Possible futures for the Republic of South Africa towards 2055
- Adendorff, Christian Michael
- Authors: Adendorff, Christian Michael
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7816 , vital:24294
- Description: The purpose of this thesis was to develop four scenarios for South Africa over the next forty years: Mandela's Dream in which positive elements come into function for South Africa's economy and governance; the Historical African Syndrome, in which the key driving forces unfold in an uneven pattern, or have a differentiated impact on South Africa's economy; the Good, the Bad and the Ugly in which less good governance prevails, but where a fortunate economy and firm national management allow South Africa to become competitive and benefit from satisfactory economic growth; and the Pyramid Syndrome Scenario in which negative regional drivers of change corrode positive policies and initiatives in a manner which compounds the pre-existing threats to South Africa's growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Adendorff, Christian Michael
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Economic development -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7816 , vital:24294
- Description: The purpose of this thesis was to develop four scenarios for South Africa over the next forty years: Mandela's Dream in which positive elements come into function for South Africa's economy and governance; the Historical African Syndrome, in which the key driving forces unfold in an uneven pattern, or have a differentiated impact on South Africa's economy; the Good, the Bad and the Ugly in which less good governance prevails, but where a fortunate economy and firm national management allow South Africa to become competitive and benefit from satisfactory economic growth; and the Pyramid Syndrome Scenario in which negative regional drivers of change corrode positive policies and initiatives in a manner which compounds the pre-existing threats to South Africa's growth.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The development of sustainability ratios for public listed companies
- Authors: Anywar, Apio Dorcas
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40229 , vital:35991
- Description: Financial analysis is important when assessing a business’ financial as well as economic performance, and ratios are among the best known and most widely - used tools for financial analysis. Ratios act as a benchmarking and trend analysis tool by disclosing relationships as well as bases of comparison that reveal conditions and trends that cannot be detected by the individual components of the ratio. In addition, there is a need to measure sustainability performance as sustainability aims to radically transform how businesses understand and create value. Measuring sustainability performance can determine whether a business is moving in the right direction. This study developed a proposed set of sustainability ratios that could be used to determine the efficient and effective sustainability performance of public listed companies in South Africa. The study used a mixed methods research approach in three phases consisting of ten steps. In Phase 1 (Step 1), a secondary research in the form of a literature review was conducted. The critically evaluated secondary literature sources were used to create a theoretical framework of sustainability ratios and a ‘schedule for content analyses. In Phase 2 (Steps 2, 3, 4, 5), a quantitative content analysis of sustainability reports of FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Top 30 Index companies was performed to obtain the variables that were used to calculate the sustainability ratios in the theoretical framework. It also identified additional sustainability ratios that were used by companies in practice, but that were not included in the theoretical framework of sustainability ratios. The sustainability ratios from the theoretical framework were calculated using the variables collected from the sustainability reports. Thereafter, descriptive statistical techniques were used to analyse the results. Lastly, in Phase 3 (Steps 6, 7, 8, 9), qualitative criteria were used to test the variables for the sustainability ratios that could not be calculated and to select the ratios from those calculated, reported and tested to be included in the proposed set of sustainability ratios. The purpose of Phase 3 was to test the usability, relevance, measurability, understandability and comparability of the sustainability ratios proposed in the theoretical framework as well as the sustainability ratios that were applied in the content of sustainability reports in South Africa. Step 10 represented the outcome of the study, a set of sustainability ratios was proposed. A set of 101 sustainability ratios were proposed. The proposed set of sustainability ratios linked the different sustainability issues to financial results by classifying them into four main categories, namely, (i) sustainable operational efficiency and effectiveness ratios (SOEE), (ii) sustainable risk - minimisation ratios (SRM), (iii) sustainable reputation – brand value ratios (SRBV) and (iv) sustainable innovation ratios (SI). These sustainability ratios could be used to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of a business’ sustainability strategies, its risk minimisation strategies, innovative capacities and reputation as well as brand value enhancing strategies. As the concern for business sustainability increases, the proposed sustainability ratios might satisfy the concerns of customers and stakeholders. These proposed ratios could also be refined in the future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Anywar, Apio Dorcas
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Business enterprises -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40229 , vital:35991
- Description: Financial analysis is important when assessing a business’ financial as well as economic performance, and ratios are among the best known and most widely - used tools for financial analysis. Ratios act as a benchmarking and trend analysis tool by disclosing relationships as well as bases of comparison that reveal conditions and trends that cannot be detected by the individual components of the ratio. In addition, there is a need to measure sustainability performance as sustainability aims to radically transform how businesses understand and create value. Measuring sustainability performance can determine whether a business is moving in the right direction. This study developed a proposed set of sustainability ratios that could be used to determine the efficient and effective sustainability performance of public listed companies in South Africa. The study used a mixed methods research approach in three phases consisting of ten steps. In Phase 1 (Step 1), a secondary research in the form of a literature review was conducted. The critically evaluated secondary literature sources were used to create a theoretical framework of sustainability ratios and a ‘schedule for content analyses. In Phase 2 (Steps 2, 3, 4, 5), a quantitative content analysis of sustainability reports of FTSE/JSE Responsible Investment Top 30 Index companies was performed to obtain the variables that were used to calculate the sustainability ratios in the theoretical framework. It also identified additional sustainability ratios that were used by companies in practice, but that were not included in the theoretical framework of sustainability ratios. The sustainability ratios from the theoretical framework were calculated using the variables collected from the sustainability reports. Thereafter, descriptive statistical techniques were used to analyse the results. Lastly, in Phase 3 (Steps 6, 7, 8, 9), qualitative criteria were used to test the variables for the sustainability ratios that could not be calculated and to select the ratios from those calculated, reported and tested to be included in the proposed set of sustainability ratios. The purpose of Phase 3 was to test the usability, relevance, measurability, understandability and comparability of the sustainability ratios proposed in the theoretical framework as well as the sustainability ratios that were applied in the content of sustainability reports in South Africa. Step 10 represented the outcome of the study, a set of sustainability ratios was proposed. A set of 101 sustainability ratios were proposed. The proposed set of sustainability ratios linked the different sustainability issues to financial results by classifying them into four main categories, namely, (i) sustainable operational efficiency and effectiveness ratios (SOEE), (ii) sustainable risk - minimisation ratios (SRM), (iii) sustainable reputation – brand value ratios (SRBV) and (iv) sustainable innovation ratios (SI). These sustainability ratios could be used to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of a business’ sustainability strategies, its risk minimisation strategies, innovative capacities and reputation as well as brand value enhancing strategies. As the concern for business sustainability increases, the proposed sustainability ratios might satisfy the concerns of customers and stakeholders. These proposed ratios could also be refined in the future.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
The development of an optimised decision based methodology for the replacement timing of frontline equipment utilised within the quarrying industry
- Authors: Basson, Kenneth Mervyn
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Decision making , Industrial equipment Industrial equipment -- Maintenance and repair
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23647 , vital:30592
- Description: At present, frontline equipment employed at B&E International, and operating within the quarrying sector is typically replaced as soon as the operating expenses are deemed to be excessive. From a capital budgeting perspective, the trigger for signalling the replacement of equipment occurs when prescribed operating cost performance metrics are violated. In some instances, a further consideration for motivating the replacement of equipment is when the perception arises that the nonavailability of the equipment employed, results in financial losses being incurred by a company. It can therefore be argued that the current equipment replacement timing methodological approach adopted at B&E International is suboptimal in nature. The situation is further aggravated by the fact that in many instances, escalation of commitment manifests itself whereby unnecessary capital is repeatedly invested in order to extend the life of an asset resulting in a situation occurring whereby the required level of investment return is not achieved. In the event of these situations arising, the decision to replace an asset is prolonged as a result of the suboptimal investment decisions being made. The primary focus of this study is to provide a methodological equipment replacement framework that is based upon sound capital budgeting fundamentals. A comprehensive literature review of capital budgeting approaches that specifically focus on the optimal replacement timing of frontline quarrying equipment, did not yield any relevant studies that have been undertaken in this regard. This study did however investigate contemporary equipment replacement approaches based upon a capital budgeting paradigm and highlighted their respective limitations. Convincing evidence obtained, indicated that the most widely accepted method of identifying the optimal replacement timing of equipment occurs when the economic life of the asset is attained. This in itself would therefore infer that a cost minimisation approach is the most pervasive methodological approach adopted in order to identify the optimal replacement timing of equipment. When considering capital investment based decisions, it was found that the discounted cash flow based methodologies are the most widely used and accepted approach applied in the mining industry. Notwithstanding this, one major caveat manifests itself in that when considering the optimal replacement timing of front line equipment within the quarrying industry, the inclusion of uncertainty, flexibility and the associated financial risks was not evident. In order to model these effects, a probabilistic Net Present Value (NPV) approach was adopted and the required Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) models were constructed. Given the uncertainty of the expected cumulative R&M profiles for the asset classes constituting this study, an extensive statistical analysis was carried out in order to establish the required predictive Repair and Maintenance (R&M) models required for the DCF analysis by means of regression analysis. Further regression analyses were conducted in order to model the overall availability and utilisation metrics for the respective asset classes included in this study. The consequence of incurring downtime was investigated and the resultant DCF analysis yielded a significant impact on the Free Cash Flow (FCF) generated by the respective assets. The magnitude of the incurred consequential financial losses incurred as a result of the respective downtime was found to be significant when considering frontline equipment. In order to model the effect of, and the extent to which, the respective independent variables influence the static NPV outcome, a sensitivity analysis was performed. From this, the influence of the independent variables constituting the NPV model employed in this study, were observed. A Real Options Analysis (ROA) approach was initially employed in order to model the effects of FCF uncertainty and the results of carrying out this analysis indicated a minimal influence on the static NPV model referred to earlier. It was therefore concluded that from an equipment replacement timing perspective, the ROA approach did not provide a robust and accurate representation of the probabilistic NPV outcomes anticipated. In order to address these perceived shortcomings, an Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) model was constructed and the requisite probability distribution functions representing the most influential independent variables determined from the sensitivity analysis were identified and subsequently analysed. The results of the MCS analysis yielded the expected NPV outcomes that were found to be far more conservative compared to the static NPV outcomes referred to previously. Furthermore, the concluding findings of this study indicate that in order to estimate the optimal time to dispose of an asset, a static NPV analysis must first be modelled and thereafter a probabilistic NPV analysis. The respective uncertainty aspects over the lifespan of the assets should be identified to be incorporated into the MCS model. This methodological approach therefore opposes the use of a strictly deterministic based approach and rather predicates the use of a probabilistic NPV based framework. This study further concluded that traditional DCF approaches fail to consider management flexibility in terms of adapting to uncertainty and to also reduce the possibility of “escalation of commitment” occurring as a result of sub-optimal equipment replacement timing decisions by management. The use and acceptance of the traditional DCF approaches are acknowledged, but in order to develop an equipment replacement methodological approach that considers uncertainty and risk on the one hand and also allows for the incorporation of real data over the assets lifetime on the other, the use of an MCS probabilistic NPV based model was found to be the optimal approach to be adopted. The result of updating the static NPV model with updated data as soon as it is obtained enables one to generate accurate probabilistic distribution functions required for the subsequent MCS analysis. By adopting this approach the study has concluded that one can obtain realistic and accurate NPV forecasts from the anticipated FCF estimates. The principal conclusion obtained from this study is that the optimal time in which to replace front line assets employed at B&E International is when the probabilistic net earnings profile, viz., NPV of the equipment is maximized.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Basson, Kenneth Mervyn
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Decision making , Industrial equipment Industrial equipment -- Maintenance and repair
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23647 , vital:30592
- Description: At present, frontline equipment employed at B&E International, and operating within the quarrying sector is typically replaced as soon as the operating expenses are deemed to be excessive. From a capital budgeting perspective, the trigger for signalling the replacement of equipment occurs when prescribed operating cost performance metrics are violated. In some instances, a further consideration for motivating the replacement of equipment is when the perception arises that the nonavailability of the equipment employed, results in financial losses being incurred by a company. It can therefore be argued that the current equipment replacement timing methodological approach adopted at B&E International is suboptimal in nature. The situation is further aggravated by the fact that in many instances, escalation of commitment manifests itself whereby unnecessary capital is repeatedly invested in order to extend the life of an asset resulting in a situation occurring whereby the required level of investment return is not achieved. In the event of these situations arising, the decision to replace an asset is prolonged as a result of the suboptimal investment decisions being made. The primary focus of this study is to provide a methodological equipment replacement framework that is based upon sound capital budgeting fundamentals. A comprehensive literature review of capital budgeting approaches that specifically focus on the optimal replacement timing of frontline quarrying equipment, did not yield any relevant studies that have been undertaken in this regard. This study did however investigate contemporary equipment replacement approaches based upon a capital budgeting paradigm and highlighted their respective limitations. Convincing evidence obtained, indicated that the most widely accepted method of identifying the optimal replacement timing of equipment occurs when the economic life of the asset is attained. This in itself would therefore infer that a cost minimisation approach is the most pervasive methodological approach adopted in order to identify the optimal replacement timing of equipment. When considering capital investment based decisions, it was found that the discounted cash flow based methodologies are the most widely used and accepted approach applied in the mining industry. Notwithstanding this, one major caveat manifests itself in that when considering the optimal replacement timing of front line equipment within the quarrying industry, the inclusion of uncertainty, flexibility and the associated financial risks was not evident. In order to model these effects, a probabilistic Net Present Value (NPV) approach was adopted and the required Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) models were constructed. Given the uncertainty of the expected cumulative R&M profiles for the asset classes constituting this study, an extensive statistical analysis was carried out in order to establish the required predictive Repair and Maintenance (R&M) models required for the DCF analysis by means of regression analysis. Further regression analyses were conducted in order to model the overall availability and utilisation metrics for the respective asset classes included in this study. The consequence of incurring downtime was investigated and the resultant DCF analysis yielded a significant impact on the Free Cash Flow (FCF) generated by the respective assets. The magnitude of the incurred consequential financial losses incurred as a result of the respective downtime was found to be significant when considering frontline equipment. In order to model the effect of, and the extent to which, the respective independent variables influence the static NPV outcome, a sensitivity analysis was performed. From this, the influence of the independent variables constituting the NPV model employed in this study, were observed. A Real Options Analysis (ROA) approach was initially employed in order to model the effects of FCF uncertainty and the results of carrying out this analysis indicated a minimal influence on the static NPV model referred to earlier. It was therefore concluded that from an equipment replacement timing perspective, the ROA approach did not provide a robust and accurate representation of the probabilistic NPV outcomes anticipated. In order to address these perceived shortcomings, an Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) model was constructed and the requisite probability distribution functions representing the most influential independent variables determined from the sensitivity analysis were identified and subsequently analysed. The results of the MCS analysis yielded the expected NPV outcomes that were found to be far more conservative compared to the static NPV outcomes referred to previously. Furthermore, the concluding findings of this study indicate that in order to estimate the optimal time to dispose of an asset, a static NPV analysis must first be modelled and thereafter a probabilistic NPV analysis. The respective uncertainty aspects over the lifespan of the assets should be identified to be incorporated into the MCS model. This methodological approach therefore opposes the use of a strictly deterministic based approach and rather predicates the use of a probabilistic NPV based framework. This study further concluded that traditional DCF approaches fail to consider management flexibility in terms of adapting to uncertainty and to also reduce the possibility of “escalation of commitment” occurring as a result of sub-optimal equipment replacement timing decisions by management. The use and acceptance of the traditional DCF approaches are acknowledged, but in order to develop an equipment replacement methodological approach that considers uncertainty and risk on the one hand and also allows for the incorporation of real data over the assets lifetime on the other, the use of an MCS probabilistic NPV based model was found to be the optimal approach to be adopted. The result of updating the static NPV model with updated data as soon as it is obtained enables one to generate accurate probabilistic distribution functions required for the subsequent MCS analysis. By adopting this approach the study has concluded that one can obtain realistic and accurate NPV forecasts from the anticipated FCF estimates. The principal conclusion obtained from this study is that the optimal time in which to replace front line assets employed at B&E International is when the probabilistic net earnings profile, viz., NPV of the equipment is maximized.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A model for sustainable operational excellence through knowledge management practices and continuous improvement principles
