The identification of factors that contribute to the competitive advantage of the intermodal industry in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan municipality
- Authors: De Koker, Jacques Michael
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Freight and freightage -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Containerization -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Competition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10861 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/239 , Freight and freightage -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Containerization -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Competition
- Description: The research problem addressed in the study was to identify the factors contributing to a competitive advantage in the intermodal industry in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (NMMM). To achieve this objective, a literature study on competitive advantage and the intermodal industry was undertaken. Porter’s diamond of competitive advantage was used as basis for the study. A structured questionnaire was developed from the literature study on competitive advantage, and interviews were with clients of the intermodal industry in the NMMM. The empirical study showed a strong concurrence with the literature on competitive advantage. This study identified the following factors promoting a competitive advantage: performance factors, demand conditions, related and supporting industries, and the organisation’s strategy, structure and rivalry. In conclusion, recommendations on how the intermodal industry can achieve a competitive advantage included the choice between a focused strategy and a combination of price and differentiation strategy. Further recommendations included the development of a comprehensive land freight information system, promotion of environmental protection, human resource development, and the promotion of an efficient and competitive intermodal industry within the limits of the road transport infrastructure.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: De Koker, Jacques Michael
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Freight and freightage -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Containerization -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Competition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10861 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/239 , Freight and freightage -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Containerization -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Competition
- Description: The research problem addressed in the study was to identify the factors contributing to a competitive advantage in the intermodal industry in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (NMMM). To achieve this objective, a literature study on competitive advantage and the intermodal industry was undertaken. Porter’s diamond of competitive advantage was used as basis for the study. A structured questionnaire was developed from the literature study on competitive advantage, and interviews were with clients of the intermodal industry in the NMMM. The empirical study showed a strong concurrence with the literature on competitive advantage. This study identified the following factors promoting a competitive advantage: performance factors, demand conditions, related and supporting industries, and the organisation’s strategy, structure and rivalry. In conclusion, recommendations on how the intermodal industry can achieve a competitive advantage included the choice between a focused strategy and a combination of price and differentiation strategy. Further recommendations included the development of a comprehensive land freight information system, promotion of environmental protection, human resource development, and the promotion of an efficient and competitive intermodal industry within the limits of the road transport infrastructure.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
The impact of multi-skilling training on the paintshop production environment and its employees at Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA)
- Authors: Bhika, Chandrika
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Employees -- Training of , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10852 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/130 , Employees -- Training of , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Global competition and rapid technological change have been the driving forces for a more flexible and competent workforce. Continuous employee training assists organisations to achieve their goals by adding value to their key resources, the human factor. The demand for a more qualified workforce becomes a strategic force in the effort to raise competitiveness. Providing, obtaining and improving the necessary skills are important in responding to a rapidly changing international economy. Life-long learning and continuous skills development are the new requirements imposed by our knowledgeintensive society. The overall purpose of the research was to determine the impact of multi-skilling training (MST) on the paintshop production environment and its employees at Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA). The objectives of this research were to: Identify the elements of multi-skilling training and guidelines for its development and implementation; Critically evaluate the current system; Determine the impact of multi-skilling training on the production environment in the paint shop at VWSA The research methodology for this study comprised the following steps: Firstly, the development and implementation of MST at Volkswagen South Africa was assessed. The elements of MST and its impact on production and the employee worldwide were determined through the literature study. Secondly, the limitations of the current MST system used in the paintshop at Volkswagen South Africa were assessed in an empirical study, which involved completing of questionnaires. The empirical study proved that the current MST system employed in the paintshop at Volkswagen South Africa had assisted in improving production, and increasing the employees’ morale. The final step of this study entailed the formulation of recommendations, which are as follows: · Sufficient time should be allocated for practical training. · Frequent job rotation must be implement ed. · Advanced MST must be implemented after completion of Level Four. · MST should be presented in English, Afrikaans and Xhosa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
- Authors: Bhika, Chandrika
