Customer loyalty programmes in the South African grocery and retail sector
- Authors: Harmse, Nyree
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Customer loyalty programs -- South Africa , Customer clubs -- South Africa Grocery trade -- South Africa Food industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39599 , vital:35331
- Description: While there has been substantial research on loyalty programmes, few studies specifically focus on the attitudinal and behavioural components of a loyalty programmes within grocery and retail sector programmes in South Africa. This study is part of a broader study of South African loyalty programmes, but specifically examines the attitudinal and behavioural influences on loyalty programmes in the South African grocery and retail sector. A comprehensive literature review was conducted and factors influencing loyalty programmes were identified. The literature reviewed informed the conceptual model that proposed purchasing behaviour, trust, communication, personalisation, flexibility, rewards and method of participation influenced the success of grocery and retail sector loyalty programmes with attitude and behaviour serving as intermediate variables. The academic literature selected for the study is grounded in the academic theories of social exchange and planned behaviour. The methodology followed was through self-administered questionnaires developed from academic literature. Data were collected from 1090 respondents across South Africa, of which 643 respondents were members of grocery and retail sector loyalty programmes. The data analysis conducted through various descriptive and inferential statistical tests and exploratory factors analysis identified that factors of purchasing behaviour, trust, communication, personalisation, flexibility, rewards and general assessment were factors influencing loyalty programmes. Loyalty programme studies in South Africa are generally conducted on specific loyalty programmes, which are owned by the programme owners and therefore unpublished. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by using academic theory to establish the attitudinal and behavioural factors that affect loyalty programmes within the South African grocery and retail sector. The study concludes with managerial recommendations that grocery and retail sector managers can implement to influence the success of loyalty programmes. Some of the recommendations include the use of communication as a lever to influence other factors and the overall effectiveness of the programme. Other recommendations include data management and rewards that create flexible and personalised experiences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Harmse, Nyree
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Customer loyalty programs -- South Africa , Customer clubs -- South Africa Grocery trade -- South Africa Food industry and trade -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39599 , vital:35331
- Description: While there has been substantial research on loyalty programmes, few studies specifically focus on the attitudinal and behavioural components of a loyalty programmes within grocery and retail sector programmes in South Africa. This study is part of a broader study of South African loyalty programmes, but specifically examines the attitudinal and behavioural influences on loyalty programmes in the South African grocery and retail sector. A comprehensive literature review was conducted and factors influencing loyalty programmes were identified. The literature reviewed informed the conceptual model that proposed purchasing behaviour, trust, communication, personalisation, flexibility, rewards and method of participation influenced the success of grocery and retail sector loyalty programmes with attitude and behaviour serving as intermediate variables. The academic literature selected for the study is grounded in the academic theories of social exchange and planned behaviour. The methodology followed was through self-administered questionnaires developed from academic literature. Data were collected from 1090 respondents across South Africa, of which 643 respondents were members of grocery and retail sector loyalty programmes. The data analysis conducted through various descriptive and inferential statistical tests and exploratory factors analysis identified that factors of purchasing behaviour, trust, communication, personalisation, flexibility, rewards and general assessment were factors influencing loyalty programmes. Loyalty programme studies in South Africa are generally conducted on specific loyalty programmes, which are owned by the programme owners and therefore unpublished. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by using academic theory to establish the attitudinal and behavioural factors that affect loyalty programmes within the South African grocery and retail sector. The study concludes with managerial recommendations that grocery and retail sector managers can implement to influence the success of loyalty programmes. Some of the recommendations include the use of communication as a lever to influence other factors and the overall effectiveness of the programme. Other recommendations include data management and rewards that create flexible and personalised experiences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The effect of age and culture on brand loyalty in the South African motor industry
- Authors: Hempel, Martin Johan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Brand loyalty -- South Africa , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Older consumers -- South Africa , Consumers -- South Africa -- Cross-cultural studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96859 , vital:31339
- Description: It has become imperative for companies in the motor industry to study and understand the notion of brand loyalty due to the many inherent advantages that it offers. Although existing literature provides extensive information on brand loyalty, the concept of brand loyalty is not constant across all industries. Factors such as age and culture also alter the effects of brand loyalty and the degree of brand loyalty generated within a consumer. Taking these variables into account, this study sets out to establish if age and culture have an effect on brand loyalty in the South African motor industry. The method in which motor companies emit marketing signals are also explored to establish if the emitted marketing signals are able to assist in the generation of brand loyalty. A South African real estate agent group agreed to participate in the research and became the sample population for the study. 190 successfully completed questionnaires were obtained in the data collection process and data with a Cronbach Alpha Coefficient (α) of 0.7662 proved that the data had satisfactory reliability. The data was processed and analysed in the statistical analysis program Stata. The study discovered that marketing signals don't assist in the generation of brand loyalty in the South African motor industry. It is suggested that it is more plausible that marketing signals can assist to maintain brand loyalty, rather than to generate brand loyalty. The study also discovered that culture does not have an effect on brand loyalty in the South African motor industry. However, after considering that the cultural distribution of the sample was significantly skewed, the sample is regarded as an unreliable test of the effect of culture on brand loyalty. The study also discovered that age doesn't have an effect brand loyalty in the South African motor industry. The researcher noted that the previously cognitively strenuous process of obtaining information has become more simplified by the internet and could potentially have reduced the generating of brand loyalty among older consumers. A final test was conducted to ascertain if relationships exist between the four stages of loyalty. The study suggested that all four loyalty stages are connected which confirms that brand loyalty is generated by both attitudinal and behavioural dimensions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Hempel, Martin Johan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Brand loyalty -- South Africa , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Older consumers -- South Africa , Consumers -- South Africa -- Cross-cultural studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96859 , vital:31339
- Description: It has become imperative for companies in the motor industry to study and understand the notion of brand loyalty due to the many inherent advantages that it offers. Although existing literature provides extensive information on brand loyalty, the concept of brand loyalty is not constant across all industries. Factors such as age and culture also alter the effects of brand loyalty and the degree of brand loyalty generated within a consumer. Taking these variables into account, this study sets out to establish if age and culture have an effect on brand loyalty in the South African motor industry. The method in which motor companies emit marketing signals are also explored to establish if the emitted marketing signals are able to assist in the generation of brand loyalty. A South African real estate agent group agreed to participate in the research and became the sample population for the study. 190 successfully completed questionnaires were obtained in the data collection process and data with a Cronbach Alpha Coefficient (α) of 0.7662 proved that the data had satisfactory reliability. The data was processed and analysed in the statistical analysis program Stata. The study discovered that marketing signals don't assist in the generation of brand loyalty in the South African motor industry. It is suggested that it is more plausible that marketing signals can assist to maintain brand loyalty, rather than to generate brand loyalty. The study also discovered that culture does not have an effect on brand loyalty in the South African motor industry. However, after considering that the cultural distribution of the sample was significantly skewed, the sample is regarded as an unreliable test of the effect of culture on brand loyalty. The study also discovered that age doesn't have an effect brand loyalty in the South African motor industry. The researcher noted that the previously cognitively strenuous process of obtaining information has become more simplified by the internet and could potentially have reduced the generating of brand loyalty among older consumers. A final test was conducted to ascertain if relationships exist between the four stages of loyalty. The study suggested that all four loyalty stages are connected which confirms that brand loyalty is generated by both attitudinal and behavioural dimensions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A maintenance strategy assessment that supports quality electricity generation and availability
- Authors: Hendricks, Hubert
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Electric power distribution -- South Africa , Electric power production -- South Africa Electric power consumption -- South Africa Electric power -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40305 , vital:36133
- Description: This paper seeks to contribute to the solutions of some of the challenges faced within Eskom Generation with regards to sustainably supplying electricity to South Africa and the neighbouring countries – the approach used in this paper is to improve quality within the maintenance sphere, considering quality workmanship and high quality standard equipment normally increases reliability and availability – With an increased reliability and availability, there is a strong likelihood that Eskom equipment will be able to produce electricity sustainably. Furthermore, the research found that there are a number of aspects to incorporate into the business in order to have a well-rounded quality system within the business. The Maintenance department would need to have a strategy that is founded on the type of assets and life of the assets, the department needs to have a computerised maintenance management system that integrates with other relevant departments such as Finance who needs to guarantee correct budgets for the respective maintenance plans, Stores who will have to ensure correct stock levels to carry out maintenance works, and Procurement who will need to know which services and goods to prioritise among purchase requisitions and purchase orders. HR also plays an important role, as per the research, when it comes to training and development that can improve the abilities of the employees to provide a speedier and accurate service when he/she is more competent; Maintenance management along with engineers then have the crucial role of marrying these aspects to provide the maintenance philosophy for the business that is most suited to the equipment in the plant. If any of these aspects are missing, it becomes a bit challenging to have a complete quality result. Some of the tools that the research considered are TQM and TPM with a strong focus on WM pillar. WM provides for equipment to be part of a Preventative Maintenance schedule to ensure all equipment is properly cared for, and to ensure history and trends are captured for future planning. Even though this research was limited to assess Tutuka EMD strategy, the above principles are applicable and helpful for maintenance departments on a global scale, and not only limited to power industries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Hendricks, Hubert
