An analysis of strategies used to manage conflict at Volkswagen of South Africa
- Authors: Conybeare, Gaily
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm) , Conflict management -- South Africa , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8743 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/762 , Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm) , Conflict management -- South Africa , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This research study addresses the problem of determining the strategies that can be used by Internal Audit at Volkswagen of South Africa to manage conflict effectively. To achieve this objective a comprehensive literature study was performed to determine the views on conflict and evaluate the various conflict models. The study also included the reasons for and sources of conflict and the effects of conflict on the performance and controls within VWSA. The identification of conflict management strategies and subsequent conflict management styles were revealed by the literature study. Various discussions from different authors on how to resolve conflict situations are also discussed. The literature review serves as a model in the development of a guideline for VWSA Internal Audit team and management to manage conflict. Senior Management, middle management and staff from various departments within VWSA were requested to complete a questionnaire in order to determine the strategies and effectiveness of these strategies used by Internal Audit to manage conflict. The questionnaire was developed in accordance with the findings from the research. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the relevance of the study to the problem questions and to evaluate whether the questionnaire will be easily understood. The answers of the respondents were analyzed and compared to the findings of the literature study. The information obtained from the literature study and from the respondents resulted in various recommendations and conclusions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Conybeare, Gaily
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm) , Conflict management -- South Africa , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8743 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/762 , Volkswagen of South Africa (Firm) , Conflict management -- South Africa , Motor vehicle industry -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: This research study addresses the problem of determining the strategies that can be used by Internal Audit at Volkswagen of South Africa to manage conflict effectively. To achieve this objective a comprehensive literature study was performed to determine the views on conflict and evaluate the various conflict models. The study also included the reasons for and sources of conflict and the effects of conflict on the performance and controls within VWSA. The identification of conflict management strategies and subsequent conflict management styles were revealed by the literature study. Various discussions from different authors on how to resolve conflict situations are also discussed. The literature review serves as a model in the development of a guideline for VWSA Internal Audit team and management to manage conflict. Senior Management, middle management and staff from various departments within VWSA were requested to complete a questionnaire in order to determine the strategies and effectiveness of these strategies used by Internal Audit to manage conflict. The questionnaire was developed in accordance with the findings from the research. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the relevance of the study to the problem questions and to evaluate whether the questionnaire will be easily understood. The answers of the respondents were analyzed and compared to the findings of the literature study. The information obtained from the literature study and from the respondents resulted in various recommendations and conclusions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
The role of GMSA to assist their suppliers with the successful implementation of lean practices
- Authors: Conybeare, Nabiel
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: General Motors (South Africa) , Production management -- South Africa , Business logistics -- Management , Automobile industry and trade -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8742 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/763 , General Motors (South Africa) , Production management -- South Africa , Business logistics -- Management , Automobile industry and trade -- Management
- Description: Over the past couple of decades traditional manufacturing techniques have been replaced by lean production around the world. This change in production methodology brought about the opportunity for numerous companies to reduce costs and customer lead time through the application of this lean philosophy. The worldwide shift from traditional manufacturing to lean manufacturing can be ascribed to the success of Toyota Motor Company. Lean manufacturing refers to a manufacturing improvement process in order to minimize or eliminate waste while maximizing production flow (Tapping, et al., 2002:30). A value stream includes all the operations and processes to transform raw material into finished products or services. Value stream is a management tool used for the planning of a production process involving lean techniques through systematic data capturing and analysis (Tapping 2002 et al., 41). Value stream is a proven process for planning the improvements that will allow companies to develop lean practices. One key to Toyota’s success that GMSA and many other South African companies have not been able to emulate is the transformation of their suppliers to apply the lean philosophy. This lack of supplier transformation is due to various reasons including supplier proximity, supplier relationships, supplier performance levels, and the ordering policies used for supplied parts. Even though many manufacturing organizations realize the importance of practicing lean manufacturing techniques, few organizations apply lean techniques with the required knowledge and tools to transform their organization from traditional manufacturing to lean manufacturing. This research project is based purely on the lean manufacturing principles and philosophies. The aim of the study is to make GMSA’s suppliers aware of the principles and processes of lean manufacturing and to develop a lean implementation strategy to assist organizations with the successful implementation of lean practices. In order to correctly implement and sustain lean manufacturing practices this study will also focus on supplier support and development and the behavior an organization must exhibit to make this transformation a success. The research methodology comprised the following steps: • A literature study was performed by the researcher to get a better understanding of the principles and philosophies of lean manufacturing; • A second literature study was also performed to get a better understanding of the continuous improvement philosophies of lean manufacturing including supplier support & development; and • To accomplish the objectives of this study, interview sessions were conducted with four senior managers of General Motors South Africa. The researcher selected the interviewees from the following departments within General Motors South Africa: Global Purchasing and Supply Chain; Supplier Quality and Development; Vehicle Assembly Operations and Material Supply. The interviewees from General Motors South Africa were identified as qualified data sources for this research project, as their professional opinions and viewpoints could best address the research questions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Conybeare, Nabiel
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: General Motors (South Africa) , Production management -- South Africa , Business logistics -- Management , Automobile industry and trade -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8742 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/763 , General Motors (South Africa) , Production management -- South Africa , Business logistics -- Management , Automobile industry and trade -- Management
- Description: Over the past couple of decades traditional manufacturing techniques have been replaced by lean production around the world. This change in production methodology brought about the opportunity for numerous companies to reduce costs and customer lead time through the application of this lean philosophy. The worldwide shift from traditional manufacturing to lean manufacturing can be ascribed to the success of Toyota Motor Company. Lean manufacturing refers to a manufacturing improvement process in order to minimize or eliminate waste while maximizing production flow (Tapping, et al., 2002:30). A value stream includes all the operations and processes to transform raw material into finished products or services. Value stream is a management tool used for the planning of a production process involving lean techniques through systematic data capturing and analysis (Tapping 2002 et al., 41). Value stream is a proven process for planning the improvements that will allow companies to develop lean practices. One key to Toyota’s success that GMSA and many other South African companies have not been able to emulate is the transformation of their suppliers to apply the lean philosophy. This lack of supplier transformation is due to various reasons including supplier proximity, supplier relationships, supplier performance levels, and the ordering policies used for supplied parts. Even though many manufacturing organizations realize the importance of practicing lean manufacturing techniques, few organizations apply lean techniques with the required knowledge and tools to transform their organization from traditional manufacturing to lean manufacturing. This research project is based purely on the lean manufacturing principles and philosophies. The aim of the study is to make GMSA’s suppliers aware of the principles and processes of lean manufacturing and to develop a lean implementation strategy to assist organizations with the successful implementation of lean practices. In order to correctly implement and sustain lean manufacturing practices this study will also focus on supplier support and development and the behavior an organization must exhibit to make this transformation a success. The research methodology comprised the following steps: • A literature study was performed by the researcher to get a better understanding of the principles and philosophies of lean manufacturing; • A second literature study was also performed to get a better understanding of the continuous improvement philosophies of lean manufacturing including supplier support & development; and • To accomplish the objectives of this study, interview sessions were conducted with four senior managers of General Motors South Africa. The researcher selected the interviewees from the following departments within General Motors South Africa: Global Purchasing and Supply Chain; Supplier Quality and Development; Vehicle Assembly Operations and Material Supply. The interviewees from General Motors South Africa were identified as qualified data sources for this research project, as their professional opinions and viewpoints could best address the research questions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
Entrepreneurship education at a FET college
- Authors: Cook, Vania Saretta
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- Study and teaching , Business education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8637 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008071 , Entrepreneurship -- Study and teaching , Business education
- Description: The previous economic structure in South Africa was well served by the FET College institutions in that they provided a resource pool for large companies and organisations. This however, developed a student mindset of becoming an employee instead of the employer of an organisation. With an economy in transition, privately owned companies or organisations now account for an increasing proportion of economic development. Hence, FET Colleges need to redefine their role in the economy and society, specifically in the type of entrepreneurship courses they offer. This study examines the provision of entrepreneurship education at a FET College in the Eastern Cape with special reference to the levels of provision, support mechanisms, course objectives, contents, teaching and assessment methods to ascertain whether they are appropriately developed to prepare students for entrepreneurship as a career option. This study followed a qualitative research paradigm, implementing a case study approach during the research. In order to analyse the above, the New Venture Creation and Entrepreneurship and Business Management students were selected for this study. Data were collected by handing out questionnaires to a sample of 200 students to assess entrepreneurship courses and pedagogies. The results of this study, indicate that entrepreneurship education at a specific FET College is not enabling the students with sufficient knowledge and skills to start their own business. The results indicate a low level of entrepreneurship education and a weak standing of entrepreneurship courses, which tend to only be part of the Finance course offered within the Business Studies Department at a FET College. Contributing factors to this low level of entrepreneurship education have been identified by lack of support mechanisms by management, the theoretical orientation of entrepreneurship curriculum, teaching methods and assessment of tasks. Based on these findings, it is strongly suggested that this FET College should: (1) develop specialised entrepreneurship programmes for all students; (2) receive special funding for entrepreneurship education; (3) integrate experiential learning in the curriculum; and (4) give special consideration to training entrepreneurship educators.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Cook, Vania Saretta