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Employees -- Training of , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10852 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/130 , Employees -- Training of , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: Global competition and rapid technological change have been the driving forces for a more flexible and competent workforce. Continuous employee training assists organisations to achieve their goals by adding value to their key resources, the human factor. The demand for a more qualified workforce becomes a strategic force in the effort to raise competitiveness. Providing, obtaining and improving the necessary skills are important in responding to a rapidly changing international economy. Life-long learning and continuous skills development are the new requirements imposed by our knowledgeintensive society. The overall purpose of the research was to determine the impact of multi-skilling training (MST) on the paintshop production environment and its employees at Volkswagen South Africa (VWSA). The objectives of this research were to: Identify the elements of multi-skilling training and guidelines for its development and implementation; Critically evaluate the current system; Determine the impact of multi-skilling training on the production environment in the paint shop at VWSA The research methodology for this study comprised the following steps: Firstly, the development and implementation of MST at Volkswagen South Africa was assessed. The elements of MST and its impact on production and the employee worldwide were determined through the literature study. Secondly, the limitations of the current MST system used in the paintshop at Volkswagen South Africa were assessed in an empirical study, which involved completing of questionnaires. The empirical study proved that the current MST system employed in the paintshop at Volkswagen South Africa had assisted in improving production, and increasing the employees’ morale. The final step of this study entailed the formulation of recommendations, which are as follows: · Sufficient time should be allocated for practical training. · Frequent job rotation must be implement ed. · Advanced MST must be implemented after completion of Level Four. · MST should be presented in English, Afrikaans and Xhosa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
The location decision of PE College after a merger
- Authors: Ferreira, Renee
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Industrial location -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , School sites -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Universities and colleges -- Mergers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10863 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/256 , Industrial location -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , School sites -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Universities and colleges -- Mergers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The Port Elizabeth College (PE College) was founded in January 2002 as a result of the merger between the three technical colleges in Port Elizabeth, namely, Russell Road, Bethelsdorp and Iqhayiya. Similar courses are offered in duplicated facilities, contrary to the sentiment of the legislation requiring the reduction of the number of technical colleges from 152 to 50. A further problem experienced by the management of PE College is that the Russell Road campus is so full that it is necessary to turn prospective students away, while the other campuses are under-utilised. The focus of this study is the evaluation of the location and coverage offered by the six PE College sites of delivery. The study examined the physical facilities of the PE College and investigated the requirements of staff and students, regarding their campuses of choice. The objectives were achieved through site visits to the six campuses, as well as a quantitative, structured, self-administered survey of all staff and students of the PE College in October 2003. The questions used in the survey were selected only after a literature review of location theory, which highlighted the factors to be considered in location decisions. Completed questionnaires were received from 1 256 student and 120 staff respondents. The empirical study showed that 13,2% of students and 9,2% of staff wished to study or work at a different campus. Sixty-eight percent of students who wanted to change campuses preferred to be based at the Russell Road campus, which is already full. As a result, this study has led to the recommendation that the PE College should use a product-based location strategy, where each campus specialises in a different field of study. Although this location strategy will not necessarily offer the greatest accessibility to students and staff, it will result in the least amount of duplication, and, therefore, reduced costs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Ferreira, Renee
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Industrial location -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , School sites -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Universities and colleges -- Mergers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10863 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/256 , Industrial location -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , School sites -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Universities and colleges -- Mergers -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: The Port Elizabeth College (PE College) was founded in January 2002 as a result of the merger between the three technical colleges in Port Elizabeth, namely, Russell Road, Bethelsdorp and Iqhayiya. Similar courses are offered in duplicated facilities, contrary to the sentiment of the legislation requiring the reduction of the number of technical colleges from 152 to 50. A further problem experienced by the management of PE College is that the Russell Road campus is so full that it is necessary to turn prospective students away, while the other campuses are under-utilised. The focus of this study is the evaluation of the location and coverage offered by the six PE College sites of delivery. The study examined the physical facilities of the PE College and investigated the requirements of staff and students, regarding their campuses of choice. The objectives were achieved through site visits to the six campuses, as well as a quantitative, structured, self-administered survey of all staff and students of the PE College in October 2003. The questions used in the survey were selected only after a literature review of location theory, which highlighted the factors to be considered in location decisions. Completed questionnaires were received from 1 256 student and 120 staff respondents. The empirical study showed that 13,2% of students and 9,2% of staff wished to study or work at a different campus. Sixty-eight percent of students who wanted to change campuses preferred to be based at the Russell Road campus, which is already full. As a result, this study has led to the recommendation that the PE College should use a product-based location strategy, where each campus specialises in a different field of study. Although this location strategy will not necessarily offer the greatest accessibility to students and staff, it will result in the least amount of duplication, and, therefore, reduced costs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
The role of strategic control in implementing an empowerment strategy in a selected higher education institution
- Kolver, Willem Andreas Pieter
- Authors: Kolver, Willem Andreas Pieter