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Electric power distribution -- South Africa , Electric power production -- South Africa Electric power consumption -- South Africa Electric power -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40305 , vital:36133
- Description: This paper seeks to contribute to the solutions of some of the challenges faced within Eskom Generation with regards to sustainably supplying electricity to South Africa and the neighbouring countries – the approach used in this paper is to improve quality within the maintenance sphere, considering quality workmanship and high quality standard equipment normally increases reliability and availability – With an increased reliability and availability, there is a strong likelihood that Eskom equipment will be able to produce electricity sustainably. Furthermore, the research found that there are a number of aspects to incorporate into the business in order to have a well-rounded quality system within the business. The Maintenance department would need to have a strategy that is founded on the type of assets and life of the assets, the department needs to have a computerised maintenance management system that integrates with other relevant departments such as Finance who needs to guarantee correct budgets for the respective maintenance plans, Stores who will have to ensure correct stock levels to carry out maintenance works, and Procurement who will need to know which services and goods to prioritise among purchase requisitions and purchase orders. HR also plays an important role, as per the research, when it comes to training and development that can improve the abilities of the employees to provide a speedier and accurate service when he/she is more competent; Maintenance management along with engineers then have the crucial role of marrying these aspects to provide the maintenance philosophy for the business that is most suited to the equipment in the plant. If any of these aspects are missing, it becomes a bit challenging to have a complete quality result. Some of the tools that the research considered are TQM and TPM with a strong focus on WM pillar. WM provides for equipment to be part of a Preventative Maintenance schedule to ensure all equipment is properly cared for, and to ensure history and trends are captured for future planning. Even though this research was limited to assess Tutuka EMD strategy, the above principles are applicable and helpful for maintenance departments on a global scale, and not only limited to power industries.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Status of ethics at Road Accident Fund and implications of non-compliance to the sustainability of the fund
- Heshula, Unathi Sandisa Yvone Joy
- Authors: Heshula, Unathi Sandisa Yvone Joy
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Road Accident Fund (South Africa) , Automobile insurance -- South Africa Business ethics -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40183 , vital:35966
- Description: The South Africa public sector is responsible for providing essential services to its citizens. It possesses resources to ensure that these services are provided effectively and efficiently. Part of this investigation has spent on inquiring and understanding the prevalence of the ethics at Road Accident Fund. The research instrument was designed to probe the concept, ethical dilemmas faced and reasons of possible noncompliance, structured interviews were conducted.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Heshula, Unathi Sandisa Yvone Joy
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Road Accident Fund (South Africa) , Automobile insurance -- South Africa Business ethics -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40183 , vital:35966
- Description: The South Africa public sector is responsible for providing essential services to its citizens. It possesses resources to ensure that these services are provided effectively and efficiently. Part of this investigation has spent on inquiring and understanding the prevalence of the ethics at Road Accident Fund. The research instrument was designed to probe the concept, ethical dilemmas faced and reasons of possible noncompliance, structured interviews were conducted.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 2019
An assessment of community partnerships with Amadlelo Agri in the Keiskammahoek dairy: A case of Amahlathi Local Municipality
- Authors: Hlobongwana, Vukile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- Economic aspects , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40150 , vital:35821
- Description: The study is based on partnerships between a rural agricultural community of South Africa and a private dairy company based in the Eastern Cape Province. The Department of Rural Development took an initiative to revitalise all the schemes inherited from the former homelands. Although profits earned from agriculture tend not to be immediate but rather gradual, the advancement of agriculture stimulates economic activity in other sectors. Amadlelo Agri in partnership with the communities and Government have turned this into a multi- million-rand profitable business. The challenge is how to replicate the model to operate on a large scale. The current setup has its pitfalls, and these include cutting of fences and allowing village animals to graze in the pastures belonging to the Dairy. To ensure that the study was well articulated and to assess and address those challenges, the project utilised a case study inquiry of the Amahlathi local municipality in the specific partnership of Amadlelo Agri and the Keiskammahoek community in shared milk ownership initiative. Primary data was collected using simple mixed methods research approach to 8 community members as the instrument was more aligned to the qualitative nature of the inquiry. Gathered data was organised and cleaned manually for analysis. Following the review and discussion of the findings the main findings that the study observed in the assessment of the benefits of community partnerships or sharedownerships are as follows: female and youths are not participating in such types of programmes; contradiction exists between participants regarding the objectives of the initiative; there is a lack of clarity from the developer side with regards to the type of shared ownership initiative; farmers lack the know-how of appropriately handling funds, strategic planning and marketing skills; partnerships are very influential in the creation of work culture and coordination in the community; resource endowment is a crucial factor hindering small scale farmers; and farmers’ training, development and update is lacking consistency. Recommendations put emphasis on ensuring that training is consistent and rigorous to ensure that the community will gain experience of the value of the project which can motivate and ensure that protection is improved by the same community members due to sense of ownership.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Hlobongwana, Vukile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Agricultural development projects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- Economic aspects , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Farms, Small -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40150 , vital:35821
- Description: The study is based on partnerships between a rural agricultural community of South Africa and a private dairy company based in the Eastern Cape Province. The Department of Rural Development took an initiative to revitalise all the schemes inherited from the former homelands. Although profits earned from agriculture tend not to be immediate but rather gradual, the advancement of agriculture stimulates economic activity in other sectors. Amadlelo Agri in partnership with the communities and Government have turned this into a multi- million-rand profitable business. The challenge is how to replicate the model to operate on a large scale. The current setup has its pitfalls, and these include cutting of fences and allowing village animals to graze in the pastures belonging to the Dairy. To ensure that the study was well articulated and to assess and address those challenges, the project utilised a case study inquiry of the Amahlathi local municipality in the specific partnership of Amadlelo Agri and the Keiskammahoek community in shared milk ownership initiative. Primary data was collected using simple mixed methods research approach to 8 community members as the instrument was more aligned to the qualitative nature of the inquiry. Gathered data was organised and cleaned manually for analysis. Following the review and discussion of the findings the main findings that the study observed in the assessment of the benefits of community partnerships or sharedownerships are as follows: female and youths are not participating in such types of programmes; contradiction exists between participants regarding the objectives of the initiative; there is a lack of clarity from the developer side with regards to the type of shared ownership initiative; farmers lack the know-how of appropriately handling funds, strategic planning and marketing skills; partnerships are very influential in the creation of work culture and coordination in the community; resource endowment is a crucial factor hindering small scale farmers; and farmers’ training, development and update is lacking consistency. Recommendations put emphasis on ensuring that training is consistent and rigorous to ensure that the community will gain experience of the value of the project which can motivate and ensure that protection is improved by the same community members due to sense of ownership.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
South Africa’s readiness of the smart built environment towards 2035
- Authors: Holmes, Clinton Keith
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Internet of things , City planning Technology -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40128 , vital:35758
- Description: It is imperative that society works together with government and industry to find solutions in solving the problem of the high utilisation of natural resources in the built environment. Natural resources are not infinite, and the increasing population are compounding the problem. The high level of unemployment in South Africa could be increased dramatically if the old skills in the industry become redundant due to new technology and there are not enough skills to apply to these technologies. This study set out to investigate the extent of the readiness of South Africa for the Smart built environment towards 2035 with an aim to provide valuable information for decision making to the government, policy makers, academic and training institutions and business leaders. South Africa boasts about the achievements of the four major municipalities namely, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Tshwane and eThekwini in terms of their commitment towards the aim for net zero carbon emissions of newly built buildings by 2050. The commitment for sustainable solutions in all sectors is echoed by the Minister of Environmental affairs, as part of the Paris agreement. South Africa does not lack the ability to plan for eventualities. This is evident by the myriad of strategies and policies that can be found all over the government information sharing outlets. The South African government is failing in implementing these policies and strategies that have been around for more than a decade. A lack of execution, lack of transparency as well as a lack of accountability is a hindrance to South Africa’s general growth path. The realisation of the preferred future rest on the acceptance, by all South Africans, that technological advancement is inevitable, and that a joint and inclusive effort should be made to prepare for such a future. South Africa has the ability and appetite to change the future for the better. Two fundamental areas of improvement are to create a united South Africa where people are held accountable for their actions. The unisons should transcend across the various South African government departments but must also include industry, entrepreneurs and the public to create a future where technology is embraced, and innovation encouraged, instead of waiting for technology to dictate a specific future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Holmes, Clinton Keith