- Beeken, Wilhelm Frederik Hartmann
- Authors: Beeken, Wilhelm Frederik Hartmann
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness , Knowledge management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8699 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1061 , Organizational effectiveness , Knowledge management
- Description: Integrating Knowledge Management maturity with associated Continuous Improvement efforts in order to remain competitive, is absent in most Operational Excellence initiatives. Furthermore, the intertwined relationship of Continuous Improvement and work development becomes a crucial focus area for organisations that wish to establish a continuously evolving management system consisting of core values, methodologies and tools with the aim of creating more satisfied customers with less resources. The old industrial paradigm that focused on labour, capital, materials, and energy viewed technology and knowledge as external influences on production. This framework is now being challenged and a new trend is emerging. This trend seeks to transform the old industrial system to that of a knowledge-based which one can lead to innovation and hence economic advantage. Continuous Improvement as a concept has roots in many other fields, including social-technical system design, human relations progress and the discussion surrounding ‘lean manufacturing’. This study will focus on Continuous Improvement as a noun, referring to on the outcome of the process of a stream of emergent innovations. The primary objective of the study is to create a model that will present an organisation with a three-layer knowledge reference process grid, which will align and depict the surrounding business knowledge functions, knowledge-enabling processes and knowledge-manipulating processes aiming for enabling Operational Excellence. This study promotes the theory that the cognitive domain layer, functional domain layer and resources layer of an organisation can be increasingly stimulated by focusing effort through Continuous Improvement routines towards the associated inter-organisational knowledge processes sustaining Operational Excellence. The proposed model is structured to review, compare, evaluate and integrate existing Knowledge Management practices of ii an organisation within the context of clear definitions for important concepts of Knowledge Management. Additionally the model provides an assessment instrument for evaluating the organisation’s Knowledge Management maturity level. The study concerns itself with two concepts towards business value creation which will lead to increased Operational Excellence. Firstly, the maturity of Knowledge Management processes, and secondly the level of the organisation wide process of focused and continuous incremental improvement namely, Continuous Improvement. A case study with PriceWaterhouseCoopers was concluded and an on-line Internet survey was used with a stratified sample from knowledge workers to test the factors from both a Knowledge Management and Continuous Improvement perspective. These factors were verified by means of a hypotheses network, describing in a structured and descriptive way, the importance of Knowledge Management and Continuous Improvement collectively on sustainable Operational Excellence as an integral development of Operational Excellence. With respect to Knowledge Management practices, the hypothesis network proposed at least three domains, which of knowledge generation, knowledge mobilisation and knowledge application as important input to the proposed process grid of knowledge development and associated layer elements. From a Continuous Improvement principles perspective it is apparent that elements from Continuous Improvement routines and Continuous Improvement characteristics are associated with the organisation Continuous Improvement ability. These findings are also a result of the deliberate design of processes, tools, structures and environments with the intent to increase, renew, share or improve the use of knowledge represented in any of the three elements for structural, human and social of intellectual capital. The proposed model combines the framework of the Boyd cycle as it is conceptualized as self-assessment activities, for it becomes possible to use them as basis of a self-assessment with sense making navigational properties across iii the proposed knowledge process grid for the model. The model will facilitate the concept of a three-layer knowledge reference process grid, which represents the main components of the knowledge processes within the cognitive domain layer, functional layer and resources layer of an organisation. The proposed model will deliver a single value that co-exists with the Knowledge Management maturity level and Continuous Improvement readiness index rating attained. Logical relationships to dynamic, evolving and flexible enabling Knowledge Management practices for each layer of the proposed three-layer knowledge reference process grid will be integrated as output of the proposed model. The research has limitations as Knowledge Management practices were measured using a subjective norm scale. It is suggested that a more comprehensive measure of Knowledge Management maturity processes may be needed to represent this construct. The complexity of the proposed model and the number of associated variables included in the results need further confirmation using possible multiple samples and additional measures of Knowledge Management maturity and Continuous Improvement readiness elements. The benefit of the proposed model as a practical Operational Excellence tool is to overcome the perceived gap of implementing Knowledge Management practices and Continuous Improvement principles collectively to deliver and sustain Operational Excellence.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
- Authors: Beeken, Wilhelm Frederik Hartmann
- Date: 2008
- Subjects: Organizational effectiveness , Knowledge management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8699 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1061 , Organizational effectiveness , Knowledge management
- Description: Integrating Knowledge Management maturity with associated Continuous Improvement efforts in order to remain competitive, is absent in most Operational Excellence initiatives. Furthermore, the intertwined relationship of Continuous Improvement and work development becomes a crucial focus area for organisations that wish to establish a continuously evolving management system consisting of core values, methodologies and tools with the aim of creating more satisfied customers with less resources. The old industrial paradigm that focused on labour, capital, materials, and energy viewed technology and knowledge as external influences on production. This framework is now being challenged and a new trend is emerging. This trend seeks to transform the old industrial system to that of a knowledge-based which one can lead to innovation and hence economic advantage. Continuous Improvement as a concept has roots in many other fields, including social-technical system design, human relations progress and the discussion surrounding ‘lean manufacturing’. This study will focus on Continuous Improvement as a noun, referring to on the outcome of the process of a stream of emergent innovations. The primary objective of the study is to create a model that will present an organisation with a three-layer knowledge reference process grid, which will align and depict the surrounding business knowledge functions, knowledge-enabling processes and knowledge-manipulating processes aiming for enabling Operational Excellence. This study promotes the theory that the cognitive domain layer, functional domain layer and resources layer of an organisation can be increasingly stimulated by focusing effort through Continuous Improvement routines towards the associated inter-organisational knowledge processes sustaining Operational Excellence. The proposed model is structured to review, compare, evaluate and integrate existing Knowledge Management practices of ii an organisation within the context of clear definitions for important concepts of Knowledge Management. Additionally the model provides an assessment instrument for evaluating the organisation’s Knowledge Management maturity level. The study concerns itself with two concepts towards business value creation which will lead to increased Operational Excellence. Firstly, the maturity of Knowledge Management processes, and secondly the level of the organisation wide process of focused and continuous incremental improvement namely, Continuous Improvement. A case study with PriceWaterhouseCoopers was concluded and an on-line Internet survey was used with a stratified sample from knowledge workers to test the factors from both a Knowledge Management and Continuous Improvement perspective. These factors were verified by means of a hypotheses network, describing in a structured and descriptive way, the importance of Knowledge Management and Continuous Improvement collectively on sustainable Operational Excellence as an integral development of Operational Excellence. With respect to Knowledge Management practices, the hypothesis network proposed at least three domains, which of knowledge generation, knowledge mobilisation and knowledge application as important input to the proposed process grid of knowledge development and associated layer elements. From a Continuous Improvement principles perspective it is apparent that elements from Continuous Improvement routines and Continuous Improvement characteristics are associated with the organisation Continuous Improvement ability. These findings are also a result of the deliberate design of processes, tools, structures and environments with the intent to increase, renew, share or improve the use of knowledge represented in any of the three elements for structural, human and social of intellectual capital. The proposed model combines the framework of the Boyd cycle as it is conceptualized as self-assessment activities, for it becomes possible to use them as basis of a self-assessment with sense making navigational properties across iii the proposed knowledge process grid for the model. The model will facilitate the concept of a three-layer knowledge reference process grid, which represents the main components of the knowledge processes within the cognitive domain layer, functional layer and resources layer of an organisation. The proposed model will deliver a single value that co-exists with the Knowledge Management maturity level and Continuous Improvement readiness index rating attained. Logical relationships to dynamic, evolving and flexible enabling Knowledge Management practices for each layer of the proposed three-layer knowledge reference process grid will be integrated as output of the proposed model. The research has limitations as Knowledge Management practices were measured using a subjective norm scale. It is suggested that a more comprehensive measure of Knowledge Management maturity processes may be needed to represent this construct. The complexity of the proposed model and the number of associated variables included in the results need further confirmation using possible multiple samples and additional measures of Knowledge Management maturity and Continuous Improvement readiness elements. The benefit of the proposed model as a practical Operational Excellence tool is to overcome the perceived gap of implementing Knowledge Management practices and Continuous Improvement principles collectively to deliver and sustain Operational Excellence.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2008
A proposed Christian-based governing model to increase the success of entrepreneurial ventures in South Africa
- Authors: Boshoff, Leslie Ian
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Success in business -- South Africa , Business -- Religious aspects , Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4827 , vital:20712
- Description: The Republic of South Africa (RSA) became a democracy when the African National Congress (ANC) came to power in 1994. However, more than twenty years after the apartheid era, the people of the RSA are highly politicised and society still shows an extremely high level of inequality in income that is aggravated by the lack of formal job opportunities in the country. Disturbingly, early-stage entrepreneurial activity in the RSA declined from 7.8 percent in 2008 to 5 percent in 2009. As a result, the low levels of entrepreneurial activity are partly responsible for the stagnation in the structural transformation of the economy. The economy remains dependent on sectors such as agriculture and mining where looting, instability, violence and rent-seeking are endemic in spite of plentiful natural resources. As a consequence of these factors, manufacturing is becoming increasingly uncompetitive and the economy is becoming increasingly less innovative. The RSA‟s government leaders should have used the strengths of the country to minimise or rectify the weaknesses of the extremely high levels of inequality in income and the lack of formal job opportunities. Instead, these leaders identified their supporters, satisfied their short-term consumption demands, distributed jobs to the party faithful and provided social welfare to the poor. Additionally, the majority of school leavers are not pursuing tertiary studies but, with limited or little education, they still have to form part of the potential labour force of the future. The youth employment rate for 15 to 24 year-olds, in the RSA, is as low as 12.5 percent. Again, this highlights the importance of finding alternative ways to increase the population‟s participation in the economy, probably through some form of entrepreneurship. The purpose of this study was to develop a theoretical model with the main objective being to identify the factors (variables) that will promote growth, sustainability and good governance in Christian-owned Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMME) within the RSA. Business is commonly viewed as a secular pursuit and religious people, particularly in Western societies, have a narrow view of the conceptual and practical application of their faith and spirituality in their businesses. As a result, the potential of businesses to influence communities, particularly with regard to issues such as social iniquities and cultural reform, good governance, responsible business behaviour, social capital, spiritual intelligence (SQ) and Christian entrepreneurship orientation appear to be, at worst, more or less irrelevant and, at best, greatly under-valued and under-utilised. The intersection of these constructs provides an understanding of how an entrepreneur‟s heightened consciousness in terms of his/her personal values and beliefs can affect his or her business activities and crucial characteristics of the entrepreneurial process, such as the recognition of opportunities, the creation of new ventures, as well as the operation and growth of these business ventures. This study uncovered a number of themes that shed light on how Christian SMME owner-managers rationalise the everyday dealings of their business lives as an expression of their faith. This study is an expression of a complex phenomenon that is extremely relevant in the present day and sharpens the focus on the important role that religious faith has to play in the field of business outcomes. Many Christian entrepreneurs express a motivational need to give back to their communities, customers and other stakeholders of the business venture. Christian entrepreneurs value intrinsic factors like purpose, passionate work and personal calling above wealth, fame, power, money, and recognition. A combination of Christian character traits forms the backbone of a Christian‟s internal power and purpose. God created people to glorify Him and this purpose is achieved through the fulfilling of a personal calling. A calling is often accompanied by a conviction of divine influence and the vocation in which one customarily engages. The call to the Christian entrepreneur is to be the salt and light in an environment (Mathew 5:13) like RSA, that is not conducive to entrepreneurial behaviour, where unemployment is very high, infrastructure is buckling under the pressures of bad management and corruption is rife.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Boshoff, Leslie Ian
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Success in business -- South Africa , Business -- Religious aspects , Sustainable development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4827 , vital:20712
- Description: The Republic of South Africa (RSA) became a democracy when the African National Congress (ANC) came to power in 1994. However, more than twenty years after the apartheid era, the people of the RSA are highly politicised and society still shows an extremely high level of inequality in income that is aggravated by the lack of formal job opportunities in the country. Disturbingly, early-stage entrepreneurial activity in the RSA declined from 7.8 percent in 2008 to 5 percent in 2009. As a result, the low levels of entrepreneurial activity are partly responsible for the stagnation in the structural transformation of the economy. The economy remains dependent on sectors such as agriculture and mining where looting, instability, violence and rent-seeking are endemic in spite of plentiful natural resources. As a consequence of these factors, manufacturing is becoming increasingly uncompetitive and the economy is becoming increasingly less innovative. The RSA‟s government leaders should have used the strengths of the country to minimise or rectify the weaknesses of the extremely high levels of inequality in income and the lack of formal job opportunities. Instead, these leaders identified their supporters, satisfied their short-term consumption demands, distributed jobs to the party faithful and provided social welfare to the poor. Additionally, the majority of school leavers are not pursuing tertiary studies but, with limited or little education, they still have to form part of the potential labour force of the future. The youth employment rate for 15 to 24 year-olds, in the RSA, is as low as 12.5 percent. Again, this highlights the importance of finding alternative ways to increase the population‟s participation in the economy, probably through some form of entrepreneurship. The purpose of this study was to develop a theoretical model with the main objective being to identify the factors (variables) that will promote growth, sustainability and good governance in Christian-owned Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMME) within the RSA. Business is commonly viewed as a secular pursuit and religious people, particularly in Western societies, have a narrow view of the conceptual and practical application of their faith and spirituality in their businesses. As a result, the potential of businesses to influence communities, particularly with regard to issues such as social iniquities and cultural reform, good governance, responsible business behaviour, social capital, spiritual intelligence (SQ) and Christian entrepreneurship orientation appear to be, at worst, more or less irrelevant and, at best, greatly under-valued and under-utilised. The intersection of these constructs provides an understanding of how an entrepreneur‟s heightened consciousness in terms of his/her personal values and beliefs can affect his or her business activities and crucial characteristics of the entrepreneurial process, such as the recognition of opportunities, the creation of new ventures, as well as the operation and growth of these business ventures. This study uncovered a number of themes that shed light on how Christian SMME owner-managers rationalise the everyday dealings of their business lives as an expression of their faith. This study is an expression of a complex phenomenon that is extremely relevant in the present day and sharpens the focus on the important role that religious faith has to play in the field of business outcomes. Many Christian entrepreneurs express a motivational need to give back to their communities, customers and other stakeholders of the business venture. Christian entrepreneurs value intrinsic factors like purpose, passionate work and personal calling above wealth, fame, power, money, and recognition. A combination of Christian character traits forms the backbone of a Christian‟s internal power and purpose. God created people to glorify Him and this purpose is achieved through the fulfilling of a personal calling. A calling is often accompanied by a conviction of divine influence and the vocation in which one customarily engages. The call to the Christian entrepreneur is to be the salt and light in an environment (Mathew 5:13) like RSA, that is not conducive to entrepreneurial behaviour, where unemployment is very high, infrastructure is buckling under the pressures of bad management and corruption is rife.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
