positive correlation between 1) transcendent guiding force; 2) value-driven behaviour and sense and meaning; 3) identification with one’s work and person-environment fit and a calling orientation to work. The study also indicated that the presence of a transcendent guiding force and job satisfaction are the two independent variables that are influential in achieving calling orientation to work for fashion retail industry employees of Port Elizabeth. Implications and recommendations from this study are outlined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Van Heerden, Lisle
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Retail trade -- South Africa Job satisfaction -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13936 , vital:27360
- Description: The primary objective of this research study was to strategically analyse the meaning of work for fashion retail industry employees with the aim of developing a calling orientation to work.A sample of 84 fashion retail industry employees from Port Elizabeth, South Africa indicated their perception of callings in work; the pathways to callings in work and job satisfaction. Furthermore, fashion retail industry employees also indicated their use of job crafting techniques as a tool to foster meaningful work. This is one of the first studies conducted on callings in work in the fashion retail industry.Findings of the study indicated that although on average fashion retail industry employees are neutral about having a calling orientation to work, 24-27% indicated to having a calling orientation to work. Furthermore the study showed that there is a positive correlation between 1) transcendent guiding force; 2) value-driven behaviour and sense and meaning; 3) identification with one’s work and person-environment fit and a calling orientation to work. The study also indicated that the presence of a transcendent guiding force and job satisfaction are the two independent variables that are influential in achieving calling orientation to work for fashion retail industry employees of Port Elizabeth. Implications and recommendations from this study are outlined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A strategic entrepreneurial model to develop females for tourism related businesses
- Authors: Mazubane, Ewart Mphilisi
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Businesswomen -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Self-employed women -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Women-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Entrepreneurship -- Women -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Bed and breakfast accommodations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8574 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1188 , Businesswomen -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Self-employed women -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Women-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Entrepreneurship -- Women -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Bed and breakfast accommodations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: Since the inception of the new dispensation, entrepreneurship has been identified as one of the key enablers of economic participation. For this reason the government has established strategic institutions and mandated them to promote entrepreneurship in the country with the aim of increasing economic participation and entrepreneurial activities. One of the key and the fastest growing industries that have been identified as needing attention with regards to increasing participation of the women entrepreneurs is the tourism industry. There is now a noticeable growth of women entrepreneurs in this industry. They are found running bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) and conducting tours in urban areas as well as townships and rural areas. This is further evident if one looks at the value chain in the tourism sector. However, women entrepreneurs that are found in this sector are facing specific challenges that hinder their progress towards achieving sustainable businesses, especially those running or intending to run B&B businesses. Some of these challenges are sector related and some are just inherent to pursuing an entrepreneurial journey. The participation of women in the mainstream of entrepreneurship presents unique challenges as well. Women were never allowed to participate fully in the entrepreneurial activities. The latter still contributes to the challenges faced by women in their journey towards developing and operating sustainable businesses irrespective of the industry in which they operate in. Based on the above discussion, the main problem statement of this study is: To develop a strategic entrepreneurial model to enable female entrepreneurs to operate sustainable B&B businesses in the tourism industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Mazubane, Ewart Mphilisi
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Businesswomen -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Self-employed women -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Women-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Entrepreneurship -- Women -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Bed and breakfast accommodations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8574 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1188 , Businesswomen -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Self-employed women -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Women-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Entrepreneurship -- Women -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Bed and breakfast accommodations -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: Since the inception of the new dispensation, entrepreneurship has been identified as one of the key enablers of economic participation. For this reason the government has established strategic institutions and mandated them to promote entrepreneurship in the country with the aim of increasing economic participation and entrepreneurial activities. One of the key and the fastest growing industries that have been identified as needing attention with regards to increasing participation of the women entrepreneurs is the tourism industry. There is now a noticeable growth of women entrepreneurs in this industry. They are found running bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) and conducting tours in urban areas as well as townships and rural areas. This is further evident if one looks at the value chain in the tourism sector. However, women entrepreneurs that are found in this sector are facing specific challenges that hinder their progress towards achieving sustainable businesses, especially those running or intending to run B&B businesses. Some of these challenges are sector related and some are just inherent to pursuing an entrepreneurial journey. The participation of women in the mainstream of entrepreneurship presents unique challenges as well. Women were never allowed to participate fully in the entrepreneurial activities. The latter still contributes to the challenges faced by women in their journey towards developing and operating sustainable businesses irrespective of the industry in which they operate in. Based on the above discussion, the main problem statement of this study is: To develop a strategic entrepreneurial model to enable female entrepreneurs to operate sustainable B&B businesses in the tourism industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
A strategic HRM framework for improving corporate governance in a municipal environment
- Gomomo, Jongisizwe Augustine
- Authors: Gomomo, Jongisizwe Augustine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Corporate governance -- South Africa , Personnel management Personnel departments
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39698 , vital:35349
- Description: In South Africa, the concept of corporate governance in a municipal environment is relatively new and the application of corporate governance principles remains a challenge (Ard and Berg, 2010, pp. 80-82). Previous research on corporate governance in a municipal environment mainly focused on challenges with regards to corporate governance and not on the role of strategic Human Resource Management in improving corporate governance. The main purpose of this study was therefore to develop a SHRM framework that could be utilised by municipalities to improve corporate governance. The following actions were taken to achieve this objective: A literature study was conducted to examine theory related to corporate governance and to consider corporate governance from an international, African and local government perspective. Various approaches, principles and practices related to corporate governance were also examined. The literature study further explored the legislative frameworks introduced in South Africa to improve corporate governance and in this respect the contribution of the Constitution of South Africa, the King Reports I-IV, Batho-Pele principles, municipal structures, municipal integrated development plans and the South African Board for People Practice are outlined. Existing SHRM models were analysed and specific HR strategies for improving corporate governance in municipalities were extracted from these models. The findings from the literature review were then integrated into a best practice SHRM framework for establishing corporate governance at municipalities. This integrated SHRM framework was used as a basis for the development of a survey questionnaire administered to employees in leadership positions at selected Eastern Cape metropolitan and district municipalities and the Eastern Cape Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs. The questionnaire incorporated seven main HR strategies, indicators of corporate governance and corporate governance challenges at municipalities. The empirical results from this study revealed that HR Risk Management and Performance Management strategies were the main predictors of corporate governance at municipalities. Combining the HR strategies into a summative factor also demonstrated that HR strategies should be vertically aligned with the overall vision and mission of municipalities (effective and efficient service delivery) and horizontally integrated for optimal impact on corporate governance. Challenges experienced at municipalities did not moderate the relationship between the summative HR strategies and corporate governance. As such, these challenges cannot be justification for poor corporate governance at municipalities. The study makes a valuable theoretical and empirical contribution to the field of corporate governance, HRM and specifically corporate governance in a municipal environment. The integrated SHRM framework developed in the study is comprehensive and tested. Furthermore, the framework provides a specific context for corporate governance in a municipal environment by incorporating the legal Regulatory and Statutory framework for corporate governance, the SABPP Code of Conduct for HR practitioners, and the seven main SHRM focus areas, namely HR vision and strategy, employment practices, on-boarding practices, human capital development practices, Performance Management, designing and establishing an ethical organisation and HR Risk Management. In addition, it provides a link between these strategies and corporate governance indicators that is deemed important in a municipal environment where effective and efficient service delivery is the ultimate test for success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Gomomo, Jongisizwe Augustine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Corporate governance -- South Africa , Personnel management Personnel departments