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- Study and teaching , Business education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8637 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008071 , Entrepreneurship -- Study and teaching , Business education
- Description: The previous economic structure in South Africa was well served by the FET College institutions in that they provided a resource pool for large companies and organisations. This however, developed a student mindset of becoming an employee instead of the employer of an organisation. With an economy in transition, privately owned companies or organisations now account for an increasing proportion of economic development. Hence, FET Colleges need to redefine their role in the economy and society, specifically in the type of entrepreneurship courses they offer. This study examines the provision of entrepreneurship education at a FET College in the Eastern Cape with special reference to the levels of provision, support mechanisms, course objectives, contents, teaching and assessment methods to ascertain whether they are appropriately developed to prepare students for entrepreneurship as a career option. This study followed a qualitative research paradigm, implementing a case study approach during the research. In order to analyse the above, the New Venture Creation and Entrepreneurship and Business Management students were selected for this study. Data were collected by handing out questionnaires to a sample of 200 students to assess entrepreneurship courses and pedagogies. The results of this study, indicate that entrepreneurship education at a specific FET College is not enabling the students with sufficient knowledge and skills to start their own business. The results indicate a low level of entrepreneurship education and a weak standing of entrepreneurship courses, which tend to only be part of the Finance course offered within the Business Studies Department at a FET College. Contributing factors to this low level of entrepreneurship education have been identified by lack of support mechanisms by management, the theoretical orientation of entrepreneurship curriculum, teaching methods and assessment of tasks. Based on these findings, it is strongly suggested that this FET College should: (1) develop specialised entrepreneurship programmes for all students; (2) receive special funding for entrepreneurship education; (3) integrate experiential learning in the curriculum; and (4) give special consideration to training entrepreneurship educators.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
Employee happiness in general motors
- Authors: Cooper, Julian
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Job satisfaction -- South Africa , Corporate culture -- South Africa , Happiness -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4365 , vital:20590
- Description: Happiness is essentially the degree to which you find and judge your existence as favourable, in addition to an enduring, psychological feeling of contentment. In the hedonic view, happiness is pleasant feelings and favourable judgements, while the contrasting eudaimonic view describes it as doing what is morally right, what is righteous, that will enhance growth and that is meaningful to an individual. Both these views contribute to the overall happiness of an individual. People that are pleased with their lives usually experience greater satisfaction in their jobs. This is in line with the literature as happiness is positively correlated with job satisfaction, which suggests that a happy employee will most likely result in one that is satisfied with his/her job. In addition, happiness is correlated with evidence of success in the workplace and can increase an employee’s effectiveness at work. It is, therefore, essential that organisations identify the factors which influence employee happiness in order to enhance its cultural value-offering for employees and, in turn, increase their levels of job satisfaction. Job satisfaction is essentially the degree to which a person enjoys his/her job. It is the positive emotional state resulting from the evaluation of one’s work experience. This has profitable outcomes such as improved work performance. Furthermore, people who experience satisfaction in their jobs are better ambassadors for their organisation, demonstrate greater commitment, are more engaged and perform better within the organisation than their unhappy peers. Job satisfaction can be deemed an attitude. It is therefore important to understand the dimensions of the job, which are complex and interrelated in nature, in order to understand job attitudes. Organisational culture has been shown to influence the attitude and behaviour of employees through shared values and beliefs in the organisation. It is for this reason that there is a significant need to determine the factors in organisational culture that influence employee happiness and, in turn, job satisfaction. An organisation’s employees, through their participation and commitment, can be regarded as the most important source of success for the organisation. Organisational culture can therefore, greatly influence the efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation through its employees. Moreover, the culture of an organisation has a significant influence on the commitment and satisfaction of its employees. It inspires employees not only to feel committed to the organisation but also to perform well. The correlation between organisational culture and job satisfaction have been examined by various authors in the literature. All of these authors found a positive relationship between the two concepts. These conclusions show that the culture of an organisation can actually influence an employee’s job satisfaction and therefore his/her happiness. This research investigates the cultural value-offering of General Motors South Africa (GMSA) and its alignment to the needs of its employees. Until the end of 2012, an employee needs-analysis regarding employee happiness and his/her job satisfaction, was non-existent in the organisation. Towards the end of 2012 the organisation introduced a “Workplace of Choice” survey to perform an employee needs-analysis in order to investigate if there was a difference between employee needs and the organisation’s cultural value-offering. Another “Workplace of Choice” survey followed in 2014. This, however, was performed with the staff employees only and not with the hourly employees. Many organisations neglect to analyse the workplace needs of their employees to ensure that the organisation fully understands and is able to satisfy or accommodate these needs. Understanding employee needs is crucial to an organisation’s success. It is therefore important that the organisation investigates the employee needs to be able to align them with the cultural value-offering of the organisation. The purpose of this study is to advance the current understanding of Employee Happiness in the workplace by conducting a systematic analysis of the factors in Organisational Culture that influence Employee Happiness and, in turn, their Job Satisfaction in GMSA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Cooper, Julian
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Job satisfaction -- South Africa , Corporate culture -- South Africa , Happiness -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4365 , vital:20590
- Description: Happiness is essentially the degree to which you find and judge your existence as favourable, in addition to an enduring, psychological feeling of contentment. In the hedonic view, happiness is pleasant feelings and favourable judgements, while the contrasting eudaimonic view describes it as doing what is morally right, what is righteous, that will enhance growth and that is meaningful to an individual. Both these views contribute to the overall happiness of an individual. People that are pleased with their lives usually experience greater satisfaction in their jobs. This is in line with the literature as happiness is positively correlated with job satisfaction, which suggests that a happy employee will most likely result in one that is satisfied with his/her job. In addition, happiness is correlated with evidence of success in the workplace and can increase an employee’s effectiveness at work. It is, therefore, essential that organisations identify the factors which influence employee happiness in order to enhance its cultural value-offering for employees and, in turn, increase their levels of job satisfaction. Job satisfaction is essentially the degree to which a person enjoys his/her job. It is the positive emotional state resulting from the evaluation of one’s work experience. This has profitable outcomes such as improved work performance. Furthermore, people who experience satisfaction in their jobs are better ambassadors for their organisation, demonstrate greater commitment, are more engaged and perform better within the organisation than their unhappy peers. Job satisfaction can be deemed an attitude. It is therefore important to understand the dimensions of the job, which are complex and interrelated in nature, in order to understand job attitudes. Organisational culture has been shown to influence the attitude and behaviour of employees through shared values and beliefs in the organisation. It is for this reason that there is a significant need to determine the factors in organisational culture that influence employee happiness and, in turn, job satisfaction. An organisation’s employees, through their participation and commitment, can be regarded as the most important source of success for the organisation. Organisational culture can therefore, greatly influence the efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation through its employees. Moreover, the culture of an organisation has a significant influence on the commitment and satisfaction of its employees. It inspires employees not only to feel committed to the organisation but also to perform well. The correlation between organisational culture and job satisfaction have been examined by various authors in the literature. All of these authors found a positive relationship between the two concepts. These conclusions show that the culture of an organisation can actually influence an employee’s job satisfaction and therefore his/her happiness. This research investigates the cultural value-offering of General Motors South Africa (GMSA) and its alignment to the needs of its employees. Until the end of 2012, an employee needs-analysis regarding employee happiness and his/her job satisfaction, was non-existent in the organisation. Towards the end of 2012 the organisation introduced a “Workplace of Choice” survey to perform an employee needs-analysis in order to investigate if there was a difference between employee needs and the organisation’s cultural value-offering. Another “Workplace of Choice” survey followed in 2014. This, however, was performed with the staff employees only and not with the hourly employees. Many organisations neglect to analyse the workplace needs of their employees to ensure that the organisation fully understands and is able to satisfy or accommodate these needs. Understanding employee needs is crucial to an organisation’s success. It is therefore important that the organisation investigates the employee needs to be able to align them with the cultural value-offering of the organisation. The purpose of this study is to advance the current understanding of Employee Happiness in the workplace by conducting a systematic analysis of the factors in Organisational Culture that influence Employee Happiness and, in turn, their Job Satisfaction in GMSA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
An integrated maintenance management system model for the pharmaceutical industry
- Authors: Coopoosamy, Kribban
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry -- Management , Pharmaceutical services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8609 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1583 , Pharmaceutical industry -- Management , Pharmaceutical services
- Description: Organisations are continuously seeking for strategies to improve operations and gain competitive advantage. Maintenance tends to be a key management issue for many industrial companies. Maintenance management, being an integral part of manufacturing, can influence competitive companys‟ priorities, such as cost, quality and flexibility, and, hence, business strategy directly. The pharmaceutical industry also faces some unique challenges such as increasingly stringent safety and quality regulations, the effect of innovations in medical science and healthcare and a complex and costly design-to-market process (from product concept and development to market delivery). The industry is also going through turbulent times as it has to cope with challenges common to many other industries, how to deal with increasing competition, hold down costs, and expand. Regulatory compliance is one of the significant industry drivers for pharmaceutical companies. Regulations are enacted by government authorities to ensure public health and safety. The focus of regulation is on quality assurance and control in all areas such as receiving, manufacturing, storing, packaging, despatching and delivering. Apart from the required quality and safety checks, the regulations also mandate extensive record keeping of procedures, processes and systems. This treatise will investigate the maintenance management system of a pharmaceutical company and compare it to best practices. The true name of the pharmaceutical company that will be researched will not be disclosed for confidentiality reasons, instead it will be called My Pharmaceuticals. The company is based in Port Elizabeth. The research consists of a preliminary study to identify the problem areas in the maintenance management system within the company. A literature review of best practices in maintenance management systems combined with an investigation into the best pharmaceutical practices in maintenance management systems and regulatory controls are investigated and a model will be proposed to improve the current situation at the company.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Coopoosamy, Kribban