An adaptive internet management model for higher education institutions in South Africa
- Boshoff, Ryno, Cullen, Margaret
- Authors: Boshoff, Ryno , Cullen, Margaret
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Internet governance -- South Africa , Internet in higher education -- South Africa Internet -- South Africa -- Management Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17428 , vital:28331
- Description: It has become standard practice at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) for their Internet management and relevant Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources, specifically Internet resources, to be continuously investigated by HEI Management as well as by their users. The reason is that the Internet has become the foundation on which most ICT and business resources function and therefore is labelled as a distinctive competency for the HEI. HEIs, however, have limited ICT Internet resources and are expected to use these resources optimally, to ensure efficient and effective Internet connectivity on all campuses and to all users and systems. The management of Internet resources at South African Higher Education Institutions (SA HEIs) are the focus of this thesis. The primary purpose therefore, is to provide a proposed adaptive Internet Management Model for HEIs which will assist them to achieve prime value from their Internet management resources. This was realised by firstly; identifying the current Internet Management Business Models of the SA HEI landscape; secondly, determining what the Internet users of the Nelson Mandela University, a South African Higher Education Institute situated in the Eastern and Western Cape area in South Africa, were using the Internet for; thirdly, comparing these findings to the actual Nelson Mandela University Firewall data and lastly, using the combined findings to draw conclusions and create a proposed adaptive Internet Management Model for HEIs. This can assist the HEI ICT Management team to realign the Internet resources to match the current business and customer requirements. This thesis is an exploratory, mixed method study which consists of literature studies, surveys and cross sectional studies. The literature studies were conducted on secondary sources to identify the national and international governance structures that influence Internet management. The empirical study which consisted of two surveys was compiled from existing surveys as well as from literature studies and was completed by its respective respondent groups. The first survey was used to gain insight into what was considered the standard Internet Management Business Model at HEIs in South Africa. The second survey was used to gain insight how the Internet was being used at Nelson Mandela University by staff and students. Lastly, an extract of the Nelson Mandela University Firewall data were gathered and used to confirm or deny results from the previous survey. The findings of the first survey, HEI Internet Management Survey (HEIIMS), confirmed that the Internet and its relevant resources are extremely important to all HEIs. The HEIs Internet Management Business Models are to a large extent aligned with the National Research an Education Networks (NRENs) business models with some adjustments. The HEIs indicated that they cater for a large Internet community but do not differentiate between them. The findings do, however, specify that some differentiation does take place. The HEI Internet is provided to the Internet community at no cost and is funded by Council funds. The requirements of staff and students are mostly similar with some priority differences to key content needs. The Internet resources of the HEIs are very much aligned to support the physical infrastructure of the Internet. HEIs consider the NRENs to be key partners and suppliers with additional local suppliers used as secondary support. The second survey, Nelson Mandela University Internet Usage Survey (NMUIUS), indicated that there was a wide gap between how the Internet was used by the staff and students. The findings indicated that staff tend to be more aware of the policies and surrounding practices while students appeared somewhat unaware. The staff and students have different needs for the Internet and these needs also change slightly according to the time of day and day of the week. Regarding content access (including Firewall data), some of the users said Internet practices were true whilst others were false. The majority of those giving a false opinion said that said Internet practices were focused on activities linked to cyberloafing content. In addition, they stated that these activities were undersold, meaning that they said that they access the Internet content rarely while the Firewall data indicated that it was frequently being accessed and by many users. It was clear that the staff received a pleasant Nelson Mandela University Internet experience while the students received a slightly degraded Internet experience. The study concluded with the development of a proposed adaptive Internet Management Model for HEIs and recommendations and considerations on how to improve the current Nelson Mandela University Internet management strategy. This thesis makes a contribution towards the body of knowledge by identifying and discussing current national and international Internet Governance (IG) practices. It continues by identifying the current SA NRENs and their business models which overflow into the HEI landscape. This is followed by an investigation into the various HEI Internet Management Business Models, current usage of the Nelson Mandela University Internet and patterns of use and Nelson Mandela University Firewall data. The thesis will therefore assist readers to understand the effective and efficient management of their Internet usage requirements and the provision of Internet resources. This in turn, will confirm that the availability of the Internet for its users and systems becomes a productive, reliable and pleasant experience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Boshoff, Ryno , Cullen, Margaret
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Internet governance -- South Africa , Internet in higher education -- South Africa Internet -- South Africa -- Management Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/17428 , vital:28331
- Description: It has become standard practice at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) for their Internet management and relevant Information and Communication Technology (ICT) resources, specifically Internet resources, to be continuously investigated by HEI Management as well as by their users. The reason is that the Internet has become the foundation on which most ICT and business resources function and therefore is labelled as a distinctive competency for the HEI. HEIs, however, have limited ICT Internet resources and are expected to use these resources optimally, to ensure efficient and effective Internet connectivity on all campuses and to all users and systems. The management of Internet resources at South African Higher Education Institutions (SA HEIs) are the focus of this thesis. The primary purpose therefore, is to provide a proposed adaptive Internet Management Model for HEIs which will assist them to achieve prime value from their Internet management resources. This was realised by firstly; identifying the current Internet Management Business Models of the SA HEI landscape; secondly, determining what the Internet users of the Nelson Mandela University, a South African Higher Education Institute situated in the Eastern and Western Cape area in South Africa, were using the Internet for; thirdly, comparing these findings to the actual Nelson Mandela University Firewall data and lastly, using the combined findings to draw conclusions and create a proposed adaptive Internet Management Model for HEIs. This can assist the HEI ICT Management team to realign the Internet resources to match the current business and customer requirements. This thesis is an exploratory, mixed method study which consists of literature studies, surveys and cross sectional studies. The literature studies were conducted on secondary sources to identify the national and international governance structures that influence Internet management. The empirical study which consisted of two surveys was compiled from existing surveys as well as from literature studies and was completed by its respective respondent groups. The first survey was used to gain insight into what was considered the standard Internet Management Business Model at HEIs in South Africa. The second survey was used to gain insight how the Internet was being used at Nelson Mandela University by staff and students. Lastly, an extract of the Nelson Mandela University Firewall data were gathered and used to confirm or deny results from the previous survey. The findings of the first survey, HEI Internet Management Survey (HEIIMS), confirmed that the Internet and its relevant resources are extremely important to all HEIs. The HEIs Internet Management Business Models are to a large extent aligned with the National Research an Education Networks (NRENs) business models with some adjustments. The HEIs indicated that they cater for a large Internet community but do not differentiate between them. The findings do, however, specify that some differentiation does take place. The HEI Internet is provided to the Internet community at no cost and is funded by Council funds. The requirements of staff and students are mostly similar with some priority differences to key content needs. The Internet resources of the HEIs are very much aligned to support the physical infrastructure of the Internet. HEIs consider the NRENs to be key partners and suppliers with additional local suppliers used as secondary support. The second survey, Nelson Mandela University Internet Usage Survey (NMUIUS), indicated that there was a wide gap between how the Internet was used by the staff and students. The findings indicated that staff tend to be more aware of the policies and surrounding practices while students appeared somewhat unaware. The staff and students have different needs for the Internet and these needs also change slightly according to the time of day and day of the week. Regarding content access (including Firewall data), some of the users said Internet practices were true whilst others were false. The majority of those giving a false opinion said that said Internet practices were focused on activities linked to cyberloafing content. In addition, they stated that these activities were undersold, meaning that they said that they access the Internet content rarely while the Firewall data indicated that it was frequently being accessed and by many users. It was clear that the staff received a pleasant Nelson Mandela University Internet experience while the students received a slightly degraded Internet experience. The study concluded with the development of a proposed adaptive Internet Management Model for HEIs and recommendations and considerations on how to improve the current Nelson Mandela University Internet management strategy. This thesis makes a contribution towards the body of knowledge by identifying and discussing current national and international Internet Governance (IG) practices. It continues by identifying the current SA NRENs and their business models which overflow into the HEI landscape. This is followed by an investigation into the various HEI Internet Management Business Models, current usage of the Nelson Mandela University Internet and patterns of use and Nelson Mandela University Firewall data. The thesis will therefore assist readers to understand the effective and efficient management of their Internet usage requirements and the provision of Internet resources. This in turn, will confirm that the availability of the Internet for its users and systems becomes a productive, reliable and pleasant experience.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A sustainability reporting framework for South African Higher Education Institutions
- Authors: Bosire, Samuel Mobisa
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Sustainable development reporting -- South Africa , Business intelligence -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Corporate governance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8798 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016126
- Description: Sustainability has gained prominence globally among nations, regions and organisations as a result of factors such as the effects of climate change on the environment, diminishing natural resources and rising population growth with their concomitant impact on economies and social systems. South Africa is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) that promotes international principles and best practices on sustainable development. Sustainability Reporting is one such best practice. Sustainability Reporting is imperative for good governance and organisations are now expected to support sustainability issues, risks and performance in a balanced and reasonable way. The United Nations and other global bodies have been in the vanguard in promoting guidelines for sustainability reporting with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) being the most Prominent Sustainability reporting guideline. The South African Higher Education Institutions generate a number of reports in the course of any given academic year. As has been the case in the global corporate world, failures in governance in some South African universities point to weaknesses in their governance, especially when it comes to oversight of the operations of institutions. Considering this, it is important to critically examine strategic planning processes to understand the aspects that are important for the survival of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and therefore they should be regularly and closely monitored. The study begins by exploring literature relating to strategic planning, governance, sustainability reporting practices and Business Intelligence (BI) technologies in Higher Education. The primary objective of the investigation is to propose a sustainability reporting framework for Higher Education Institutions in South Africa. It is argued that with the aid of appropriate BI tools, the proposed Sustainability Reporting framework would be useful in tracking progress in the implementation of strategic plans and at the same time strengthen governance in institutions. The study identified elements of Sustainability Reporting that are important for strategic planning. To develop the proposed framework, an empirical investigation was undertaken. Four online questionnaires were completed and returned by 108 participants comprising of Registrars and Information Managers at 23 South African Higher Education Institutions as well as to Information Managers in selected International Higher Education Institutions and Managers at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). The online questionnaires were developed to elicit information to include in the proposed framework. To analyse results, both descriptive and inferential statistics such as Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used. Results from the surveys revealed that Higher Education Institutions globally and in South Africa are grappling with the same issues. When it comes to Sustainability Reporting, factors such as information culture and Business Intelligence maturity levels were not found to be very different among the various institutions. In the case study at NMMU, correlational analysis confirmed that variables such as Management buying and the availability of BI reports were positively related to effective strategic planning and vice versa. Similarly, a strong correlation was observed between reporting guidelines and strategic planning. Moreover, the study highlighted the critical role of management and leadership in a university in creating an environment that supports Sustainability Reporting. In conclusion, it was recommended that efforts should be directed at creating awareness and at training staff on aspects that promote sustainability. It is incumbent upon the institution to take advantage of and promote technological tools and techniques to enable the easy flow of data and information in understandable and usable formats to all its stakeholders. Finally, a Framework for Sustainability Reporting for Higher Education Institutions (FSRHEI) and guidelines for implementing Sustainability Reports are proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Bosire, Samuel Mobisa
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Sustainable development reporting -- South Africa , Business intelligence -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Corporate governance -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8798 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1016126
- Description: Sustainability has gained prominence globally among nations, regions and organisations as a result of factors such as the effects of climate change on the environment, diminishing natural resources and rising population growth with their concomitant impact on economies and social systems. South Africa is a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) that promotes international principles and best practices on sustainable development. Sustainability Reporting is one such best practice. Sustainability Reporting is imperative for good governance and organisations are now expected to support sustainability issues, risks and performance in a balanced and reasonable way. The United Nations and other global bodies have been in the vanguard in promoting guidelines for sustainability reporting with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) being the most Prominent Sustainability reporting guideline. The South African Higher Education Institutions generate a number of reports in the course of any given academic year. As has been the case in the global corporate world, failures in governance in some South African universities point to weaknesses in their governance, especially when it comes to oversight of the operations of institutions. Considering this, it is important to critically examine strategic planning processes to understand the aspects that are important for the survival of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and therefore they should be regularly and closely monitored. The study begins by exploring literature relating to strategic planning, governance, sustainability reporting practices and Business Intelligence (BI) technologies in Higher Education. The primary objective of the investigation is to propose a sustainability reporting framework for Higher Education Institutions in South Africa. It is argued that with the aid of appropriate BI tools, the proposed Sustainability Reporting framework would be useful in tracking progress in the implementation of strategic plans and at the same time strengthen governance in institutions. The study identified elements of Sustainability Reporting that are important for strategic planning. To develop the proposed framework, an empirical investigation was undertaken. Four online questionnaires were completed and returned by 108 participants comprising of Registrars and Information Managers at 23 South African Higher Education Institutions as well as to Information Managers in selected International Higher Education Institutions and Managers at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). The online questionnaires were developed to elicit information to include in the proposed framework. To analyse results, both descriptive and inferential statistics such as Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used. Results from the surveys revealed that Higher Education Institutions globally and in South Africa are grappling with the same issues. When it comes to Sustainability Reporting, factors such as information culture and Business Intelligence maturity levels were not found to be very different among the various institutions. In the case study at NMMU, correlational analysis confirmed that variables such as Management buying and the availability of BI reports were positively related to effective strategic planning and vice versa. Similarly, a strong correlation was observed between reporting guidelines and strategic planning. Moreover, the study highlighted the critical role of management and leadership in a university in creating an environment that supports Sustainability Reporting. In conclusion, it was recommended that efforts should be directed at creating awareness and at training staff on aspects that promote sustainability. It is incumbent upon the institution to take advantage of and promote technological tools and techniques to enable the easy flow of data and information in understandable and usable formats to all its stakeholders. Finally, a Framework for Sustainability Reporting for Higher Education Institutions (FSRHEI) and guidelines for implementing Sustainability Reports are proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Marketers' perceptions of negotiation behaviour in a global scale
- Authors: Burhan, Ahmad Mtengwa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Negotiation in business -- Tanzania , Business enterprises -- Tanzania , Export marketing -- Tanzania
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:9297 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013705