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39698 , vital:35349
- Description: In South Africa, the concept of corporate governance in a municipal environment is relatively new and the application of corporate governance principles remains a challenge (Ard and Berg, 2010, pp. 80-82). Previous research on corporate governance in a municipal environment mainly focused on challenges with regards to corporate governance and not on the role of strategic Human Resource Management in improving corporate governance. The main purpose of this study was therefore to develop a SHRM framework that could be utilised by municipalities to improve corporate governance. The following actions were taken to achieve this objective: A literature study was conducted to examine theory related to corporate governance and to consider corporate governance from an international, African and local government perspective. Various approaches, principles and practices related to corporate governance were also examined. The literature study further explored the legislative frameworks introduced in South Africa to improve corporate governance and in this respect the contribution of the Constitution of South Africa, the King Reports I-IV, Batho-Pele principles, municipal structures, municipal integrated development plans and the South African Board for People Practice are outlined. Existing SHRM models were analysed and specific HR strategies for improving corporate governance in municipalities were extracted from these models. The findings from the literature review were then integrated into a best practice SHRM framework for establishing corporate governance at municipalities. This integrated SHRM framework was used as a basis for the development of a survey questionnaire administered to employees in leadership positions at selected Eastern Cape metropolitan and district municipalities and the Eastern Cape Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs. The questionnaire incorporated seven main HR strategies, indicators of corporate governance and corporate governance challenges at municipalities. The empirical results from this study revealed that HR Risk Management and Performance Management strategies were the main predictors of corporate governance at municipalities. Combining the HR strategies into a summative factor also demonstrated that HR strategies should be vertically aligned with the overall vision and mission of municipalities (effective and efficient service delivery) and horizontally integrated for optimal impact on corporate governance. Challenges experienced at municipalities did not moderate the relationship between the summative HR strategies and corporate governance. As such, these challenges cannot be justification for poor corporate governance at municipalities. The study makes a valuable theoretical and empirical contribution to the field of corporate governance, HRM and specifically corporate governance in a municipal environment. The integrated SHRM framework developed in the study is comprehensive and tested. Furthermore, the framework provides a specific context for corporate governance in a municipal environment by incorporating the legal Regulatory and Statutory framework for corporate governance, the SABPP Code of Conduct for HR practitioners, and the seven main SHRM focus areas, namely HR vision and strategy, employment practices, on-boarding practices, human capital development practices, Performance Management, designing and establishing an ethical organisation and HR Risk Management. In addition, it provides a link between these strategies and corporate governance indicators that is deemed important in a municipal environment where effective and efficient service delivery is the ultimate test for success.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A Strategic Model to Promote University of Choice Decisions among International Students Studying in South Africa
- Authors: Jooste, Carlien
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Internationalism -- Education (Higher) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48191 , vital:40519
- Description: The internationalisation of higher education has become an inevitable focus in the modern day higher education sector. This focus is due to the interconnectedness of society, which is driven by globalisation. The ever-changing landscape of the current global higher education sector has further placed emphasis on self-funding and the corporatisation of higher education institutions (HEIs). This has created competitiveness in the sector for local and international students, which has led to institutions globally and in South Africa, being tasked with the responsibility of being agents of internationalisation. The concept of higher education internationalisation involves internationalisation of the curriculum, cross-continental partnerships, the increase in mobility of staff and students, educational programmes, innovative ways of delivery as well as the need to be globally competitive. Students themselves view international study important as it provides them with a global outlook and international experience. The increased competitiveness in the higher education sector and the need for HEIs to become more autonomous and self-funded, has amplified the need to recruit international students who generate additional income. Furthermore, the strategy to recruit international students has evolved and transformed into a customer-driven strategy to meet the needs of the knowledge economy. To recruit international students, HEIs must invest in marketing and recruitment strategies, which build brand awareness and attract a diverse student body. This study investigates the development of a strategic university of choice model that can assist South African universities in the recruitment of international students by focusing on the factors, which influence a student’s university of choice. This was realised firstly by conducting a pilot study investigating the factors which influence the university of choice of students studying in South Africa. Secondly, the findings of the pilot study, combined with appropriate literature studies were used to develop a questionnaire to aid in determining the factors which influence the university of choice of international students studying in South Africa. Lastly, the findings of the questionnaire were used to draw conclusions and develop a proposed strategic model to promote the university of choice decisions among international students studying in South Africa. This thesis is an exploratory, mono-method quantitative study, which consists of literature reviews and surveys in a cross-sectional timeframe. The literature reviews were conducted on secondary sources to identify the factors that influence university of choice, as well as the marketing and recruitment trends within higher education. The empirical study consisted of a Pilot Study Survey and a Main Study Survey. The measuring instrument was compiled from existing surveys and literature studies. The findings of the Main Study Survey identified the following main factors of influence on university of choice: academic programme, academic quality, visa requirements, country/city attractiveness, English language, financial, International Office, student life, safety and security, university location and university reputation as main factors of influence. Within these main factors, various sub-factors were identified. The findings further illustrated that certain factors were more consultative in nature and provided information, which aided in the decision-making process. These factors are: motives to study/choose a programme, country attributes and influences/recruitment methods. Additionally, a third set of factors deemed to subconsciously influence the student’s decision-making process were identified as background of the student, study level and student type. The study contributes theoretically to Stakeholder Theory and Means-End Theory. Prospective students, who are higher education stakeholders, have diverse information needs and expectations, which will be met through the use of the proposed strategic model. Furthermore, the prospective students’ input will aid in the development of focused, targeted and cost-effective marketing and recruitment strategies, which will in turn meet the needs of universities to recruit a diverse student body.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Jooste, Carlien
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Internationalism -- Education (Higher) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48191 , vital:40519