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Internet of things , City planning Technology -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40128 , vital:35758
- Description: It is imperative that society works together with government and industry to find solutions in solving the problem of the high utilisation of natural resources in the built environment. Natural resources are not infinite, and the increasing population are compounding the problem. The high level of unemployment in South Africa could be increased dramatically if the old skills in the industry become redundant due to new technology and there are not enough skills to apply to these technologies. This study set out to investigate the extent of the readiness of South Africa for the Smart built environment towards 2035 with an aim to provide valuable information for decision making to the government, policy makers, academic and training institutions and business leaders. South Africa boasts about the achievements of the four major municipalities namely, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Tshwane and eThekwini in terms of their commitment towards the aim for net zero carbon emissions of newly built buildings by 2050. The commitment for sustainable solutions in all sectors is echoed by the Minister of Environmental affairs, as part of the Paris agreement. South Africa does not lack the ability to plan for eventualities. This is evident by the myriad of strategies and policies that can be found all over the government information sharing outlets. The South African government is failing in implementing these policies and strategies that have been around for more than a decade. A lack of execution, lack of transparency as well as a lack of accountability is a hindrance to South Africa’s general growth path. The realisation of the preferred future rest on the acceptance, by all South Africans, that technological advancement is inevitable, and that a joint and inclusive effort should be made to prepare for such a future. South Africa has the ability and appetite to change the future for the better. Two fundamental areas of improvement are to create a united South Africa where people are held accountable for their actions. The unisons should transcend across the various South African government departments but must also include industry, entrepreneurs and the public to create a future where technology is embraced, and innovation encouraged, instead of waiting for technology to dictate a specific future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Risk management for port management information systems
- Authors: Jafta, Ntembeko
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Management information systems , Harbors -- Management Risk management Risk assessment Computer security -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40327 , vital:36141
- Description: Port Management Information Systems (Port MIS) are systems that support port managers in the facilitation of port activities. However, little is known about the system and the risk that it presents. Much information is exposed, and security needs to be strengthened. Port MIS helps managers to make decisions relating to the activities that enable effective management and leadership of the port. Inadequate and poor risk management would lead to loss of business and potential loss of human life. This research study focused on the subsystems that make up Port MIS. There is limited research on port management, and more specifically the risks involved in such national assets. The study explored the purpose of such systems and how they contribute to the whole system. The findings and recommendations would benefit port managers both nationally and internationally as globalisation becomes the basis of world trade and economies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Jafta, Ntembeko
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Management information systems , Harbors -- Management Risk management Risk assessment Computer security -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40327 , vital:36141
- Description: Port Management Information Systems (Port MIS) are systems that support port managers in the facilitation of port activities. However, little is known about the system and the risk that it presents. Much information is exposed, and security needs to be strengthened. Port MIS helps managers to make decisions relating to the activities that enable effective management and leadership of the port. Inadequate and poor risk management would lead to loss of business and potential loss of human life. This research study focused on the subsystems that make up Port MIS. There is limited research on port management, and more specifically the risks involved in such national assets. The study explored the purpose of such systems and how they contribute to the whole system. The findings and recommendations would benefit port managers both nationally and internationally as globalisation becomes the basis of world trade and economies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Organisational learning, training and small medium and micro enterprise (SMME) performance in Port Elizabeth
- Authors: Jaxa, Zoleka
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Organizational learning -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Small business -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Small business -- Management Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Performance Business -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:35741
- Description: The growth and performance of an enterprise requires gaining a competitive edge through learning and evolving. Organisational learning is considered as a primary means for attaining the strategic renewal of an enterprise. In order to achieve this, organisations are required to explore and learn new ways while simultaneously using what is already learned. This research aims to assist SMEs in performing better and becoming sustainable by improving their agility within changing economic circumstance through the practical implementation of organisational learning strategies. The study aims to investigate how organisational learning contributes to the business performance success of SMEs in the Nelson Mandela Bay area. More specifically, the study investigates what roles individual/group/institutional learning and organisational memory play in the achievement of business performance success of SMEs in the Nelson Mandela Bay area. The empirical results were obtained from 71 SME owners with the aim of determining the extent of organisational learning in Nelson Mandela Bay SMEs. In other words, the study aimed to discover whether individual/group/institutional learning and organisational memory were the strongest determinants of business performance success. The findings of the study indicated that organisational learning in the form of group learning and organisational memory is an important determinant of business performance success. The study revealed that only group learning and organisational learning are significant determinants of business performance success, even though individual and institutional learning are also important. Furthermore, recommendations were made to SME owners to ensure that they practise organisational learning principles and foster mainly group learning and organisational memory in order to improve the business performance success of SMEs significantly in the Nelson Mandela Bay area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Jaxa, Zoleka
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Organizational learning -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Small business -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth Small business -- Management Business enterprises -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Performance Business -- Evaluation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:35741
- Description: The growth and performance of an enterprise requires gaining a competitive edge through learning and evolving. Organisational learning is considered as a primary means for attaining the strategic renewal of an enterprise. In order to achieve this, organisations are required to explore and learn new ways while simultaneously using what is already learned. This research aims to assist SMEs in performing better and becoming sustainable by improving their agility within changing economic circumstance through the practical implementation of organisational learning strategies. The study aims to investigate how organisational learning contributes to the business performance success of SMEs in the Nelson Mandela Bay area. More specifically, the study investigates what roles individual/group/institutional learning and organisational memory play in the achievement of business performance success of SMEs in the Nelson Mandela Bay area. The empirical results were obtained from 71 SME owners with the aim of determining the extent of organisational learning in Nelson Mandela Bay SMEs. In other words, the study aimed to discover whether individual/group/institutional learning and organisational memory were the strongest determinants of business performance success. The findings of the study indicated that organisational learning in the form of group learning and organisational memory is an important determinant of business performance success. The study revealed that only group learning and organisational learning are significant determinants of business performance success, even though individual and institutional learning are also important. Furthermore, recommendations were made to SME owners to ensure that they practise organisational learning principles and foster mainly group learning and organisational memory in order to improve the business performance success of SMEs significantly in the Nelson Mandela Bay area.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Job satisfaction of lecturers at TVET colleges in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipal region in the context of organisational culture
- Authors: Jegels, Unity Christine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Job satisfaction , Corporate culture Organizational change Vocational education -- Employees Technical education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40039 , vital:35739
- Description: One of the most widely researched job attitudes and extensively investigated topics in the history of industrial and organisational psychology is job satisfaction. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the attributes of organisational culture that impact the levels of employee job satisfaction. This study explored the experience of job satisfaction in the context of the organisational culture at TVET colleges. The current research investigated the correlation between organisational culture and the prevalence of job satisfaction. A descriptive-analytical study was conducted on sixty-one (61) lecturers selected using convenience sampling. A valid and reliable questionnaire, based on a five-point Likert scale, was used as a measuring instrument. The questionnaire surveyed the sample demographics and statements on organisational culture as designated by organisational leadership style and supervision, working conditions, promotion and job security, organisational communication, remuneration and employee benefits. SPSS software, Version 25, was used to analyse the data sets that were collected. Research findings indicated a significant relationship between job satisfaction and the organisational culture elements of remuneration and employee benefits and organisational communication.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Jegels, Unity Christine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Job satisfaction , Corporate culture Organizational change Vocational education -- Employees Technical education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40039 , vital:35739
