A critical analysis of the impact of changing trends in legislation on the management of family businesses
- Authors: Tuck, Gaynaé
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10927 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/211 , Family-owned business enterprises -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Management
- Description: A business needs to be dynamic and adjustable to survive in the ever-changing marketplace in which it operates. The environment is no longer merely the immediate domestic business environment within which the specific business operates but also, with the advent of information technology and globalisation, overseas markets. This is true for all businesses and no less so in respect of family businesses. Balshaw (2003:23) lists the many issues which impede family businesses as, amongst others: Unresolved family and personal issues; Dysfunctional relationships; Poor communication; Lack of commitment; No succession plan or timetable; Inability of the senior generation to relinquish control; No unifying vision or dream in the family; Open conflict; Nonexistent decision-making and governance structures; Lack of transparency and openness; Failure to plan strategically. In addition to this the business must be aware of and react to the changing circumstances in the environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Tuck, Gaynaé
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10927 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/211 , Family-owned business enterprises -- Law and legislation -- South Africa , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa -- Management
- Description: A business needs to be dynamic and adjustable to survive in the ever-changing marketplace in which it operates. The environment is no longer merely the immediate domestic business environment within which the specific business operates but also, with the advent of information technology and globalisation, overseas markets. This is true for all businesses and no less so in respect of family businesses. Balshaw (2003:23) lists the many issues which impede family businesses as, amongst others: Unresolved family and personal issues; Dysfunctional relationships; Poor communication; Lack of commitment; No succession plan or timetable; Inability of the senior generation to relinquish control; No unifying vision or dream in the family; Open conflict; Nonexistent decision-making and governance structures; Lack of transparency and openness; Failure to plan strategically. In addition to this the business must be aware of and react to the changing circumstances in the environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
A strategy for the implementation of e-business and e-commerce to achieve a competitive advantage in the textile industry
- Authors: Futcher, Shane Henry
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Electronic commerce , Competition , Textile industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10886 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/140 , Electronic commerce , Competition , Textile industry
- Description: The research problem addressed in this study was to determine what is required for e-business and e-commerce to have an impact on the Textile Industry in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan. To achieve this objective, a literature study was done to identify what strategies were needed and how e-business and e-commerce would enhance the relationships between the organisations, suppliers and customers. An empirical study was conducted to ascertain what the managers within the Textile Industry know about e-commerce and e-business and the role they have or could play within their industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Futcher, Shane Henry
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Electronic commerce , Competition , Textile industry
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10886 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/140 , Electronic commerce , Competition , Textile industry
- Description: The research problem addressed in this study was to determine what is required for e-business and e-commerce to have an impact on the Textile Industry in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan. To achieve this objective, a literature study was done to identify what strategies were needed and how e-business and e-commerce would enhance the relationships between the organisations, suppliers and customers. An empirical study was conducted to ascertain what the managers within the Textile Industry know about e-commerce and e-business and the role they have or could play within their industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
An analysis of factors that inhibit small and medium enterprises from exporting their products to South Africa's most important trading partners
- Muller, Franciscus Fredricus
- Authors: Muller, Franciscus Fredricus
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Export marketing -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10932 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/197 , Export marketing -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa
- Description: The research problem addressed in this study was concerned with the identification of factors that inhibit Small and Medium Enterprises from exporting their products to South Africa’s most important trading partners. To achieve this objective, a theoretical study was conducted to establish what literature reveals to be the most important trading partners, and the problems which businesses experience when they export their products to these destinations from the Eastern Cape. The information obtained in the literature study was analysed, and, in order to resolve the main problem, the research questionnaire was divided into four parts. • Part 1 consisted of biographical questions. • Part 2 consisted of questions aimed at establishing the reasons why organisations embarked on exporting. • Part 3 was concerned with what the respondents perceived as barriers to their export operations. • Part 4 was concerned with strategic decisions and the minimising of risk. The empirical results obtained indicate that, although inhibiting factors are a reality in exporting, these remain secondary to general market forces of supply and demand. It was shown that inhibiting factors do not play as big a role in the export process as the literature suggests.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Muller, Franciscus Fredricus
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Export marketing -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10932 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/197 , Export marketing -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa
- Description: The research problem addressed in this study was concerned with the identification of factors that inhibit Small and Medium Enterprises from exporting their products to South Africa’s most important trading partners. To achieve this objective, a theoretical study was conducted to establish what literature reveals to be the most important trading partners, and the problems which businesses experience when they export their products to these destinations from the Eastern Cape. The information obtained in the literature study was analysed, and, in order to resolve the main problem, the research questionnaire was divided into four parts. • Part 1 consisted of biographical questions. • Part 2 consisted of questions aimed at establishing the reasons why organisations embarked on exporting. • Part 3 was concerned with what the respondents perceived as barriers to their export operations. • Part 4 was concerned with strategic decisions and the minimising of risk. The empirical results obtained indicate that, although inhibiting factors are a reality in exporting, these remain secondary to general market forces of supply and demand. It was shown that inhibiting factors do not play as big a role in the export process as the literature suggests.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
An analysis of the effective management of growth in a selected business in the body-in-white automotive industry, to improve employee relations
- Authors: Southwood, Paul Harcourt
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Personnel management -- South Africa , Career development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10933 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/198 , Personnel management -- South Africa , Career development -- South Africa
- Description: Body-In-White business forms part of the automotive industry. The industry is highly specialized and usually operates under tremendous pressure due to the competition within the industry as a result of an oligopolistic market, limited resources, short lead times and the contractual nature of the industry. The selected business has grown steadily over the last five years in terms of the number of employees that have been employed. It is said that employees are a business’s most important asset. How effectively a business is managed during growth and the relationship management has with the employees during that period are critical to a business in maintaining a competitive advantage. Effective management and sound employee relations could ensure the longterm profitability and sustainability of the business. This paper is intended to analyse the selected business to determine how effectively the business is managed and the state of employee relations within the business. Various aspects to effective management and employee relations are presented through a literature study in order to identify the means required to manage effectively and to promote and maintain sound employee relations. A two-pronged approach was undertaken in the applied research. Firstly, a survey with the aid of a structured questionnaire was undertaken among the management of the selected business to gather information. A second survey also with the aid of a structured questionnaire was undertaken among all the employees. The purpose of the two different questionnaires was to make an analysis of the business and to determine whether management and the employees held the same views, or differed on related topics. Mostly management indicated that managerial effectiveness is critical to remaining competitive. Employees indicated that management does not plan and organise an orderly workflow and that employees rely on their overtime remuneration. There was a general agreement by management and employees that more than one person attends to human resource related issues. Effective human resource planning is not enforced to maintain a motivated workforce, as human resource policies and procedures do not pay special attention to employee relations. Among the main findings, the study revealed that while there are some aspects of effective management lacking in the business, the business is mostly managed effectively. However, not enough attention is paid to effective human resource management, as training and development programs for management and employees are lacking and certain human resource issues need to be addressed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Southwood, Paul Harcourt