- Description: The success of international business depends on effective negotiations. Such negotiations do no happen in a vacuum, but usually in a specific environment that includes; time, surrounding, place, culture and people. The business environmental setting includes legal and political pluralism, currency fluctuations, foreign exchange, foreign government controls, bureaucracy, instability, change, ideological and cultural differences, as well as the influence of external stakeholders. These business negotiations environments can influence the behaviour of negotiation in global firms, impacting firms internationally. The reasons to negotiate on an international level may include considerations such as: choice of venue, culture to observe; and the outcome of the negotiation process. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the international marketing environment, awareness of negotiation skill, interest groups and negotiation atmosphere on behaviour of marketers in a global firm. The study assessed the impact of negotiation behaviour on business agreements based on trust and certainty and level of commitment. The purpose of the study was to gauge the impact of negotiations behaviour pertaining to failure of business negotiations in Tanzania. In addition, the study endeavoured to determine the impact of environmental variables on the negotiation behaviour of marketers. The questionnaires used in the study comprised seven variables with statements linked to a five-point Likert-type interval scale varying from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree. Self-administered questionnaires were used for data collection from global firms’ marketers and their management representatives; 323 questionnaires were collected from respondents. This study contributed to the literature on negotiation behaviour in a global firm and the perceptions of such global marketers in Tanzania. Many international companies in Tanzania find it difficult to formulate and implement a comprehensive business strategy; therefore, this study intends to equip international business managers with the leadership skills required. Based on the findings of this study, the negotiators and government are expected to play a major role in business negotiations to promote effective trade agreements despite limitations of political influence in the negotiation process. Political stability in a country enhances foreign business which in turn improves negotiation behaviour. A just legal system, with clear and unambiguous business guidelines and policies would benefit and promote local businesses and government representatives and negotiators in respect of international business negotiation behaviour. Reasonable tax and interest rates and fair business policies should improve international trade negotiations and business practices. In order to conduct successful international negotiations aspects such as culture, language differences, customs and traditions are important and should enjoy high priority. Aspects such as these mentioned influence the conducting and atmosphere and outcome of negotiations. The study reveals that the use of specialists and interpreters are imperative to guarantee understanding and successful outcomes. According to the findings negotiators should possess good negotiating skills to be able to steer the negotiation process through the different phases of negotiation that requires different negotiating skills at each stage of negotiation. It is clear that to have successful win-win negotiation outcomes the leading negotiator should put together a good team, with expert knowledge of product or conditions and negotiating skill, as well as possessing the attributes mentioned in the previous paragraph. The negotiator should also be able to determine authority limits, patience and observe negotiation ethics. No team disagreements concerning the business/project matters should be aired in front of counterparts during negotiations and professional conduct must prevail at all times. The findings of the study indicated that awareness of the practice of offering concessions regarding government tariff laws and price discounts that is in line with traditions in Tanzania. Concessions should not be made until all issues have been discussed, to avoid granting unnecessary benefits during negotiation that might be interpreted as bribery. This study concluded that it is important that marketers meet the requirements of business practices by sharing clear guidelines and policies regarding business practices, as this will lead to fruitful decisions. It was also found that negotiation behaviour improves when negotiators are willing to share information and agree that all communication must be in writing; marketers are more comfortable when there is a clear understanding of matters agreed upon, the choice of trading partners and that all trading agreements are written and a contract signed by all the parties, including governments where necessary. Marketers’ intentions are derived from the common interests of both parties and the negotiations should always take place in avenue that is suitable to both parties, conducted in fairness and offers must be reasonable and attainable with a positive outcome as the ultimate aim for both parties. This study reveals that negotiators insist on the use an agent or agents and sub-contractors to ensure mutually beneficial strategic business partnerships. However, when the role of the interest groups is explained to all participants, negotiation behaviour improves. It can also be concluded that negotiators allow interest groups to participate as team leaders and their number should be equal to the number of foreign negotiators, to ensure that marketers feel more at ease and comfortable to participate. An atmosphere based on bargaining power exerts a positive influence on the level of commitment among negotiating partners; and can be a predictor of the range of agreement as well as shape limits and priorities among dimensions of rivalry. However, it is important for marketers to express willingness to accept the terms of their counterpart’s bargaining zone regardless of non-profitable quotas at stake; identify areas of bargaining from foreign traders even if they are not attractive enough for local traders and are comfortable with the counterparts’ bargaining zone regarding fixed rates on exporting and importing quotas between trading partners to build trust among negotiators. In conclusion, it was found that negotiation behaviour has a positive influence on the level of commitment of trading partners. A positive business relationship is created on trust and a high-level of commitment which should be of great satisfaction to negotiating parties for future prospective negotiations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Burhan, Ahmad Mtengwa
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Negotiation in business -- Tanzania , Business enterprises -- Tanzania , Export marketing -- Tanzania
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:9297 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1013705
- Description: The success of international business depends on effective negotiations. Such negotiations do no happen in a vacuum, but usually in a specific environment that includes; time, surrounding, place, culture and people. The business environmental setting includes legal and political pluralism, currency fluctuations, foreign exchange, foreign government controls, bureaucracy, instability, change, ideological and cultural differences, as well as the influence of external stakeholders. These business negotiations environments can influence the behaviour of negotiation in global firms, impacting firms internationally. The reasons to negotiate on an international level may include considerations such as: choice of venue, culture to observe; and the outcome of the negotiation process. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the international marketing environment, awareness of negotiation skill, interest groups and negotiation atmosphere on behaviour of marketers in a global firm. The study assessed the impact of negotiation behaviour on business agreements based on trust and certainty and level of commitment. The purpose of the study was to gauge the impact of negotiations behaviour pertaining to failure of business negotiations in Tanzania. In addition, the study endeavoured to determine the impact of environmental variables on the negotiation behaviour of marketers. The questionnaires used in the study comprised seven variables with statements linked to a five-point Likert-type interval scale varying from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree. Self-administered questionnaires were used for data collection from global firms’ marketers and their management representatives; 323 questionnaires were collected from respondents. This study contributed to the literature on negotiation behaviour in a global firm and the perceptions of such global marketers in Tanzania. Many international companies in Tanzania find it difficult to formulate and implement a comprehensive business strategy; therefore, this study intends to equip international business managers with the leadership skills required. Based on the findings of this study, the negotiators and government are expected to play a major role in business negotiations to promote effective trade agreements despite limitations of political influence in the negotiation process. Political stability in a country enhances foreign business which in turn improves negotiation behaviour. A just legal system, with clear and unambiguous business guidelines and policies would benefit and promote local businesses and government representatives and negotiators in respect of international business negotiation behaviour. Reasonable tax and interest rates and fair business policies should improve international trade negotiations and business practices. In order to conduct successful international negotiations aspects such as culture, language differences, customs and traditions are important and should enjoy high priority. Aspects such as these mentioned influence the conducting and atmosphere and outcome of negotiations. The study reveals that the use of specialists and interpreters are imperative to guarantee understanding and successful outcomes. According to the findings negotiators should possess good negotiating skills to be able to steer the negotiation process through the different phases of negotiation that requires different negotiating skills at each stage of negotiation. It is clear that to have successful win-win negotiation outcomes the leading negotiator should put together a good team, with expert knowledge of product or conditions and negotiating skill, as well as possessing the attributes mentioned in the previous paragraph. The negotiator should also be able to determine authority limits, patience and observe negotiation ethics. No team disagreements concerning the business/project matters should be aired in front of counterparts during negotiations and professional conduct must prevail at all times. The findings of the study indicated that awareness of the practice of offering concessions regarding government tariff laws and price discounts that is in line with traditions in Tanzania. Concessions should not be made until all issues have been discussed, to avoid granting unnecessary benefits during negotiation that might be interpreted as bribery. This study concluded that it is important that marketers meet the requirements of business practices by sharing clear guidelines and policies regarding business practices, as this will lead to fruitful decisions. It was also found that negotiation behaviour improves when negotiators are willing to share information and agree that all communication must be in writing; marketers are more comfortable when there is a clear understanding of matters agreed upon, the choice of trading partners and that all trading agreements are written and a contract signed by all the parties, including governments where necessary. Marketers’ intentions are derived from the common interests of both parties and the negotiations should always take place in avenue that is suitable to both parties, conducted in fairness and offers must be reasonable and attainable with a positive outcome as the ultimate aim for both parties. This study reveals that negotiators insist on the use an agent or agents and sub-contractors to ensure mutually beneficial strategic business partnerships. However, when the role of the interest groups is explained to all participants, negotiation behaviour improves. It can also be concluded that negotiators allow interest groups to participate as team leaders and their number should be equal to the number of foreign negotiators, to ensure that marketers feel more at ease and comfortable to participate. An atmosphere based on bargaining power exerts a positive influence on the level of commitment among negotiating partners; and can be a predictor of the range of agreement as well as shape limits and priorities among dimensions of rivalry. However, it is important for marketers to express willingness to accept the terms of their counterpart’s bargaining zone regardless of non-profitable quotas at stake; identify areas of bargaining from foreign traders even if they are not attractive enough for local traders and are comfortable with the counterparts’ bargaining zone regarding fixed rates on exporting and importing quotas between trading partners to build trust among negotiators. In conclusion, it was found that negotiation behaviour has a positive influence on the level of commitment of trading partners. A positive business relationship is created on trust and a high-level of commitment which should be of great satisfaction to negotiating parties for future prospective negotiations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
A performance metric system for the long-term sustainability of a multi-national enterprise
- Authors: Buyers, John Ian
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: nternational business enterprises , Business enterprises -- Finance Sales management Marketing -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23526 , vital:30575
- Description: The purpose of this Qualitative research was to determine the metrics required to define the Long-Term Sustainability of a Multinational Enterprise (MNE). The study investigated and analysed how the individual subsidiaries of a listed organisation interpreted LTS and what measurements (metrics) were the most important in supporting this long-term approach. The research analysed questionnaires administered to managers from different disciplines within the organisation. This process sought to accumulate a set of responses and through the statistical analysis of these responses, in particular, extensive qualitative research was used to find a common thread of relevant metrics, which can be used presently and in the future to determine LTS. The researcher reviewed models and the literature to establish a set of questions for the construction of individual questionnaires. This was based on current theory combined with institutional knowledge and experience. The questionnaires were designed to provoke responses from management of their view of the important contributors to LTS. The individual questionnaires (Annexures I to VIII) comprised a series of focused questions and multiple-choice answers based on either 5 or 10-point Likert scales and a few open-ended questions. The main respondents were VPs, MDs, OMs, Human Resource Managers, Financial Managers, and Sales and Marketing Managers of the subsidiaries within the MNE. These “At the heart of an excellent manufacturing business rests the efficiency of its operations, the commitment of the people who manufacture the products, the level of motivation of the workforce, the passion of its salesforce and the innovation shown by its engineers” respondents were all best suited to answer questions at the required level of expertise, when taking into consideration the LTS of the organisation. The data obtained from the research was used to devise suggested scorecards that may be used as guidelines for current and future initiatives when considering LTS. Qualitative research methods were used in this research as they seek understanding of “how things work in particular contexts”. This allows for the building of new theory and the conceptual advancements of knowledge, starting with very general concepts which, as the research progresses, change their definition (Brannen, 2016). In qualitative research, researchers use themselves as the instrument, attending to their own cultural assumptions as well as to the data. to achieve imaginative insights into the respondents’ social worlds. (McCracken, 1988). Concepts and categories are relevant to qualitative research. as quantitative research is an exercise in analytical induction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Buyers, John Ian
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: nternational business enterprises , Business enterprises -- Finance Sales management Marketing -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/23526 , vital:30575
- Description: The purpose of this Qualitative research was to determine the metrics required to define the Long-Term Sustainability of a Multinational Enterprise (MNE). The study investigated and analysed how the individual subsidiaries of a listed organisation interpreted LTS and what measurements (metrics) were the most important in supporting this long-term approach. The research analysed questionnaires administered to managers from different disciplines within the organisation. This process sought to accumulate a set of responses and through the statistical analysis of these responses, in particular, extensive qualitative research was used to find a common thread of relevant metrics, which can be used presently and in the future to determine LTS. The researcher reviewed models and the literature to establish a set of questions for the construction of individual questionnaires. This was based on current theory combined with institutional knowledge and experience. The questionnaires were designed to provoke responses from management of their view of the important contributors to LTS. The individual questionnaires (Annexures I to VIII) comprised a series of focused questions and multiple-choice answers based on either 5 or 10-point Likert scales and a few open-ended questions. The main respondents were VPs, MDs, OMs, Human Resource Managers, Financial Managers, and Sales and Marketing Managers of the subsidiaries within the MNE. These “At the heart of an excellent manufacturing business rests the efficiency of its operations, the commitment of the people who manufacture the products, the level of motivation of the workforce, the passion of its salesforce and the innovation shown by its engineers” respondents were all best suited to answer questions at the required level of expertise, when taking into consideration the LTS of the organisation. The data obtained from the research was used to devise suggested scorecards that may be used as guidelines for current and future initiatives when considering LTS. Qualitative research methods were used in this research as they seek understanding of “how things work in particular contexts”. This allows for the building of new theory and the conceptual advancements of knowledge, starting with very general concepts which, as the research progresses, change their definition (Brannen, 2016). In qualitative research, researchers use themselves as the instrument, attending to their own cultural assumptions as well as to the data. to achieve imaginative insights into the respondents’ social worlds. (McCracken, 1988). Concepts and categories are relevant to qualitative research. as quantitative research is an exercise in analytical induction.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
A model for the alignment of ICT education with business ICT skills requirements
- Authors: Calitz, André Paul
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Educational technology -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Information technology -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Information technology -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8662 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1418 , Educational technology -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Information technology -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Information technology -- Study and teaching