- Description: One of the most widely researched job attitudes and extensively investigated topics in the history of industrial and organisational psychology is job satisfaction. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the attributes of organisational culture that impact the levels of employee job satisfaction. This study explored the experience of job satisfaction in the context of the organisational culture at TVET colleges. The current research investigated the correlation between organisational culture and the prevalence of job satisfaction. A descriptive-analytical study was conducted on sixty-one (61) lecturers selected using convenience sampling. A valid and reliable questionnaire, based on a five-point Likert scale, was used as a measuring instrument. The questionnaire surveyed the sample demographics and statements on organisational culture as designated by organisational leadership style and supervision, working conditions, promotion and job security, organisational communication, remuneration and employee benefits. SPSS software, Version 25, was used to analyse the data sets that were collected. Research findings indicated a significant relationship between job satisfaction and the organisational culture elements of remuneration and employee benefits and organisational communication.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A study on technology adoption in agriculture in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Keevy, Christine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Agricultural implements -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48628 , vital:41054
- Description: arrival of the Fourth Industrial Revolution has brought with it a vast array of new technologies that can be applied across many industries and various applications, to help solve many of the social, economic and environmental issues the world faces. However, it also heralds in an unprecedented rate of change. The agricultural industry is expected to be heavily affected by new technology. As they are run by smaller management teams they may need support from organisations to introduce technologies. The study aims to identify drivers and barriers to technology adoption in agriculture through a conceptual model based on the Technology Adoption Model, Diffusion of Innovation Theory, and a Technology-Organisation-Environment Model, along with a thorough industry analysis. The study obtained quantitative data from 59 respondents from the Eastern Cape farming community. The key findings include the identification of Perceived Usefulness and Industry Pressures as the variables with a significant driving influence on the intention to adopt new technologies. However, Perceived Ease of Use, Employee Knowledge and External Support Structures were found to have a negative relationship with the adoption of technology. It has been interpreted that improvements in these areas may enable farmers to adopt technology more easily but that farmers feel sufficient pressure to make them adopt technology despite the complexities and lack of required internal skills or external support. Due to the low number of respondents, it is not possible to infer the findings on the larger population of farmers. The findings can therefore only be used as exploratory findings which need to be verified in focus groups, with farmers, before any action is taken. However, the findings in the study can be used to aid the definition of frameworks for further studies and the development of action plans to support farmers in the adoption of technology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Keevy, Christine
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Agricultural implements -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48628 , vital:41054
- Description: arrival of the Fourth Industrial Revolution has brought with it a vast array of new technologies that can be applied across many industries and various applications, to help solve many of the social, economic and environmental issues the world faces. However, it also heralds in an unprecedented rate of change. The agricultural industry is expected to be heavily affected by new technology. As they are run by smaller management teams they may need support from organisations to introduce technologies. The study aims to identify drivers and barriers to technology adoption in agriculture through a conceptual model based on the Technology Adoption Model, Diffusion of Innovation Theory, and a Technology-Organisation-Environment Model, along with a thorough industry analysis. The study obtained quantitative data from 59 respondents from the Eastern Cape farming community. The key findings include the identification of Perceived Usefulness and Industry Pressures as the variables with a significant driving influence on the intention to adopt new technologies. However, Perceived Ease of Use, Employee Knowledge and External Support Structures were found to have a negative relationship with the adoption of technology. It has been interpreted that improvements in these areas may enable farmers to adopt technology more easily but that farmers feel sufficient pressure to make them adopt technology despite the complexities and lack of required internal skills or external support. Due to the low number of respondents, it is not possible to infer the findings on the larger population of farmers. The findings can therefore only be used as exploratory findings which need to be verified in focus groups, with farmers, before any action is taken. However, the findings in the study can be used to aid the definition of frameworks for further studies and the development of action plans to support farmers in the adoption of technology.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The development of a framework to assess the economic viability of thoroughbred breeding in South Africa
- Authors: Keevy, Julia Merle
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Thoroughbred horse -- Breeding -- South Africa , Race horses -- Breeding -- South Africa Horse industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40632 , vital:36203
- Description: The thoroughbred horseracing industry in Southern Africa has reported a declining trend in industry participants in recent years with pressure being experienced from external sources as well as from within. The industry is reliant on the thoroughbred breeding sector to supply quality horses for the purpose of racing. This, coupled with the challenges faced in exporting horses to global markets, has diminished the demand for thoroughbred horses locally. The economic viability of the breeding sector, as the foundation of the broader thoroughbred industry, is pivotal for its future sustainability. This has served as the motivation for this study. The sport of thoroughbred horse racing in South Africa contributes over R2,7 billion to the estimated R4500,0 billion South African GDP in the form of gambling revenue alone. The industry is particularly labour intensive and employs over 15 000 people in South Africa which include breeding, racing and betting industry participants. In this study, a broad analysis of the thoroughbred breeding sector in South Africa was conducted with the intention of developing a framework within which to assess the perceived economic viability of the thoroughbred breeding sector in South Africa. The study used the literature review to identify key factors that have an economic impact on the thoroughbred breeding sector in terms of how these factors influence perceived economic viability. The empirical section of the study tested thoroughbred breeders‘ perceptions and understanding of the concepts that influenced the economic viability of the breeding sector. Strong evidence emerged from the empirical study that the industry is not exploiting marketing avenues that are available, creating information shortages that affect perceptions of the sector and that the equine export system from South Africa is inefficient and costly. Amidst political uncertainty and general economic decline in South Africa, the future of the industry and the people that it supports is questionable. The relevance and scope of the breeding sector in support of the broader thoroughbred industry in South Africa is pivotal, without it there will be no industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Keevy, Julia Merle
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Thoroughbred horse -- Breeding -- South Africa , Race horses -- Breeding -- South Africa Horse industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40632 , vital:36203
- Description: The thoroughbred horseracing industry in Southern Africa has reported a declining trend in industry participants in recent years with pressure being experienced from external sources as well as from within. The industry is reliant on the thoroughbred breeding sector to supply quality horses for the purpose of racing. This, coupled with the challenges faced in exporting horses to global markets, has diminished the demand for thoroughbred horses locally. The economic viability of the breeding sector, as the foundation of the broader thoroughbred industry, is pivotal for its future sustainability. This has served as the motivation for this study. The sport of thoroughbred horse racing in South Africa contributes over R2,7 billion to the estimated R4500,0 billion South African GDP in the form of gambling revenue alone. The industry is particularly labour intensive and employs over 15 000 people in South Africa which include breeding, racing and betting industry participants. In this study, a broad analysis of the thoroughbred breeding sector in South Africa was conducted with the intention of developing a framework within which to assess the perceived economic viability of the thoroughbred breeding sector in South Africa. The study used the literature review to identify key factors that have an economic impact on the thoroughbred breeding sector in terms of how these factors influence perceived economic viability. The empirical section of the study tested thoroughbred breeders‘ perceptions and understanding of the concepts that influenced the economic viability of the breeding sector. Strong evidence emerged from the empirical study that the industry is not exploiting marketing avenues that are available, creating information shortages that affect perceptions of the sector and that the equine export system from South Africa is inefficient and costly. Amidst political uncertainty and general economic decline in South Africa, the future of the industry and the people that it supports is questionable. The relevance and scope of the breeding sector in support of the broader thoroughbred industry in South Africa is pivotal, without it there will be no industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The role of leadership in shaping school culture in a secondary school
- Authors: Kofi, Linda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Educational leadership , Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Corporate culture
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92247 , vital:30698