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Personnel management -- South Africa , Career development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10933 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/198 , Personnel management -- South Africa , Career development -- South Africa
- Description: Body-In-White business forms part of the automotive industry. The industry is highly specialized and usually operates under tremendous pressure due to the competition within the industry as a result of an oligopolistic market, limited resources, short lead times and the contractual nature of the industry. The selected business has grown steadily over the last five years in terms of the number of employees that have been employed. It is said that employees are a business’s most important asset. How effectively a business is managed during growth and the relationship management has with the employees during that period are critical to a business in maintaining a competitive advantage. Effective management and sound employee relations could ensure the longterm profitability and sustainability of the business. This paper is intended to analyse the selected business to determine how effectively the business is managed and the state of employee relations within the business. Various aspects to effective management and employee relations are presented through a literature study in order to identify the means required to manage effectively and to promote and maintain sound employee relations. A two-pronged approach was undertaken in the applied research. Firstly, a survey with the aid of a structured questionnaire was undertaken among the management of the selected business to gather information. A second survey also with the aid of a structured questionnaire was undertaken among all the employees. The purpose of the two different questionnaires was to make an analysis of the business and to determine whether management and the employees held the same views, or differed on related topics. Mostly management indicated that managerial effectiveness is critical to remaining competitive. Employees indicated that management does not plan and organise an orderly workflow and that employees rely on their overtime remuneration. There was a general agreement by management and employees that more than one person attends to human resource related issues. Effective human resource planning is not enforced to maintain a motivated workforce, as human resource policies and procedures do not pay special attention to employee relations. Among the main findings, the study revealed that while there are some aspects of effective management lacking in the business, the business is mostly managed effectively. However, not enough attention is paid to effective human resource management, as training and development programs for management and employees are lacking and certain human resource issues need to be addressed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
An analysis of the potential for the marketing of ostrich meat in S.A
- Wessels, Philippus Lodewikus
- Authors: Wessels, Philippus Lodewikus
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Ostriches -- South Africa , Ostrich products industry -- South Africa , Meat industry and trade -- South Africa , Marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10930 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/202 , Ostriches -- South Africa , Ostrich products industry -- South Africa , Meat industry and trade -- South Africa , Marketing
- Description: The research program addressed in this study was to do an analysis of the potentials of the marketing of ostrich meat in the South African market. Being the world leader in the ostrich industry, the research’s emphasis was to establish reasons why the meat industry does not explore the South African meat market. To achieve this object, a literature study to determine the key components of the current situation was undertaken and used as a theoretical model to analyse the current situation in the market as well as in the ostrich industry. In addition to the literature study, an empirical study was conducted to identify some critical issues that have an influence on the potential of the domestic market. The survey method used, based on the key components gained from the literature study, consisted of an in-depth scan of the macro-environment and thorough investigation of the target industry. The investigation involved using the Internet and World Wide Web, print media, personal interviews and telephonic interviews. The result of the literature study was finally combined with the results of the empirical study and some recommendations were made. The recommendations were applicable to the ostrich industry in so far that implementing some plans for the meat industry can have serious consequences for the other products of the ostrich industry
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Wessels, Philippus Lodewikus
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Ostriches -- South Africa , Ostrich products industry -- South Africa , Meat industry and trade -- South Africa , Marketing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10930 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/202 , Ostriches -- South Africa , Ostrich products industry -- South Africa , Meat industry and trade -- South Africa , Marketing
- Description: The research program addressed in this study was to do an analysis of the potentials of the marketing of ostrich meat in the South African market. Being the world leader in the ostrich industry, the research’s emphasis was to establish reasons why the meat industry does not explore the South African meat market. To achieve this object, a literature study to determine the key components of the current situation was undertaken and used as a theoretical model to analyse the current situation in the market as well as in the ostrich industry. In addition to the literature study, an empirical study was conducted to identify some critical issues that have an influence on the potential of the domestic market. The survey method used, based on the key components gained from the literature study, consisted of an in-depth scan of the macro-environment and thorough investigation of the target industry. The investigation involved using the Internet and World Wide Web, print media, personal interviews and telephonic interviews. The result of the literature study was finally combined with the results of the empirical study and some recommendations were made. The recommendations were applicable to the ostrich industry in so far that implementing some plans for the meat industry can have serious consequences for the other products of the ostrich industry
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
An evaluation of and comparison between job satisfaction levels of first-line supervisors and middle-level managers in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area
- Authors: Xiphu, Lizeka Cynthia
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Supervisors -- Job satisfaction , Middle managers -- Job satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10881 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/166 , Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Supervisors -- Job satisfaction , Middle managers -- Job satisfaction
- Description: South African organizations operate in a changing environment. The ultimate criterion of organisational effectiveness is whether the organisation survives in its environment. Political, social, technological and economic changes constantly challenge businesses to adopt new approaches in this strive for survival. These challenges affect the roles, and possibly the job satisfaction levels of first-line supervisors and middle-level managers. In this paper, the writer aimed to study and compare job satisfaction levels of first-line supervisors and middle-level managers in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area. The effects of job satisfaction, or the lack thereof must be clearly identifiable to the top managers. These can either be positive or negative. In the case of positive effects, managers must strive to maintain the conditions that contribute to the positive effects of job satisfaction. In the study it was observed that middle-level managers scored higher and therefore they had higher overall job satisfaction levels than first-line supervisors. The job satisfaction levels of the first-line supervisors are found to be lower in all the areas that were stated as factors affecting job satisfaction. These areas were the personality job fit, the job content, the job context, the organisational environment and the macro environment. The companies therefore have a task of improving the job satisfaction levels in these areas. The writer recommends that organisations in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area take a closer look at the job satisfaction levels of their first-line supervisors. These managers' job satisfaction levels need to be improved from being just satisfactory to being excellent. It is mentioned in the theoretical study that firstline supervisors are very important in organisations, as they are the link between upper management and the employees. Their roles are multi-faceted as they have important functions to fulfil in the operation and ultimately success of the organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Xiphu, Lizeka Cynthia
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Supervisors -- Job satisfaction , Middle managers -- Job satisfaction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10881 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/166 , Job satisfaction -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Supervisors -- Job satisfaction , Middle managers -- Job satisfaction
- Description: South African organizations operate in a changing environment. The ultimate criterion of organisational effectiveness is whether the organisation survives in its environment. Political, social, technological and economic changes constantly challenge businesses to adopt new approaches in this strive for survival. These challenges affect the roles, and possibly the job satisfaction levels of first-line supervisors and middle-level managers. In this paper, the writer aimed to study and compare job satisfaction levels of first-line supervisors and middle-level managers in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area. The effects of job satisfaction, or the lack thereof must be clearly identifiable to the top managers. These can either be positive or negative. In the case of positive effects, managers must strive to maintain the conditions that contribute to the positive effects of job satisfaction. In the study it was observed that middle-level managers scored higher and therefore they had higher overall job satisfaction levels than first-line supervisors. The job satisfaction levels of the first-line supervisors are found to be lower in all the areas that were stated as factors affecting job satisfaction. These areas were the personality job fit, the job content, the job context, the organisational environment and the macro environment. The companies therefore have a task of improving the job satisfaction levels in these areas. The writer recommends that organisations in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan area take a closer look at the job satisfaction levels of their first-line supervisors. These managers' job satisfaction levels need to be improved from being just satisfactory to being excellent. It is mentioned in the theoretical study that firstline supervisors are very important in organisations, as they are the link between upper management and the employees. Their roles are multi-faceted as they have important functions to fulfil in the operation and ultimately success of the organization.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