- Description: The internationalisation of higher education has become an inevitable focus in the modern day higher education sector. This focus is due to the interconnectedness of society, which is driven by globalisation. The ever-changing landscape of the current global higher education sector has further placed emphasis on self-funding and the corporatisation of higher education institutions (HEIs). This has created competitiveness in the sector for local and international students, which has led to institutions globally and in South Africa, being tasked with the responsibility of being agents of internationalisation. The concept of higher education internationalisation involves internationalisation of the curriculum, cross-continental partnerships, the increase in mobility of staff and students, educational programmes, innovative ways of delivery as well as the need to be globally competitive. Students themselves view international study important as it provides them with a global outlook and international experience. The increased competitiveness in the higher education sector and the need for HEIs to become more autonomous and self-funded, has amplified the need to recruit international students who generate additional income. Furthermore, the strategy to recruit international students has evolved and transformed into a customer-driven strategy to meet the needs of the knowledge economy. To recruit international students, HEIs must invest in marketing and recruitment strategies, which build brand awareness and attract a diverse student body. This study investigates the development of a strategic university of choice model that can assist South African universities in the recruitment of international students by focusing on the factors, which influence a student’s university of choice. This was realised firstly by conducting a pilot study investigating the factors which influence the university of choice of students studying in South Africa. Secondly, the findings of the pilot study, combined with appropriate literature studies were used to develop a questionnaire to aid in determining the factors which influence the university of choice of international students studying in South Africa. Lastly, the findings of the questionnaire were used to draw conclusions and develop a proposed strategic model to promote the university of choice decisions among international students studying in South Africa. This thesis is an exploratory, mono-method quantitative study, which consists of literature reviews and surveys in a cross-sectional timeframe. The literature reviews were conducted on secondary sources to identify the factors that influence university of choice, as well as the marketing and recruitment trends within higher education. The empirical study consisted of a Pilot Study Survey and a Main Study Survey. The measuring instrument was compiled from existing surveys and literature studies. The findings of the Main Study Survey identified the following main factors of influence on university of choice: academic programme, academic quality, visa requirements, country/city attractiveness, English language, financial, International Office, student life, safety and security, university location and university reputation as main factors of influence. Within these main factors, various sub-factors were identified. The findings further illustrated that certain factors were more consultative in nature and provided information, which aided in the decision-making process. These factors are: motives to study/choose a programme, country attributes and influences/recruitment methods. Additionally, a third set of factors deemed to subconsciously influence the student’s decision-making process were identified as background of the student, study level and student type. The study contributes theoretically to Stakeholder Theory and Means-End Theory. Prospective students, who are higher education stakeholders, have diverse information needs and expectations, which will be met through the use of the proposed strategic model. Furthermore, the prospective students’ input will aid in the development of focused, targeted and cost-effective marketing and recruitment strategies, which will in turn meet the needs of universities to recruit a diverse student body.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A study assessing the functioning of local economic development units in local municipalities within the Chris Hani District
- Authors: Madyibi, Mongezi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9168 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020102
- Description: The state has a task to find solutions to alleviate poverty and LED has been identified as part of the solution. The municipalities are mandated with Local Economic Development and that function has been located within an LED Unit. Based on the above-mentioned issues it was regarded as fitting to conduct a study that would identify challenges contributing to the effective functioning of LED units with specific reference to Lukhanji and Intsika Yethu Local Municipalities in the Chris Hani District. Furthermore, the study will attempt to suggest recommendations to address the shortcomings. The sampling method used for this study was purposive sampling. Data was gathered through structured questionnaires administered to 15 LED officials from the Chris Hani District Municipality and the Lukhanji and Intsika Yethu Local Municipalities. Relevant literature that focuses on Local Economic Development has been reviewed. Various recommendations have been made on the findings of the study. It has emerged during the study that the municipalities within the CHDM perceive their role as that of being Implementer of LED policy instead of playing an enabling role as outlined in the LED Legislative Framework. There is a political will to support LED implementation at local municipalities within the CHDM. In the implementation of LED the LED units within the CHDM are faced with the following challenges: - Insufficient cooperation among stakeholders - Inadequate resources - Political dimensions - Poor LED planning, and - Inadequate LED training.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Madyibi, Mongezi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9168 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020102
- Description: The state has a task to find solutions to alleviate poverty and LED has been identified as part of the solution. The municipalities are mandated with Local Economic Development and that function has been located within an LED Unit. Based on the above-mentioned issues it was regarded as fitting to conduct a study that would identify challenges contributing to the effective functioning of LED units with specific reference to Lukhanji and Intsika Yethu Local Municipalities in the Chris Hani District. Furthermore, the study will attempt to suggest recommendations to address the shortcomings. The sampling method used for this study was purposive sampling. Data was gathered through structured questionnaires administered to 15 LED officials from the Chris Hani District Municipality and the Lukhanji and Intsika Yethu Local Municipalities. Relevant literature that focuses on Local Economic Development has been reviewed. Various recommendations have been made on the findings of the study. It has emerged during the study that the municipalities within the CHDM perceive their role as that of being Implementer of LED policy instead of playing an enabling role as outlined in the LED Legislative Framework. There is a political will to support LED implementation at local municipalities within the CHDM. In the implementation of LED the LED units within the CHDM are faced with the following challenges: - Insufficient cooperation among stakeholders - Inadequate resources - Political dimensions - Poor LED planning, and - Inadequate LED training.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
A study of a 2010 strike in a sub-directorate of the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Authors: Kigozi, Annet Nakimuli
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Strikes and lockouts -- Municipal government -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Industrial relations -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Labor unions -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9421 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021229
- Description: This research adds on to Chaulk & Brown (2008) research on the assessment of employees’ reaction towards management and the union in the pre-strike and post-strike period. Research problem: The study raised two aspects that form part of the statement of the problem. Firstly, strike action has been a major aspect describing the South African industrial relations climate. The high level of strike action prompts the question; “Are South Africans World Class Strikers?” (Anstey, 2006). Secondly, the analysis of strike action has focussed more on the economic and power testing impact analysis rather than psychological and affective impact analysis of the strike such as establishing the impact of the strike on job satisfaction, work climate satisfaction, organisational commitment, management satisfaction, and union commitment. Research objectives: To address the research problem, research objectives, research questions and hypotheses were established. The main objective of the study was to examine the causes, processes and the impact of the strike, thereby making a contribution to both theory and practice. Whereas the contribution to theory took a form of building on to the research carried out by Chaulk & Brown (2008), and exploring through the process analysis on how behaviour during the conflict impacts on the ongoing relationships within the organisation, the contribution to practice took a form of highlighting to management and unions the impact of the strike on employees so that necessary interventions to prevent the negative impact of the strike would be created. Research questions: Six research questions were established and these were; what were the causes of the strike; how did the strike unfold; what were the substantive outcomes of the strike; what were the procedural outcomes of the strike; what were the climate outcomes of the strike; is there a relationship between the demographic factors and the affective outcomes of the strike? Research hypotheses; Five research hypotheses were established for the research. These hypotheses were aimed at establishing the impact of the strike on the affective outcomes of the strike. These were; there was a significant change in the level of organizational commitment after the strike; there was a significant change in the level of job satisfaction after the strike; there was a significant change in the level of work climate satisfaction after the strike; there was a significant change in the level of management satisfaction after the strike; and there is was significant change in the level of union commitment after the strike. Research design and methodology: Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data. Qualitatively, interviews, media reports and the Municipality records were being used to collect data on the causes, processes and outcomes of the strike. Quantitatively a survey questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was collected from 105 Traffic Officers who had recently been on strike in the NMBM. Measures of organisational and union commitment, employee job satisfaction, and work climate satisfaction were assessed using the Chaulk & Brown (2008) questionnaire. A paired sample t-test, ANOVA test, and Scheffe test and Cronbach’s alpha, were some of the quantitative methods used in data analysis. Henning’s approach was used to analyze qualitative data. Major findings: The results from the questionnaire revealed that job satisfaction, work climate satisfaction and management satisfaction significantly changed in the post-strike period. In addition, impact of demographic factors on affective factors was evident for participation in the strike and the level of union commitment; age and job satisfaction; occupational level and job satisfaction; and service length and union commitment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Kigozi, Annet Nakimuli