- Description: SDG 4 calls for an “inclusive, quality and equitable education and lifelong opportunities for all”. The purpose of the study is to investigate how leadership has shaped the school culture, which culminates to higher academic performance in a secondary school. This case study is done in a previously disadvantaged secondary school within the Buffalo City Metro Education District, in the Eastern Cape. Despite the socio-economic challenges faced by the school, the NSC examination pass rate results for the school are constantly above the Provincial NSC pass rate results. Consequently, the aim of the study is to determine the unique characteristics of the school culture that have contributed to high academic performance, and how the school leadership has cultivated this culture. The study reviews school culture using Schein’s organizational culture model. Moreover, it reviews school principalship, leadership and how leadership shapes school culture. Lastly, the study reviews literature on instructional, transformational and distributed leadership theories, as they resonate well with South African school environment. The study utilizes a qualitative research method in its investigation, gathering data through document analysis and interviews. After the data was collected, the pattern matching method was utilized to analyse the findings. The key characteristics of school culture that contributed to the school performing well academically, are the values of disciplined hard work and academic excellence. Furthermore, findings proved that characteristics of instructional leadership such as the provision of professional development and the management of curriculum and instruction have the shape the school culture. Transformational leadership characteristics such as individualized consideration, inspirational motivation and intellectual stimulation, have also shaped the school culture; as have characteristics of distributed leadership such as sharing authority and accountability. The study discusses the findings and then concludes by recognizing the research limitations such as the time constraints and purposeful exclusion of certain school members, for example learners. In its conclusion the study presents it contributions to the body of knowledge and provides recommendations for practitioners and future studies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Kofi, Linda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Educational leadership , Educational leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Corporate culture
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/92247 , vital:30698
- Description: SDG 4 calls for an “inclusive, quality and equitable education and lifelong opportunities for all”. The purpose of the study is to investigate how leadership has shaped the school culture, which culminates to higher academic performance in a secondary school. This case study is done in a previously disadvantaged secondary school within the Buffalo City Metro Education District, in the Eastern Cape. Despite the socio-economic challenges faced by the school, the NSC examination pass rate results for the school are constantly above the Provincial NSC pass rate results. Consequently, the aim of the study is to determine the unique characteristics of the school culture that have contributed to high academic performance, and how the school leadership has cultivated this culture. The study reviews school culture using Schein’s organizational culture model. Moreover, it reviews school principalship, leadership and how leadership shapes school culture. Lastly, the study reviews literature on instructional, transformational and distributed leadership theories, as they resonate well with South African school environment. The study utilizes a qualitative research method in its investigation, gathering data through document analysis and interviews. After the data was collected, the pattern matching method was utilized to analyse the findings. The key characteristics of school culture that contributed to the school performing well academically, are the values of disciplined hard work and academic excellence. Furthermore, findings proved that characteristics of instructional leadership such as the provision of professional development and the management of curriculum and instruction have the shape the school culture. Transformational leadership characteristics such as individualized consideration, inspirational motivation and intellectual stimulation, have also shaped the school culture; as have characteristics of distributed leadership such as sharing authority and accountability. The study discusses the findings and then concludes by recognizing the research limitations such as the time constraints and purposeful exclusion of certain school members, for example learners. In its conclusion the study presents it contributions to the body of knowledge and provides recommendations for practitioners and future studies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Assessing the readiness for the implementation of municipal standard chart of accounts (mSCOA)
- Authors: Kwetana, Bulumko
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Municipal finance -- South Africa , Municipal finance -- Accounting -- South Africa Accounting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40489 , vital:36170
- Description: The research project was undertaken to explore the readiness for the implementation of the municipal standard chart of accounts (mSCOA) in Eastern Cape municipalities. The Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and other reporting guidelines emphasise on enhancing the quality of information to improve the relevance of financial reporting. They also make emphasis on the importance of preparing regular, accurate and complete financial and performance reports that are supported and evidenced by reliable information. In South Africa, the reporting system of the municipalities has been decentralised, and various municipalities use different financial reporting systems. The recently introduced mSCOA provides a uniform and standardised financial transaction classification framework. Essentially this means that mSCOA prescribes the method (the how) and format (the look) that municipalities and their entities should use to record and classify all expenditure (capital and operating), revenue, assets, liabilities, equity, policy outcomes and legislative reporting. The literature review explores the existing information for correlation with the implementation of mSCOA and recommendations are made to the National Treasury to ensure an approach and conversion plan that would be relevant and practical in the current municipal environment and address all challenges and concerns identified within a reasonable time frame. Overall, the municipalities were not ready for the overall mSCOA implementation as depicted by the challenges municipalities are facing. However, the results of the study showed that stakeholders play a huge role in facilitating the transition to mSCOA and can also create an enabling environment for change. Management should ensure more training mechanisms are in place to ensure all employees are well- versed with the management information systems that they use daily. Management should encourage enterprise risk management principles to be part of the culture of the municipalities on every project. The importance of the research for the public sector resides in recognition of the need for a better understanding of mSCOA as a wide public-sector reform so that significant risks and challenges related to mSCOA implementation are well anticipated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Kwetana, Bulumko
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Municipal finance -- South Africa , Municipal finance -- Accounting -- South Africa Accounting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40489 , vital:36170
- Description: The research project was undertaken to explore the readiness for the implementation of the municipal standard chart of accounts (mSCOA) in Eastern Cape municipalities. The Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and other reporting guidelines emphasise on enhancing the quality of information to improve the relevance of financial reporting. They also make emphasis on the importance of preparing regular, accurate and complete financial and performance reports that are supported and evidenced by reliable information. In South Africa, the reporting system of the municipalities has been decentralised, and various municipalities use different financial reporting systems. The recently introduced mSCOA provides a uniform and standardised financial transaction classification framework. Essentially this means that mSCOA prescribes the method (the how) and format (the look) that municipalities and their entities should use to record and classify all expenditure (capital and operating), revenue, assets, liabilities, equity, policy outcomes and legislative reporting. The literature review explores the existing information for correlation with the implementation of mSCOA and recommendations are made to the National Treasury to ensure an approach and conversion plan that would be relevant and practical in the current municipal environment and address all challenges and concerns identified within a reasonable time frame. Overall, the municipalities were not ready for the overall mSCOA implementation as depicted by the challenges municipalities are facing. However, the results of the study showed that stakeholders play a huge role in facilitating the transition to mSCOA and can also create an enabling environment for change. Management should ensure more training mechanisms are in place to ensure all employees are well- versed with the management information systems that they use daily. Management should encourage enterprise risk management principles to be part of the culture of the municipalities on every project. The importance of the research for the public sector resides in recognition of the need for a better understanding of mSCOA as a wide public-sector reform so that significant risks and challenges related to mSCOA implementation are well anticipated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A framework of macroeconomic factors to be considered when evaluating commercial real estate development in sub-Saharan Africa
- Authors: Lawson, Stephen
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Commercial real estate -- Development -- Sub-Saharan Africa , Real estate investment -- Sub-Saharan Africa Macroeconomics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40072 , vital:35745
- Description: Sub-Saharan Africa as a region is one with great potential given the positive demographic trends experienced in recent history, trends expected to continue into the future. The factors contributing to this positive demographic trend include, improved healthcare, education and life expectancy, all of which have contributed to a younger and growing population. The younger and growing population, the majority of which are located within the working age group, have resulted in high rates of urbanisation as the populous move from traditional rural areas to more urbanised areas and cities in search of greater opportunities, employment, and ultimately, better quality of life. The positive population growth and urbanisation trends exhibited in the region provide an opportunity to the role players in industry and commerce, as they seek to take advantage of the growing consumer base. Accordingly, commercial real estate developers active within the region have an opportunity to satisfy the growing needs of the market given the low levels of commercial real estate stock available in the region. However, historically the region has served as a poor investment destination for commercial real estate given the dynamic and occasionally volatile political, economic and legal environments. The opportunity presented to commercial real estate developers as a result of the positive demographic trends is met with large scale risks in the form of a dynamic and ever-changing macroeconomic environment within the region. To ensure the success, profitability and longevity of their commercial real estate developments, active real estate developers and in pursuit of commercial real estate development in sub-Saharan Africa need to approach the opportunities in a cautious and informed manner. The purpose of the study is to develop a framework which will identify a common set of macroeconomic factors and associated variables in order to assist South African real estate developers in the identification, mitigation and management of macroeconomic risks when evaluating commercial real estate in sub- Saharan Africa. A frame of reference was developed on the PESTEL Analysis in order to identify factors within the macroeconomic environment, following which a literature-driven framework was developed after an extensive literature review process, which identified macroeconomic risk variables associated with each of the factors identified. The literature-driven framework was then tested through a series of semi-structured interviews, which comprised five suitably qualified and experienced respondents who are real estate developers currently active in pursuit of commercial real estate development in sub-Saharan Africa and are currently employed by or own a real estate development organisation. Following the data analysis of the respondent interviews, a proposed framework was developed which detailed the macroeconomic factors and associated variables to be considered when evaluating commercial real estate development in sub-Saharan Africa, by providing a ranked scale of relevance for the variables associated with the respective macroeconomic risk factors identified. The development of the proposed framework is intended to assist South African real estate developers in the identification, mitigation and management of macroeconomic risks when evaluating the development of commercial real estate in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Lawson, Stephen