An exploration of market growth and development stategies for franchising a selected fast food outlet
- Authors: Snyman, Dion Cedric
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Market share , Food industry and trade -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10896 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/128 , Market share , Food industry and trade -- South Africa -- Management
- Description: The advent of globalisation and the re-admittance of South Africa into the international market place have presented both opportunities and threats to local fast food outlets and franchises. These food outlets are faced with foreign competition and the need to adapt their strategies in order to cope with the continued onslaught of these highly efficient, foreign, service orientated organisations if they intend to survive. This research explored the strategies these fast food outlets should utilise to deal with their competition and to facilitate their market growth and organisational development which could lead to them being successfully franchised at a later stage. The study revealed that if any significant growth and organisational development was to be expected, the fast food outlet had to concentrate on customer satisfaction and retention through the innovative use of the 7P’s of the marketing mix in its strategy formulation process. Attention also needed to be given to the competitive forces in the external environment so that competitive strategies were in line with market developments. The triangulation method was applied in this study. In terms of this method, qualitative and quantitative research techniques are combined in order to improve the reliability and validity of the research findings. This method proved to be an effective research tool as the findings in the quantitative research were verified by the findings in the qualitative research. Franchising in South Africa, especially the Eastern Cape, where unemployment is highest, is important as it has the potential for job creation and economic empowerment of the disadvantaged communities. It is therefore essential that every endeavour be made to ensure the success of the emerging entrepreneurs through assisting them to develop strategies that will ensure sustainable development and growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Snyman, Dion Cedric
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Market share , Food industry and trade -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10896 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/128 , Market share , Food industry and trade -- South Africa -- Management
- Description: The advent of globalisation and the re-admittance of South Africa into the international market place have presented both opportunities and threats to local fast food outlets and franchises. These food outlets are faced with foreign competition and the need to adapt their strategies in order to cope with the continued onslaught of these highly efficient, foreign, service orientated organisations if they intend to survive. This research explored the strategies these fast food outlets should utilise to deal with their competition and to facilitate their market growth and organisational development which could lead to them being successfully franchised at a later stage. The study revealed that if any significant growth and organisational development was to be expected, the fast food outlet had to concentrate on customer satisfaction and retention through the innovative use of the 7P’s of the marketing mix in its strategy formulation process. Attention also needed to be given to the competitive forces in the external environment so that competitive strategies were in line with market developments. The triangulation method was applied in this study. In terms of this method, qualitative and quantitative research techniques are combined in order to improve the reliability and validity of the research findings. This method proved to be an effective research tool as the findings in the quantitative research were verified by the findings in the qualitative research. Franchising in South Africa, especially the Eastern Cape, where unemployment is highest, is important as it has the potential for job creation and economic empowerment of the disadvantaged communities. It is therefore essential that every endeavour be made to ensure the success of the emerging entrepreneurs through assisting them to develop strategies that will ensure sustainable development and growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
An investigation into relationship-marketing strategies used by Morkels to retain customers
- Authors: Giddy, Peter Allan Spence
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Relationship marketing -- South Africa , Morkels (Firm, South Africa) , Furniture industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10855 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/134 , Relationship marketing -- South Africa , Morkels (Firm, South Africa) , Furniture industry and trade -- South Africa
- Description: The research problem addressed in this study was an assessment of the relationship-marketing strategy that Morkels currently has in operation. This strategy focuses on membership of a club that is sold to customers when they open an account. The strategy is to keep in touch with the customer by means of the club magazine, a club card and various special events and offers that are exclusive to club members. The strategy, however, may not be entirely successful in achieving the goals and objectives as envisaged by the senior management of the company. The objective of the research was to establish what exactly relationship marketing is. Once having investigated the theory of relationship marketing, the objective of the research was to establish what the goals of the management at Morkels were and whether or not these goals were met. The methodology of the research was, firstly, to conduct a literature survey on relationship marketing. In particular the study of literature focused on the theory related to the retail market focussing essentially where similar marketing strategies had been investigated. A variety of aspects of relationship marketing and strategies that had previously been implemented were then examined. The literature survey also considered the way in which a successful strategy of relationship-marketing should be motivated, planned, implemented and followed through. Secondly the research established what the goals and objectives of the management of Morkels were by means of an investigation into the policies and manuals of the relationship-marketing department. Finally a questionnaire was disseminated to the senior management of Morkels to establish what they considered to be the needs and opinions of the customers of the Garden Route Area. A second questionnaire with similar questions was also submitted to a sample of club members. This was done to establish the opinions of both groups. The major findings of the research were that Morkels is experiencing a degree of success with its relationship-marketing strategy. The research findings also revealed that opinions of the customers and the management of Morkels do not concur on a number of issues. These differences and the most important factors were discussed and recommendations were made to management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Giddy, Peter Allan Spence
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Relationship marketing -- South Africa , Morkels (Firm, South Africa) , Furniture industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10855 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/134 , Relationship marketing -- South Africa , Morkels (Firm, South Africa) , Furniture industry and trade -- South Africa
- Description: The research problem addressed in this study was an assessment of the relationship-marketing strategy that Morkels currently has in operation. This strategy focuses on membership of a club that is sold to customers when they open an account. The strategy is to keep in touch with the customer by means of the club magazine, a club card and various special events and offers that are exclusive to club members. The strategy, however, may not be entirely successful in achieving the goals and objectives as envisaged by the senior management of the company. The objective of the research was to establish what exactly relationship marketing is. Once having investigated the theory of relationship marketing, the objective of the research was to establish what the goals of the management at Morkels were and whether or not these goals were met. The methodology of the research was, firstly, to conduct a literature survey on relationship marketing. In particular the study of literature focused on the theory related to the retail market focussing essentially where similar marketing strategies had been investigated. A variety of aspects of relationship marketing and strategies that had previously been implemented were then examined. The literature survey also considered the way in which a successful strategy of relationship-marketing should be motivated, planned, implemented and followed through. Secondly the research established what the goals and objectives of the management of Morkels were by means of an investigation into the policies and manuals of the relationship-marketing department. Finally a questionnaire was disseminated to the senior management of Morkels to establish what they considered to be the needs and opinions of the customers of the Garden Route Area. A second questionnaire with similar questions was also submitted to a sample of club members. This was done to establish the opinions of both groups. The major findings of the research were that Morkels is experiencing a degree of success with its relationship-marketing strategy. The research findings also revealed that opinions of the customers and the management of Morkels do not concur on a number of issues. These differences and the most important factors were discussed and recommendations were made to management.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