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Strikes and lockouts -- Municipal government -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Industrial relations -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Labor unions -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9421 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021229
- Description: This research adds on to Chaulk & Brown (2008) research on the assessment of employees’ reaction towards management and the union in the pre-strike and post-strike period. Research problem: The study raised two aspects that form part of the statement of the problem. Firstly, strike action has been a major aspect describing the South African industrial relations climate. The high level of strike action prompts the question; “Are South Africans World Class Strikers?” (Anstey, 2006). Secondly, the analysis of strike action has focussed more on the economic and power testing impact analysis rather than psychological and affective impact analysis of the strike such as establishing the impact of the strike on job satisfaction, work climate satisfaction, organisational commitment, management satisfaction, and union commitment. Research objectives: To address the research problem, research objectives, research questions and hypotheses were established. The main objective of the study was to examine the causes, processes and the impact of the strike, thereby making a contribution to both theory and practice. Whereas the contribution to theory took a form of building on to the research carried out by Chaulk & Brown (2008), and exploring through the process analysis on how behaviour during the conflict impacts on the ongoing relationships within the organisation, the contribution to practice took a form of highlighting to management and unions the impact of the strike on employees so that necessary interventions to prevent the negative impact of the strike would be created. Research questions: Six research questions were established and these were; what were the causes of the strike; how did the strike unfold; what were the substantive outcomes of the strike; what were the procedural outcomes of the strike; what were the climate outcomes of the strike; is there a relationship between the demographic factors and the affective outcomes of the strike? Research hypotheses; Five research hypotheses were established for the research. These hypotheses were aimed at establishing the impact of the strike on the affective outcomes of the strike. These were; there was a significant change in the level of organizational commitment after the strike; there was a significant change in the level of job satisfaction after the strike; there was a significant change in the level of work climate satisfaction after the strike; there was a significant change in the level of management satisfaction after the strike; and there is was significant change in the level of union commitment after the strike. Research design and methodology: Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data. Qualitatively, interviews, media reports and the Municipality records were being used to collect data on the causes, processes and outcomes of the strike. Quantitatively a survey questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was collected from 105 Traffic Officers who had recently been on strike in the NMBM. Measures of organisational and union commitment, employee job satisfaction, and work climate satisfaction were assessed using the Chaulk & Brown (2008) questionnaire. A paired sample t-test, ANOVA test, and Scheffe test and Cronbach’s alpha, were some of the quantitative methods used in data analysis. Henning’s approach was used to analyze qualitative data. Major findings: The results from the questionnaire revealed that job satisfaction, work climate satisfaction and management satisfaction significantly changed in the post-strike period. In addition, impact of demographic factors on affective factors was evident for participation in the strike and the level of union commitment; age and job satisfaction; occupational level and job satisfaction; and service length and union commitment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A study of growth and entrepreneurship of a small organisation in the automotive industry of South Africa
- Authors: White, Andrew Stephen
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8608 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1525 , Entrepreneurship
- Description: The strategy of the organisation and its entrepreneur’s expectations of the organisation should be aligned in order to create an environment in which all entrepreneurs are motivated and work towards common goals. Furthermore, the entrepreneur’s life stages and personal life plans should be synchronised with the needs of the organisation to achieve the goals. As organisations pass through different stages of growth; they require different resources to assist in progression to next stages. As with organisations and their growth phases; entrepreneurs also undergo growth stages in many different areas of their lives. Entrepreneurs being individuals each have their own set of characteristics in terms of personality, leadership style, entrepreneurship type, skills, life stage and career stages. The challenge of an organisation is to create a strategy that best matches the expectations of all the entrepreneurs and members. The resources of the organisation need to be aligned in order to achieve the common strategy. The problem is as to how the organisation makes use of its leaders and entrepreneurs to achieve strategy; and how does it deal with inconsistencies in goals of entrepreneurs and shortfalls of specific skills or resources that it will require to sustain or grow the organisation?
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: White, Andrew Stephen
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8608 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1525 , Entrepreneurship
- Description: The strategy of the organisation and its entrepreneur’s expectations of the organisation should be aligned in order to create an environment in which all entrepreneurs are motivated and work towards common goals. Furthermore, the entrepreneur’s life stages and personal life plans should be synchronised with the needs of the organisation to achieve the goals. As organisations pass through different stages of growth; they require different resources to assist in progression to next stages. As with organisations and their growth phases; entrepreneurs also undergo growth stages in many different areas of their lives. Entrepreneurs being individuals each have their own set of characteristics in terms of personality, leadership style, entrepreneurship type, skills, life stage and career stages. The challenge of an organisation is to create a strategy that best matches the expectations of all the entrepreneurs and members. The resources of the organisation need to be aligned in order to achieve the common strategy. The problem is as to how the organisation makes use of its leaders and entrepreneurs to achieve strategy; and how does it deal with inconsistencies in goals of entrepreneurs and shortfalls of specific skills or resources that it will require to sustain or grow the organisation?
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
A study of procurement and administration in the Department of Health in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Xatula, Meyisi Sigqibo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Management -- Procurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13458 , vital:27205
- Description: The study investigated issues concerning procurement and administration in the Department of Health (DoH) in the Eastern Cape and has further investigated the role of the implementation of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Act 1 of 1999 in the department. That included issues associated with the administration and procurement in relation to service providers from the private sector. The DoH in the Eastern Cape Province delivers:“ … a quality health service to the people of the Eastern Cape Province promoting a better life for all and ensures accessible, comprehensive, and integrated services in the province, emphasising the primary health care approach, as well as utilising and developing all resources to enable present and future generations to enjoy good health and quality of life” (Department of Health [DoH], Eastern Cape, Departmental Annual Performance Plan, 2013:3). Various researchers have investigated the implementation of the PFM Act 1 of 1999 and have identified gaps and made recommendations regarding the identified gaps. The study is based on the following reports from various authors: According to Pillay (2013), since 1994 every public sector department has lost approximately R385 billion to fraud, corruption and maladministration. Government employees have accepted kickbacks in exchange for rigging tenders, including focusing on high levels of corruption (Albert, 2011:1). The fraud and corruption in the Eastern Cape DoH, which involves nepotism, corruption and fraud amounting to a million rand in the audit report of 2013, have prompted calls by the opposition for interventions (PricewaterhouseCoopers [PWC], 2013:9). Departmental Annual Performance Plan for 2013/2014. Impact of accountability and ethics on public service delivery: a South African perspective which involves accountability stating that all government departments have to be efficient to ensure value for public funds including the qualitative and value-laden expectations of the society (Raga & Taylor, 2008:1). EC (2010:9), Audit Report: Health Department, Eastern Cape. King III Report (2009) – Corporate Governance. The study has built on previous research conducted by other researchers who have conducted research on the issue of the implementation of the Public Finance Management Act 1 (PFM Act 1) of 1999, and had identify further gaps not previously identified by other researchers or in the audits. In addition, this study aims to also identify shortcomings that have been described in the recent audits 2013/2014 of the DoH, Eastern Cape. Together with the new gaps identified in the PFM Act 1 of 1999, the researcher aims to make a number of recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the implementation of the PFM Act 1 of 1999. The PFM Act 1 of 1999 was promulgated by the South African government in 1999. The Act promotes the objective of good financial management in order to maximise service delivery through effective and efficient use of available limited resources as well as credible interaction with private sector service providers. A key objective of this Act is to put in place a more effective financial accountability system over public entities. The objectives of the Act are to: Modernise the system of financial management, Enable public sector managers to manage, while at the same time being accountable, Ensure timely provision of quality information, To eliminate waste and corruption in the use of public assets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Xatula, Meyisi Sigqibo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Government purchasing -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Public administration -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Management -- Procurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/13458 , vital:27205