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Pharmaceutical industry -- Management , Pharmaceutical services
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8609 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1583 , Pharmaceutical industry -- Management , Pharmaceutical services
- Description: Organisations are continuously seeking for strategies to improve operations and gain competitive advantage. Maintenance tends to be a key management issue for many industrial companies. Maintenance management, being an integral part of manufacturing, can influence competitive companys‟ priorities, such as cost, quality and flexibility, and, hence, business strategy directly. The pharmaceutical industry also faces some unique challenges such as increasingly stringent safety and quality regulations, the effect of innovations in medical science and healthcare and a complex and costly design-to-market process (from product concept and development to market delivery). The industry is also going through turbulent times as it has to cope with challenges common to many other industries, how to deal with increasing competition, hold down costs, and expand. Regulatory compliance is one of the significant industry drivers for pharmaceutical companies. Regulations are enacted by government authorities to ensure public health and safety. The focus of regulation is on quality assurance and control in all areas such as receiving, manufacturing, storing, packaging, despatching and delivering. Apart from the required quality and safety checks, the regulations also mandate extensive record keeping of procedures, processes and systems. This treatise will investigate the maintenance management system of a pharmaceutical company and compare it to best practices. The true name of the pharmaceutical company that will be researched will not be disclosed for confidentiality reasons, instead it will be called My Pharmaceuticals. The company is based in Port Elizabeth. The research consists of a preliminary study to identify the problem areas in the maintenance management system within the company. A literature review of best practices in maintenance management systems combined with an investigation into the best pharmaceutical practices in maintenance management systems and regulatory controls are investigated and a model will be proposed to improve the current situation at the company.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
An integrated farm management information system for the South African hydroponic industry
- Authors: Cork, Justin Trevor James
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Farm management Hydroponics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5500 , vital:20871
- Description: The world’s population is growing at an average of 1.2 percent per annum and forecasts see the global population reaching 9.6 billion by 2050. This places great demands on the sustained production capacity of agricultural organisations to meet the desperate need for nutrition. This problem will continue to persist if production methods do not evolve to improve production and quality. Hydroponics and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) was first seen in Rome during the 1st Century. Then sixteen Centuries later Greenhouses were developed in France and England as experimental hydroponics for basic laboratory research. Rapid expansion took place from about the 1950’s in areas where traditional openenvironment agriculture was difficult or impossible such as the deserts of Iran, Abu Dhabi and California. Sixty-five years later in 2015 hydroponics and CEA are well established around the world with thousands of hectares under propagation. Hydroponics is a method of agricultural production that has been refined over the years to become an exact science. Through the application of technology and know-how the physiological processes within plants can be manipulated and controlled to produce superior results. These results require less land area and less water to accomplish. It can be seen, based on this development, that hydroponics is such an evolution that has the capacity to meet the needs of a growing global population and its nutritional needs. The challenge lies, though, in the scientific understanding and application of knowledge in growing and managing a hydroponics farm. This study seeks to determine the internal data and external information needs of farmers in the hydroponics industry. This data and information will be integrated into a Farm Management Information System (FMIS) model that will be used for decision making, report generation and documentation. The problem leading to this study is the dissemination of data and information sources that are currently underutilised and difficult to access. In determining the internal data and external information needs, an empirical study was conducted using structured interview. Thirty farm managers were interviewed to assess what their current information system consisted of, whether they had a need for an FMIS and what internal data and external information was needed which related to four functional components of hydroponic farming. The results of this study indicate that there is a need for an FMIS for the hydroponic industry in South Africa. The results also indicate that managers are not fully satisfied with the performance of their current information system and would be interested in considering alternative information systems. Data points relating to the four functional components were assessed and integrated into an FMIS model for the hydroponic industry. This model sets out to integrate internal data and external information for purposes of decision making, report generation and documentation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Cork, Justin Trevor James
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Farm management Hydroponics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5500 , vital:20871
- Description: The world’s population is growing at an average of 1.2 percent per annum and forecasts see the global population reaching 9.6 billion by 2050. This places great demands on the sustained production capacity of agricultural organisations to meet the desperate need for nutrition. This problem will continue to persist if production methods do not evolve to improve production and quality. Hydroponics and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) was first seen in Rome during the 1st Century. Then sixteen Centuries later Greenhouses were developed in France and England as experimental hydroponics for basic laboratory research. Rapid expansion took place from about the 1950’s in areas where traditional openenvironment agriculture was difficult or impossible such as the deserts of Iran, Abu Dhabi and California. Sixty-five years later in 2015 hydroponics and CEA are well established around the world with thousands of hectares under propagation. Hydroponics is a method of agricultural production that has been refined over the years to become an exact science. Through the application of technology and know-how the physiological processes within plants can be manipulated and controlled to produce superior results. These results require less land area and less water to accomplish. It can be seen, based on this development, that hydroponics is such an evolution that has the capacity to meet the needs of a growing global population and its nutritional needs. The challenge lies, though, in the scientific understanding and application of knowledge in growing and managing a hydroponics farm. This study seeks to determine the internal data and external information needs of farmers in the hydroponics industry. This data and information will be integrated into a Farm Management Information System (FMIS) model that will be used for decision making, report generation and documentation. The problem leading to this study is the dissemination of data and information sources that are currently underutilised and difficult to access. In determining the internal data and external information needs, an empirical study was conducted using structured interview. Thirty farm managers were interviewed to assess what their current information system consisted of, whether they had a need for an FMIS and what internal data and external information was needed which related to four functional components of hydroponic farming. The results of this study indicate that there is a need for an FMIS for the hydroponic industry in South Africa. The results also indicate that managers are not fully satisfied with the performance of their current information system and would be interested in considering alternative information systems. Data points relating to the four functional components were assessed and integrated into an FMIS model for the hydroponic industry. This model sets out to integrate internal data and external information for purposes of decision making, report generation and documentation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Evaluating the share performance of socially responsible investment on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange
- Authors: Cormack, Bradley Alexander
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Investments -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa , Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Social responsibility of business -- Standards , Social responsiblity of business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/36251 , vital:24532
- Description: Socially responsible investing (SRI) integrates environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues into the investment decision-making process. Growing ESG concerns and the uncovering of corporate scandals have catalysed the substantial growth in SRI portfolios worldwide. Notwithstanding its increasing popularity, barriers to further SRI growth have been identified. Traditional investing practices suggest that theoretically, SRI may underperform conventional investment strategies. However, despite the vast amount of literature on SRI, empirical studies have yielded a mixture of results regarding fund performance. The JSE SRI Index was launched in 2004 to promote transparent business practices. It was discontinued at the end of 2015 succeeded by a new Responsible Investment Index established by the JSE in association with FTSE Russell. The aim of the research was to evaluate the share performance of the JSE SRI Index from 2004-2015. Additionally, the indices were categorised by environmental impact to further analyse disparity among share returns. The study was also divided into two sub-periods, 2004-2009 and 2010-2015, with the latter following the endorsement of integrated reporting by the King III Code as a listing requirement in 2010. A single-factor Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) was used to assess differences in risk-adjusted returns. Engle-Granger and Johansen tests were employed to explore the possibility of a cointegrating relationship between the indices. No significant difference between returns was observed for 2004-2009, with the SRI Index exhibiting statistically significant inferior risk-adjusted returns for the latter half of the study. Overall, a significant difference between share returns was found, with CAPM results suggesting that the JSE SRI Index underperformed the All Share Index by -2.33% per annum throughout the time span of the study. Engle-Granger and Johansen test results indicated the existence of a cointegrating relationship over the first half of the study. However, there was no cointegration between the two indices for 2004-2015, which may be attributed to no significant relationship found for the latter years. Results support the notion that investors pay the price to invest ethically on the JSE. Inferior risk-adjusted returns associated with SRI may be a major barrier to its development in South African markets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Cormack, Bradley Alexander
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Investments -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa , Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Social responsibility of business -- Standards , Social responsiblity of business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/36251 , vital:24532