An investigation into strategies which enable South African women to break through the glass ceiling
- Authors: Peens, Maritha
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Women executives -- South Africa , Women employees -- Promotions -- South Africa , Sex discrimination in employement -- South Africa , Sex discrimination against women -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10898 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/135 , Women executives -- South Africa , Women employees -- Promotions -- South Africa , Sex discrimination in employement -- South Africa , Sex discrimination against women -- South Africa
- Description: The objective of this study was to identify the strategies (personal and organisational) that would enable South African women to break through the glass ceiling. A questionaire was designed based on the strategies found in a literature study on the topic and used to gather inputs from executive women in South Africa. A combination of snowball and self-selection sampling was used. The questionaire was sent to 138 potential respondents, mostly by means of electronic mail. Of the 47 completed questionairs returned, 44 could be used. These were processed and anaylsed using Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and the STATISTICA Version 6 software. In generaL, support was found for personal strategies pertaining to career management, networking (especially the relationship building activities), the reconciliation of home and work responsibilities with the emphasis on building a support system, education, business and organisational insught, skills development and increased input, but not for the assimilation of masculine attributes. Networking opportunities and education, training and development activities were regarded as the organisational strategies with the strongest impact on career progress. The literature was confirmed regarding top management support, an organisational culture conducive to women's advancement, mentorship programmes and a few career development initiatives. Although more than half of the respondents had been exposed to employment equity and affirmative action programmes, they were perceived to have only little to moderate impact on career progress. This was also the case with diversity management programmes. Flexible work arrangements, career adaptation schemes and childcare facilities and programmes were seen as having had little impact on the respondents' career advancement. Only a few of the organisational practices to support women balancing family and work responsibilities were utilised by the respondents' employers. Respondents perceived personal strategies as having greater value than organisational strategies in their progress to executive levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
An investigation into strategies which enable South African women to break through the glass ceiling
- Authors: Peens, Maritha
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Women executives -- South Africa , Women employees -- Promotions -- South Africa , Sex discrimination in employement -- South Africa , Sex discrimination against women -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10898 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/135 , Women executives -- South Africa , Women employees -- Promotions -- South Africa , Sex discrimination in employement -- South Africa , Sex discrimination against women -- South Africa
- Description: The objective of this study was to identify the strategies (personal and organisational) that would enable South African women to break through the glass ceiling. A questionaire was designed based on the strategies found in a literature study on the topic and used to gather inputs from executive women in South Africa. A combination of snowball and self-selection sampling was used. The questionaire was sent to 138 potential respondents, mostly by means of electronic mail. Of the 47 completed questionairs returned, 44 could be used. These were processed and anaylsed using Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and the STATISTICA Version 6 software. In generaL, support was found for personal strategies pertaining to career management, networking (especially the relationship building activities), the reconciliation of home and work responsibilities with the emphasis on building a support system, education, business and organisational insught, skills development and increased input, but not for the assimilation of masculine attributes. Networking opportunities and education, training and development activities were regarded as the organisational strategies with the strongest impact on career progress. The literature was confirmed regarding top management support, an organisational culture conducive to women's advancement, mentorship programmes and a few career development initiatives. Although more than half of the respondents had been exposed to employment equity and affirmative action programmes, they were perceived to have only little to moderate impact on career progress. This was also the case with diversity management programmes. Flexible work arrangements, career adaptation schemes and childcare facilities and programmes were seen as having had little impact on the respondents' career advancement. Only a few of the organisational practices to support women balancing family and work responsibilities were utilised by the respondents' employers. Respondents perceived personal strategies as having greater value than organisational strategies in their progress to executive levels.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
An investigation into the challenges facing the financial manager in South African manufacturing organisations and the ways of surmounting these challenges
- Authors: Diedericks, Petrus Philip
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Industrial management -- South Africa -- Finance , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Finance , Financial executives -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10876 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/244 , Industrial management -- South Africa -- Finance , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Finance , Financial executives -- South Africa
- Description: The research problem addressed in this study was to determine the challenges facing the financial manager in the manufacturing organisation and the possible ways of surmounting these challenges. To achieve this objective, relevant literature was reviewed and an empirical survey conducted. The main challenges identified are discussed under the following headings: · Regulatory requirements; · Information age; · Employees; · Economic environment; Each challenge was broken down into sub-challenges that were analysed using literature identified in the literature study. This information was used to develop a questionnaire to test the degree to which financial managers working for manufacturing organisations are challenged. The empirical results obtained indicate a strong concurrence with the literature study emphasising the importance of the identified challenges and the best possible ways of surmounting these challenges.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Diedericks, Petrus Philip
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Industrial management -- South Africa -- Finance , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Finance , Financial executives -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10876 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/244 , Industrial management -- South Africa -- Finance , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Finance , Financial executives -- South Africa
- Description: The research problem addressed in this study was to determine the challenges facing the financial manager in the manufacturing organisation and the possible ways of surmounting these challenges. To achieve this objective, relevant literature was reviewed and an empirical survey conducted. The main challenges identified are discussed under the following headings: · Regulatory requirements; · Information age; · Employees; · Economic environment; Each challenge was broken down into sub-challenges that were analysed using literature identified in the literature study. This information was used to develop a questionnaire to test the degree to which financial managers working for manufacturing organisations are challenged. The empirical results obtained indicate a strong concurrence with the literature study emphasising the importance of the identified challenges and the best possible ways of surmounting these challenges.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
An investigation of knowledge management practices in the Old Mutual, Buffalo City Metropole branch
- Authors: Siqoko, Kolisa
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Insurance companies -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10879 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/252 , Knowledge management , Insurance companies -- South Africa -- East London
- Description: The study has sought to examine knowledge management practice in the Old Mutual, Buffalo City Metropole. The study has been conducted against the backdrop of measuring how far South African companies are in applying Knowledge Management (KM) tools and techniques to improve their competitive advantage. The study was conducted based on the assumption that insurance companies in South Africa are at the forefront in the use and application of technology. Various concepts are defined throughout the study. In reviewing literature for example, the study introduces the reader to various theories, views and approaches to KM. The most significant of these are the cultural and social systems approach on one hand and the product or process approach on the other. The study relied on the use of a variety of data collection methods such as questionnaires, interviews and participant observation for the purposes of collecting primary data. From the primary data collected, it was discovered that the largest number of responses came from marketing, sales and customer services departments. The employees have limited flexibility in terms of decision making and team work, due to the rigidity of tasks. The findings revealed that the company has a loosely structured infrastructure, where each strategic business unit (SBU) manages its own IT tools and documents. All these underlying aspects are not conducive to the promotion of and growth of KM in any company. The final chapter concludes with a model for KM implementation and the procedures to be followed to ensure that the practice adds value to the company.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Siqoko, Kolisa
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Insurance companies -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10879 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/252 , Knowledge management , Insurance companies -- South Africa -- East London