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Commercial real estate -- Development -- Sub-Saharan Africa , Real estate investment -- Sub-Saharan Africa Macroeconomics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40072 , vital:35745
- Description: Sub-Saharan Africa as a region is one with great potential given the positive demographic trends experienced in recent history, trends expected to continue into the future. The factors contributing to this positive demographic trend include, improved healthcare, education and life expectancy, all of which have contributed to a younger and growing population. The younger and growing population, the majority of which are located within the working age group, have resulted in high rates of urbanisation as the populous move from traditional rural areas to more urbanised areas and cities in search of greater opportunities, employment, and ultimately, better quality of life. The positive population growth and urbanisation trends exhibited in the region provide an opportunity to the role players in industry and commerce, as they seek to take advantage of the growing consumer base. Accordingly, commercial real estate developers active within the region have an opportunity to satisfy the growing needs of the market given the low levels of commercial real estate stock available in the region. However, historically the region has served as a poor investment destination for commercial real estate given the dynamic and occasionally volatile political, economic and legal environments. The opportunity presented to commercial real estate developers as a result of the positive demographic trends is met with large scale risks in the form of a dynamic and ever-changing macroeconomic environment within the region. To ensure the success, profitability and longevity of their commercial real estate developments, active real estate developers and in pursuit of commercial real estate development in sub-Saharan Africa need to approach the opportunities in a cautious and informed manner. The purpose of the study is to develop a framework which will identify a common set of macroeconomic factors and associated variables in order to assist South African real estate developers in the identification, mitigation and management of macroeconomic risks when evaluating commercial real estate in sub- Saharan Africa. A frame of reference was developed on the PESTEL Analysis in order to identify factors within the macroeconomic environment, following which a literature-driven framework was developed after an extensive literature review process, which identified macroeconomic risk variables associated with each of the factors identified. The literature-driven framework was then tested through a series of semi-structured interviews, which comprised five suitably qualified and experienced respondents who are real estate developers currently active in pursuit of commercial real estate development in sub-Saharan Africa and are currently employed by or own a real estate development organisation. Following the data analysis of the respondent interviews, a proposed framework was developed which detailed the macroeconomic factors and associated variables to be considered when evaluating commercial real estate development in sub-Saharan Africa, by providing a ranked scale of relevance for the variables associated with the respective macroeconomic risk factors identified. The development of the proposed framework is intended to assist South African real estate developers in the identification, mitigation and management of macroeconomic risks when evaluating the development of commercial real estate in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Study into the Road Accident Fund adopting a semi-paperless strategy
- Authors: Lugebu, Sisonke
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Road Accident Fund (South Africa) , Business planning -- Computer simulation Information technology -- Management Computer systems -- Environmental aspects Green technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40522 , vital:36179
- Description: The study sought to explore the feasibility of the South African Road Accident Fund(RAF) transitioning from traditional offline paper management system to a semi-paperless management system. the study was conducted with the RAF offices in the East London region. the researcher explored the benefits, risks and challenges inherent in business process automation. the literature study covered business process automation, service delivery in South Africa and other diverse related aspects. the population sample was drawn from departments within RAF offices in East London region. Primarily data was collected by means of semi-structured questionnaire, which was handed to participants. the study was guided by interpretivist paradigm and made use of qualitative research method.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Lugebu, Sisonke
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Road Accident Fund (South Africa) , Business planning -- Computer simulation Information technology -- Management Computer systems -- Environmental aspects Green technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40522 , vital:36179
- Description: The study sought to explore the feasibility of the South African Road Accident Fund(RAF) transitioning from traditional offline paper management system to a semi-paperless management system. the study was conducted with the RAF offices in the East London region. the researcher explored the benefits, risks and challenges inherent in business process automation. the literature study covered business process automation, service delivery in South Africa and other diverse related aspects. the population sample was drawn from departments within RAF offices in East London region. Primarily data was collected by means of semi-structured questionnaire, which was handed to participants. the study was guided by interpretivist paradigm and made use of qualitative research method.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Improving organisational effectiveness through employee engagement: a proposed framework
- Authors: Mabasa, Jerry Mandla
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Organisational effectiveness -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Employee motivation Organizational behavior Work environment -- Employees
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40657 , vital:36207
- Description: South African-based automotive industry firms have been largely characterised by fierce competition at the global level. In order to compete effectively, business leaders have to align business strategies and adopt the best practice approach to gain a competitive advantage among rivals. The majority of this practice requires a high level of employee buy-in to ensure effective, sustainable and successful implementation. Hence, employees become a key stakeholder for improving the organisational competitive advantage and the business leader must continuously find sustainable methods for engaging their employees in order to raise the effectiveness of the organisation. In view of these notions, this study was grounded in the social exchange theory. Against this background, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of several Employee Engagement drivers, namely Positive Mood, Personal Vision, Compensation, Team and Co-worker Relationships, Organisational Support and Leadership and to investigate their influence on the levels of Employee Engagement and Organisational Effectiveness to businesses in the automotive industry in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape. To evaluate the conceptual framework suggested by this study based on the literature review, an empirical assessment was performed amongst the employees of Nelson Mandela Bay‟s automotive sector manufacturers through the application of an electronically distributed questionnaire. The selection of the sample was performed using convenience sampling. A total of 135 usable questionnaires were returned with which to undertake the statistical analysis. The findings showed that the demographic variables investigated in this study had no influence on the way in which employees‟ perceived engagement in the workplace. In order to assess the validity of the dependent variables successfully, namely employee engagement and organisational effectiveness, inferential statistics were performed. Inferential statistics commenced by investigating the reliability of the empirical data. It was concluded that all variables returned Cronbach‟s alpha coefficients greater than 0.7, except for the Team and Co-Worker Relationships independent variable. Hence, sufficient evidence of reliability and validity for the items measuring the dependent and the independent variables was provided. The items intended to measure Team and Co-Worker Relationships did not load as expected and the variable was subsequently eliminated from further analysis, resulting in the revised conceptual framework. Correlation analysis revealed that none of the variables were strongly correlated. The subsequent multiple regression analyses revealed that only the Organisational Support variable investigated in this study had a significant positive influence on both the Employee Engagement and Organisational Effectiveness variables. On the other hand, Leadership only had a significant positive influence on Organisational Effectiveness, while positive emotions (measured by the Positive Mood and Personal Vision variables) had a significant positive influence on Employee Engagement. In addition, the results of this study showed that the Employee Engagement variable mediates the relationship between the Positive Mood, Personal Vision and Organisational Support and Organisational Effectiveness variables. However, it does not mediate the relationship between the Leadership and Organisational Effectiveness variables. Given the findings of this study, a number of recommendations are put forward to enhance the levels of Positive Mood, Personal Vision, Organisational Support and Leadership qualities among employees, and to ultimately enhance the levels of Employee engagement and Organisational Effectiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mabasa, Jerry Mandla
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Organisational effectiveness -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Employee motivation Organizational behavior Work environment -- Employees
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40657 , vital:36207