- Description: The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) skills shortage is of national and international concern. Modern business practices require the implementation of new technologies supported by a workforce with current and diversified ICT skill-sets. Acquiring suitable ICT skills has become a difficult task and employers are seeing government intervention at all levels. The school system in South Africa is under increased pressure and is faced with continuously declining matriculation pass rates, specifically in subjects such as science and mathematics. Schools are experiencing a decline in the number of scholars (learners) enrolling for the Information Technology (IT) school curriculum. The IT curriculum at school level is being criticised; under-prepared teachers are blamed and lack of suitable facilities highlighted. Surveys conducted amongst grade 9 and grade 12 scholars in the Eastern Cape have shown that scholars are not considering careers in ICT. Teachers, career/guidance counsellors and parents contribute to scholars' career decisions and are not encouraging scholars to pursue careers in ICT. Tertiary institutions in South Africa and internationally, are experiencing a decline in student enrolments and in pass and throughput rates. Industry is holding tertiary institutions responsible for not providing the “correct” ICT graduate skill-sets and passing an insufficient number of quality ICT graduates desperately required by industry. The accreditation of computing degree programs, such as Computer Science (CS), Information Systems (IS) and Information Technology (IT), collectively referred to as CIT, offered by tertiary institutions is becoming an international requirement. The ICT industry is constantly changing and new job requirements and new career opportunities are frequently introduced. Graduates entering the ICT industry should have acquired knowledge about ICT career tracks in order to specialise and choose a suitable career path. Tertiary CIT degree programs should further be linked to specific career tracks and provide a multi-disciplined education to graduates. ii ICT graduates working in industry utilise skills obtained in under-graduate and post-graduate CIT degree programs. The ICT graduates have also obtained valuable skills working in industry, including business skills and soft skills. ICT skill surveys have identified the graduate skills gap, indicating ICT skills industry requires from graduates completing tertiary level qualifications. ICT graduates working in industry, for example indicated that programming in some cases is over-emphasised at school and tertiary level and that soft skills are ignored by tertiary institutions. An ICT Graduate Skills Classifications Framework is developed to address the graduate ICT skills gap and highlight important business skills, soft skills, technical skills and programming skills required by industry. In this thesis, an Industry ICT Value Chain Model is further developed that suggests a holistic approach to the problems experienced at all levels of ICT skills development, including government, industry, tertiary education institutions and at school level. Results from a number of research surveys conducted along the proposed Industry ICT Skills Value Chain Model indicated that problems exist at all stages in the value chain and that the problems can only be addressed involving government, industry and tertiary institutions collectively. A number of interventions is required and the support from industry is essential in achieving overall success in addressing the ICT skills shortage in South Africa. A proposed Industry ICT Skills Value Chain Model that can be utilised to address the ICT skills shortage in South Africa is presented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Calitz, André Paul
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Educational technology -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Information technology -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Information technology -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8662 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1418 , Educational technology -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa , Information technology -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Information technology -- Study and teaching
- Description: The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) skills shortage is of national and international concern. Modern business practices require the implementation of new technologies supported by a workforce with current and diversified ICT skill-sets. Acquiring suitable ICT skills has become a difficult task and employers are seeing government intervention at all levels. The school system in South Africa is under increased pressure and is faced with continuously declining matriculation pass rates, specifically in subjects such as science and mathematics. Schools are experiencing a decline in the number of scholars (learners) enrolling for the Information Technology (IT) school curriculum. The IT curriculum at school level is being criticised; under-prepared teachers are blamed and lack of suitable facilities highlighted. Surveys conducted amongst grade 9 and grade 12 scholars in the Eastern Cape have shown that scholars are not considering careers in ICT. Teachers, career/guidance counsellors and parents contribute to scholars' career decisions and are not encouraging scholars to pursue careers in ICT. Tertiary institutions in South Africa and internationally, are experiencing a decline in student enrolments and in pass and throughput rates. Industry is holding tertiary institutions responsible for not providing the “correct” ICT graduate skill-sets and passing an insufficient number of quality ICT graduates desperately required by industry. The accreditation of computing degree programs, such as Computer Science (CS), Information Systems (IS) and Information Technology (IT), collectively referred to as CIT, offered by tertiary institutions is becoming an international requirement. The ICT industry is constantly changing and new job requirements and new career opportunities are frequently introduced. Graduates entering the ICT industry should have acquired knowledge about ICT career tracks in order to specialise and choose a suitable career path. Tertiary CIT degree programs should further be linked to specific career tracks and provide a multi-disciplined education to graduates. ii ICT graduates working in industry utilise skills obtained in under-graduate and post-graduate CIT degree programs. The ICT graduates have also obtained valuable skills working in industry, including business skills and soft skills. ICT skill surveys have identified the graduate skills gap, indicating ICT skills industry requires from graduates completing tertiary level qualifications. ICT graduates working in industry, for example indicated that programming in some cases is over-emphasised at school and tertiary level and that soft skills are ignored by tertiary institutions. An ICT Graduate Skills Classifications Framework is developed to address the graduate ICT skills gap and highlight important business skills, soft skills, technical skills and programming skills required by industry. In this thesis, an Industry ICT Value Chain Model is further developed that suggests a holistic approach to the problems experienced at all levels of ICT skills development, including government, industry, tertiary education institutions and at school level. Results from a number of research surveys conducted along the proposed Industry ICT Skills Value Chain Model indicated that problems exist at all stages in the value chain and that the problems can only be addressed involving government, industry and tertiary institutions collectively. A number of interventions is required and the support from industry is essential in achieving overall success in addressing the ICT skills shortage in South Africa. A proposed Industry ICT Skills Value Chain Model that can be utilised to address the ICT skills shortage in South Africa is presented.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The development of an entrepreneurial management model to promote the survival and growth of family estate wine businesses in the South African wine industry
- Cullen, Margaret Diane Munro
- Authors: Cullen, Margaret Diane Munro
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Wine industry -- South Africa -- Management , Entrepreneurship
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8766 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/491 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011909 , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Wine industry -- South Africa -- Management , Entrepreneurship
- Description: The South African wine industry is polarised into the quantity-producing majority and the quality-conscious minority [Hughes, 2003]. The qualityproducing sector of the South African wine industry is dominated by family businesses. Research shows that there are approximately ninety familyowned wineries in South Africa. By international standards, South Africa is viewed as a quantity, not quality producing wine country, which will make it difficult to survive in an industry where quality is paramount for recognition. The ‘trailblazers’ of the international wine industry are family owned wineries [Robinson, 2000]. Twenty five percent of the 2003 five star South African wines were made by individuals or family wineries [Hughes, 2003], emphasising the growing importance of family wineries in the production of quality wines. It is important now, more than ever, with the industry opening up internationally, that survival of the family-owned wineries and their production of icon wines are promoted so that they can become flagship producers of the industry. The achievement of international status as a quality producing country, as well as building an industry based on the longevity of wine producing families, as well as a nation of wine lovers in South Africa should result.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Cullen, Margaret Diane Munro
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Wine industry -- South Africa -- Management , Entrepreneurship
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8766 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/491 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011909 , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Wine industry -- South Africa -- Management , Entrepreneurship
- Description: The South African wine industry is polarised into the quantity-producing majority and the quality-conscious minority [Hughes, 2003]. The qualityproducing sector of the South African wine industry is dominated by family businesses. Research shows that there are approximately ninety familyowned wineries in South Africa. By international standards, South Africa is viewed as a quantity, not quality producing wine country, which will make it difficult to survive in an industry where quality is paramount for recognition. The ‘trailblazers’ of the international wine industry are family owned wineries [Robinson, 2000]. Twenty five percent of the 2003 five star South African wines were made by individuals or family wineries [Hughes, 2003], emphasising the growing importance of family wineries in the production of quality wines. It is important now, more than ever, with the industry opening up internationally, that survival of the family-owned wineries and their production of icon wines are promoted so that they can become flagship producers of the industry. The achievement of international status as a quality producing country, as well as building an industry based on the longevity of wine producing families, as well as a nation of wine lovers in South Africa should result.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Best practices to create an enabling environment for SME incubation in South Africa
- Authors: Dames, Ricardo Shane
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Business incubators -- South Africa , New business enterprises -- South Africa , Small businesses -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:9301 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015031
- Description: The humble beginnings of business incubators date back to the 1970s in the USA and United Kingdom, where abandoned industrial buildings were converted to rent out to small businesses. South Africa (SA) was first introduced to business incubation in the 1980s when the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) established a number of business ‘hives’ and provided business space to entrepreneurs to operate their businesses. In their most basic form, business incubators provide a safe and nurturing environment for entrepreneurs to establish their small businesses. While in incubation, the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are supported with a number of services which assist their growth and development until they are able to exit the incubator as sustainable and viable businesses. Global incubator models have matured significantly, and now include assisting with business idea generation, accelerating business start-ups and commercialisation processes, and identifying high-growth orientated SMEs to assist them with gaining market access. The establishment of business incubators was a government-driven initiative, and more than 33 SME incubators exist in SA. Most of the incubators are government-funded, and have focused on the establishment and growth of SMEs to act as a catalyst to promote economic development and alleviate socio-economic challenges such as unemployment and poverty. Despite these noble objectives, incubation in SA has not been fully utilised, and a high SME failure rate still prevails in the country. One of the reasons for SME failure may be ascribed to the lack of an enabling SME incubation environment in SA. When compared to other developing countries such as Brazil with as many as 400 incubators, it is clear that the SA incubation industry still needs further development. The purpose of this study therefore was to ascertain the best practices of global business incubators in both developed and developing countries, and how SA incubators could learn from these best practices to create a more conducive and enabling SME incubation environment. Background literature on business incubation with a specific focus on best practices in world incubators in both developed and developing countries, was reviewed. Some of the literature reviewed included Aernoudt (2004), Buys and Mbewana (2007) and Chandra (2009). From the literature review, four main best practice areas were identified, namely strategic focus, sources of funding, incubator services, and the role of government. The study followed a qualitative approach, and an interview schedule was developed to seek the perceptions of incubator managers on how the four identified best practices can be utilised to create an enabling SA incubation environment. A survey was conducted by interviewing 14 incubator managers (twelve government and two private) in SA. Data was collected over a six-month period, using face-to-face and telephonic interviews. Data was analysed using the content analysis, constant comparison, grounded theory and case study methods. The biographical profiles of the incubator managers and incubators were presented in case studies. An initial analysis was made to identify themes and sub themes within the four best practices explored, using the constant comparison method. Thereafter a provincial comparative analysis was made, as well as a comparison of government funded versus privately funded incubators. The findings suggested that there is a relatively high turnover in incubator management, and that they often do not have incubator management experience. A provincial comparison of SA incubators revealed that their strategic focuses are greatly influenced by the industry prevailing in the various provinces. All SA incubators provide pre- and post incubation services, but few are utilising virtual incubation. Most SA incubators are government-funded, and some use a hybrid funding model. It was evident that most SA incubators are aware of government policies and programmes available to assist them on local, provincial and national levels. A comparison of the best practices of two developing countries and three developed countries, as well as suggestions made by SA incubator managers indicated that SA has indeed followed best practices from both developing and developed countries, but there are areas of non-alignment which provide scope for improvement, to create a more conducive and enabling incubation environment. This study recommends that incubators should have an entrepreneurial focus, and reposition and align their strategic focus with government policies and instruments. SA incubators must pursue opportunities for virtual incubation as well as linkages with academic institutions, in order to offer value-added services such as research, development and commercialisation of the product ideas. Incubators in SA must pursue a hybrid funding model with a combination of government and private funding, and generate some or their own income. With regard to the role of government, it is recommended that the roll-out of more industry-specific incubators be privatised, and that an overseeing body for incubation be established.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Dames, Ricardo Shane
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Business incubators -- South Africa , New business enterprises -- South Africa , Small businesses -- South Africa -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:9301 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015031
- Description: The humble beginnings of business incubators date back to the 1970s in the USA and United Kingdom, where abandoned industrial buildings were converted to rent out to small businesses. South Africa (SA) was first introduced to business incubation in the 1980s when the Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) established a number of business ‘hives’ and provided business space to entrepreneurs to operate their businesses. In their most basic form, business incubators provide a safe and nurturing environment for entrepreneurs to establish their small businesses. While in incubation, the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are supported with a number of services which assist their growth and development until they are able to exit the incubator as sustainable and viable businesses. Global incubator models have matured significantly, and now include assisting with business idea generation, accelerating business start-ups and commercialisation processes, and identifying high-growth orientated SMEs to assist them with gaining market access. The establishment of business incubators was a government-driven initiative, and more than 33 SME incubators exist in SA. Most of the incubators are government-funded, and have focused on the establishment and growth of SMEs to act as a catalyst to promote economic development and alleviate socio-economic challenges such as unemployment and poverty. Despite these noble objectives, incubation in SA has not been fully utilised, and a high SME failure rate still prevails in the country. One of the reasons for SME failure may be ascribed to the lack of an enabling SME incubation environment in SA. When compared to other developing countries such as Brazil with as many as 400 incubators, it is clear that the SA incubation industry still needs further development. The purpose of this study therefore was to ascertain the best practices of global business incubators in both developed and developing countries, and how SA incubators could learn from these best practices to create a more conducive and enabling SME incubation environment. Background literature on business incubation with a specific focus on best practices in world incubators in both developed and developing countries, was reviewed. Some of the literature reviewed included Aernoudt (2004), Buys and Mbewana (2007) and Chandra (2009). From the literature review, four main best practice areas were identified, namely strategic focus, sources of funding, incubator services, and the role of government. The study followed a qualitative approach, and an interview schedule was developed to seek the perceptions of incubator managers on how the four identified best practices can be utilised to create an enabling SA incubation environment. A survey was conducted by interviewing 14 incubator managers (twelve government and two private) in SA. Data was collected over a six-month period, using face-to-face and telephonic interviews. Data was analysed using the content analysis, constant comparison, grounded theory and case study methods. The biographical profiles of the incubator managers and incubators were presented in case studies. An initial analysis was made to identify themes and sub themes within the four best practices explored, using the constant comparison method. Thereafter a provincial comparative analysis was made, as well as a comparison of government funded versus privately funded incubators. The findings suggested that there is a relatively high turnover in incubator management, and that they often do not have incubator management experience. A provincial comparison of SA incubators revealed that their strategic focuses are greatly influenced by the industry prevailing in the various provinces. All SA incubators provide pre- and post incubation services, but few are utilising virtual incubation. Most SA incubators are government-funded, and some use a hybrid funding model. It was evident that most SA incubators are aware of government policies and programmes available to assist them on local, provincial and national levels. A comparison of the best practices of two developing countries and three developed countries, as well as suggestions made by SA incubator managers indicated that SA has indeed followed best practices from both developing and developed countries, but there are areas of non-alignment which provide scope for improvement, to create a more conducive and enabling incubation environment. This study recommends that incubators should have an entrepreneurial focus, and reposition and align their strategic focus with government policies and instruments. SA incubators must pursue opportunities for virtual incubation as well as linkages with academic institutions, in order to offer value-added services such as research, development and commercialisation of the product ideas. Incubators in SA must pursue a hybrid funding model with a combination of government and private funding, and generate some or their own income. With regard to the role of government, it is recommended that the roll-out of more industry-specific incubators be privatised, and that an overseeing body for incubation be established.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The South African mining industry towards 2055: scenarios
- Authors: Du Plessis, Rudolf
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa , Geology, Economic -- South Africa , Forecasting -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4215 , vital:20568