- Description: The study has sought to examine knowledge management practice in the Old Mutual, Buffalo City Metropole. The study has been conducted against the backdrop of measuring how far South African companies are in applying Knowledge Management (KM) tools and techniques to improve their competitive advantage. The study was conducted based on the assumption that insurance companies in South Africa are at the forefront in the use and application of technology. Various concepts are defined throughout the study. In reviewing literature for example, the study introduces the reader to various theories, views and approaches to KM. The most significant of these are the cultural and social systems approach on one hand and the product or process approach on the other. The study relied on the use of a variety of data collection methods such as questionnaires, interviews and participant observation for the purposes of collecting primary data. From the primary data collected, it was discovered that the largest number of responses came from marketing, sales and customer services departments. The employees have limited flexibility in terms of decision making and team work, due to the rigidity of tasks. The findings revealed that the company has a loosely structured infrastructure, where each strategic business unit (SBU) manages its own IT tools and documents. All these underlying aspects are not conducive to the promotion of and growth of KM in any company. The final chapter concludes with a model for KM implementation and the procedures to be followed to ensure that the practice adds value to the company.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
Strategic change and its impact on the organisational structure of Pennypinchers (PTY) Ltd.: a case study
- Authors: Kemp, Leona
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Organizational change , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10877 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/262 , Organizational change , Strategic planning
- Description: During the 1990’s many South African companies experienced the need to change and adapt. This was largely because of the environmental changes brought about by a new political regime. One of these changes was the exposure of South African companies to global competition. Because the South African business environment had remained relatively static during the 1980’s, many companies had no idea of how to manage change when it became necessary for economic survival. This inability led to the demise of many organisations. As change as a business concept covers a vast area, the main objective of this study was to isolate one area of change and examine it in a practical context. The chosen area was the relationship, if any, between strategy and organisational structure. The practical context chosen was an organisation, which had recently undergone strategic change. The research methodology for this study included the conducting of an intensive literature study, to determine the academic stance on the strategy/structure relationship. Various academic theories were examined to determine whether there was a relationship between the two concepts, and if so, what the relationship should be. This provided a background for the practical evaluation. Literary opinion showed consensus that there was indeed a relationship between the two; in fact the one was integral to the success of the other. That is, if an organisation chooses to consider adopting a change strategy, it should carefully consider its impact on organisational structure. To summarise, in a situation of change, structure should support strategy to ensure a successful transition. An empirical study was then conducted at Pennypinchers (Pty) Ltd , which had recently undertaken to implement a change strategy. The focus of the empirical study was the relationship between the chosen change strategy and organisational structure. The aim was to determine whether the strategy had an impact on organisational structure, and if so, whether the structure underwent During the 1990’s many South African companies experienced the need to change and adapt. This was largely because of the environmental changes brought about by a new political regime. One of these changes was the exposure of South African companies to global competition. Because the South African business environment had remained relatively static during the 1980’s, many companies had no idea of how to manage change when it became necessary for economic survival. This inability led to the demise of many organisations. As change as a business concept covers a vast area, the main objective of this study was to isolate one area of change and examine it in a practical context. The chosen area was the relationship, if any, between strategy and organisational structure. The practical context chosen was an organisation, which had recently undergone strategic change. The research methodology for this study included the conducting of an intensive literature study, to determine the academic stance on the strategy/structure relationship. Various academic theories were examined to determine whether there was a relationship between the two concepts, and if so, what the relationship should be. This provided a background for the practical evaluation. Literary opinion showed consensus that there was indeed a relationship between the two; in fact the one was integral to the success of the other. That is, if an organisation chooses to consider adopting a change strategy, it should carefully consider its impact on organisational structure. To summarise, in a situation of change, structure should support strategy to ensure a successful transition. An empirical study was then conducted at Pennypinchers (Pty) Ltd , which had recently undertaken to implement a change strategy. The focus of the empirical study was the relationship between the chosen change strategy and organisational structure. The aim was to determine whether the strategy had an impact on organisational structure, and if so, whether the structure underwent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Kemp, Leona
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Organizational change , Strategic planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10877 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/262 , Organizational change , Strategic planning
- Description: During the 1990’s many South African companies experienced the need to change and adapt. This was largely because of the environmental changes brought about by a new political regime. One of these changes was the exposure of South African companies to global competition. Because the South African business environment had remained relatively static during the 1980’s, many companies had no idea of how to manage change when it became necessary for economic survival. This inability led to the demise of many organisations. As change as a business concept covers a vast area, the main objective of this study was to isolate one area of change and examine it in a practical context. The chosen area was the relationship, if any, between strategy and organisational structure. The practical context chosen was an organisation, which had recently undergone strategic change. The research methodology for this study included the conducting of an intensive literature study, to determine the academic stance on the strategy/structure relationship. Various academic theories were examined to determine whether there was a relationship between the two concepts, and if so, what the relationship should be. This provided a background for the practical evaluation. Literary opinion showed consensus that there was indeed a relationship between the two; in fact the one was integral to the success of the other. That is, if an organisation chooses to consider adopting a change strategy, it should carefully consider its impact on organisational structure. To summarise, in a situation of change, structure should support strategy to ensure a successful transition. An empirical study was then conducted at Pennypinchers (Pty) Ltd , which had recently undertaken to implement a change strategy. The focus of the empirical study was the relationship between the chosen change strategy and organisational structure. The aim was to determine whether the strategy had an impact on organisational structure, and if so, whether the structure underwent During the 1990’s many South African companies experienced the need to change and adapt. This was largely because of the environmental changes brought about by a new political regime. One of these changes was the exposure of South African companies to global competition. Because the South African business environment had remained relatively static during the 1980’s, many companies had no idea of how to manage change when it became necessary for economic survival. This inability led to the demise of many organisations. As change as a business concept covers a vast area, the main objective of this study was to isolate one area of change and examine it in a practical context. The chosen area was the relationship, if any, between strategy and organisational structure. The practical context chosen was an organisation, which had recently undergone strategic change. The research methodology for this study included the conducting of an intensive literature study, to determine the academic stance on the strategy/structure relationship. Various academic theories were examined to determine whether there was a relationship between the two concepts, and if so, what the relationship should be. This provided a background for the practical evaluation. Literary opinion showed consensus that there was indeed a relationship between the two; in fact the one was integral to the success of the other. That is, if an organisation chooses to consider adopting a change strategy, it should carefully consider its impact on organisational structure. To summarise, in a situation of change, structure should support strategy to ensure a successful transition. An empirical study was then conducted at Pennypinchers (Pty) Ltd , which had recently undertaken to implement a change strategy. The focus of the empirical study was the relationship between the chosen change strategy and organisational structure. The aim was to determine whether the strategy had an impact on organisational structure, and if so, whether the structure underwent.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
Technology auditing as a means of ensuring business continuity in a manufacturing organisation
- Authors: Vlok, Nico
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Technology -- Management , Manufacturing industries -- Technological innovations -- Auditing , Technology -- Auditing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10880 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/264 , Technology -- Management , Manufacturing industries -- Technological innovations -- Auditing , Technology -- Auditing