- Description: South African-based automotive industry firms have been largely characterised by fierce competition at the global level. In order to compete effectively, business leaders have to align business strategies and adopt the best practice approach to gain a competitive advantage among rivals. The majority of this practice requires a high level of employee buy-in to ensure effective, sustainable and successful implementation. Hence, employees become a key stakeholder for improving the organisational competitive advantage and the business leader must continuously find sustainable methods for engaging their employees in order to raise the effectiveness of the organisation. In view of these notions, this study was grounded in the social exchange theory. Against this background, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the levels of several Employee Engagement drivers, namely Positive Mood, Personal Vision, Compensation, Team and Co-worker Relationships, Organisational Support and Leadership and to investigate their influence on the levels of Employee Engagement and Organisational Effectiveness to businesses in the automotive industry in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape. To evaluate the conceptual framework suggested by this study based on the literature review, an empirical assessment was performed amongst the employees of Nelson Mandela Bay‟s automotive sector manufacturers through the application of an electronically distributed questionnaire. The selection of the sample was performed using convenience sampling. A total of 135 usable questionnaires were returned with which to undertake the statistical analysis. The findings showed that the demographic variables investigated in this study had no influence on the way in which employees‟ perceived engagement in the workplace. In order to assess the validity of the dependent variables successfully, namely employee engagement and organisational effectiveness, inferential statistics were performed. Inferential statistics commenced by investigating the reliability of the empirical data. It was concluded that all variables returned Cronbach‟s alpha coefficients greater than 0.7, except for the Team and Co-Worker Relationships independent variable. Hence, sufficient evidence of reliability and validity for the items measuring the dependent and the independent variables was provided. The items intended to measure Team and Co-Worker Relationships did not load as expected and the variable was subsequently eliminated from further analysis, resulting in the revised conceptual framework. Correlation analysis revealed that none of the variables were strongly correlated. The subsequent multiple regression analyses revealed that only the Organisational Support variable investigated in this study had a significant positive influence on both the Employee Engagement and Organisational Effectiveness variables. On the other hand, Leadership only had a significant positive influence on Organisational Effectiveness, while positive emotions (measured by the Positive Mood and Personal Vision variables) had a significant positive influence on Employee Engagement. In addition, the results of this study showed that the Employee Engagement variable mediates the relationship between the Positive Mood, Personal Vision and Organisational Support and Organisational Effectiveness variables. However, it does not mediate the relationship between the Leadership and Organisational Effectiveness variables. Given the findings of this study, a number of recommendations are put forward to enhance the levels of Positive Mood, Personal Vision, Organisational Support and Leadership qualities among employees, and to ultimately enhance the levels of Employee engagement and Organisational Effectiveness.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Loyalty programmes in the medical aid and insurance sector in South Africa
- Authors: Mafa, Linda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Customer loyalty programs -- South Africa , Insurance companies -- South Africa Health insurance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40757 , vital:36233
- Description: This treatise covers customer loyalty from the perspective of medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes. Previous work indicates that the healthcare sector does not have a strong consumer focus. As such, loyalty in this sphere is not strong and has not been explored as a means to enhance customer loyalty. The problem statement for this study states that loyalty programmes in the medical aid and insurance sector in South Africa have not been adequately assessed. While customer loyalty has been viewed from a generic marketing perspective, previous work has failed to address the critical factors that influence customer loyalty in medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes. A review of literature focuses on the definitions of customer loyalty in general and as it pertains to loyalty programmes, with attitudes and behaviours identified and common customer loyalty dimensions. This study has approached the assessment of customer loyalty in the healthcare sector by exploring the factors that influence customer loyalty in medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes in South Africa. The study was conducted using exploratory factor analysis of loyalty programme measurement items that evaluated attitudes and behaviours related to customer loyalty. The factor analysis was undertaken using data gathered from a self-administered online questionnaire. This treatise is part of a bigger study of loyalty programmes and customer loyalty in different sectors. The sample for this study was randomly selected using probability and convenience sampling. A sample size of n = 386 is applicable to this study. As part of the data analysis, descriptive statistics were used to compress and organise the sample data. Inferential statistics were used to project the findings of the sample data into the full population. The key impact of the research was the presentation and statistical assessment of an exploratory factor analysis of medical aid and insurance loyalty programme factors. The study concluded that attitudes related to the general assessment, trust, communication, personalisation, flexibility and rewards are relevant factors to consider in medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes. The study also concluded that behaviours related to the general assessment, purchase behaviour, communication, personalisation, flexibility and rewards are relevant factors to consider in medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes. Demographics variables, which were an overarching variable to the factors, were found to not show significant differences in the attitudes and behaviours of loyalty programme participants towards the loyalty programme factors. Repeat purchase behaviour is not necessarily influenced by loyalty programme participation. Perceived value has been found to be a more important consideration in influencing purchase behaviours of loyalty programme participants. The level of trust participants place on loyalty programmes is not confirmed by programme membership. To maintain programme credibility, loyalty programmes must gain the trust of participants. The study also found that there is no strong indication that loyalty programme communication currently enhances repeat purchase behaviour implying that communication strategies of medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes are not effective. Personalisation approaches are more focused on product personalisation than on service personalisation. The availability of points/rewards on different platforms is an important feature to programme participants. Non-reward related value-added services like priority service and exclusive access to products are not a preferred form of reward in medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes. The study contributed to the body of knowledge on the statistical assessment of an exploratory factor analysis approach to evaluate customer loyalty in medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes in SA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mafa, Linda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Customer loyalty programs -- South Africa , Insurance companies -- South Africa Health insurance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40757 , vital:36233
- Description: This treatise covers customer loyalty from the perspective of medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes. Previous work indicates that the healthcare sector does not have a strong consumer focus. As such, loyalty in this sphere is not strong and has not been explored as a means to enhance customer loyalty. The problem statement for this study states that loyalty programmes in the medical aid and insurance sector in South Africa have not been adequately assessed. While customer loyalty has been viewed from a generic marketing perspective, previous work has failed to address the critical factors that influence customer loyalty in medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes. A review of literature focuses on the definitions of customer loyalty in general and as it pertains to loyalty programmes, with attitudes and behaviours identified and common customer loyalty dimensions. This study has approached the assessment of customer loyalty in the healthcare sector by exploring the factors that influence customer loyalty in medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes in South Africa. The study was conducted using exploratory factor analysis of loyalty programme measurement items that evaluated attitudes and behaviours related to customer loyalty. The factor analysis was undertaken using data gathered from a self-administered online questionnaire. This treatise is part of a bigger study of loyalty programmes and customer loyalty in different sectors. The sample for this study was randomly selected using probability and convenience sampling. A sample size of n = 386 is applicable to this study. As part of the data analysis, descriptive statistics were used to compress and organise the sample data. Inferential statistics were used to project the findings of the sample data into the full population. The key impact of the research was the presentation and statistical assessment of an exploratory factor analysis of medical aid and insurance loyalty programme factors. The study concluded that attitudes related to the general assessment, trust, communication, personalisation, flexibility and rewards are relevant factors to consider in medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes. The study also concluded that behaviours related to the general assessment, purchase behaviour, communication, personalisation, flexibility and rewards are relevant factors to consider in medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes. Demographics variables, which were an overarching variable to the factors, were found to not show significant differences in the attitudes and behaviours of loyalty programme participants towards the loyalty programme factors. Repeat purchase behaviour is not necessarily influenced by loyalty programme participation. Perceived value has been found to be a more important consideration in influencing purchase behaviours of loyalty programme participants. The level of trust participants place on loyalty programmes is not confirmed by programme membership. To maintain programme credibility, loyalty programmes must gain the trust of participants. The study also found that there is no strong indication that loyalty programme communication currently enhances repeat purchase behaviour implying that communication strategies of medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes are not effective. Personalisation approaches are more focused on product personalisation than on service personalisation. The availability of points/rewards on different platforms is an important feature to programme participants. Non-reward related value-added services like priority service and exclusive access to products are not a preferred form of reward in medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes. The study contributed to the body of knowledge on the statistical assessment of an exploratory factor analysis approach to evaluate customer loyalty in medical aid and insurance loyalty programmes in SA.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
A model for retaining employees in an organisation within the aviation industry
- Authors: Makalima, Odwa Vuyolwethu
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Employee retention , Labor turnover Job satsifaction Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40800 , vital:36238