- Description: Socially responsible investing (SRI) integrates environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues into the investment decision-making process. Growing ESG concerns and the uncovering of corporate scandals have catalysed the substantial growth in SRI portfolios worldwide. Notwithstanding its increasing popularity, barriers to further SRI growth have been identified. Traditional investing practices suggest that theoretically, SRI may underperform conventional investment strategies. However, despite the vast amount of literature on SRI, empirical studies have yielded a mixture of results regarding fund performance. The JSE SRI Index was launched in 2004 to promote transparent business practices. It was discontinued at the end of 2015 succeeded by a new Responsible Investment Index established by the JSE in association with FTSE Russell. The aim of the research was to evaluate the share performance of the JSE SRI Index from 2004-2015. Additionally, the indices were categorised by environmental impact to further analyse disparity among share returns. The study was also divided into two sub-periods, 2004-2009 and 2010-2015, with the latter following the endorsement of integrated reporting by the King III Code as a listing requirement in 2010. A single-factor Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM) was used to assess differences in risk-adjusted returns. Engle-Granger and Johansen tests were employed to explore the possibility of a cointegrating relationship between the indices. No significant difference between returns was observed for 2004-2009, with the SRI Index exhibiting statistically significant inferior risk-adjusted returns for the latter half of the study. Overall, a significant difference between share returns was found, with CAPM results suggesting that the JSE SRI Index underperformed the All Share Index by -2.33% per annum throughout the time span of the study. Engle-Granger and Johansen test results indicated the existence of a cointegrating relationship over the first half of the study. However, there was no cointegration between the two indices for 2004-2015, which may be attributed to no significant relationship found for the latter years. Results support the notion that investors pay the price to invest ethically on the JSE. Inferior risk-adjusted returns associated with SRI may be a major barrier to its development in South African markets.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The value of the middleman in the supply chain of South African tyre production
- Authors: Cornelius, André G
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Tires -- Industrialists -- South Africa Tire Industry -- South Africa Commercial agents -- South Africa Business logistics -- Management -- South Africa Physical distribution of goods -- Management Commercial agents -- South Africa Marketing channels -- Management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:770 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003891
- Description: Only a few middlemen linking chemical intermediate product supply to world tyre productions have managed to survive new direct business models. In fact, the only region, where the practice of using a middleman in the supply chain of tyre production, for a certain primary manufacturer, is in South Africa. Tyre producers in other world regions, similar in market complexity to South Africa, have experienced the elimination of the middleman. Hence the question of this research, why is the middleman in the supply chain of tyre production in South Africa still a better option than that of direct business models? To begin with, the thesis stated that the middleman in the supply chain of South African tyre producers delivers better value than that of the direct business model. To prove/disprove this thesis, the principle that value is a trade-off between what you get for what you give was the basis of this research (Zeithaml, 1998). Further, a model was developed, from secondary literature, to conceptualise this trade-off to provide evidence to prove/disprove that the middleman provides greater value than value from the direct business model. From this point, the research approach was to collect data through interviews to find out the most important aspect of value created by the middleman. Data collected were analysed, using the structure of the model as a guide, to find evidence of the trade-off. This analysis provided evidence that the relationship between the middleman and the tyre producers in South Africa and between the middleman and primary product supplier is the value that the direct business model cannot replace.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Cornelius, André G
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Tires -- Industrialists -- South Africa Tire Industry -- South Africa Commercial agents -- South Africa Business logistics -- Management -- South Africa Physical distribution of goods -- Management Commercial agents -- South Africa Marketing channels -- Management -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:770 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003891
- Description: Only a few middlemen linking chemical intermediate product supply to world tyre productions have managed to survive new direct business models. In fact, the only region, where the practice of using a middleman in the supply chain of tyre production, for a certain primary manufacturer, is in South Africa. Tyre producers in other world regions, similar in market complexity to South Africa, have experienced the elimination of the middleman. Hence the question of this research, why is the middleman in the supply chain of tyre production in South Africa still a better option than that of direct business models? To begin with, the thesis stated that the middleman in the supply chain of South African tyre producers delivers better value than that of the direct business model. To prove/disprove this thesis, the principle that value is a trade-off between what you get for what you give was the basis of this research (Zeithaml, 1998). Further, a model was developed, from secondary literature, to conceptualise this trade-off to provide evidence to prove/disprove that the middleman provides greater value than value from the direct business model. From this point, the research approach was to collect data through interviews to find out the most important aspect of value created by the middleman. Data collected were analysed, using the structure of the model as a guide, to find evidence of the trade-off. This analysis provided evidence that the relationship between the middleman and the tyre producers in South Africa and between the middleman and primary product supplier is the value that the direct business model cannot replace.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
Critical factors for the successful implementation of the proposed national health insurance system in South Africa
- Authors: Cortje, Gareth Frederick
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: National health insurance -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , National health services -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8783 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013090
- Description: South Africa has a complex healthcare system. The provision and financing of health care in South Africa occur within two fundamentally different systems: the public healthcare sector and non-governmental not-for-profit organisations, on the one hand, and the private healthcare system, on the other hand. The socioeconomic status of an individual in South Africa is the primary determinant of the system through which he or she will receive access to healthcare. The healthcare services provided by the public and private sectors are perceived to be unequal. The introduction of healthcare reforms by the South African government through the National Health Insurance (NHI) aims to address these disparities. The primary objective of this study was to contribute to the successful implementation of the proposed South African NHI by identifying critical success factors that would impact such implementation. A sample of managerial representatives of the following healthcare institutions in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) was drawn: Large private hospitals groups; Eastern Cape Department of Health; Independent medical practitioners groups; South African Dental Association; Pharmacy Association of South Africa; Optometrist Association of South Africa. A total of 250 questionnaires were distributed among these institutions and approximately 233 usable questionnaires were returned (response rate 93.2 percent). A literature review was conducted to identify the various viewpoints (critical success factors, as well as positive and negative perceptions) on NHIs in other countries, as well as the proposed one in South Africa. About 43 of such viewpoints were identified. The 233 respondents were surveyed on these 43 viewpoints. The empirical results revealed the following three critical success factors for the successful implementation of the South African NHI: The projected benefits for stakeholders, with specific reference to medical aid schemes; the projected benefits to the private healthcare sector in servicing the public sector; and strategic leadership. The empirical results also showed that the healthcare managers, who serve the poor versus the affluent geographical areas of the NMBM, differ with regard to their projected success of the NHI. Finally, the study highlighted these health managers’ general perceptions about the envisaged benefits and shortcomings of the NHI.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Cortje, Gareth Frederick
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: National health insurance -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , National health services -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8783 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013090
- Description: South Africa has a complex healthcare system. The provision and financing of health care in South Africa occur within two fundamentally different systems: the public healthcare sector and non-governmental not-for-profit organisations, on the one hand, and the private healthcare system, on the other hand. The socioeconomic status of an individual in South Africa is the primary determinant of the system through which he or she will receive access to healthcare. The healthcare services provided by the public and private sectors are perceived to be unequal. The introduction of healthcare reforms by the South African government through the National Health Insurance (NHI) aims to address these disparities. The primary objective of this study was to contribute to the successful implementation of the proposed South African NHI by identifying critical success factors that would impact such implementation. A sample of managerial representatives of the following healthcare institutions in the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (NMBM) was drawn: Large private hospitals groups; Eastern Cape Department of Health; Independent medical practitioners groups; South African Dental Association; Pharmacy Association of South Africa; Optometrist Association of South Africa. A total of 250 questionnaires were distributed among these institutions and approximately 233 usable questionnaires were returned (response rate 93.2 percent). A literature review was conducted to identify the various viewpoints (critical success factors, as well as positive and negative perceptions) on NHIs in other countries, as well as the proposed one in South Africa. About 43 of such viewpoints were identified. The 233 respondents were surveyed on these 43 viewpoints. The empirical results revealed the following three critical success factors for the successful implementation of the South African NHI: The projected benefits for stakeholders, with specific reference to medical aid schemes; the projected benefits to the private healthcare sector in servicing the public sector; and strategic leadership. The empirical results also showed that the healthcare managers, who serve the poor versus the affluent geographical areas of the NMBM, differ with regard to their projected success of the NHI. Finally, the study highlighted these health managers’ general perceptions about the envisaged benefits and shortcomings of the NHI.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Avoiding business failure in south africa
- Authors: Court, Nadine viargaret
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Business failures -- Prevention -- South Africa , Business failures Success in business Business enterprises -- Management -- South Africa Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38024 , vital:34284
- Description: The purpose of this study was to develop a comprehensive framework to forecast that a business is entering a distressed situation and to identify the warning signs to look out for before it is too late to turn the business around in order to maintain a sustainable future. The possible solution lies in what business owners and management can do, and look out for, to avoid business failure. The intended contribution of the study was to design a framework for most businesses, especially SMMEs, to follow to avoid business failure. Therefore, it can be seen from this study that it is critical for business owners and management to be innovative in their business to achieve competitive advantage and, as such, remain sustainable. Stakeholder relationships are critical to achieving a competitive advantage. Financial Analysis, Technology Management, Innovation, Organisational Design and Risk Management are interrelated and are very inter-dependent when seeking to avoid business failure. However, innovation and technology management have a significant influence on business failure and, as such, are critical to the success of the business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Court, Nadine viargaret
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Business failures -- Prevention -- South Africa , Business failures Success in business Business enterprises -- Management -- South Africa Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38024 , vital:34284