- Description: Successful organisations have a well-defined mission and a strategy for accomplishing that mission. The organisation strategy involves the building of a competitive advantage in a defined market. Activities are oriented around this business strategy. When utilised effectively, technology is a powerful instrument for enhancing the organisation’s competitiveness. Technology management is the application of managerial techniques most suitable for ensuring that the technological factor is exploited for achievement of an organisation's goals. It is critical to correctly implement appropriate practices related to technology and innovation management at organisational level. Most organisations are technology intensive and deliver products or services. The research investigates, through the use of technology auditing, the present and future technology needs of the organisation. It also tried to establish the impact of technology auditing on the competitive advantage of the organisation. The research attempts to set a strategic context for the array of tools, technologies and standards emerging to support the organisation. The research analysed the potential of technology auditing to facilitate a dynamic scale of economy where the organisations take on the tasks of managing its technology. Basic theoretical principles of a technological audit were applied when the researcher conducted the technology audit. Because there is no organisation that is an exact replica of another, a technology audit must be custom made for the specific organisation where it is conducted. A micro business, MP Engineering, in the Port Elizabeth Metropole was chosen to conduct the technology audit at for the purpose of this research project. The research results confirmed the literature currently available.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Vlok, Nico
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Technology -- Management , Manufacturing industries -- Technological innovations -- Auditing , Technology -- Auditing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10880 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/264 , Technology -- Management , Manufacturing industries -- Technological innovations -- Auditing , Technology -- Auditing
- Description: Successful organisations have a well-defined mission and a strategy for accomplishing that mission. The organisation strategy involves the building of a competitive advantage in a defined market. Activities are oriented around this business strategy. When utilised effectively, technology is a powerful instrument for enhancing the organisation’s competitiveness. Technology management is the application of managerial techniques most suitable for ensuring that the technological factor is exploited for achievement of an organisation's goals. It is critical to correctly implement appropriate practices related to technology and innovation management at organisational level. Most organisations are technology intensive and deliver products or services. The research investigates, through the use of technology auditing, the present and future technology needs of the organisation. It also tried to establish the impact of technology auditing on the competitive advantage of the organisation. The research attempts to set a strategic context for the array of tools, technologies and standards emerging to support the organisation. The research analysed the potential of technology auditing to facilitate a dynamic scale of economy where the organisations take on the tasks of managing its technology. Basic theoretical principles of a technological audit were applied when the researcher conducted the technology audit. Because there is no organisation that is an exact replica of another, a technology audit must be custom made for the specific organisation where it is conducted. A micro business, MP Engineering, in the Port Elizabeth Metropole was chosen to conduct the technology audit at for the purpose of this research project. The research results confirmed the literature currently available.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
The development of a financial performance measurement framework for South African education institutions
- Authors: Leo, Terrance
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Finance , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Evaluation , Performance -- Measurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10903 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/217 , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Finance , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Evaluation , Performance -- Measurement
- Description: Limited research has been conducted on financial performance indicators in South Africa. In European countries, Australia and the United States of America, literature has shown that there has been extensive research and implementation of performance indicators, to measure the achievements of objectives. A literature study was conducted for this research on the usage of PI’s, with a view to pinpointing the financial indicators. The literature study was used to develop a questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed to universities and Technikons in South Africa, to obtain a measure of relevance and agreement on the performance indicators. The findings of the questionnaire culminated in a model that only consists of those indicators with a high level of concurrence among respondents. Performance indicators can serve as a management tool to measure performance and as a means to enhance transparency and accountability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Leo, Terrance
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Finance , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Evaluation , Performance -- Measurement
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10903 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/217 , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Finance , Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Evaluation , Performance -- Measurement
- Description: Limited research has been conducted on financial performance indicators in South Africa. In European countries, Australia and the United States of America, literature has shown that there has been extensive research and implementation of performance indicators, to measure the achievements of objectives. A literature study was conducted for this research on the usage of PI’s, with a view to pinpointing the financial indicators. The literature study was used to develop a questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed to universities and Technikons in South Africa, to obtain a measure of relevance and agreement on the performance indicators. The findings of the questionnaire culminated in a model that only consists of those indicators with a high level of concurrence among respondents. Performance indicators can serve as a management tool to measure performance and as a means to enhance transparency and accountability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
The development of a generic integrated model of promotional management for purposes of optimising organisational turnover growth and increased profits from sales promotional activities
- Authors: Marques, Kenneth
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Sales promotion , Profit
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10913 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/119 , Sales promotion , Profit
- Description: This paper concerns itself with the devising of a model which organisations can consult when considering hosting any sales promotional activities. The success regarding profits derived from these sales promotions activities vary. These anomalies prompted a further investigation into the need for a single promotional model which could be utilized in varied business environments to optimize profits derived from sales promotions. The uniqueness of the South African environment was also taken into account when considering the various criteria in the development of the model. Sensitivity with regards to the types of barriers peculiar to South Africa is vital. The following excerpt from East Cape Weekend (An Eastern Cape newspaper) reinforces the belief that there are factors to which global environments are not exposed, and thus, the model should and will be designed to cater for these South African peculiarities by virtue of the fact that it will be based on the critical success factors of successful South African retail organisations. Resistance to technological progress due to the threat of possible job redundancy is one of the South African peculiarities that is referred to in the East Cape Weekend 09/06/2001 Michelle Pugh-Parry, “Controversial telephone technology will make paying bills safer”. Besides safety and convenience, the system can alleviate the R600m PE municipal areas debt, yet the union has outwardly rejected the plan and stormed the municipal buildings, protesting that it may cause job loss. It is precisely this type of peculiar barrier to progress that the author intends to accommodate for in the devising of his model. South African organizations will be considered when performing the empirical and primary studies in order to formulate a model that has been adapted to and caters for local needs due to its fundamental aspects being based on the South African circumstance. The information in this study contains the analysis of promotions in a broad context in terms of the following six facets of retail management, namely, operations, human resources, marketing, organizational behaviour, economics and strategies. The results of an analysis of promotional activities used by organizations in the Port Elizabeth municipal area was gained via the application of a questionnaire. An empirical study was performed and provided information that could be used in the development of a promotional model. The application of the model, benefits to whom and importance of the model was debated in the summary, conclusions and recommendations. The table of contents follows.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Marques, Kenneth
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Sales promotion , Profit
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10913 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/119 , Sales promotion , Profit