- Description: Staff turnover affects even the best of organisations. It results in positions with high employee turnover rates being left open for months on end in other cases with other employees being appointed to act in those positions. Even after appointments are made there is a time period before appointees are proficient in the company operations and procedures. Staff turnover not only affects management but the organisation as a whole. It can sometimes lead to a decrease in organisational efficiency and a drop in the performance of the remaining staff. Employee retention is amongst the issues facing organisational managers as a result of a shortage of skilled workers, economic growth and high employee turnover. Organisations can no longer afford to leave the responsibility of retaining skilled and high performing employees to the Human Resources department. Management needs to take accountability for reducing loss of talent. The aim of this study is to improve employee retention by investigating factors that affect intention to resign in an aviation organisation. The study specifically examined how independent variables such as trust in management, organisational values, growth and advancement opportunities, effective communication, and work-life balance will influence the intent to resign of employees in an aviation organisation. An empirical study, consisting of a mail survey was conducted amongst 151 employees of an organisation in the aviation industry based across all nine provinces. The purpose was to investigate the determinants of intent to resign among employees in the aviation industry. The key findings indicate that growth and advancement opportunities and work-life balance are key variables for reducing intent to resign and thereby improving retention in aviation organisations. Trust in management, organisational values and effective communication were found to not have a significant relationship with employees’ intent to resign. Recommendations were made to management to ensure that they pay specific attention to growth and advancement opportunities as well as work-life balance in order to improve the retention of their employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Makalima, Odwa Vuyolwethu
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Employee retention , Labor turnover Job satsifaction Employee motivation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40800 , vital:36238
- Description: Staff turnover affects even the best of organisations. It results in positions with high employee turnover rates being left open for months on end in other cases with other employees being appointed to act in those positions. Even after appointments are made there is a time period before appointees are proficient in the company operations and procedures. Staff turnover not only affects management but the organisation as a whole. It can sometimes lead to a decrease in organisational efficiency and a drop in the performance of the remaining staff. Employee retention is amongst the issues facing organisational managers as a result of a shortage of skilled workers, economic growth and high employee turnover. Organisations can no longer afford to leave the responsibility of retaining skilled and high performing employees to the Human Resources department. Management needs to take accountability for reducing loss of talent. The aim of this study is to improve employee retention by investigating factors that affect intention to resign in an aviation organisation. The study specifically examined how independent variables such as trust in management, organisational values, growth and advancement opportunities, effective communication, and work-life balance will influence the intent to resign of employees in an aviation organisation. An empirical study, consisting of a mail survey was conducted amongst 151 employees of an organisation in the aviation industry based across all nine provinces. The purpose was to investigate the determinants of intent to resign among employees in the aviation industry. The key findings indicate that growth and advancement opportunities and work-life balance are key variables for reducing intent to resign and thereby improving retention in aviation organisations. Trust in management, organisational values and effective communication were found to not have a significant relationship with employees’ intent to resign. Recommendations were made to management to ensure that they pay specific attention to growth and advancement opportunities as well as work-life balance in order to improve the retention of their employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
An analysis of barriers to employee adoption of workplace health and safety standards at Eskom, Makhanda (Grahamstown)
- Authors: Makholwane, Nobubele
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Eskom (Firm) -- Employees -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Eskom (Firm) -- Management -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Industrial hygiene -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/93898 , vital:30968
- Description: Workplace fatalities and injuries are a concern around the world, with over 2 million deaths because of workplace related activities. This makes safety culture in the workplace crucial to the sustainability of individuals, businesses and the society in general. Safety culture includes everything in the workplace, and is understood as common sense awareness and practice relating to safety. Central to developing a safety culture in an organization, is a good understanding of what safety problems existed in the past; what safety problems exist in the present, and what caused them, as well as what could be done to deal with those causes. The goal of this thesis, therefore, was to understand what barriers potentially exist for Eskom employees in Makhanda (Grahamstown) to understanding and adopting the company’s safety policies and measures. A secondary aim was to explore different strategies for addressing these barriers. In order to get to the goal, it was important to; first, understand which aspects of Eskom’s health and safety standards do employees have difficulty adopting. Second, it was important to investigate the specific barriers to employees’ non-adoption of health and safety standards, by understanding their perceptions of safety issues in the workplace. Third, based on the findings, the study aimed to propose recommendations for improving the adoption of safety policies and measures by employees of Eskom. The key findings of the study include the fact that car accidents are the company’s and employees major concern, but the employees also have many other concerns that they see as needing the company’s attention (e.g. dealing with attacks on employees by customers; focusing on incentives rather than harsh enforcement for violators of safety policies). However, it is also clear that most employees do see safety as their responsibility as well. The two key areas of recommendations are, first, that leadership of Eskom adopt alternative leadership styles that focus more on ethical leadership, rather than transactional leadership that focus on profit margins more than it does on people. Second, it is recommended that Eskom provide incentives for compliance with safety policies; more training and education about safety; encouragement for Eskom to not put so much pressure on employees, who can lead fatigue; rather they should employ more people to do the jobs that the high pressure. To conclude, this research argues that neither do employees not employers think death and injuries are good for anybody. This is why this researcher is hopeful that this will get better, not worse, in terms of having a firm safety culture at Eskom as a workplace environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Makholwane, Nobubele
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Eskom (Firm) -- Employees -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Eskom (Firm) -- Management -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Industrial hygiene -- South Africa -- Makhanda , Employee motivation -- South Africa -- Makhanda
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/93898 , vital:30968
- Description: Workplace fatalities and injuries are a concern around the world, with over 2 million deaths because of workplace related activities. This makes safety culture in the workplace crucial to the sustainability of individuals, businesses and the society in general. Safety culture includes everything in the workplace, and is understood as common sense awareness and practice relating to safety. Central to developing a safety culture in an organization, is a good understanding of what safety problems existed in the past; what safety problems exist in the present, and what caused them, as well as what could be done to deal with those causes. The goal of this thesis, therefore, was to understand what barriers potentially exist for Eskom employees in Makhanda (Grahamstown) to understanding and adopting the company’s safety policies and measures. A secondary aim was to explore different strategies for addressing these barriers. In order to get to the goal, it was important to; first, understand which aspects of Eskom’s health and safety standards do employees have difficulty adopting. Second, it was important to investigate the specific barriers to employees’ non-adoption of health and safety standards, by understanding their perceptions of safety issues in the workplace. Third, based on the findings, the study aimed to propose recommendations for improving the adoption of safety policies and measures by employees of Eskom. The key findings of the study include the fact that car accidents are the company’s and employees major concern, but the employees also have many other concerns that they see as needing the company’s attention (e.g. dealing with attacks on employees by customers; focusing on incentives rather than harsh enforcement for violators of safety policies). However, it is also clear that most employees do see safety as their responsibility as well. The two key areas of recommendations are, first, that leadership of Eskom adopt alternative leadership styles that focus more on ethical leadership, rather than transactional leadership that focus on profit margins more than it does on people. Second, it is recommended that Eskom provide incentives for compliance with safety policies; more training and education about safety; encouragement for Eskom to not put so much pressure on employees, who can lead fatigue; rather they should employ more people to do the jobs that the high pressure. To conclude, this research argues that neither do employees not employers think death and injuries are good for anybody. This is why this researcher is hopeful that this will get better, not worse, in terms of having a firm safety culture at Eskom as a workplace environment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The role played by government to promote and support emerging entrepreneurs
- Authors: Malitafa, Babalwa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Small business -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth New business enterprises -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42617 , vital:36674
- Description: This study investigated the role played by government in promoting and supporting emerging entrepreneurs. The study focused on the entrepreneurs in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan. This study findings indicate that the participants are aware of the initiatives established by government to promote and support emerging entrepreneurs. The participants also view the initiatives as ineffective in their quest to promote and support emerging entrepreneurs. Participants in this study highlighted that funding should be made readily available to the emerging entrepreneurs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Malitafa, Babalwa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Small business -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth New business enterprises -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42617 , vital:36674
- Description: This study investigated the role played by government in promoting and supporting emerging entrepreneurs. The study focused on the entrepreneurs in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metropolitan. This study findings indicate that the participants are aware of the initiatives established by government to promote and support emerging entrepreneurs. The participants also view the initiatives as ineffective in their quest to promote and support emerging entrepreneurs. Participants in this study highlighted that funding should be made readily available to the emerging entrepreneurs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019