- Description: The strained commodity price environment has triggered strong measures of cost containment and control by global and South African mining industries with workforce reductions, mine closures and shelved projects. Added to this, the South African mining industry is facing an unparalleled number of challenges, including an uncertain regulatory environment, infrastructure constraints, frequent industrial actions, rising costs and shortages of skills. The dynamism of discontinuous change has increased considerably and the South African mining industry is today facing an uncertain future with a blurred outlook. The results of the detailed analysis of future studies theory and practice in this research study support the argument that there is a strong need to fundamentally change the ways of planning for the future of the South African mining industry. The practice of developing new insight through the application of futures studies is central to this process. Today, collective decisions and strategies are progressively more founded on and informed by futures studies. The research study sought to develop insight regarding the future of the South African mining industry through the construction of four scenarios towards 2055: Divided We Fall, where a confident industry is threatened by social divisions as industry transformation is disregarded; Rock Bottom, where weak global economic conditions coincide with lacklustre industry innovation; Rising from Ashes, with similar economic conditions, but the industry responding positively through accelerated industry innovation; and Renaissance, set against positive global economic conditions with the South African mining industry adopting a collaborative, innovative approach to industry transformation. The research study further strived to uncover the preferred future for the South African mining industry as basis for the South African Mine of the Future Vision towards 2055. Throughout the research study, Inayatullah’s pillars of futures studies were applied as a guideline in mapping the present and future, deepening the future, broadening the future through the development of scenarios, and transforming the future by narrowing it down to the preferred. The study provides valuable insight into the driving forces relevant to the South African mining landscape. In addition, it provides insight on how to anticipate the changes these driving forces may bring about for the industry over the next 40 years from a decision-maker’s point of view. It is up to the mining industry to select the road to follow in terms of progress and sustainable development. Through an innovative approach, the creation of an environment of trust, the sharing of values, purposes and benefits, the South African Mine of the Future Vision is attainable. The South African mining industry must commit itself to working in collaborative partnerships with local communities, government, society and labour; stepping boldly into a world of social, environmental, technological and commercial innovation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Du Plessis, Rudolf
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Mines and mineral resources -- South Africa , Geology, Economic -- South Africa , Forecasting -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4215 , vital:20568
- Description: The strained commodity price environment has triggered strong measures of cost containment and control by global and South African mining industries with workforce reductions, mine closures and shelved projects. Added to this, the South African mining industry is facing an unparalleled number of challenges, including an uncertain regulatory environment, infrastructure constraints, frequent industrial actions, rising costs and shortages of skills. The dynamism of discontinuous change has increased considerably and the South African mining industry is today facing an uncertain future with a blurred outlook. The results of the detailed analysis of future studies theory and practice in this research study support the argument that there is a strong need to fundamentally change the ways of planning for the future of the South African mining industry. The practice of developing new insight through the application of futures studies is central to this process. Today, collective decisions and strategies are progressively more founded on and informed by futures studies. The research study sought to develop insight regarding the future of the South African mining industry through the construction of four scenarios towards 2055: Divided We Fall, where a confident industry is threatened by social divisions as industry transformation is disregarded; Rock Bottom, where weak global economic conditions coincide with lacklustre industry innovation; Rising from Ashes, with similar economic conditions, but the industry responding positively through accelerated industry innovation; and Renaissance, set against positive global economic conditions with the South African mining industry adopting a collaborative, innovative approach to industry transformation. The research study further strived to uncover the preferred future for the South African mining industry as basis for the South African Mine of the Future Vision towards 2055. Throughout the research study, Inayatullah’s pillars of futures studies were applied as a guideline in mapping the present and future, deepening the future, broadening the future through the development of scenarios, and transforming the future by narrowing it down to the preferred. The study provides valuable insight into the driving forces relevant to the South African mining landscape. In addition, it provides insight on how to anticipate the changes these driving forces may bring about for the industry over the next 40 years from a decision-maker’s point of view. It is up to the mining industry to select the road to follow in terms of progress and sustainable development. Through an innovative approach, the creation of an environment of trust, the sharing of values, purposes and benefits, the South African Mine of the Future Vision is attainable. The South African mining industry must commit itself to working in collaborative partnerships with local communities, government, society and labour; stepping boldly into a world of social, environmental, technological and commercial innovation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Establishing the links between performance improvement programmes, maturity and performance to facilitate improvement strategy formulation
- Authors: Ebrahim, Zahier
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade , Lean manufacturing , Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6865 , vital:21155
- Description: The automotive components manufacturing sector is facing tremendous pressure to remain competitive in a global economy. The application of performance improvement techniques to optimise factor production inputs remains a key strategic mechanism to effect the necessary change towards competitiveness. The high failure rate of these programmes, however, is a risk factor that should be considered by manufacturing firms. The investment into the implementation of these programmes will yield no return if the organisational maturity profile is not considered. The expected gains may not materialise and the execution of critical projects may take much longer than required. It is for this reason that an approach towards selecting the correct Performance Improvement Programme to optimise the performance of companies is a business imperative. Through a better understanding of the relationships between Performance Improvement Programmes and Organisational Maturity Variables, implementation success rates can increase, leading to improved results and sustainability. The approach taken to this research was quantitative in nature. Various descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to the selected respondents from the Eastern Cape automotive sector. The respondents had a working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and Six Sigma. The research instrument was administered through an online survey. The research sought to identify whether there was a relationship amongst the variables under the three identified constructs. The research also sought to establish whether there was a difference between the specific Performance Improvement Programmes’ and Organisational Maturity Variables’ relationships. This affirmed the use of a new framework that integrates the programmes on the basis of their relationship to Organisational Maturity Variables. The research also provided insight into the challenges of the industry from a performance perspective and linked these with the relationship between Organisational Maturity Variables and Organisational Performance Variables. This allowed the researcher to include this additional insight as a consideration in the integrated implementation framework developed as part of the research. The results show that good consideration should be given to the Organisational Maturity Variables as these variables are related to the successful adoption of Performance Improvement Programmes. The research also shows that Lean Manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance and Six Sigma are related to an organisations’ maturity profile in different ways. These results support the integrated Performance Improvement Programme approach, using a common set of tools and selecting the necessary programme specific tools based on a firm’s maturity profile. The research affords industry a framework to aid in decision making considering the relationships tested as part of this research. The linkages between Performance Programmes, Organisational Maturity Variables and Organisational Performance Variables are now more specific in nature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Ebrahim, Zahier
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade , Lean manufacturing , Organizational effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6865 , vital:21155
- Description: The automotive components manufacturing sector is facing tremendous pressure to remain competitive in a global economy. The application of performance improvement techniques to optimise factor production inputs remains a key strategic mechanism to effect the necessary change towards competitiveness. The high failure rate of these programmes, however, is a risk factor that should be considered by manufacturing firms. The investment into the implementation of these programmes will yield no return if the organisational maturity profile is not considered. The expected gains may not materialise and the execution of critical projects may take much longer than required. It is for this reason that an approach towards selecting the correct Performance Improvement Programme to optimise the performance of companies is a business imperative. Through a better understanding of the relationships between Performance Improvement Programmes and Organisational Maturity Variables, implementation success rates can increase, leading to improved results and sustainability. The approach taken to this research was quantitative in nature. Various descriptive and inferential statistics were applied to the selected respondents from the Eastern Cape automotive sector. The respondents had a working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) and Six Sigma. The research instrument was administered through an online survey. The research sought to identify whether there was a relationship amongst the variables under the three identified constructs. The research also sought to establish whether there was a difference between the specific Performance Improvement Programmes’ and Organisational Maturity Variables’ relationships. This affirmed the use of a new framework that integrates the programmes on the basis of their relationship to Organisational Maturity Variables. The research also provided insight into the challenges of the industry from a performance perspective and linked these with the relationship between Organisational Maturity Variables and Organisational Performance Variables. This allowed the researcher to include this additional insight as a consideration in the integrated implementation framework developed as part of the research. The results show that good consideration should be given to the Organisational Maturity Variables as these variables are related to the successful adoption of Performance Improvement Programmes. The research also shows that Lean Manufacturing, Total Productive Maintenance and Six Sigma are related to an organisations’ maturity profile in different ways. These results support the integrated Performance Improvement Programme approach, using a common set of tools and selecting the necessary programme specific tools based on a firm’s maturity profile. The research affords industry a framework to aid in decision making considering the relationships tested as part of this research. The linkages between Performance Programmes, Organisational Maturity Variables and Organisational Performance Variables are now more specific in nature.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
The relationship between leadership, communication, engagement and effective performance in secondary schools
- Authors: Gibbs, Marilyn Dawn
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Educational leadership -- South Africa , School management and organization -- South Africa , Performance contracts in education -- South Africa , Education, Secondary -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7186 , vital:21294
- Description: The ineffective performance of school operational teams in secondary schools in South Africa reflects in many negative aspects, from team operations, disengaged educators, ineffective leadership and communication and low performance in the teaching and learning domains. The purpose of this study is not only to contribute to the body of knowledge in this educational management field, but by examining the enabling factors that drive the high performance level of these school teams, these could assist with operation that utilises more of their human capital potential. By examining these high performance factors utilising a diagnostic tool, gaps could also be identified. To achieve this purpose, the objective was to develop a theoretical conceptual model and a school analytical tool that could holistically analyse and identify the strengths and weaknesses within each school. The purpose was to identify the enabling factors that create and drive the high performance of school operational teams in secondary schools This fingerprinting or profiling of the school could thereby allow for more cost effective interventions to be implemented within each school context. The aligned diagnostic and interventions addressing the gap enabling factors, assists in the school improvement and strategic plan for the school. At present, many schools do not have the resources or skills to conduct reliable and valid self, team and needs-assessments, therefore school improvement plans and strategic plans are often not using site-based analytics. By conducting these, a more focused and scientifically based, as well as cost effective intervention, could be implemented resulting in a more effective result in best practice. The three focus areas examined in the literature study in the field of educational management and school improvement, were leadership, engagement and communication. Initially the literature study indicated, thirteen independent and mediating variables around these key areas, which formed the foundations for the development of the design and development of the survey instrument. The thesis was based on a number of theoretical frameworks from which the conceptual model was devised. The dependent variables included literature based metrics for factors of Organisational Commitment and Employee Engagement, as well as the percentage Grade 12 pass rate obtained from the average performance over the last three years at the school. All the variables were hypothesised, defined and operationalised in the design of the school analytical tool for assessing the effective performance of the school operational teams. Independent and mediating variables included: Educator Team Competencies, Perceptions of leadership, Culture Alignment, Innovation potential, Employee experience, Fairness, Hybrid leadership environment, Trust, Support, Communication as well as Infrastructure, Leader-Member Exchange and Perceptions of Learner engagement. This predominantly quantitative research study examined the effective performance levels of school operational teams utilising an ecological systems theory approach. The School Analytical Tool comprised 71 items which were subjected to validity and reliability tests. Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Cronbach Alpha coefficients were conducted on the measuring instrument. Data was collected from school operational teams which included principals, educators and administrators from twenty-nine different secondary schools, in different contexts and across three regional areas in South Africa. A total of 413 respondents participated and a response rate of 40% was achieved. Ethical permission was obtained from all the relevant parties prior to commencement of the research study. After the proposed conceptual model was devised, structured equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the hypothesised significance of the relationships between the variables in the integrated model. Two sub-models were identified: Human (Individual/Team) Sub-Model A and System (Organisation/School) Sub-Model B. These were measured by two indices, the Team Performance Index and the School High Performance Work Index respectively. These measures showed different linkages to the Educator Employee Engagement and Organisational Commitment metrics. From the SEM, three models were tested for goodness of fit criteria with version 3 showing a reasonably good fit with a RMSEA (0.056 CI 95%: 0.054-0.058), with a CFI (0.86) and a normed Chi squared of 2.24. The objectives of this thesis were therefore achieved in developing a statistically and theoretically validated conceptual model for enabling factors that drive effective school operational teams, as well as a school analytical tool (SAT) that could identify gap factors for school profiling. The practical application of school profiling utilising the SAT was also indicated by analysing a high and low performing school from different regions in South Africa, indicating the ability to identify weaknesses and strengths of the school operational teams within different contexts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Gibbs, Marilyn Dawn
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Educational leadership -- South Africa , School management and organization -- South Africa , Performance contracts in education -- South Africa , Education, Secondary -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7186 , vital:21294
- Description: The ineffective performance of school operational teams in secondary schools in South Africa reflects in many negative aspects, from team operations, disengaged educators, ineffective leadership and communication and low performance in the teaching and learning domains. The purpose of this study is not only to contribute to the body of knowledge in this educational management field, but by examining the enabling factors that drive the high performance level of these school teams, these could assist with operation that utilises more of their human capital potential. By examining these high performance factors utilising a diagnostic tool, gaps could also be identified. To achieve this purpose, the objective was to develop a theoretical conceptual model and a school analytical tool that could holistically analyse and identify the strengths and weaknesses within each school. The purpose was to identify the enabling factors that create and drive the high performance of school operational teams in secondary schools This fingerprinting or profiling of the school could thereby allow for more cost effective interventions to be implemented within each school context. The aligned diagnostic and interventions addressing the gap enabling factors, assists in the school improvement and strategic plan for the school. At present, many schools do not have the resources or skills to conduct reliable and valid self, team and needs-assessments, therefore school improvement plans and strategic plans are often not using site-based analytics. By conducting these, a more focused and scientifically based, as well as cost effective intervention, could be implemented resulting in a more effective result in best practice. The three focus areas examined in the literature study in the field of educational management and school improvement, were leadership, engagement and communication. Initially the literature study indicated, thirteen independent and mediating variables around these key areas, which formed the foundations for the development of the design and development of the survey instrument. The thesis was based on a number of theoretical frameworks from which the conceptual model was devised. The dependent variables included literature based metrics for factors of Organisational Commitment and Employee Engagement, as well as the percentage Grade 12 pass rate obtained from the average performance over the last three years at the school. All the variables were hypothesised, defined and operationalised in the design of the school analytical tool for assessing the effective performance of the school operational teams. Independent and mediating variables included: Educator Team Competencies, Perceptions of leadership, Culture Alignment, Innovation potential, Employee experience, Fairness, Hybrid leadership environment, Trust, Support, Communication as well as Infrastructure, Leader-Member Exchange and Perceptions of Learner engagement. This predominantly quantitative research study examined the effective performance levels of school operational teams utilising an ecological systems theory approach. The School Analytical Tool comprised 71 items which were subjected to validity and reliability tests. Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Cronbach Alpha coefficients were conducted on the measuring instrument. Data was collected from school operational teams which included principals, educators and administrators from twenty-nine different secondary schools, in different contexts and across three regional areas in South Africa. A total of 413 respondents participated and a response rate of 40% was achieved. Ethical permission was obtained from all the relevant parties prior to commencement of the research study. After the proposed conceptual model was devised, structured equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the hypothesised significance of the relationships between the variables in the integrated model. Two sub-models were identified: Human (Individual/Team) Sub-Model A and System (Organisation/School) Sub-Model B. These were measured by two indices, the Team Performance Index and the School High Performance Work Index respectively. These measures showed different linkages to the Educator Employee Engagement and Organisational Commitment metrics. From the SEM, three models were tested for goodness of fit criteria with version 3 showing a reasonably good fit with a RMSEA (0.056 CI 95%: 0.054-0.058), with a CFI (0.86) and a normed Chi squared of 2.24. The objectives of this thesis were therefore achieved in developing a statistically and theoretically validated conceptual model for enabling factors that drive effective school operational teams, as well as a school analytical tool (SAT) that could identify gap factors for school profiling. The practical application of school profiling utilising the SAT was also indicated by analysing a high and low performing school from different regions in South Africa, indicating the ability to identify weaknesses and strengths of the school operational teams within different contexts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Strategies to improve the effectiveness of South African professional associations
