Residents’ perspective of Nelson Mandela Bay as a sustainable city
- Authors: Calitz, Martin
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Sustainable urban development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Urban renewal -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality City planning -- South Africa -- Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/37128 , vital:34120
- Description: Currently, environmental issues have firmly entrenched itself at the centre of the world stage with regard to all spheres of development activity. This has been exemplified by the number of global and national agendas and international conferences, which are being held concerning the environment. This began with the Rio de Janeiro Earth Summit in 1992, which evolved into the current relentless environmental campaigns across the world from developed to developing nations. This was followed by the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD), which was held in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2002, which defined critical targets for sustainable development, including the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). These campaigns have become critical in response to the alarming rate at which human activities are affecting the environment. Africa is experiencing one of the fastest rates of urbanisation in the world, with sub-Saharan Africa leading the way. In 2009, there were more than 395 million Africans living in urban areas, which equates to approximately 40% of the continent’s population. The African population number is estimated to triple to more than 1.2 billion people, with an expected 60% of all Africans to reside in urban areas by 2050. The United Nations Human Settlements’ Programme identified that this rapid growth presents two major challenges. First, providing African cities with the ability to better harness their productive potential and secondly, assisting African cities with the ability to better serve the increased demands for municipal services and decent housing. The unique situation that makes Africa different from other global urban migrations is the speed this urban migration process is following. 1994 marked a significant change for politics in South Africa. It provided the new administrative South African government the opportunity to position South Africa on a path towards becoming Africa’s first recognised sustainable country. In 1994, the South African government amended the constitutional objective to align local government with focusing on securing ecological sustainable development and making use of natural resources, while promoting justifiable economic and social development. In support of this constitutional objective, the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) No. 107 of 1998, established cooperative governance principles, institutional mechanisms and sustainable development tools needed to promote environmental sustainability
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- Date Issued: 2019
Risk management for port management information systems
- Authors: Jafta, Ntembeko
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Management information systems , Harbors -- Management Risk management Risk assessment Computer security -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40327 , vital:36141
- Description: Port Management Information Systems (Port MIS) are systems that support port managers in the facilitation of port activities. However, little is known about the system and the risk that it presents. Much information is exposed, and security needs to be strengthened. Port MIS helps managers to make decisions relating to the activities that enable effective management and leadership of the port. Inadequate and poor risk management would lead to loss of business and potential loss of human life. This research study focused on the subsystems that make up Port MIS. There is limited research on port management, and more specifically the risks involved in such national assets. The study explored the purpose of such systems and how they contribute to the whole system. The findings and recommendations would benefit port managers both nationally and internationally as globalisation becomes the basis of world trade and economies.
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- Date Issued: 2019
South African women in information technology
- Authors: Motaung, Linda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Women in science -- South Africa , Women computer industry employees Information services industry -- Employees Women -- Effect of technological innovations on -- South Africa Businesswomen -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41964 , vital:36613
- Description: Information Technology (IT) is a contemporary field of study which is driven by society’s use of computer based technology. Computer tools such as web applications and networks are useful resources that collect, analyse and distribute large volumes of information globally. The various uses of IT can be seen in many aspects of modern daily life from transportation to communication systems, they feature significantly in meeting the needs of the fast-paced world of business. Globally IT is recognised as a ‘key’ skill required to meet the needs of the current and future job market. However, the field is faced with a skills shortage challenge as job vacancies remain largely unfilled due to the low supply of technically qualified talent. The challenge faced in the field of IT is that the demand for highly skilled and qualified talent in the job market is high, while the supply of talent is not sufficient. Thus, there is a gap between the opportunities and skills available in the IT workforce. A factor that compounds the lack of available talent in IT is the low levels of participation and representation of women. Technology is part of the universally significant STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects, which prior academic research has indicated as critical fields that have previously been male dominated and have low levels of participation from women. In this treatise an in-depth examination of women’s career choices with regards to the profession of IT in the global and South African context will be discussed. A thorough analysis into the various factors that influence the participation of women, the implications this has for South African businesses and the proposed interventions for future implementation will be included. The aim of this empirical study is to primarily identify current