- Description: This paper concerns itself with the devising of a model which organisations can consult when considering hosting any sales promotional activities. The success regarding profits derived from these sales promotions activities vary. These anomalies prompted a further investigation into the need for a single promotional model which could be utilized in varied business environments to optimize profits derived from sales promotions. The uniqueness of the South African environment was also taken into account when considering the various criteria in the development of the model. Sensitivity with regards to the types of barriers peculiar to South Africa is vital. The following excerpt from East Cape Weekend (An Eastern Cape newspaper) reinforces the belief that there are factors to which global environments are not exposed, and thus, the model should and will be designed to cater for these South African peculiarities by virtue of the fact that it will be based on the critical success factors of successful South African retail organisations. Resistance to technological progress due to the threat of possible job redundancy is one of the South African peculiarities that is referred to in the East Cape Weekend 09/06/2001 Michelle Pugh-Parry, “Controversial telephone technology will make paying bills safer”. Besides safety and convenience, the system can alleviate the R600m PE municipal areas debt, yet the union has outwardly rejected the plan and stormed the municipal buildings, protesting that it may cause job loss. It is precisely this type of peculiar barrier to progress that the author intends to accommodate for in the devising of his model. South African organizations will be considered when performing the empirical and primary studies in order to formulate a model that has been adapted to and caters for local needs due to its fundamental aspects being based on the South African circumstance. The information in this study contains the analysis of promotions in a broad context in terms of the following six facets of retail management, namely, operations, human resources, marketing, organizational behaviour, economics and strategies. The results of an analysis of promotional activities used by organizations in the Port Elizabeth municipal area was gained via the application of a questionnaire. An empirical study was performed and provided information that could be used in the development of a promotional model. The application of the model, benefits to whom and importance of the model was debated in the summary, conclusions and recommendations. The table of contents follows.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
The development of a model of competencies for small, medium and microsized enterprises (SMME'S) to achieve competitive advantage in the East Cape Motor Industry Cluster
- Authors: De Beer, Lloyd
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10854 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/121 , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The research problem addressed in this study was to identify the generic strategies that small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME’s) are required to implement in order to achieve competitive advantage in the highly competitive global automotive market. Markets have merged into one huge global marketplace, increasing the competitive forces on all the participants in the automotive markets. Strategies to achieve competitive advantage has changed from the traditional domestic strategies to that of strategies required for global competitive advantage. This has created challenges for SMME’s to attain competitive advantage essential in the fast-changing global markets. The East Cape Motor Industry Cluster (ECMIC) is the heart of the SA automotive industry with three of the major automobile manufacturers having their assembly plants located in the Buffalo and Nelson Mandela Metropoles. A significant number of component manufacturers and their suppliers serve these manufacturers, as well as the other automobile manufacturers located elsewhere in South Africa. Many of these component manufacturers and suppliers are SMME’s. The need to become globally competitive is thus critical for SMME’s in the region. This study investigates the generic strategies that SMME organisations are required to implement in order to achieve competitive advantage in the ECMIC, and based on this and the empirical study that seeks opinion from management of SMME firms in the ECMIC, a model of generic strategies to create competitive advantage is developed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: De Beer, Lloyd
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10854 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/121 , Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The research problem addressed in this study was to identify the generic strategies that small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME’s) are required to implement in order to achieve competitive advantage in the highly competitive global automotive market. Markets have merged into one huge global marketplace, increasing the competitive forces on all the participants in the automotive markets. Strategies to achieve competitive advantage has changed from the traditional domestic strategies to that of strategies required for global competitive advantage. This has created challenges for SMME’s to attain competitive advantage essential in the fast-changing global markets. The East Cape Motor Industry Cluster (ECMIC) is the heart of the SA automotive industry with three of the major automobile manufacturers having their assembly plants located in the Buffalo and Nelson Mandela Metropoles. A significant number of component manufacturers and their suppliers serve these manufacturers, as well as the other automobile manufacturers located elsewhere in South Africa. Many of these component manufacturers and suppliers are SMME’s. The need to become globally competitive is thus critical for SMME’s in the region. This study investigates the generic strategies that SMME organisations are required to implement in order to achieve competitive advantage in the ECMIC, and based on this and the empirical study that seeks opinion from management of SMME firms in the ECMIC, a model of generic strategies to create competitive advantage is developed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
The development of a model to estimate the cost for the provision of free basic water before the implementation of a water project
- Authors: Gillmer, Ir Ronald
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Water-supply, rural -- South Africa -- Costs , Water-supply, rural -- South Africa -- Government policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10874 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/222 , Water-supply, rural -- South Africa -- Costs , Water-supply, rural -- South Africa -- Government policy
- Description: This research study addresses the problem of whether local government can afford free basic water in rural areas. To achieve this objective a comprehensive literature study was performed, which included: · Lessons in water sector approaches from international experience and how these experiences compare with the South African situation. 1.The current basic water supply legislation in South Africa and how this legislation affects the subsidy arrangements and the financing of free basic water. 2.The operation and maintenance cost and the benefits of effective operation and maintenance of water supply schemes. A model was developed that could estimate the cost of rural water supply per household per month from the operation and maintenance data that was collected over a period of twenty-two months from a water supply scheme. As part of the provision of free basic water, a nine-step flow chart was developed to determine rural water operation and maintenance subsidy and a free basic water policy to help local government make informed decisions. The model was tested on different water supply schemes to verify the accuracy of the models estimation of the cost of rural water supply per household per month. The information obtained from the literature and from the test of the model resulted in various recommendations and conclusions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Gillmer, Ir Ronald
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Water-supply, rural -- South Africa -- Costs , Water-supply, rural -- South Africa -- Government policy
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10874 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/222 , Water-supply, rural -- South Africa -- Costs , Water-supply, rural -- South Africa -- Government policy
- Description: This research study addresses the problem of whether local government can afford free basic water in rural areas. To achieve this objective a comprehensive literature study was performed, which included: · Lessons in water sector approaches from international experience and how these experiences compare with the South African situation. 1.The current basic water supply legislation in South Africa and how this legislation affects the subsidy arrangements and the financing of free basic water. 2.The operation and maintenance cost and the benefits of effective operation and maintenance of water supply schemes. A model was developed that could estimate the cost of rural water supply per household per month from the operation and maintenance data that was collected over a period of twenty-two months from a water supply scheme. As part of the provision of free basic water, a nine-step flow chart was developed to determine rural water operation and maintenance subsidy and a free basic water policy to help local government make informed decisions. The model was tested on different water supply schemes to verify the accuracy of the models estimation of the cost of rural water supply per household per month. The information obtained from the literature and from the test of the model resulted in various recommendations and conclusions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
The development of a strategic management model for industrial development zones to attract Greenfield Foreign Direct Investments
- Authors: Rich, Guy Martin
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Investments, foreign -- South Africa , Industrialization -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10937 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/220 , Investments, foreign -- South Africa , Industrialization -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
- Description: In order to become globally competitive, South Africa has embarked on an industrial development zone (IDZ) programme to boost investment, increase the socio-economic climate, attract world-class manufacturers and generate local and foreign direct investment (FDI) while creating employment, encouraging skills and technology transfer, and increasing foreign exchange earnings. Twelve strategic areas within South Africa have been identified and are in the process of, or have been, declared IDZs. East London and Coega are the first two IDZs to come online in South Africa and have generated much publicity in the past number of years. One of the aims of the IDZs, as world-class production areas, is to generate FDI. Drivers of international FDI include globalisation, political, economic and legal environments and competitive advantage. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (2002: 25), FDI accounts for 16 percent of worldwide gross fixed capital formation – and a growing proportion of this is going to developing nations. According to the World Economic Processing Zones Association (WEPZA), IDZs have been the star performer in attracting investment and technology to developing countries during the past 50 years (2002: www.wepza.org). If the Eastern Cape IDZ programme is to be a success, the development corporations that have been established as the management arms of the IDZs will need to facilitate strategic economic advantage, look towards strategic investments that are sustainable, take advantage of and grow existing industrial capacity and create economic and social benefits for the region. There are a number of dynamics and reasons behind global FDI decisions. In order to be successful at attracting FDI the development corporations need to understand these dynamics and reasons in order to achieve a strategic fit between potential investor and the IDZ. This can be done by adopting a strategic management model for greenfield FDI from international investors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Rich, Guy Martin