- Description: The study investigated issues concerning procurement and administration in the Department of Health (DoH) in the Eastern Cape and has further investigated the role of the implementation of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), Act 1 of 1999 in the department. That included issues associated with the administration and procurement in relation to service providers from the private sector. The DoH in the Eastern Cape Province delivers:“ … a quality health service to the people of the Eastern Cape Province promoting a better life for all and ensures accessible, comprehensive, and integrated services in the province, emphasising the primary health care approach, as well as utilising and developing all resources to enable present and future generations to enjoy good health and quality of life” (Department of Health [DoH], Eastern Cape, Departmental Annual Performance Plan, 2013:3). Various researchers have investigated the implementation of the PFM Act 1 of 1999 and have identified gaps and made recommendations regarding the identified gaps. The study is based on the following reports from various authors: According to Pillay (2013), since 1994 every public sector department has lost approximately R385 billion to fraud, corruption and maladministration. Government employees have accepted kickbacks in exchange for rigging tenders, including focusing on high levels of corruption (Albert, 2011:1). The fraud and corruption in the Eastern Cape DoH, which involves nepotism, corruption and fraud amounting to a million rand in the audit report of 2013, have prompted calls by the opposition for interventions (PricewaterhouseCoopers [PWC], 2013:9). Departmental Annual Performance Plan for 2013/2014. Impact of accountability and ethics on public service delivery: a South African perspective which involves accountability stating that all government departments have to be efficient to ensure value for public funds including the qualitative and value-laden expectations of the society (Raga & Taylor, 2008:1). EC (2010:9), Audit Report: Health Department, Eastern Cape. King III Report (2009) – Corporate Governance. The study has built on previous research conducted by other researchers who have conducted research on the issue of the implementation of the Public Finance Management Act 1 (PFM Act 1) of 1999, and had identify further gaps not previously identified by other researchers or in the audits. In addition, this study aims to also identify shortcomings that have been described in the recent audits 2013/2014 of the DoH, Eastern Cape. Together with the new gaps identified in the PFM Act 1 of 1999, the researcher aims to make a number of recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the implementation of the PFM Act 1 of 1999. The PFM Act 1 of 1999 was promulgated by the South African government in 1999. The Act promotes the objective of good financial management in order to maximise service delivery through effective and efficient use of available limited resources as well as credible interaction with private sector service providers. A key objective of this Act is to put in place a more effective financial accountability system over public entities. The objectives of the Act are to: Modernise the system of financial management, Enable public sector managers to manage, while at the same time being accountable, Ensure timely provision of quality information, To eliminate waste and corruption in the use of public assets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
A study of the barriers to career progress of women in an organisation
- Authors: Pillay, Sadeshini Shunmugan
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Glass ceiling (Employment discrimination) -- South Africa , Sex discrimination against women -- South Africa , Sex discrimination in employment -- South Africa , Women employees -- Promotions -- South Africa , Sex role in the work environment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8731 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/822 , Glass ceiling (Employment discrimination) -- South Africa , Sex discrimination against women -- South Africa , Sex discrimination in employment -- South Africa , Women employees -- Promotions -- South Africa , Sex role in the work environment -- South Africa
- Description: Due to the continual constant battle women have to face in order to progress in the workplace, it has become necessary to assess the degree of transformational change within the workplace within South Africa to try to establish just what these barriers are and how it can be overcome. To examine the main problem, three sub-problems were identified. The first sub-problem that had been identified dealt with what the women’s rights in the new South Africa. It was investigated by evaluating the situation in the New South Africa and what has changed from the past. Is there more gender equality or not. The second sub-problem looked at the barriers that women face in the workplace. It is evident that sexual harassment, male chauvinism, trying to balance work and family as well as organisational structure and culture were among the top barriers that are a hindrance to women’s advancement in the workplace. Finally, the third sub-problem investigated what the glass ceiling effect is and the effect that this has on women in the workplace. The investigation evaluated, and emphasised the difficulties that women face in order to progress in the hierarchy of not only management but other occupations as well. Results have shown that most females and males believe that the glass ceiling is prevalent in the workplace. Most people believe that women can however break through the glass ceiling but now there is a new phenomenon, “The Glass Cliff” which allows women to break through the glass ceiling but only of organisations that are already in trouble.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Pillay, Sadeshini Shunmugan
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Glass ceiling (Employment discrimination) -- South Africa , Sex discrimination against women -- South Africa , Sex discrimination in employment -- South Africa , Women employees -- Promotions -- South Africa , Sex role in the work environment -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8731 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/822 , Glass ceiling (Employment discrimination) -- South Africa , Sex discrimination against women -- South Africa , Sex discrimination in employment -- South Africa , Women employees -- Promotions -- South Africa , Sex role in the work environment -- South Africa
- Description: Due to the continual constant battle women have to face in order to progress in the workplace, it has become necessary to assess the degree of transformational change within the workplace within South Africa to try to establish just what these barriers are and how it can be overcome. To examine the main problem, three sub-problems were identified. The first sub-problem that had been identified dealt with what the women’s rights in the new South Africa. It was investigated by evaluating the situation in the New South Africa and what has changed from the past. Is there more gender equality or not. The second sub-problem looked at the barriers that women face in the workplace. It is evident that sexual harassment, male chauvinism, trying to balance work and family as well as organisational structure and culture were among the top barriers that are a hindrance to women’s advancement in the workplace. Finally, the third sub-problem investigated what the glass ceiling effect is and the effect that this has on women in the workplace. The investigation evaluated, and emphasised the difficulties that women face in order to progress in the hierarchy of not only management but other occupations as well. Results have shown that most females and males believe that the glass ceiling is prevalent in the workplace. Most people believe that women can however break through the glass ceiling but now there is a new phenomenon, “The Glass Cliff” which allows women to break through the glass ceiling but only of organisations that are already in trouble.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
A study of the conducivness of the culture at Freeworld Automotive Coatings to the implementation of lean maunfacturing techniques
- Authors: Gray, Alexander George
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Corporate culture -- South Africa , Organizational behavior -- South Africa , Organizational change -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8719 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/910 , Corporate culture -- South Africa , Organizational behavior -- South Africa , Organizational change -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa
- Description: It is becoming increasingly important for companies to be responsive to global demands and in order to remain competitive, many companies are looking at lean manufacturing to help them achieve this. Lean manufacturing is however more than just a set of tools as it also requires a change in the organisational culture of the company involved. The creation of an organisation that has a culture of continuous improvement and achieving results through its various principles and philosophies is a main factor in Toyota’s Toyota Way Model. It was the aim of this research study to analyse and determine the factors relating to the impact of an organisation’s culture on the concepts of lean manufacturing based on the Toyota Way model. This was achieved by analysing how conducive the current organisational culture at Freeworld Automotive Coatings to the implementation of Lean Manufacturing principles? The method used for the research study was the questionnaire method using a lean culture assessment questionnaire that has been designed by the researcher that was aligned to the principles important to the Toyota Way model. It can be concluded from the research findings of this study indicates that the existing organisational culture of Freeworld Automotive coatings is relatively conducive to the implementation of lean manufacturing principles within the company.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Gray, Alexander George