- Authors: Goldman, Lester Mark
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Professional associations -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa , Social structure -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8930 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021186
- Description: Professional associations and professional relationships are a feature of the social structure of all advanced societies. Professional associations perform or provide a number of functions and services for professionals and for the organisations employing them: Continuing education, admission to practice, certification and credentialing, educational standards, enforcement of standards, codes of ethics, and standards of performance, meetings, social activities, newsletters, and journals. Professional association membership is therefore very valuable to professionals and, in turn, for the organisations which employ those professionals, because of the wide variety of important functions served and services provided by such associations. This value cascades through to the economy of the countries in which the associations perform. This study seeks to contribute to the increased effectiveness of professional associations in South Africa by assessing the level of organisational effectiveness within these associations, and the factors that affect such effectiveness. It is hoped that this research will provide the necessary information to enable senior stakeholders within the associations to make better decisions, and formulate better strategies to improve their effectiveness. If challenges of ineffectiveness are not addressed, the risk is that these associations might not achieve optimal effectiveness and growth, with negative impact on the professionals they serve, and the economy. Conversely, and optimistically, improvements in the effectiveness of professional associations, will positively impact the professionals they serve, with cascading benefits to the economy. Convenience sampling was used to target the senior staff or office bearers within the 48 SAQA registered professional associations in South Africa, at the time of survey. Self-constructed instruments were used to measure the variables included in the hypothesised model. Open-ended questions were also included in the questionnaire in order to capture qualitative information about professional associations. Using STATISTICS Version 10 (2010), the data analyses included exploratory factor analyses, the calculation of Cronbach alphas and Pearson correlations, and the content analysis of qualitative data. The most important finding of this study is that being an effective learning organisation (ELO) is an important indicator of a PA’s organisational effectiveness. To be an ELO means that the PA should continuously strive to learn and improve by conducting research that benefits the association itself, its members, its sector and its country. It is therefore important that PA’s focus their efforts on becoming effective learning organisations by planning and directing their resources on achieving this objective. It means that PA’s must employ or contract in intellectual resources that would enable them to stay at the cutting-edge of services that their members and clients want. This would require PA’s to ensure that they have the continuous services of high calibre researchers. The second important finding of this study is the indication that membership growth is another measure of a PA’s organisational effectiveness. It has already been reported above that being an ELO drives membership growth. The fact that being the first-mover in the industry increases membership growth is an indication that PA’s should capitalise on this strength, by always striving to be the first in everything its members and clients require, or will require. This calls for PA’s to conduct continuous environmental scanning, and the required research and development to deliver products and services first to their members and clients. The fact that competitive characteristics drive membership growth indicates to PA’s that they could attract more members if they maintain and improve service levels; continuously and effectively lobby government for better services for their members and clients; develop and deliver unique services to their members and clients; protect themselves against imitation of their resources and skills, outperform their competitors; and continuously enhance their credibility compared to other professional associations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Goldman, Lester Mark
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Professional associations -- South Africa , Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa , Social structure -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8930 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021186
- Description: Professional associations and professional relationships are a feature of the social structure of all advanced societies. Professional associations perform or provide a number of functions and services for professionals and for the organisations employing them: Continuing education, admission to practice, certification and credentialing, educational standards, enforcement of standards, codes of ethics, and standards of performance, meetings, social activities, newsletters, and journals. Professional association membership is therefore very valuable to professionals and, in turn, for the organisations which employ those professionals, because of the wide variety of important functions served and services provided by such associations. This value cascades through to the economy of the countries in which the associations perform. This study seeks to contribute to the increased effectiveness of professional associations in South Africa by assessing the level of organisational effectiveness within these associations, and the factors that affect such effectiveness. It is hoped that this research will provide the necessary information to enable senior stakeholders within the associations to make better decisions, and formulate better strategies to improve their effectiveness. If challenges of ineffectiveness are not addressed, the risk is that these associations might not achieve optimal effectiveness and growth, with negative impact on the professionals they serve, and the economy. Conversely, and optimistically, improvements in the effectiveness of professional associations, will positively impact the professionals they serve, with cascading benefits to the economy. Convenience sampling was used to target the senior staff or office bearers within the 48 SAQA registered professional associations in South Africa, at the time of survey. Self-constructed instruments were used to measure the variables included in the hypothesised model. Open-ended questions were also included in the questionnaire in order to capture qualitative information about professional associations. Using STATISTICS Version 10 (2010), the data analyses included exploratory factor analyses, the calculation of Cronbach alphas and Pearson correlations, and the content analysis of qualitative data. The most important finding of this study is that being an effective learning organisation (ELO) is an important indicator of a PA’s organisational effectiveness. To be an ELO means that the PA should continuously strive to learn and improve by conducting research that benefits the association itself, its members, its sector and its country. It is therefore important that PA’s focus their efforts on becoming effective learning organisations by planning and directing their resources on achieving this objective. It means that PA’s must employ or contract in intellectual resources that would enable them to stay at the cutting-edge of services that their members and clients want. This would require PA’s to ensure that they have the continuous services of high calibre researchers. The second important finding of this study is the indication that membership growth is another measure of a PA’s organisational effectiveness. It has already been reported above that being an ELO drives membership growth. The fact that being the first-mover in the industry increases membership growth is an indication that PA’s should capitalise on this strength, by always striving to be the first in everything its members and clients require, or will require. This calls for PA’s to conduct continuous environmental scanning, and the required research and development to deliver products and services first to their members and clients. The fact that competitive characteristics drive membership growth indicates to PA’s that they could attract more members if they maintain and improve service levels; continuously and effectively lobby government for better services for their members and clients; develop and deliver unique services to their members and clients; protect themselves against imitation of their resources and skills, outperform their competitors; and continuously enhance their credibility compared to other professional associations.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
A Strategic Model to Promote University of Choice Decisions among International Students Studying in South Africa
- Authors: Jooste, Carlien
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Internationalism -- Education (Higher) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48191 , vital:40519
- Description: The internationalisation of higher education has become an inevitable focus in the modern day higher education sector. This focus is due to the interconnectedness of society, which is driven by globalisation. The ever-changing landscape of the current global higher education sector has further placed emphasis on self-funding and the corporatisation of higher education institutions (HEIs). This has created competitiveness in the sector for local and international students, which has led to institutions globally and in South Africa, being tasked with the responsibility of being agents of internationalisation. The concept of higher education internationalisation involves internationalisation of the curriculum, cross-continental partnerships, the increase in mobility of staff and students, educational programmes, innovative ways of delivery as well as the need to be globally competitive. Students themselves view international study important as it provides them with a global outlook and international experience. The increased competitiveness in the higher education sector and the need for HEIs to become more autonomous and self-funded, has amplified the need to recruit international students who generate additional income. Furthermore, the strategy to recruit international students has evolved and transformed into a customer-driven strategy to meet the needs of the knowledge economy. To recruit international students, HEIs must invest in marketing and recruitment strategies, which build brand awareness and attract a diverse student body. This study investigates the development of a strategic university of choice model that can assist South African universities in the recruitment of international students by focusing on the factors, which influence a student’s university of choice. This was realised firstly by conducting a pilot study investigating the factors which influence the university of choice of students studying in South Africa. Secondly, the findings of the pilot study, combined with appropriate literature studies were used to develop a questionnaire to aid in determining the factors which influence the university of choice of international students studying in South Africa. Lastly, the findings of the questionnaire were used to draw conclusions and develop a proposed strategic model to promote the university of choice decisions among international students studying in South Africa. This thesis is an exploratory, mono-method quantitative study, which consists of literature reviews and surveys in a cross-sectional timeframe. The literature reviews were conducted on secondary sources to identify the factors that influence university of choice, as well as the marketing and recruitment trends within higher education. The empirical study consisted of a Pilot Study Survey and a Main Study Survey. The measuring instrument was compiled from existing surveys and literature studies. The findings of the Main Study Survey identified the following main factors of influence on university of choice: academic programme, academic quality, visa requirements, country/city attractiveness, English language, financial, International Office, student life, safety and security, university location and university reputation as main factors of influence. Within these main factors, various sub-factors were identified. The findings further illustrated that certain factors were more consultative in nature and provided information, which aided in the decision-making process. These factors are: motives to study/choose a programme, country attributes and influences/recruitment methods. Additionally, a third set of factors deemed to subconsciously influence the student’s decision-making process were identified as background of the student, study level and student type. The study contributes theoretically to Stakeholder Theory and Means-End Theory. Prospective students, who are higher education stakeholders, have diverse information needs and expectations, which will be met through the use of the proposed strategic model. Furthermore, the prospective students’ input will aid in the development of focused, targeted and cost-effective marketing and recruitment strategies, which will in turn meet the needs of universities to recruit a diverse student body.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Jooste, Carlien
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Internationalism -- Education (Higher) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48191 , vital:40519
- Description: The internationalisation of higher education has become an inevitable focus in the modern day higher education sector. This focus is due to the interconnectedness of society, which is driven by globalisation. The ever-changing landscape of the current global higher education sector has further placed emphasis on self-funding and the corporatisation of higher education institutions (HEIs). This has created competitiveness in the sector for local and international students, which has led to institutions globally and in South Africa, being tasked with the responsibility of being agents of internationalisation. The concept of higher education internationalisation involves internationalisation of the curriculum, cross-continental partnerships, the increase in mobility of staff and students, educational programmes, innovative ways of delivery as well as the need to be globally competitive. Students themselves view international study important as it provides them with a global outlook and international experience. The increased competitiveness in the higher education sector and the need for HEIs to become more autonomous and self-funded, has amplified the need to recruit international students who generate additional income. Furthermore, the strategy to recruit international students has evolved and transformed into a customer-driven strategy to meet the needs of the knowledge economy. To recruit international students, HEIs must invest in marketing and recruitment strategies, which build brand awareness and attract a diverse student body. This study investigates the development of a strategic university of choice model that can assist South African universities in the recruitment of international students by focusing on the factors, which influence a student’s university of choice. This was realised firstly by conducting a pilot study investigating the factors which influence the university of choice of students studying in South Africa. Secondly, the findings of the pilot study, combined with appropriate literature studies were used to develop a questionnaire to aid in determining the factors which influence the university of choice of international students studying in South Africa. Lastly, the findings of the questionnaire were used to draw conclusions and develop a proposed strategic model to promote the university of choice decisions among international students studying in South Africa. This thesis is an exploratory, mono-method quantitative study, which consists of literature reviews and surveys in a cross-sectional timeframe. The literature reviews were conducted on secondary sources to identify the factors that influence university of choice, as well as the marketing and recruitment trends within higher education. The empirical study consisted of a Pilot Study Survey and a Main Study Survey. The measuring instrument was compiled from existing surveys and literature studies. The findings of the Main Study Survey identified the following main factors of influence on university of choice: academic programme, academic quality, visa requirements, country/city attractiveness, English language, financial, International Office, student life, safety and security, university location and university reputation as main factors of influence. Within these main factors, various sub-factors were identified. The findings further illustrated that certain factors were more consultative in nature and provided information, which aided in the decision-making process. These factors are: motives to study/choose a programme, country attributes and influences/recruitment methods. Additionally, a third set of factors deemed to subconsciously influence the student’s decision-making process were identified as background of the student, study level and student type. The study contributes theoretically to Stakeholder Theory and Means-End Theory. Prospective students, who are higher education stakeholders, have diverse information needs and expectations, which will be met through the use of the proposed strategic model. Furthermore, the prospective students’ input will aid in the development of focused, targeted and cost-effective marketing and recruitment strategies, which will in turn meet the needs of universities to recruit a diverse student body.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Factors affecting supply chain integration in public hospital pharmacies in Kenya
- Authors: Kamau, George Michungu
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Supply and demand , Materials management , Business logistics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7915 , vital:24321