- Description: The purpose of this study was to develop a comprehensive framework to forecast that a business is entering a distressed situation and to identify the warning signs to look out for before it is too late to turn the business around in order to maintain a sustainable future. The possible solution lies in what business owners and management can do, and look out for, to avoid business failure. The intended contribution of the study was to design a framework for most businesses, especially SMMEs, to follow to avoid business failure. Therefore, it can be seen from this study that it is critical for business owners and management to be innovative in their business to achieve competitive advantage and, as such, remain sustainable. Stakeholder relationships are critical to achieving a competitive advantage. Financial Analysis, Technology Management, Innovation, Organisational Design and Risk Management are interrelated and are very inter-dependent when seeking to avoid business failure. However, innovation and technology management have a significant influence on business failure and, as such, are critical to the success of the business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Investigating teamwork competencies in the value chain of a selected wool brokerage logistics department
- Authors: Craig, Kenneth Bruce
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Teams in the workplace -- South Africa , Teams in the workplace -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8712 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/936 , Teams in the workplace -- South Africa , Teams in the workplace -- Management
- Description: department of BKB Ltd. The research aimed at addressing the team balance, the environment and culture in which the team operates and teamwork competencies of the value chain. Thus, creating a high performance value chain team will add to the success of the team, and hence the company as a whole. Research to establish the degree of teamwork within the value chain was undertaken. A survey which included a structured self-administered questionnaire was used to elicit information from all eight value chain team members (four section heads and their four supervisors), who represented the entire cross-section of the value chain team. The research revealed the following important points pertaining to the value chain team: • The team’s balance needs to be addressed; and • The culture and environment in which the team operates needs to be reviewed. Points of interest pertaining to teamwork competencies include the following: • The degree of teamwork is average; • The level of individual competencies is high; • The extent that team members are team players is average; • That team communication is below average; • A high perception of hidden agendas exists; • Dysfunctional team conflict exists; • A high level of empowerment and autonomy exists; • Team leadership - team linker is absent; • Co-operation and collaboration is below average; • Team attitude is high; • Team motivation is high; • Team strategies exist, but need more attention; • Team set goals are set; • Free-wheelers exist in the team; • Job satisfaction is above average; • Team recognition is high; and • Team synergy is average. Teamwork needs to be analyzed holistically, to ensure that the complex dynamics of teamwork is acknowledged and understood. A greater knowledge and understanding of the characteristics and measurement criteria of teamwork will equip team enthusiasts in building high performance teams, to the benefit of all role players. High performance team based organisations will add to the current and future success of the business. As the term “synergy” implies, the result is greater than the sum of the individual effects and capabilities. This emphasises why team-based organisations are fast becoming the modern trend of doing business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Craig, Kenneth Bruce
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Teams in the workplace -- South Africa , Teams in the workplace -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8712 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/936 , Teams in the workplace -- South Africa , Teams in the workplace -- Management
- Description: department of BKB Ltd. The research aimed at addressing the team balance, the environment and culture in which the team operates and teamwork competencies of the value chain. Thus, creating a high performance value chain team will add to the success of the team, and hence the company as a whole. Research to establish the degree of teamwork within the value chain was undertaken. A survey which included a structured self-administered questionnaire was used to elicit information from all eight value chain team members (four section heads and their four supervisors), who represented the entire cross-section of the value chain team. The research revealed the following important points pertaining to the value chain team: • The team’s balance needs to be addressed; and • The culture and environment in which the team operates needs to be reviewed. Points of interest pertaining to teamwork competencies include the following: • The degree of teamwork is average; • The level of individual competencies is high; • The extent that team members are team players is average; • That team communication is below average; • A high perception of hidden agendas exists; • Dysfunctional team conflict exists; • A high level of empowerment and autonomy exists; • Team leadership - team linker is absent; • Co-operation and collaboration is below average; • Team attitude is high; • Team motivation is high; • Team strategies exist, but need more attention; • Team set goals are set; • Free-wheelers exist in the team; • Job satisfaction is above average; • Team recognition is high; and • Team synergy is average. Teamwork needs to be analyzed holistically, to ensure that the complex dynamics of teamwork is acknowledged and understood. A greater knowledge and understanding of the characteristics and measurement criteria of teamwork will equip team enthusiasts in building high performance teams, to the benefit of all role players. High performance team based organisations will add to the current and future success of the business. As the term “synergy” implies, the result is greater than the sum of the individual effects and capabilities. This emphasises why team-based organisations are fast becoming the modern trend of doing business.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
A critical analysis of the service quality dimensions of a mobile telecommunication service provider
- Authors: Crous, Pierre
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Customer relations -- Management , Consumer satisfaction Telecommunication -- Customer services Cell phone services industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21571 , vital:29582
- Description: In the current age, companies are redesigning the way they perform daily operations based on the principles of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Industry 4.0 will lead to the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing and mobilisation into the daily operations of companies across various industries which stay connected to guidance software by means of 3G or 4G SIM cards. This increasing demand for mobilisation and communication technologies has encouraged more interest from investors to invest in the Mobile Telecommunication Industry (MTI). The aforementioned leads to heightened competition among Mobile Telecommunication Service Providers (MTSP), already competing in a fiercely contested market. For service providers to guarantee success in such a highly competitive market, companies should endeavour to provide superior quality and customer-centric services to retain and attract customers. Service providers that provide their customers with quality experiences gain a competitive advantage over rival firms and enjoy increased financial returns. Thus, companies measure their service quality (SQ) continuously to understand what consumers need and want as well as to ascertain how customers perceive the quality of service provision of the organisation. Therefore, this research study introduces and discusses various SQ measurement instruments and dimensions that may be relevant for a MTSP to consider when measuring SQ. This study further provides a broad overview of the latest techniques and best practices that popular service providers have applied globally, to enhance their SQ measurement In order to facilitate the SQ measurement process, researchers have designed different instruments, tailored for measuring SQ in various particular industries, by identifying and incorporating relevant industry-specific SQ dimensions. This enables the measurement of the customer perceived performance of each individual dimension for a particular service provided in a specific industry. In order to initiate a SQ measurement project, companies employ a variety of techniques to collect data. In this research study, the SQ data collection technique and resultant data set of a South African Mobile Telecommunication Service Provider (SAMTSP) were analysed to evaluate present service quality processes and provide guidelines to a SAMTSP on improved processes to implement to determine its service quality levels. Eight independent variables were identified from the quantitative data in the service quality data set provided by a SAMTSP for the purposes of this study. The dependent variable was identified as Performance which served as the unit of measurement for the independent variables. The qualitative data analysis applied to the qualitative data in the provided data set, revealed three Attitudes (key patterns) namely Positive, Neutral and Negative. Moreover, 14 themes were extracted from these Attitudes and which provide deeper insight into customer sentiments with regards to the overall performance of a SAMTSP. The results indicated that the SAMTSP may not have targeted the necessary SQ dimensions. It was also found that the data collection technique employed by the SAMTSP to create the SQ data set had certain limitations that might have negatively impacted upon the relevance and quality of the SQ data collected. The findings further suggest that the MTSP could follow a better SQ measurement process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A critical analysis of the service quality dimensions of a mobile telecommunication service provider
- Authors: Crous, Pierre
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Customer relations -- Management , Consumer satisfaction Telecommunication -- Customer services Cell phone services industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/21571 , vital:29582
- Description: In the current age, companies are redesigning the way they perform daily operations based on the principles of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Industry 4.0 will lead to the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing and mobilisation into the daily operations of companies across various industries which stay connected to guidance software by means of 3G or 4G SIM cards. This increasing demand for mobilisation and communication technologies has encouraged more interest from investors to invest in the Mobile Telecommunication Industry (MTI). The aforementioned leads to heightened competition among Mobile Telecommunication Service Providers (MTSP), already competing in a fiercely contested market. For service providers to guarantee success in such a highly competitive market, companies should endeavour to provide superior quality and customer-centric services to retain and attract customers. Service providers that provide their customers with quality experiences gain a competitive advantage over rival firms and enjoy increased financial returns. Thus, companies measure their service quality (SQ) continuously to understand what consumers need and want as well as to ascertain how customers perceive the quality of service provision of the organisation. Therefore, this research study introduces and discusses various SQ measurement instruments and dimensions that may be relevant for a MTSP to consider when measuring SQ. This study further provides a broad overview of the latest techniques and best practices that popular service providers have applied globally, to enhance their SQ measurement In order to facilitate the SQ measurement process, researchers have designed different instruments, tailored for measuring SQ in various particular industries, by identifying and incorporating relevant industry-specific SQ dimensions. This enables the measurement of the customer perceived performance of each individual dimension for a particular service provided in a specific industry. In order to initiate a SQ measurement project, companies employ a variety of techniques to collect data. In this research study, the SQ data collection technique and resultant data set of a South African Mobile Telecommunication Service Provider (SAMTSP) were analysed to evaluate present service quality processes and provide guidelines to a SAMTSP on improved processes to implement to determine its service quality levels. Eight independent variables were identified from the quantitative data in the service quality data set provided by a SAMTSP for the purposes of this study. The dependent variable was identified as Performance which served as the unit of measurement for the independent variables. The qualitative data analysis applied to the qualitative data in the provided data set, revealed three Attitudes (key patterns) namely Positive, Neutral and Negative. Moreover, 14 themes were extracted from these Attitudes and which provide deeper insight into customer sentiments with regards to the overall performance of a SAMTSP. The results indicated that the SAMTSP may not have targeted the necessary SQ dimensions. It was also found that the data collection technique employed by the SAMTSP to create the SQ data set had certain limitations that might have negatively impacted upon the relevance and quality of the SQ data collected. The findings further suggest that the MTSP could follow a better SQ measurement process.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Fintech and the financial services industry in South Africa