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Management , Employee empowerment , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10890 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71 , Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Management , Employee empowerment , Strategic planning
- Description: Higher education institutions in South Africa are under pressure on account of changes in their environment so those institutions which can adapt to the changes and continue to carry out their purposes will be the most successful. According to Wellins, Byham and Wilson (1991:21) the employee empowerment and energy that comes with a feeling of ownership, are necessary prerequisites for continuous improvement. When organisational values, leadership actions and human resources systems, for example, rewards, training, and organisational structures are focused on empowerment, continuous improvement actions result. These, in turn, could lead to competitive quality, increased productivity and improved customer service. This dissertation aims to assess what would be an appropriate strategic control model when implementing an empowerment strategy. To this end an empowerment process management model is presented, as well as an investigation into the most effective environment where empowerment can be implemented and the management style needed. Secondly, the characteristics of strategic control are considered and lastly, the particular circumstances of a tertiary education institution are discussed. The findings of this study are that the concept of strategic control and empowerment and the reality which exists at the selected higher education institution concur in certain instances, from the managers’ perspective. Further research to investigate the role of strategic control in implementing an empowerment strategy at the selected higher education institution when all role players are included, is recommended.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
- Authors: Kolver, Willem Andreas Pieter
- Date: 2001
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Management , Employee empowerment , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10890 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/71 , Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Management , Employee empowerment , Strategic planning
- Description: Higher education institutions in South Africa are under pressure on account of changes in their environment so those institutions which can adapt to the changes and continue to carry out their purposes will be the most successful. According to Wellins, Byham and Wilson (1991:21) the employee empowerment and energy that comes with a feeling of ownership, are necessary prerequisites for continuous improvement. When organisational values, leadership actions and human resources systems, for example, rewards, training, and organisational structures are focused on empowerment, continuous improvement actions result. These, in turn, could lead to competitive quality, increased productivity and improved customer service. This dissertation aims to assess what would be an appropriate strategic control model when implementing an empowerment strategy. To this end an empowerment process management model is presented, as well as an investigation into the most effective environment where empowerment can be implemented and the management style needed. Secondly, the characteristics of strategic control are considered and lastly, the particular circumstances of a tertiary education institution are discussed. The findings of this study are that the concept of strategic control and empowerment and the reality which exists at the selected higher education institution concur in certain instances, from the managers’ perspective. Further research to investigate the role of strategic control in implementing an empowerment strategy at the selected higher education institution when all role players are included, is recommended.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2001
The use of strategies to promote and market products and services online as well the use of customer relationship management to attract and retain customers
- Authors: Cohen, Howard
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Internet marketing , Customer relations -- Management , Consumer satisfaction , Customer loyalty
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10862 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/270 , Internet marketing , Customer relations -- Management , Consumer satisfaction , Customer loyalty
- Description: The Internet has provided marketing with many new tools and given old tools new or improved meanings. The Net poses tremendous challenges for scholars in many lines of research, from usability studies and consumer behaviour research to marketing and advertising research. Because the World Wide Web (the Web) presents a fundamentally different environment for marketing activities than traditional media, conventional marketing activities are being transformed, as they are often difficult to implement in their present form. This means that in many cases these marketing activities have to be reconstructed in forms more appropriate for the new medium. A lot of technological changes have affected the marketing environment of today. Companies must adapt to these changes in order to improve their marketing strategies. This has, among other things, resulted in an emphasis on relationship marketing. The purpose of this thesis is to explore what strategies are used in practice by companies in order to market and promote their products and services by using their Web sites as well as to build effective Customer Relationship Management (CRM). In order to fulfil the research purpose, interviews were conducted at a number of companies (medium and large), and questionnaires were mailed to various companies in the motor retail industry. The result shows that a company can use traditional as well as online marketing and promotion strategies when conducting business. This can also help companies to gain better relations with their customers. The different marketing and promotion strategies are useful for attracting new business as well as maintaining and stimulating existing relations. The research problem addressed in this study was to determine the factors that are effective in marketing and promoting of Web sites as well as the methods used in building CRM.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Cohen, Howard
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Internet marketing , Customer relations -- Management , Consumer satisfaction , Customer loyalty
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10862 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/270 , Internet marketing , Customer relations -- Management , Consumer satisfaction , Customer loyalty