- Description: The purpose of this study was to develop and empirically test the Supply Chain Integration Framework (SCI framework) in order to develop a framework to address the inefficiencies experienced in the public hospital pharmacies’ Supply Chain (SC) in Kenya. Supply Chain Management (SCM) can be regarded as a vibrant business entity that is changing and evolving continually because of constant changes in technology, competition and customer demands. The study investigated and analysed how the independent variables, namely SCI initiatives, performance improvement drivers, organisation environmental forces, workforce and management support, financial factors, flow and integration, regulatory framework and information sharing and technology influenced the SCI. The SCI was categorised into three components namely: customer order fulfilment, supplier collaboration and dedicated SC as the dependent variable. The literature reviewed established that globalisation and intensive worldwide competition, alongside technological developments, creates a completely new operating environment for organisations. The researcher reviewed various models and theories related to SCI which include systems theory, value chain models and value ecology models among others. An SCI framework was then developed to capture the interacting variables within the SCI network that could be adopted for the public hospital pharmacies in Kenya. The study was conducted using a survey questionnaire (Annexure B) that comprised both open and closed ended questions that were distributed to managers in public hospitals and pharmacies in Kenya. The population for the survey was 154 public hospital pharmacies in Kenya, with the final sample comprised of 280 respondents. The study was conducted using a survey questionnaire (Annexure B) that comprised both open and closed ended questions that were distributed to 325 respondents in 154 public hospitals and pharmacies in Kenya. The population for the survey was 154 public hospital pharmacies in Kenya, with the final sample comprised of 280 respondents. Exploratory factor analysis was used to ascertain the validity of the measuring instrument and the Cronbach alpha coefficients were used to measure the reliability of the measuring instruments. Key preliminary tests performed were the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test (KMO test) of sample adequacy, the Bartlett’s test of sphericity and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (Z-Statistic test) for normality and multi-collinearity diagnostic. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and multiple linear regressions were the main statistical procedures used to test the regression model fit and the significance of the relationships hypothesised among various variables in the study. Statistical softwares, namely Statistica 10 (2010) and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 18, were used to analyse quantitative data. The study identified five statistically significant relationships between customer order fulfilment and workforce and management support, financial factors, flow and integration, information sharing and technology, supplier collaborations and dedicated SCI. In addition, a total of six statistically significant relationships exist between the supplier collaborations and SCI initiatives i.e. performance improvement drivers, workforce and management support, financial factors, flow and integration, information sharing and technology adoption as well as dedicated SCI. Furthermore, four statistically significant relationships were found between dedicated SCI and SCI initiatives, workforce and management support, financial factors, flow and integration, information sharing and technology adoption.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Kamau, George Michungu
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Supply and demand , Materials management , Business logistics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7915 , vital:24321
- Description: The purpose of this study was to develop and empirically test the Supply Chain Integration Framework (SCI framework) in order to develop a framework to address the inefficiencies experienced in the public hospital pharmacies’ Supply Chain (SC) in Kenya. Supply Chain Management (SCM) can be regarded as a vibrant business entity that is changing and evolving continually because of constant changes in technology, competition and customer demands. The study investigated and analysed how the independent variables, namely SCI initiatives, performance improvement drivers, organisation environmental forces, workforce and management support, financial factors, flow and integration, regulatory framework and information sharing and technology influenced the SCI. The SCI was categorised into three components namely: customer order fulfilment, supplier collaboration and dedicated SC as the dependent variable. The literature reviewed established that globalisation and intensive worldwide competition, alongside technological developments, creates a completely new operating environment for organisations. The researcher reviewed various models and theories related to SCI which include systems theory, value chain models and value ecology models among others. An SCI framework was then developed to capture the interacting variables within the SCI network that could be adopted for the public hospital pharmacies in Kenya. The study was conducted using a survey questionnaire (Annexure B) that comprised both open and closed ended questions that were distributed to managers in public hospitals and pharmacies in Kenya. The population for the survey was 154 public hospital pharmacies in Kenya, with the final sample comprised of 280 respondents. The study was conducted using a survey questionnaire (Annexure B) that comprised both open and closed ended questions that were distributed to 325 respondents in 154 public hospitals and pharmacies in Kenya. The population for the survey was 154 public hospital pharmacies in Kenya, with the final sample comprised of 280 respondents. Exploratory factor analysis was used to ascertain the validity of the measuring instrument and the Cronbach alpha coefficients were used to measure the reliability of the measuring instruments. Key preliminary tests performed were the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test (KMO test) of sample adequacy, the Bartlett’s test of sphericity and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test (Z-Statistic test) for normality and multi-collinearity diagnostic. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and multiple linear regressions were the main statistical procedures used to test the regression model fit and the significance of the relationships hypothesised among various variables in the study. Statistical softwares, namely Statistica 10 (2010) and Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 18, were used to analyse quantitative data. The study identified five statistically significant relationships between customer order fulfilment and workforce and management support, financial factors, flow and integration, information sharing and technology, supplier collaborations and dedicated SCI. In addition, a total of six statistically significant relationships exist between the supplier collaborations and SCI initiatives i.e. performance improvement drivers, workforce and management support, financial factors, flow and integration, information sharing and technology adoption as well as dedicated SCI. Furthermore, four statistically significant relationships were found between dedicated SCI and SCI initiatives, workforce and management support, financial factors, flow and integration, information sharing and technology adoption.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
A Ranking Framework for Higher Education Institutions in South Africa
- Authors: Kanyutu, Teresia Watiri
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48246 , vital:40746
- Description: In the past 16 years, the use of League Tables and Rankings (LTRs) as a tool to rank or measure the performance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) has grown in popularity. As a global practice, LTR outcomes are influencing how policies are developed and implemented within the Higher Education (HE) sector. Studies indicate that based on individual information requirements, HE stakeholders are using LTRs to compare HEIs with each other and make informed comparisons and decisions. University directors use LTRs as a basis for institutional strategic planning, reputation building and policy making, while students use LTRs to compare HEIs and make university of choice decisions. Further studies confirm that governments use LTRs for national higher education policy making, university funding, foreign partnerships and resource allocation. Globally and at a national level, the higher education sector has witnessed policy and structural changes, many of which are due to the increase in the use of international rankings and league tables. Despite the opportunities presented by participating in the production of and using LTRs, the ranking practice is contentious. Amongst the issues disputed by the HE stakeholders are the methodologies and criteria used in the production and publication of LTRs. Higher education experts argue that LTRs tend to favour institutional research output and ignore the teaching and learning function of HEIs. As a result, the ranking criteria differ across the higher education ranking institutions and their publication outcomes, which causes skepticism across the HE sector. Research indicates that these ranking criteria are often discussed from the standpoint of governments, the higher education management and the ranking institutions producing these LTR publications. The opinions of the students on the suitable ranking criteria used by ranking institutions lack. This study aims to address that gap. This study investigates the applicable criteria for ranking HEIs in South Africa, from the perspective of students. Building on the existing ranking criteria for three global and popular ranking institutions namely, Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), Times Higher Education World University Ranking (THEWUR) and Quacquarelli Symonds World University Ranking (QSWUR), the study poses the question; “What framework can be used to rank HEIs in South Africa, from a student’s perspective?” The study argues that although some HEIs in South Africa have in the past and most recently appeared in the global LTRs, the current choice of ranking criteria fails to consider the perspectives of the students, who are major consumers of LTRs and important stakeholders in the HE sector. A positivistic research method was used, based on a review of literature on the current ranking criteria for the selected global ranking institutions. An empirical study was conducted amongst students in a South African Comprehensive University. An online survey was distributed through convenient and snowball sampling, where the students were requested to participate in the survey and share the questionnaire link with others. Eight hundred and eighty six (886) responses were received and used for the data analyses of this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Kanyutu, Teresia Watiri
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/48246 , vital:40746
- Description: In the past 16 years, the use of League Tables and Rankings (LTRs) as a tool to rank or measure the performance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) has grown in popularity. As a global practice, LTR outcomes are influencing how policies are developed and implemented within the Higher Education (HE) sector. Studies indicate that based on individual information requirements, HE stakeholders are using LTRs to compare HEIs with each other and make informed comparisons and decisions. University directors use LTRs as a basis for institutional strategic planning, reputation building and policy making, while students use LTRs to compare HEIs and make university of choice decisions. Further studies confirm that governments use LTRs for national higher education policy making, university funding, foreign partnerships and resource allocation. Globally and at a national level, the higher education sector has witnessed policy and structural changes, many of which are due to the increase in the use of international rankings and league tables. Despite the opportunities presented by participating in the production of and using LTRs, the ranking practice is contentious. Amongst the issues disputed by the HE stakeholders are the methodologies and criteria used in the production and publication of LTRs. Higher education experts argue that LTRs tend to favour institutional research output and ignore the teaching and learning function of HEIs. As a result, the ranking criteria differ across the higher education ranking institutions and their publication outcomes, which causes skepticism across the HE sector. Research indicates that these ranking criteria are often discussed from the standpoint of governments, the higher education management and the ranking institutions producing these LTR publications. The opinions of the students on the suitable ranking criteria used by ranking institutions lack. This study aims to address that gap. This study investigates the applicable criteria for ranking HEIs in South Africa, from the perspective of students. Building on the existing ranking criteria for three global and popular ranking institutions namely, Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), Times Higher Education World University Ranking (THEWUR) and Quacquarelli Symonds World University Ranking (QSWUR), the study poses the question; “What framework can be used to rank HEIs in South Africa, from a student’s perspective?” The study argues that although some HEIs in South Africa have in the past and most recently appeared in the global LTRs, the current choice of ranking criteria fails to consider the perspectives of the students, who are major consumers of LTRs and important stakeholders in the HE sector. A positivistic research method was used, based on a review of literature on the current ranking criteria for the selected global ranking institutions. An empirical study was conducted amongst students in a South African Comprehensive University. An online survey was distributed through convenient and snowball sampling, where the students were requested to participate in the survey and share the questionnaire link with others. Eight hundred and eighty six (886) responses were received and used for the data analyses of this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A performance management model for universities in Uganda
- Authors: Karuhanga, Bernadette Nambi
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Performance standards -- Uganda , Universities and colleges -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6717 , vital:21138
- Description: As far as could be established, no empirical study had been conducted with the aim of designing a performance management model for systematically managing institutional performance at public universities in Uganda. The purpose of this study therefore, was to develop an institutional performance management model for universities in Uganda. This was achieved by establishing: the extent to which public universities in Uganda implemented institutional performance management, the challenges impacting institutional performance management implementation in universities in Uganda, how public universities could ensure effective institutional performance management implementation, the various measures of institutional performance that are applicable to universities in Uganda and the key components of the institutional performance management model that could be adopted by universities in Uganda in managing institutional performance. A mixed methods approach was adopted, applying both the qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Phenomenology and cross sectional survey strategies were adopted. Interviews were conducted with purposively selected top administrators of a selected public university and the results informed the survey questionnaire. This instrument was later administered to academic staff in four public universities using a disproportionate stratified random sampling technique. The findings revealed that strategic planning in public universities in Uganda does exist and it is aimed at achieving quality. Despite the existence of strategic planning, academic staff are uncertain about a number of issues related to strategic planning. Respondents generally disagreed that: performance management training is continuously provided to managers and staff, they have an effective performance management system and a formal process exists for units to provide feedback on the attainment of goals. Among the challenges impacting performance management implementation in universities in Uganda was: (i) Lack of a formal performance management environment; (ii) Limited employee engagement/communication problems; (iii) Institutional systems and structural challenges; (iv) Institutional governance challenges. The identified factors for the successful implementation of institutional performance management were categorised into four groups namely: (i) A performance framework, performance culture and employee support; (ii) An individual performance management system; (iii) Alignment; (iv) SMART goal setting. The study established that performance measures for public universities in Uganda could be categorised into five categories namely: (i) Leadership practices, infrastructure and academic profile; (ii) Accountability; (iii) Involvement with external stakeholders; (iv) Information and knowledge transfer; (v) Strategic implementation. Finally, the proposed performance management model consisted of three phases namely: (i) Designing the strategy; (ii) Implementation of the strategy; (iii) Evaluating rewarding and improving performance. University managers should pay close attention to the identified challenges while ensuring that the factors that facilitate successful performance management implementation are in place. The measures identified by this study could be used by policy makers and universities to determine the extent of performance of the various universities, not only in Uganda but also in sub-Saharan Africa and the proposed model could be adopted by universities in Uganda as well as by all institutions of higher learning during institutional performance management implementation. Ultimately, the success of the implementation process is vested fully in the commitment and willingness of management and the employees to participate in the entire process right from the design stage to the evaluation stage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Karuhanga, Bernadette Nambi
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Performance -- Management , Performance standards -- Uganda , Universities and colleges -- Uganda
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6717 , vital:21138
- Description: As far as could be established, no empirical study had been conducted with the aim of designing a performance management model for systematically managing institutional performance at public universities in Uganda. The purpose of this study therefore, was to develop an institutional performance management model for universities in Uganda. This was achieved by establishing: the extent to which public universities in Uganda implemented institutional performance management, the challenges impacting institutional performance management implementation in universities in Uganda, how public universities could ensure effective institutional performance management implementation, the various measures of institutional performance that are applicable to universities in Uganda and the key components of the institutional performance management model that could be adopted by universities in Uganda in managing institutional performance. A mixed methods approach was adopted, applying both the qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Phenomenology and cross sectional survey strategies were adopted. Interviews were conducted with purposively selected top administrators of a selected public university and the results informed the survey questionnaire. This instrument was later administered to academic staff in four public universities using a disproportionate stratified random sampling technique. The findings revealed that strategic planning in public universities in Uganda does exist and it is aimed at achieving quality. Despite the existence of strategic planning, academic staff are uncertain about a number of issues related to strategic planning. Respondents generally disagreed that: performance management training is continuously provided to managers and staff, they have an effective performance management system and a formal process exists for units to provide feedback on the attainment of goals. Among the challenges impacting performance management implementation in universities in Uganda was: (i) Lack of a formal performance management environment; (ii) Limited employee engagement/communication problems; (iii) Institutional systems and structural challenges; (iv) Institutional governance challenges. The identified factors for the successful implementation of institutional performance management were categorised into four groups namely: (i) A performance framework, performance culture and employee support; (ii) An individual performance management system; (iii) Alignment; (iv) SMART goal setting. The study established that performance measures for public universities in Uganda could be categorised into five categories namely: (i) Leadership practices, infrastructure and academic profile; (ii) Accountability; (iii) Involvement with external stakeholders; (iv) Information and knowledge transfer; (v) Strategic implementation. Finally, the proposed performance management model consisted of three phases namely: (i) Designing the strategy; (ii) Implementation of the strategy; (iii) Evaluating rewarding and improving performance. University managers should pay close attention to the identified challenges while ensuring that the factors that facilitate successful performance management implementation are in place. The measures identified by this study could be used by policy makers and universities to determine the extent of performance of the various universities, not only in Uganda but also in sub-Saharan Africa and the proposed model could be adopted by universities in Uganda as well as by all institutions of higher learning during institutional performance management implementation. Ultimately, the success of the implementation process is vested fully in the commitment and willingness of management and the employees to participate in the entire process right from the design stage to the evaluation stage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012