- Authors: Crouse, Johann Jacques
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Data processing , Banks and banking -- Technological innovations , Financial services industry -- Information technology , Banks and banking
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38046 , vital:34311
- Description: A preliminary literature review indicated that little to no research exists on the Fintech phenomena in the South African context. The purpose of this study is to gain the perceptions of South African bankers on the Fintech phenomena and to develop a deeper understanding of the Fintech phenomena in the South African context. An empirical exploratory qualitative approach was employed and an interpretivism research paradigm was utilised. A detailed literature review was conducted into the Fintech phenomena as well as the financial services sector in South Africa. The use of purposive sampling was initiated, and the sample of the study consisted of five individuals who work for the largest South African banks. The data was gathered through in-depth structured interviews which consisted of ten predetermined research questions. Rich data was obtained which was then analysed through the use of content analysis and coding. This enabled the transcription of data and the extraction of codes which assisted in obtaining findings that answered the research question. Authenticity, rigor, trustworthiness and credibility criteria was applied from the onset and throughout the research study. The themes that emerged from the data analysis process were navigated so that findings could be reached by comparing the themes to previous literature. In conclusion, six themes emerged from the data analysis, namely; collaboration can create new markets and create market share, investing in Fintech to overcome legacy infrastructure by going digital, Fintech companies are more customer focused, balance regulation between protecting the industry and creating an innovative environment competition in future will be fiercer, competition is good for the performance of the financial services industry and the Fintech phenomena is positive for the banking industry. Certain findings and conclusions were drawn; regulations in South Africa do allow for innovation, regulation is not biased towards banks, banks innovate and collaborate through Fintech, Fintech is positive for the banking industry, South African banks are investing in preparation for Fintech, South African banks have limited budgets, there is no significant loss of market share for banks due to Fintech companies, market share can be gained by banks partnering with Fintech companies and the future of the financial services industry in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Crouse, Johann Jacques
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Banks and banking -- Data processing , Banks and banking -- Technological innovations , Financial services industry -- Information technology , Banks and banking
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38046 , vital:34311
- Description: A preliminary literature review indicated that little to no research exists on the Fintech phenomena in the South African context. The purpose of this study is to gain the perceptions of South African bankers on the Fintech phenomena and to develop a deeper understanding of the Fintech phenomena in the South African context. An empirical exploratory qualitative approach was employed and an interpretivism research paradigm was utilised. A detailed literature review was conducted into the Fintech phenomena as well as the financial services sector in South Africa. The use of purposive sampling was initiated, and the sample of the study consisted of five individuals who work for the largest South African banks. The data was gathered through in-depth structured interviews which consisted of ten predetermined research questions. Rich data was obtained which was then analysed through the use of content analysis and coding. This enabled the transcription of data and the extraction of codes which assisted in obtaining findings that answered the research question. Authenticity, rigor, trustworthiness and credibility criteria was applied from the onset and throughout the research study. The themes that emerged from the data analysis process were navigated so that findings could be reached by comparing the themes to previous literature. In conclusion, six themes emerged from the data analysis, namely; collaboration can create new markets and create market share, investing in Fintech to overcome legacy infrastructure by going digital, Fintech companies are more customer focused, balance regulation between protecting the industry and creating an innovative environment competition in future will be fiercer, competition is good for the performance of the financial services industry and the Fintech phenomena is positive for the banking industry. Certain findings and conclusions were drawn; regulations in South Africa do allow for innovation, regulation is not biased towards banks, banks innovate and collaborate through Fintech, Fintech is positive for the banking industry, South African banks are investing in preparation for Fintech, South African banks have limited budgets, there is no significant loss of market share for banks due to Fintech companies, market share can be gained by banks partnering with Fintech companies and the future of the financial services industry in South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Schooling and institution quality linked to earnings in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Cuthbert, Carol E
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Wages -- Effect of education on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education, Higher -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Equality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62166 , vital:28134
- Description: Return to investment for tertiary education is not equal for all. Human Capital Theory imposes a linear pathway between education and earnings, that fails to recognise other sources of capital, ignores social returns and does not explain why socio-economic variables influence employability and earnings. Those returns, rather than simply incrementally delivering returns for additional years of education, are however heterogeneous across students, with field of study, gender and population group influencing earnings; and schooling type and university attended filtering whether one finds a job. This study utilises data from Rhodes University and the University of Fort Hare, illustrating the extreme positions within the South African education landscape, employing a Heckman selection to predict the returns on education. The regression is found to be partially successful in predicting a graduate’s ability to find a job, in the first instance, and thereafter their returns. It is crucial to analyse the heterogeneity of socio-economic parameters to understand aspects of the economy, and develop education policies to take advantage of this understanding, especially against the backdrop of the student protests being experienced in the country and the funding models proposed. Access to tertiary education, through policy inducement, such as the recent increase of the grant limit from R122 000 to R350 000, requires disaggregated returns to education to be investigated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Cuthbert, Carol E
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Wages -- Effect of education on -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education, Higher -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Equality -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/62166 , vital:28134
- Description: Return to investment for tertiary education is not equal for all. Human Capital Theory imposes a linear pathway between education and earnings, that fails to recognise other sources of capital, ignores social returns and does not explain why socio-economic variables influence employability and earnings. Those returns, rather than simply incrementally delivering returns for additional years of education, are however heterogeneous across students, with field of study, gender and population group influencing earnings; and schooling type and university attended filtering whether one finds a job. This study utilises data from Rhodes University and the University of Fort Hare, illustrating the extreme positions within the South African education landscape, employing a Heckman selection to predict the returns on education. The regression is found to be partially successful in predicting a graduate’s ability to find a job, in the first instance, and thereafter their returns. It is crucial to analyse the heterogeneity of socio-economic parameters to understand aspects of the economy, and develop education policies to take advantage of this understanding, especially against the backdrop of the student protests being experienced in the country and the funding models proposed. Access to tertiary education, through policy inducement, such as the recent increase of the grant limit from R122 000 to R350 000, requires disaggregated returns to education to be investigated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Implementing an environmental management system in an automative component manufacturing firm
- Authors: Da Fonseca, Carlos Manuel
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa , Manufacturing processes -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa , Management -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8687 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1112 , Automobile industry and trade -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa , Manufacturing processes -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa , Management -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa
- Description: Environmental issues seem to be one of the most important topics in the globalised world. Organisations of all sizes are subject to pressure from suppliers, customers and governments to be more environmentally responsible. This research focuses on implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS) in the automotive industry, both internationally and in South Africa, and examines the background and concepts of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), as well as the key implementation phases associated with the implementation of an EMS, in accordance with ISO 14001. The problem statement of this research is to determine if it is possible to transfer, apply and sustain environmental concepts to small, medium or large organisations. The primary objectives of this research, therefore, were to determine: does implementation of an EMS provide economic benefits to organisations; what drives an organisation to first implement an EMS; does implementation of an EMS improve environmental awareness and performance; and what implementation barriers are faced by small, medium and large organisations. To achieve these objectives, a literary review and an empirical survey were conducted. The survey consisted of an electronic, self-administered questionnaire that was circulated to respondents at various automotive organisations. Data collected from completed, returned questionnaires were analysed and graphically presented to complete the research and achieve the primary research objectives toward solving the afore-mentioned problem statement. Based on the findings of this research, it can be concluded that there is much to gain from implementing an EMS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Da Fonseca, Carlos Manuel
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa , Manufacturing processes -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa , Management -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8687 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1112 , Automobile industry and trade -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa , Manufacturing processes -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa , Management -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa
- Description: Environmental issues seem to be one of the most important topics in the globalised world. Organisations of all sizes are subject to pressure from suppliers, customers and governments to be more environmentally responsible. This research focuses on implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS) in the automotive industry, both internationally and in South Africa, and examines the background and concepts of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), as well as the key implementation phases associated with the implementation of an EMS, in accordance with ISO 14001. The problem statement of this research is to determine if it is possible to transfer, apply and sustain environmental concepts to small, medium or large organisations. The primary objectives of this research, therefore, were to determine: does implementation of an EMS provide economic benefits to organisations; what drives an organisation to first implement an EMS; does implementation of an EMS improve environmental awareness and performance; and what implementation barriers are faced by small, medium and large organisations. To achieve these objectives, a literary review and an empirical survey were conducted. The survey consisted of an electronic, self-administered questionnaire that was circulated to respondents at various automotive organisations. Data collected from completed, returned questionnaires were analysed and graphically presented to complete the research and achieve the primary research objectives toward solving the afore-mentioned problem statement. Based on the findings of this research, it can be concluded that there is much to gain from implementing an EMS.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