- Description: The Internet has provided marketing with many new tools and given old tools new or improved meanings. The Net poses tremendous challenges for scholars in many lines of research, from usability studies and consumer behaviour research to marketing and advertising research. Because the World Wide Web (the Web) presents a fundamentally different environment for marketing activities than traditional media, conventional marketing activities are being transformed, as they are often difficult to implement in their present form. This means that in many cases these marketing activities have to be reconstructed in forms more appropriate for the new medium. A lot of technological changes have affected the marketing environment of today. Companies must adapt to these changes in order to improve their marketing strategies. This has, among other things, resulted in an emphasis on relationship marketing. The purpose of this thesis is to explore what strategies are used in practice by companies in order to market and promote their products and services by using their Web sites as well as to build effective Customer Relationship Management (CRM). In order to fulfil the research purpose, interviews were conducted at a number of companies (medium and large), and questionnaires were mailed to various companies in the motor retail industry. The result shows that a company can use traditional as well as online marketing and promotion strategies when conducting business. This can also help companies to gain better relations with their customers. The different marketing and promotion strategies are useful for attracting new business as well as maintaining and stimulating existing relations. The research problem addressed in this study was to determine the factors that are effective in marketing and promoting of Web sites as well as the methods used in building CRM.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
Towards a better understanding of information systems strategy options and its link with business strategy
- Authors: Buchanan, Darryl Vaughn
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Management information systems , Strategic planning -- Data processing , Information technology -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10864 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/267 , Management information systems , Strategic planning -- Data processing , Information technology -- Management
- Description: There is considerable evidence that the strategic use of Information Systems can lead to a competitive advantage. There is however, a marked lack of understanding of the options available, as well as the smooth coordination of Information Systems strategy with Business strategy. This paper provides insight into the role of Information Systems and its link with business strategy. It focuses on Information Systems strategy options, and explores the criteria needed for successful Information Systems strategy and Business strategy alignment. The paper presents and examines the results of a study of strategic alignment at Volkswagen of South Africa. Data was obtained from business and Information Technology executives. The result of the study enables Volkswagen not only to benchmark themselves, but also provides direction to enable successful business/IT alignment. It identifies specific actions necessary to ensure that IT is being used to appropriately enable or drive the business strategy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Buchanan, Darryl Vaughn
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Management information systems , Strategic planning -- Data processing , Information technology -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10864 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/267 , Management information systems , Strategic planning -- Data processing , Information technology -- Management
- Description: There is considerable evidence that the strategic use of Information Systems can lead to a competitive advantage. There is however, a marked lack of understanding of the options available, as well as the smooth coordination of Information Systems strategy with Business strategy. This paper provides insight into the role of Information Systems and its link with business strategy. It focuses on Information Systems strategy options, and explores the criteria needed for successful Information Systems strategy and Business strategy alignment. The paper presents and examines the results of a study of strategic alignment at Volkswagen of South Africa. Data was obtained from business and Information Technology executives. The result of the study enables Volkswagen not only to benchmark themselves, but also provides direction to enable successful business/IT alignment. It identifies specific actions necessary to ensure that IT is being used to appropriately enable or drive the business strategy.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
Using value stream mapping to identify waste in the manufacturing of automotive components at Federal Mogul
- Authors: Fry, Peter-John
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Industrial efficiency , Production planning , Value added , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10865 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/271 , Industrial efficiency , Production planning , Value added , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This research addresses the application of Value Stream Mapping in the automotive component industry. The goal of this research is to investigate how Value Stream Mapping can identify waste, and to evaluate its benefits on a specific application instance. Value Stream Mapping is used to first map the current state and then used to identify sources of waste and to identify lean tools to try eliminate this waste. The future state map is then developed with lean tools applied to it. A South African company, Federal Mogul South Africa (FMSA), has experienced the impact of globalisation and the need to become globally competitive first hand. FMSA will be used as a case study to illustrate the impact of using Value Stream Mapping as a tool for identify waste and the need for improving the performance of a company’s value stream in achieving the international goals set for the company and its supply chain.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Fry, Peter-John
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Industrial efficiency , Production planning , Value added , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10865 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/271 , Industrial efficiency , Production planning , Value added , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This research addresses the application of Value Stream Mapping in the automotive component industry. The goal of this research is to investigate how Value Stream Mapping can identify waste, and to evaluate its benefits on a specific application instance. Value Stream Mapping is used to first map the current state and then used to identify sources of waste and to identify lean tools to try eliminate this waste. The future state map is then developed with lean tools applied to it. A South African company, Federal Mogul South Africa (FMSA), has experienced the impact of globalisation and the need to become globally competitive first hand. FMSA will be used as a case study to illustrate the impact of using Value Stream Mapping as a tool for identify waste and the need for improving the performance of a company’s value stream in achieving the international goals set for the company and its supply chain.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003