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Investments, foreign -- South Africa , Industrialization -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10937 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/220 , Investments, foreign -- South Africa , Industrialization -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
- Description: In order to become globally competitive, South Africa has embarked on an industrial development zone (IDZ) programme to boost investment, increase the socio-economic climate, attract world-class manufacturers and generate local and foreign direct investment (FDI) while creating employment, encouraging skills and technology transfer, and increasing foreign exchange earnings. Twelve strategic areas within South Africa have been identified and are in the process of, or have been, declared IDZs. East London and Coega are the first two IDZs to come online in South Africa and have generated much publicity in the past number of years. One of the aims of the IDZs, as world-class production areas, is to generate FDI. Drivers of international FDI include globalisation, political, economic and legal environments and competitive advantage. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (2002: 25), FDI accounts for 16 percent of worldwide gross fixed capital formation – and a growing proportion of this is going to developing nations. According to the World Economic Processing Zones Association (WEPZA), IDZs have been the star performer in attracting investment and technology to developing countries during the past 50 years (2002: www.wepza.org). If the Eastern Cape IDZ programme is to be a success, the development corporations that have been established as the management arms of the IDZs will need to facilitate strategic economic advantage, look towards strategic investments that are sustainable, take advantage of and grow existing industrial capacity and create economic and social benefits for the region. There are a number of dynamics and reasons behind global FDI decisions. In order to be successful at attracting FDI the development corporations need to understand these dynamics and reasons in order to achieve a strategic fit between potential investor and the IDZ. This can be done by adopting a strategic management model for greenfield FDI from international investors.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
The development of an integrated model for the implementation of a product data management system at Delta Motor Corporation
- Authors: Stroud, Trevor
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Computer integrated manufacturing systems , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10873 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/224 , Computer integrated manufacturing systems , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: Information technology in mature organisations is viewed as an enabler of teams working together in the product development process. Technology is no longer pursued as an end in itself, but for its contribution to cost control, product quality, and most importantly, time to profit. The focus of this research is the analysis of methodologies used to implement the Teamcenter Engineering Product Data Management (PDM) system at Delta Motor Corporation, which manages all of Delta’s CAD data. The main problem of this research is as follows: How can Delta Motor Corporation successfully implement the “Teamcentre Engineering” Product Data Management System? The main problem will be broken down into three distinct parts, namely the developing of a best practice process, analysing Delta’s implementation and making recommendations for improvement. The literature survey provides the basis for developing a best-practice process, which serves as a benchmark against which to evaluate the methodology used by Delta. Interviews were conducted with selected personnel who were involved in the implementation, and Tesch’s model for content analysis used to analyse the responses. The implementation process of Teamcenter Engineering at Delta was conducted in three phases and only the first was completed at the time of writing this research paper. For this reason, analysis revolves around the first phase of implementation, which was limited to the drawing office, while recommendations are made for the implementation of phase two and three, which roll-out this system to the rest of Delta and it’s supplier base.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Stroud, Trevor
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Computer integrated manufacturing systems , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10873 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/224 , Computer integrated manufacturing systems , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Description: Information technology in mature organisations is viewed as an enabler of teams working together in the product development process. Technology is no longer pursued as an end in itself, but for its contribution to cost control, product quality, and most importantly, time to profit. The focus of this research is the analysis of methodologies used to implement the Teamcenter Engineering Product Data Management (PDM) system at Delta Motor Corporation, which manages all of Delta’s CAD data. The main problem of this research is as follows: How can Delta Motor Corporation successfully implement the “Teamcentre Engineering” Product Data Management System? The main problem will be broken down into three distinct parts, namely the developing of a best practice process, analysing Delta’s implementation and making recommendations for improvement. The literature survey provides the basis for developing a best-practice process, which serves as a benchmark against which to evaluate the methodology used by Delta. Interviews were conducted with selected personnel who were involved in the implementation, and Tesch’s model for content analysis used to analyse the responses. The implementation process of Teamcenter Engineering at Delta was conducted in three phases and only the first was completed at the time of writing this research paper. For this reason, analysis revolves around the first phase of implementation, which was limited to the drawing office, while recommendations are made for the implementation of phase two and three, which roll-out this system to the rest of Delta and it’s supplier base.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
The identification of factors that contribute to the competitive advantage of the intermodal industry in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan municipality
- Authors: De Koker, Jacques Michael
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Freight and freightage -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Containerization -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Competition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10861 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/239 , Freight and freightage -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Containerization -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Competition
- Description: The research problem addressed in the study was to identify the factors contributing to a competitive advantage in the intermodal industry in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (NMMM). To achieve this objective, a literature study on competitive advantage and the intermodal industry was undertaken. Porter’s diamond of competitive advantage was used as basis for the study. A structured questionnaire was developed from the literature study on competitive advantage, and interviews were with clients of the intermodal industry in the NMMM. The empirical study showed a strong concurrence with the literature on competitive advantage. This study identified the following factors promoting a competitive advantage: performance factors, demand conditions, related and supporting industries, and the organisation’s strategy, structure and rivalry. In conclusion, recommendations on how the intermodal industry can achieve a competitive advantage included the choice between a focused strategy and a combination of price and differentiation strategy. Further recommendations included the development of a comprehensive land freight information system, promotion of environmental protection, human resource development, and the promotion of an efficient and competitive intermodal industry within the limits of the road transport infrastructure.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: De Koker, Jacques Michael
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Freight and freightage -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Containerization -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Competition
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10861 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/239 , Freight and freightage -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Containerization -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Competition
- Description: The research problem addressed in the study was to identify the factors contributing to a competitive advantage in the intermodal industry in the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Municipality (NMMM). To achieve this objective, a literature study on competitive advantage and the intermodal industry was undertaken. Porter’s diamond of competitive advantage was used as basis for the study. A structured questionnaire was developed from the literature study on competitive advantage, and interviews were with clients of the intermodal industry in the NMMM. The empirical study showed a strong concurrence with the literature on competitive advantage. This study identified the following factors promoting a competitive advantage: performance factors, demand conditions, related and supporting industries, and the organisation’s strategy, structure and rivalry. In conclusion, recommendations on how the intermodal industry can achieve a competitive advantage included the choice between a focused strategy and a combination of price and differentiation strategy. Further recommendations included the development of a comprehensive land freight information system, promotion of environmental protection, human resource development, and the promotion of an efficient and competitive intermodal industry within the limits of the road transport infrastructure.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003