Happiness in the South African construction industry
- Authors: Damba, Wayne
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Happiness , Work -- Psychological aspects Psychology, Industrial Construction industry -- Psychological aspects Construction workers -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38068 , vital:34313
- Description: Studies on Happiness, commonly referred to as Subjective Wellbeing studies, have gained much attention in the past few years. Happiness has been measured from a national level to specific areas or industry. Happiness generally refers to the positive state of wellbeing. Happiness has a positive effect on individuals and society at large. Research has shown that happy employees are purpose driven and productive. They are self-motivated and influence other employees positively. Happiness contributes significantly to economic growth and development. This has resulted in countries and many large institutions being interested in the happiness levels of the citizens and employees. This study focuses on Happiness in the South African Construction industry. South Africa is a developing country; thus, there are many infrastructure development projects. The construction industry is an important industry in the South African economy because of its contribution to employment and infrastructure development. Improving the happiness levels of the construction workers will improve the quality of work produced in the industry as well as reduce the costs that are associated with unproductive employees. Happy employees are innovative and engaged in work. The primary data were collected from a Construction Company in Cape Town. The Questionnaire was developed from the literature on happiness studies. Questionnaires were printed from Question Pro and circulated to the employees. 165 employees successfully completed the survey. A conceptual model was developed and exploratory factor analysis was used to test the model. The results indicate that influence in the workplace, workplace relationships, satisfaction with work-life balance, purpose, optimism, work satisfaction, leisure, SA Pride and trust were some of the variables which positively influences Happiness in the construction industry. The results of this study further indicate that South African construction workers are generally happy. Construction workers generally do not trust the government and management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Damba, Wayne
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Happiness , Work -- Psychological aspects Psychology, Industrial Construction industry -- Psychological aspects Construction workers -- Psychological aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/38068 , vital:34313
- Description: Studies on Happiness, commonly referred to as Subjective Wellbeing studies, have gained much attention in the past few years. Happiness has been measured from a national level to specific areas or industry. Happiness generally refers to the positive state of wellbeing. Happiness has a positive effect on individuals and society at large. Research has shown that happy employees are purpose driven and productive. They are self-motivated and influence other employees positively. Happiness contributes significantly to economic growth and development. This has resulted in countries and many large institutions being interested in the happiness levels of the citizens and employees. This study focuses on Happiness in the South African Construction industry. South Africa is a developing country; thus, there are many infrastructure development projects. The construction industry is an important industry in the South African economy because of its contribution to employment and infrastructure development. Improving the happiness levels of the construction workers will improve the quality of work produced in the industry as well as reduce the costs that are associated with unproductive employees. Happy employees are innovative and engaged in work. The primary data were collected from a Construction Company in Cape Town. The Questionnaire was developed from the literature on happiness studies. Questionnaires were printed from Question Pro and circulated to the employees. 165 employees successfully completed the survey. A conceptual model was developed and exploratory factor analysis was used to test the model. The results indicate that influence in the workplace, workplace relationships, satisfaction with work-life balance, purpose, optimism, work satisfaction, leisure, SA Pride and trust were some of the variables which positively influences Happiness in the construction industry. The results of this study further indicate that South African construction workers are generally happy. Construction workers generally do not trust the government and management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Exploring the role of supervisors in developing employee commitment in a Namibian Public Institution from the subordinates’ perspective
- Authors: Daniel, Anna
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Supervisors -- Namibia -- Case studies , Leadership -- Namibia -- Case studies , Employee motivation -- Namibia -- Case studies , Employee loyalty -- Namibia -- Case studies , Supervision -- Namibia -- Case studies , Management -- Employee participation -- Namibia -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170770 , vital:41958
- Description: Over the years, scholars have noted the importance of organisations managing the performance of their employees by effectively maintaining their commitment. Hence, l ite rature highlighted that employee s have the potential to be recognised as a source of competitive advantage for an organisation and not a resource of an organisation. The main aim of the study was to explore the role of supervisors in developing employee commitment in a Namibian Public Ins titution from the subordinates’ perspective. The focus of this research was to understand how subordinates were included in decision making and were supported by their supervisors , and on how subordinates received feed b ack on role fulfilment and performance from their supervisors. Furthermore, the study described how subordinates viewed the leadership behaviour of their supervisors and how this i nfluenced employee commitment. The data was collected using qualitative me t hods through semi - structured face - to - face interview s with the subordinates of the selected institution. During this study, a sample of 15 subordinates taken from a population of 266 within the institution’s structure was inte rviewed . The interview quest ion s were based on how supervisors included subordinates in decision making, developed subordinates ’ support and delivered feedback on role and performance. The study used secondary data to determine the level of performance against set targets of the inst itu tion, using the annual performance report of the institution. In addition , the study used the staff access control syste m to determine the work time s of employees Lastly, the study analysed the data regarding staff resignation for the last five years to a ssess the level of staff turnover rate of the institution. The study f ound that the subordinates felt the re should be greater subordinate inclusion in decision making, increased levels of re gular feedback and higher levels of support shown by supervis ors t o subordinates when e xecuting their jobs. The study further highlighted the importance of supervisors to develop the ability of shifting from one leadership style to another depending on the situation at hand. The study reviewed six leadership style s that could influence commitment . Therefore, the study recommend s th at the institution direct its attention towards developing the situational leadership skills of their supervisors and developing their skills to enable them to better harmonise teamwork, increas e regular communication and give regular feedback to their subordinates . The results from this research will be beneficial to public institutions within the region and will, in add ition, enhance the academic body of literature in this field . The s tudy will draw the attention of supervisors to the importance of their behaviour, conduct, and their subsequent impact on employee commitment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
- Authors: Daniel, Anna
- Date: 2021
- Subjects: Supervisors -- Namibia -- Case studies , Leadership -- Namibia -- Case studies , Employee motivation -- Namibia -- Case studies , Employee loyalty -- Namibia -- Case studies , Supervision -- Namibia -- Case studies , Management -- Employee participation -- Namibia -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/170770 , vital:41958
- Description: Over the years, scholars have noted the importance of organisations managing the performance of their employees by effectively maintaining their commitment. Hence, l ite rature highlighted that employee s have the potential to be recognised as a source of competitive advantage for an organisation and not a resource of an organisation. The main aim of the study was to explore the role of supervisors in developing employee commitment in a Namibian Public Ins titution from the subordinates’ perspective. The focus of this research was to understand how subordinates were included in decision making and were supported by their supervisors , and on how subordinates received feed b ack on role fulfilment and performance from their supervisors. Furthermore, the study described how subordinates viewed the leadership behaviour of their supervisors and how this i nfluenced employee commitment. The data was collected using qualitative me t hods through semi - structured face - to - face interview s with the subordinates of the selected institution. During this study, a sample of 15 subordinates taken from a population of 266 within the institution’s structure was inte rviewed . The interview quest ion s were based on how supervisors included subordinates in decision making, developed subordinates ’ support and delivered feedback on role and performance. The study used secondary data to determine the level of performance against set targets of the inst itu tion, using the annual performance report of the institution. In addition , the study used the staff access control syste m to determine the work time s of employees Lastly, the study analysed the data regarding staff resignation for the last five years to a ssess the level of staff turnover rate of the institution. The study f ound that the subordinates felt the re should be greater subordinate inclusion in decision making, increased levels of re gular feedback and higher levels of support shown by supervis ors t o subordinates when e xecuting their jobs. The study further highlighted the importance of supervisors to develop the ability of shifting from one leadership style to another depending on the situation at hand. The study reviewed six leadership style s that could influence commitment . Therefore, the study recommend s th at the institution direct its attention towards developing the situational leadership skills of their supervisors and developing their skills to enable them to better harmonise teamwork, increas e regular communication and give regular feedback to their subordinates . The results from this research will be beneficial to public institutions within the region and will, in add ition, enhance the academic body of literature in this field . The s tudy will draw the attention of supervisors to the importance of their behaviour, conduct, and their subsequent impact on employee commitment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021
The impact of economic downturn on black economic empowerment and banks
- Authors: Daniels, Sinclair Lonwabo
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 21st century , South Africa -- Economic conditions , Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa , Blacks -- Employment -- South Africa , Employee empowerment -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8620 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1505 , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 21st century , South Africa -- Economic conditions , Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa , Blacks -- Employment -- South Africa , Employee empowerment -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa
- Description: The purpose of this treatise is to ascertain the impact of economic downturn on Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and Banks. This has been sparked by the huge speculations in the market as to what will happen to BEE and how will the banks cope in general with the impact of this scourge. It is imperative to understand the influence of the 2008+ economic downturn on socio-economic reconstruction and development in South Africa and the black economic empowerment and its funding mechanisms. The treatise has two phases the, namely the theoretical phase and a bit of narrative phase. In the theoretical phase the research study interrogates what the literature review reveals about the economic downturn, BEE as well as performances of different banks across the world. This shows the economic impact that the banks have had to endure during the economic downturn. This resulted in stock markets losing their value. The dividend earners were significantly affected including a sizeable number of BEE companies. The BEE companies are perceived to be too reliant on debt on to finance their deals and this treatise will look at various options of financing a BEE deal and what is deem to the most suited financing structure. The narrative phase involves semi-structured interviews that were conducted in order to ascertain the real impact that South African were faced with and how they have managed to steer clear of the turbulent waters. This also looked at how the BEE consultant views the current occurrences in the market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Daniels, Sinclair Lonwabo