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Corporate culture -- South Africa , Organizational behavior -- South Africa , Organizational change -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8719 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/910 , Corporate culture -- South Africa , Organizational behavior -- South Africa , Organizational change -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa
- Description: It is becoming increasingly important for companies to be responsive to global demands and in order to remain competitive, many companies are looking at lean manufacturing to help them achieve this. Lean manufacturing is however more than just a set of tools as it also requires a change in the organisational culture of the company involved. The creation of an organisation that has a culture of continuous improvement and achieving results through its various principles and philosophies is a main factor in Toyota’s Toyota Way Model. It was the aim of this research study to analyse and determine the factors relating to the impact of an organisation’s culture on the concepts of lean manufacturing based on the Toyota Way model. This was achieved by analysing how conducive the current organisational culture at Freeworld Automotive Coatings to the implementation of Lean Manufacturing principles? The method used for the research study was the questionnaire method using a lean culture assessment questionnaire that has been designed by the researcher that was aligned to the principles important to the Toyota Way model. It can be concluded from the research findings of this study indicates that the existing organisational culture of Freeworld Automotive coatings is relatively conducive to the implementation of lean manufacturing principles within the company.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
A study of the conflict between maintenance and production functions in a manufacturing organisation in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Petronio, Riccardo Vinicio
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Conflict management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Supervision of employees -- South AFrica -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8737 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/794 , Conflict management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Supervision of employees -- South AFrica -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: If manufacturing organisations are to improve their competitive positions in the global arena and increase profitability, their operations strategies need to be focused on: reducing cost, improving quality, increasing efficiency, improving the speed of delivery, developing and improving process flexibility, and ensuring that higher service levels are achieved and maintained. One of the critical success factors in implementing these strategies, within manufacturing organisations, is the relationship that exists between the maintenance and production functions. There is sufficient evidence to suggest that in many manufacturing organisations, the relationship that exists between these two functions is usually one of conflict, which if left unmanaged or unresolved has the potential to severely hamper effectiveness, productivity, creativity, and profitability of the organisation. The overall purpose of this research was to identify the interventions that manufacturing organisations can pursue, to effectively manage and resolve the conflict between the production and maintenance functions, in order to improve their competitive position in the global economy. The study was conducted in one particular manufacturing organisation in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. A research questionnaire was used as a means for collecting empirical data. The research questionnaire included various instruments used by previous conflict researchers, to identify and analyse the following dimensions of conflict within the organisation: conflict management styles used, the types of conflict perceived, and the amount of conflict perceived. The questionnaire was also designed to identify the sources of conflict, collect demographic information, identify issues relating to diversity, and indicate the respondents’ preferences to various organisational reporting structures. The results of the survey revealed key findings, which enabled the researcher to draw meaningful conclusions, and make recommendations as to how organisations can effectively manage and resolve the conflict that exists between maintenance and production functions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Petronio, Riccardo Vinicio
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Conflict management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Supervision of employees -- South AFrica -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8737 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/794 , Conflict management -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Supervision of employees -- South AFrica -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: If manufacturing organisations are to improve their competitive positions in the global arena and increase profitability, their operations strategies need to be focused on: reducing cost, improving quality, increasing efficiency, improving the speed of delivery, developing and improving process flexibility, and ensuring that higher service levels are achieved and maintained. One of the critical success factors in implementing these strategies, within manufacturing organisations, is the relationship that exists between the maintenance and production functions. There is sufficient evidence to suggest that in many manufacturing organisations, the relationship that exists between these two functions is usually one of conflict, which if left unmanaged or unresolved has the potential to severely hamper effectiveness, productivity, creativity, and profitability of the organisation. The overall purpose of this research was to identify the interventions that manufacturing organisations can pursue, to effectively manage and resolve the conflict between the production and maintenance functions, in order to improve their competitive position in the global economy. The study was conducted in one particular manufacturing organisation in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. A research questionnaire was used as a means for collecting empirical data. The research questionnaire included various instruments used by previous conflict researchers, to identify and analyse the following dimensions of conflict within the organisation: conflict management styles used, the types of conflict perceived, and the amount of conflict perceived. The questionnaire was also designed to identify the sources of conflict, collect demographic information, identify issues relating to diversity, and indicate the respondents’ preferences to various organisational reporting structures. The results of the survey revealed key findings, which enabled the researcher to draw meaningful conclusions, and make recommendations as to how organisations can effectively manage and resolve the conflict that exists between maintenance and production functions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
A study of the corporate social investment distribution and spending by selected corporates in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Tetyana, Sakhiwo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Investments -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9203 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020423
- Description: Corporate Social Investment (CSI) presents a platform for the business sector in South Africa to respond to challenges facing the Eastern Cape. Challenges facing this province are well documented, and it is important to measure and quantify how the business sector in South Africa currently contributes towards addressing those challenges. The Eastern Cape remains by and large undeveloped, with economic activity well below economic potential. Currently, economic activity is concentrated in Port Elizabeth, East London and Mthatha. Notwithstanding economic growth, high levels of unemployment and poverty persist, particularly in the rural areas where two-thirds of the population reside. The research study purposely sampled the top 30 companies from the top 100 listed in Trialogue. A total of 14 questionnaires were completed and returned by respondents. Five CSI managers were randomly selected from the 30 companies for in-depth interviews. The purpose of this exercise was to solicit further views to enable substantive triangulation of data from other sources. The research reveals that corporate groups in South Africa use different but complementary models and strategies in contributing towards poverty reduction. Education, particularly support for secondary school technology and science tuition, and also early childhood development (ECD), constitute key intervention areas by corporations in the Eastern Cape. This is closely followed by economic inclusion or enterprise development. There is no demonstrable evidence that corporate social investment in South Africa is informed by a coherent theoretical framework. The study revealed that education receives the largest share of CSI budgets in the Eastern Cape. Within education, mathematics and science is the most supported sub-programme focus area. This is followed by higher education which is also a preferred sub-programme focus area. A total of 40 percent of CSI spending has been channeled towards rural areas and towns in the former Transkei area. The ‘Mandela factor’ also plays an influential role in thedistribution of CSI spending, especially in the rural areas of the former Transkei. Donations ‘in kind’ are mostly distributed in urban areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Tetyana, Sakhiwo
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Investments -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:9203 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020423