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 21st century , South Africa -- Economic conditions , Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa , Blacks -- Employment -- South Africa , Employee empowerment -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8620 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1505 , South Africa -- Economic conditions -- 21st century , South Africa -- Economic conditions , Business enterprises, Black -- South Africa , Blacks -- Employment -- South Africa , Employee empowerment -- South Africa , Banks and banking -- South Africa
- Description: The purpose of this treatise is to ascertain the impact of economic downturn on Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and Banks. This has been sparked by the huge speculations in the market as to what will happen to BEE and how will the banks cope in general with the impact of this scourge. It is imperative to understand the influence of the 2008+ economic downturn on socio-economic reconstruction and development in South Africa and the black economic empowerment and its funding mechanisms. The treatise has two phases the, namely the theoretical phase and a bit of narrative phase. In the theoretical phase the research study interrogates what the literature review reveals about the economic downturn, BEE as well as performances of different banks across the world. This shows the economic impact that the banks have had to endure during the economic downturn. This resulted in stock markets losing their value. The dividend earners were significantly affected including a sizeable number of BEE companies. The BEE companies are perceived to be too reliant on debt on to finance their deals and this treatise will look at various options of financing a BEE deal and what is deem to the most suited financing structure. The narrative phase involves semi-structured interviews that were conducted in order to ascertain the real impact that South African were faced with and how they have managed to steer clear of the turbulent waters. This also looked at how the BEE consultant views the current occurrences in the market.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The futures of orthopedic implants through 3D printing technology for South Africa
- Authors: Davids, Craig Nolan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medical innovations -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Three-dimensional printing Three-dimensional imaging Orthopedics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39381 , vital:35238
- Description: 3D printing is one of the most disruptive technologies that truly has the potential to change medicine and healthcare by making care affordable, accessible and personalized. It can bring a new era if printers become more sophisticated, printing biomaterials gets safely regulated and the public acquires a common sense about how 3D printing works. An understanding and appreciation of the possible futures of 3D printing technology will be of great value to various stakeholders within the country. This research will identify and describe current drivers that should be appreciated for the government, business communities, academic institutions, healthcare provider’s policy makers and the society at large to make intelligent decisions about the future of 3D printing in medical devices. This study is aimed at identifying the possible futures of 3D printing in orthopaedic devices in South Africa. Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) and the Six Pillars of Futures were identified as the preferred methodologies to be utilised to respond to the research objectives of this study. A detailed literature study was undertaken to evaluate the existing body of knowledge on the research topic. The literature study revealed that several factors needs to be addressed before 3D printing is completely integrated into everyday joint reconstruction surgery. Having already made a big impact in the medical sector, three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology continues to push the boundaries of cost efficiency, convenience, and customization. It has transformed some aspects of medical device production. To date, 3D printing has been employed predominantly by hobbyists, product designers and a few select industrial applications, but the performance of additive manufacturing equipment is quickly evolving, the choice of materials is increasing, and prices of both materials and printers are falling rapidly, all factors through which 3D printing is swiftly progressing to attain wider consumer acceptance and a greater number of manufacturing uses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Davids, Craig Nolan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medical innovations -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Three-dimensional printing Three-dimensional imaging Orthopedics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39381 , vital:35238
- Description: 3D printing is one of the most disruptive technologies that truly has the potential to change medicine and healthcare by making care affordable, accessible and personalized. It can bring a new era if printers become more sophisticated, printing biomaterials gets safely regulated and the public acquires a common sense about how 3D printing works. An understanding and appreciation of the possible futures of 3D printing technology will be of great value to various stakeholders within the country. This research will identify and describe current drivers that should be appreciated for the government, business communities, academic institutions, healthcare provider’s policy makers and the society at large to make intelligent decisions about the future of 3D printing in medical devices. This study is aimed at identifying the possible futures of 3D printing in orthopaedic devices in South Africa. Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) and the Six Pillars of Futures were identified as the preferred methodologies to be utilised to respond to the research objectives of this study. A detailed literature study was undertaken to evaluate the existing body of knowledge on the research topic. The literature study revealed that several factors needs to be addressed before 3D printing is completely integrated into everyday joint reconstruction surgery. Having already made a big impact in the medical sector, three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology continues to push the boundaries of cost efficiency, convenience, and customization. It has transformed some aspects of medical device production. To date, 3D printing has been employed predominantly by hobbyists, product designers and a few select industrial applications, but the performance of additive manufacturing equipment is quickly evolving, the choice of materials is increasing, and prices of both materials and printers are falling rapidly, all factors through which 3D printing is swiftly progressing to attain wider consumer acceptance and a greater number of manufacturing uses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The role of strategic leadership in Coega Development Corporation: a case study
- Authors: Davids, Mogamad Sadiek
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Coega Development Corporation Industrial development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies Leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:763 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003884
- Description: South Africa became a democracy after its election in April 1994. Thereafter, the country faced the daunting task of trying to fast-track economic growth and addressing social challenges. The Department of Trade and Industry was mandated by the newly elected government to spearhead economic development in order to address these challenges. Trade policy instruments such as industrial development zones formed part of government’s strategic economic instruments to achieve economic reform. The Coega Industrial Development Zone (CIDZ) near Port Elizabeth was one of many economic development zones created principally to promote export orientated manufacturing. The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) was registered as a company to develop, operate and manage the CIDZ. The literature suggests that strategic leadership is important for organizational success. Strategic leadership is described as the ability to influence others to make day-to-day voluntary decisions that enhance long-term viability while maintaining short term financial stability. Literature further suggests that strategic leaders deal with the evolution of organizations and their changing aims and transform them through their capabilities and strategic leadership roles such as being a figurehead, spokesperson, team builder, design school planner and so on. The aim of this research is to analyse the role of strategic leadership with the objectives to ascertain whether strategic leadership contributed to the success of the development of CDC, and identify possible challenges they are confronted with in the execution of their leadership duties. This research was conducted from an interpretivist perspective as the researcher attempted to develop insight into how the strategic leadership of CDC viewed and understood their role. The strategic leadership of CDC, who were the focus of this study, consisted of the executive management team of the organization, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The research design was in the form of a case study of the CDC leadership, with data collected through semi-structured interviews and documents. The most prominent roles exercised by the leadership of CDC included creating a vision and strategy development and inculcating a teamwork corporate culture. Other roles identified include that of team builder, fostering innovation and developing human capital etc. A lack of stakeholder management as well as managing the culture of the organization as it expands and grows, remain critical challenges. Finally recommendations are made together with suggestions for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Davids, Mogamad Sadiek
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Coega Development Corporation Industrial development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies Leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:763 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003884
- Description: South Africa became a democracy after its election in April 1994. Thereafter, the country faced the daunting task of trying to fast-track economic growth and addressing social challenges. The Department of Trade and Industry was mandated by the newly elected government to spearhead economic development in order to address these challenges. Trade policy instruments such as industrial development zones formed part of government’s strategic economic instruments to achieve economic reform. The Coega Industrial Development Zone (CIDZ) near Port Elizabeth was one of many economic development zones created principally to promote export orientated manufacturing. The Coega Development Corporation (CDC) was registered as a company to develop, operate and manage the CIDZ. The literature suggests that strategic leadership is important for organizational success. Strategic leadership is described as the ability to influence others to make day-to-day voluntary decisions that enhance long-term viability while maintaining short term financial stability. Literature further suggests that strategic leaders deal with the evolution of organizations and their changing aims and transform them through their capabilities and strategic leadership roles such as being a figurehead, spokesperson, team builder, design school planner and so on. The aim of this research is to analyse the role of strategic leadership with the objectives to ascertain whether strategic leadership contributed to the success of the development of CDC, and identify possible challenges they are confronted with in the execution of their leadership duties. This research was conducted from an interpretivist perspective as the researcher attempted to develop insight into how the strategic leadership of CDC viewed and understood their role. The strategic leadership of CDC, who were the focus of this study, consisted of the executive management team of the organization, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The research design was in the form of a case study of the CDC leadership, with data collected through semi-structured interviews and documents. The most prominent roles exercised by the leadership of CDC included creating a vision and strategy development and inculcating a teamwork corporate culture. Other roles identified include that of team builder, fostering innovation and developing human capital etc. A lack of stakeholder management as well as managing the culture of the organization as it expands and grows, remain critical challenges. Finally recommendations are made together with suggestions for future research.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010