- Description: Corporate Social Investment (CSI) presents a platform for the business sector in South Africa to respond to challenges facing the Eastern Cape. Challenges facing this province are well documented, and it is important to measure and quantify how the business sector in South Africa currently contributes towards addressing those challenges. The Eastern Cape remains by and large undeveloped, with economic activity well below economic potential. Currently, economic activity is concentrated in Port Elizabeth, East London and Mthatha. Notwithstanding economic growth, high levels of unemployment and poverty persist, particularly in the rural areas where two-thirds of the population reside. The research study purposely sampled the top 30 companies from the top 100 listed in Trialogue. A total of 14 questionnaires were completed and returned by respondents. Five CSI managers were randomly selected from the 30 companies for in-depth interviews. The purpose of this exercise was to solicit further views to enable substantive triangulation of data from other sources. The research reveals that corporate groups in South Africa use different but complementary models and strategies in contributing towards poverty reduction. Education, particularly support for secondary school technology and science tuition, and also early childhood development (ECD), constitute key intervention areas by corporations in the Eastern Cape. This is closely followed by economic inclusion or enterprise development. There is no demonstrable evidence that corporate social investment in South Africa is informed by a coherent theoretical framework. The study revealed that education receives the largest share of CSI budgets in the Eastern Cape. Within education, mathematics and science is the most supported sub-programme focus area. This is followed by higher education which is also a preferred sub-programme focus area. A total of 40 percent of CSI spending has been channeled towards rural areas and towns in the former Transkei area. The ‘Mandela factor’ also plays an influential role in thedistribution of CSI spending, especially in the rural areas of the former Transkei. Donations ‘in kind’ are mostly distributed in urban areas.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A study of the development of partner relationships associated with the chinese travel trade to South Africa
- Lin, Bin
- Authors: Lin, Bin
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Travel agents -- South Africa , Tourism -- China , Travel agents -- China , Tourism -- South Africa , Relationship marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9336 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/414 , Travel agents -- South Africa , Tourism -- China , Travel agents -- China , Tourism -- South Africa , Relationship marketing
- Description: The Chinese inbound tourism market to SA has been acknowledged as an emerging market. However, South African tour operators experience difficulties in establishing and developing viable partner relationships with Chinese travel agents. Recognizing the size, importance and complexity of this market, the major purpose of this research is to explore and investigate the crucial process of developing Sino-South African partnership relationships in the tourism industry, to facilitate the establishment of business relationships with Chinese travel agents. This study is draws on applied marketing, management and cross-cultural theories on networking to explore the process of developing partnership relationships in the Chinese inbound tourism market to SA. The literature on networking, the development of networking relationships, and the effect of guanxi (connection), a key feature of Chinese business networking on partnership relations are reviewed. Given the limited research conducted on this topic and its cross-country nature, a quantitative research method was adopted for this study. Specifically, this study utilized e-mail survey techniques to explore the relationships between South African inbound tour operators and Chinese travel agents. This study identifies that the process of developing partnership relationships between Chinese travel agents and South African inbound tour operators is culturally embedded. They are giving rise to communication problems that affect partnership relationships. A new stage model of the development of partnership relationships between South African inbound tour operators and Chinese travel agents is therefore developed. In particular, the study identifies important factors in the process of developing business relationships. For example, mutual commitment, the pricing issue, word-of-mouth, and quality of services are all considered crucial in attaining long-term stable partnership relationships. Guanxi plays a significant, but not decisive role in the process of developing partnership relationships between Chinese travel agents and South African inbound tour operators. However, guanxi relationships can provide added value to the partnership relationships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Lin, Bin
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Travel agents -- South Africa , Tourism -- China , Travel agents -- China , Tourism -- South Africa , Relationship marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:9336 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/414 , Travel agents -- South Africa , Tourism -- China , Travel agents -- China , Tourism -- South Africa , Relationship marketing
- Description: The Chinese inbound tourism market to SA has been acknowledged as an emerging market. However, South African tour operators experience difficulties in establishing and developing viable partner relationships with Chinese travel agents. Recognizing the size, importance and complexity of this market, the major purpose of this research is to explore and investigate the crucial process of developing Sino-South African partnership relationships in the tourism industry, to facilitate the establishment of business relationships with Chinese travel agents. This study is draws on applied marketing, management and cross-cultural theories on networking to explore the process of developing partnership relationships in the Chinese inbound tourism market to SA. The literature on networking, the development of networking relationships, and the effect of guanxi (connection), a key feature of Chinese business networking on partnership relations are reviewed. Given the limited research conducted on this topic and its cross-country nature, a quantitative research method was adopted for this study. Specifically, this study utilized e-mail survey techniques to explore the relationships between South African inbound tour operators and Chinese travel agents. This study identifies that the process of developing partnership relationships between Chinese travel agents and South African inbound tour operators is culturally embedded. They are giving rise to communication problems that affect partnership relationships. A new stage model of the development of partnership relationships between South African inbound tour operators and Chinese travel agents is therefore developed. In particular, the study identifies important factors in the process of developing business relationships. For example, mutual commitment, the pricing issue, word-of-mouth, and quality of services are all considered crucial in attaining long-term stable partnership relationships. Guanxi plays a significant, but not decisive role in the process of developing partnership relationships between Chinese travel agents and South African inbound tour operators. However, guanxi relationships can provide added value to the partnership relationships.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A study of the effectiveness of local economic development strategy: a case study of the Nyamdeni Local Municipality
- Authors: Ndamase, Tina
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5739 , vital:20991
- Description: The study seeks to analyse the socio-economic impact on local economic development programme with specific reference to Nyandeni local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. Nyandeni local Municipality is under the district of O.R. Tambo, its administrative seat is the town of Libode with a population of about 290, 390 which is spread over 31 wards. Scattered, low-density rural settlements dominate the Municipality. 79% of households reside in traditional or village type settlements. These settlements are loosely scattered throughout the entire Municipal area and are surrounded by communal grazing and arable lands. The majority of residential structures are self-built. Apart from a few trading stores, there is little sign of any significant economic activity within the rural settlements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Ndamase, Tina
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5739 , vital:20991
- Description: The study seeks to analyse the socio-economic impact on local economic development programme with specific reference to Nyandeni local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. Nyandeni local Municipality is under the district of O.R. Tambo, its administrative seat is the town of Libode with a population of about 290, 390 which is spread over 31 wards. Scattered, low-density rural settlements dominate the Municipality. 79% of households reside in traditional or village type settlements. These settlements are loosely scattered throughout the entire Municipal area and are surrounded by communal grazing and arable lands. The majority of residential structures are self-built. Apart from a few trading stores, there is little sign of any significant economic activity within the rural settlements.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
A study of the effectiveness of the VCT service at the NMMU
- Authors: August, Yolande Margaret
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8540 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/470 , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention
- Description: The students are the future economic backbone of the country and it is essential that measures are taken to reduce the number of new HIV infections in this segment of the population. Free voluntary counselling and testing for HIV was introduced at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University as one of the prevention strategies to curb the spread of HIV. This service has grown steadily over the years but strategies need to be formulated and implemented to improve the existing service and thereby increase the utilisation of the testing service. This treatise takes the form of an investigative survey involving literature review and a survey of all the individuals who utilised the VCT service over a three month period. The author has attempted to portray the general views and best practices of experts in the field of VCT service delivery. The identified best practices were used as an assessment tool to determine to what extent the VCT service at the NMMU complies with national and international standards. The quantification of these insights must be viewed with caution since the survey sample was relatively low due to time constraints. It has been shown that the VCT service at the NMMU largely complies with national and international standards although several recommendations have been presented for consideration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: August, Yolande Margaret
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8540 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/470 , HIV-positive persons -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Counseling of -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University , HIV infections -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention , AIDS (Disease) -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Prevention
- Description: The students are the future economic backbone of the country and it is essential that measures are taken to reduce the number of new HIV infections in this segment of the population. Free voluntary counselling and testing for HIV was introduced at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University as one of the prevention strategies to curb the spread of HIV. This service has grown steadily over the years but strategies need to be formulated and implemented to improve the existing service and thereby increase the utilisation of the testing service. This treatise takes the form of an investigative survey involving literature review and a survey of all the individuals who utilised the VCT service over a three month period. The author has attempted to portray the general views and best practices of experts in the field of VCT service delivery. The identified best practices were used as an assessment tool to determine to what extent the VCT service at the NMMU complies with national and international standards. The quantification of these insights must be viewed with caution since the survey sample was relatively low due to time constraints. It has been shown that the VCT service at the NMMU largely complies with national and international standards although several recommendations have been presented for consideration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
A study of the factors impacting on the performance of school opernational teams in secondary schools in Nelson Mandela Bay
- Authors: Gibbs, Marilyn Dawn
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Teaching teams -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Teams in the workplace -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8883 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020783
- Description: It is critical in this dynamic and changing environment that both the leadership and educators of schools and organisations are well equipped with the skills and knowledge to create high performance teams (HPT). High performance teams can be defined as those highly motivated team players in the organisation or school that maximise their people integrated knowledge, skills and values to a shared purpose or vision of their stakeholders. In this mixed method research an analysis of the whole school operational teams of some secondary schools including all educators, head of departments, administrators and principals was undertaken. Four secondary schools from two quintile groups situated in various areas of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan were the sampling units and the sample size was eighty one. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected utilising a carefully constructed questionnaire based on a theoretical conceptual framework of enabling factors for HPT in business contexts. The theoretical framework of the Kenexa High Performance Model was utilised in this study. A questionnaire was constructed based on the factors of the High Performance Work Index (HPW) study done by the Australian Business School. This model was adjusted to utilise factors aligned to those factors within the school operational context. Using other literature references further factors were included into the survey instrument. The School High Performance Work Index (SHPWI) was the dependent variable while the independent variables included organizational commitment, and employee engagement. These were literature based measures and the questionnaire items were taken from previous research studies, thereby allowing construct validity. The other independent variables included Communication, Leadership, Strategic Management, School Organizational Climate, Positive Practices, Conflict Management, Motivation and Trust. A statistical analysis was undertaken on each school’s team response data. Reliability and validity of the constructed questionnaire was shown by using the Kenexa employee engagement index and the Organizational Commitment measure, which were highly correlated with the SHPWI. In literature, high performance teams (HPT) show common patterns in business and in this study it was seen that a number of common factors contributed towards a HPT in school operational teams. In this research study the main enabling factors in whole school operational teams that could lead to the formation of HPT’s involved factors of leadership, communication and motivation. The SHPWI showed a high correlation with employee engagement and organizational commitment. The HPT profile involved innovation (freedom of thinking), employee (educator) engagement, fairness, leadership, learner needs, communication, trust, conflict management, school organizational climate, positive practices, strategic management and motivation. In the correlation between the SHPWI and the independent variables the highest correlation (statistically significant at p < 0.05 N = 81; r > 0. 500) occurred between the School High Performance Index and Leadership (0.822), Communication (0.785) and Motivation (0.766). In the multiple linear regression (MLR) of the results of this study the highest correlations with a value of R2 = 0.774 was obtained with variables of Leadership, Communication, Motivation and Strategic Management factors. Qualitative data was coded and linked with the factors in the quantitative data and the top five factors were selected and summarised for each school. Merged data showed that each school exhibited a different profile of strengths and weaknesses. Recommendations were outlined for each school operational team. Different schools in different quintiles have different needs and gap factors that require improvement. It is therefore imperative that schools analyse their strengths and weaknesses within their school operational teams. This research study aimed therefore to start research on a human resource metric that can be further developed to allow school operational teams to examine and analyze their own HPT profile, so that specific interventions may be implemented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Gibbs, Marilyn Dawn
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Teaching teams -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Teams in the workplace -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8883 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020783
- Description: It is critical in this dynamic and changing environment that both the leadership and educators of schools and organisations are well equipped with the skills and knowledge to create high performance teams (HPT). High performance teams can be defined as those highly motivated team players in the organisation or school that maximise their people integrated knowledge, skills and values to a shared purpose or vision of their stakeholders. In this mixed method research an analysis of the whole school operational teams of some secondary schools including all educators, head of departments, administrators and principals was undertaken. Four secondary schools from two quintile groups situated in various areas of the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan were the sampling units and the sample size was eighty one. Both quantitative and qualitative data was collected utilising a carefully constructed questionnaire based on a theoretical conceptual framework of enabling factors for HPT in business contexts. The theoretical framework of the Kenexa High Performance Model was utilised in this study. A questionnaire was constructed based on the factors of the High Performance Work Index (HPW) study done by the Australian Business School. This model was adjusted to utilise factors aligned to those factors within the school operational context. Using other literature references further factors were included into the survey instrument. The School High Performance Work Index (SHPWI) was the dependent variable while the independent variables included organizational commitment, and employee engagement. These were literature based measures and the questionnaire items were taken from previous research studies, thereby allowing construct validity. The other independent variables included Communication, Leadership, Strategic Management, School Organizational Climate, Positive Practices, Conflict Management, Motivation and Trust. A statistical analysis was undertaken on each school’s team response data. Reliability and validity of the constructed questionnaire was shown by using the Kenexa employee engagement index and the Organizational Commitment measure, which were highly correlated with the SHPWI. In literature, high performance teams (HPT) show common patterns in business and in this study it was seen that a number of common factors contributed towards a HPT in school operational teams. In this research study the main enabling factors in whole school operational teams that could lead to the formation of HPT’s involved factors of leadership, communication and motivation. The SHPWI showed a high correlation with employee engagement and organizational commitment. The HPT profile involved innovation (freedom of thinking), employee (educator) engagement, fairness, leadership, learner needs, communication, trust, conflict management, school organizational climate, positive practices, strategic management and motivation. In the correlation between the SHPWI and the independent variables the highest correlation (statistically significant at p < 0.05 N = 81; r > 0. 500) occurred between the School High Performance Index and Leadership (0.822), Communication (0.785) and Motivation (0.766). In the multiple linear regression (MLR) of the results of this study the highest correlations with a value of R2 = 0.774 was obtained with variables of Leadership, Communication, Motivation and Strategic Management factors. Qualitative data was coded and linked with the factors in the quantitative data and the top five factors were selected and summarised for each school. Merged data showed that each school exhibited a different profile of strengths and weaknesses. Recommendations were outlined for each school operational team. Different schools in different quintiles have different needs and gap factors that require improvement. It is therefore imperative that schools analyse their strengths and weaknesses within their school operational teams. This research study aimed therefore to start research on a human resource metric that can be further developed to allow school operational teams to examine and analyze their own HPT profile, so that specific interventions may be implemented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013