career trends that relate to female choices in the field of IT, to recognise the leading factors that impact women to enter the profession and to identify the factors that lead to a high turnover mid-career. Lastly, this treatise will propose how businesses can combat these negative gender gap trends and attract female talent. The literature review extensively considered published academic articles that have discussed the personality traits and external environmental factors that substantially influence the female gender’s choice of career. The underlying theories that explain gender involvement in career choices will be examined with a focus on the application of these theories in the IT field. A quantitative study in the form of an online survey was conducted to test the formulated conceptual model. Inferential statistics coupled with descriptive tests evaluated and analysed the feedback of the respondents. The survey was conducted amongst professional women, currently working in an IT career to establish the factors that have attracted their participation in the field and the factors that influence their longevity in the IT field. The main findings of the study indicate that women who opt for a career in IT have high levels of intrinsic motivation, confidence and possess similar mental abilities as their male counterparts. The respondents indicated the lack of encouragement or discouragement from close sources of support such as peers, family members and religious circle. The recommendations are based on the fact that entrance to the field of IT, for women, is through raising interest in IT from early schooling life. This, interest results in growing familiarity with the subject area, IT careers and the IT environment. The lack of women in IT academic and top-level management positions has resulted in less solutions being availed for attracting and retaining women in IT. Women in IT face similar working conditions of male dominated environments where family demands, gender bias and alienation result in occupational challenges. The research identified the factors that have largely influenced the career choices of women in IT and investigate the social structures that affect the retention of women in IT. The research contribution of this study is to increase the awareness by young females regarding careers in IT. Future research in obtaining larger sample sizes affecting all parts of South Africa will increase the understanding of South African Women in IT. Through research, the investigation of modern factors that affect the choices of the younger generation including practice and application of practical solutions will result in a bigger impact in the IT sector.
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- Date Issued: 2019
South Africa’s readiness of the smart built environment towards 2035
- Authors: Holmes, Clinton Keith
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Internet of things , City planning Technology -- Social aspects
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40128 , vital:35758
- Description: It is imperative that society works together with government and industry to find solutions in solving the problem of the high utilisation of natural resources in the built environment. Natural resources are not infinite, and the increasing population are compounding the problem. The high level of unemployment in South Africa could be increased dramatically if the old skills in the industry become redundant due to new technology and there are not enough skills to apply to these technologies. This study set out to investigate the extent of the readiness of South Africa for the Smart built environment towards 2035 with an aim to provide valuable information for decision making to the government, policy makers, academic and training institutions and business leaders. South Africa boasts about the achievements of the four major municipalities namely, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Tshwane and eThekwini in terms of their commitment towards the aim for net zero carbon emissions of newly built buildings by 2050. The commitment for sustainable solutions in all sectors is echoed by the Minister of Environmental affairs, as part of the Paris agreement. South Africa does not lack the ability to plan for eventualities. This is evident by the myriad of strategies and policies that can be found all over the government information sharing outlets. The South African government is failing in implementing these policies and strategies that have been around for more than a decade. A lack of execution, lack of transparency as well as a lack of accountability is a hindrance to South Africa’s general growth path. The realisation of the preferred future rest on the acceptance, by all South Africans, that technological advancement is inevitable, and that a joint and inclusive effort should be made to prepare for such a future. South Africa has the ability and appetite to change the future for the better. Two fundamental areas of improvement are to create a united South Africa where people are held accountable for their actions. The unisons should transcend across the various South African government departments but must also include industry, entrepreneurs and the public to create a future where technology is embraced, and innovation encouraged, instead of waiting for technology to dictate a specific future.
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- Date Issued: 2019
Status of ethics at Road Accident Fund and implications of non-compliance to the sustainability of the fund
- Authors: Heshula, Unathi Sandisa Yvone Joy
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Road Accident Fund (South Africa) , Automobile insurance -- South Africa Business ethics -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40183 , vital:35966
- Description: The South Africa public sector is responsible for providing essential services to its citizens. It possesses resources to ensure that these services are provided effectively and efficiently. Part of this investigation has spent on inquiring and understanding the prevalence of the ethics at Road Accident Fund. The research instrument was designed to probe the concept, ethical dilemmas faced and reasons of possible noncompliance, structured interviews were conducted.
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- Date Issued: 2019
Strategic effectiveness of a partnership between the municipality and the business sector in George
- Authors: Meiring, Lee-Anne
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Public-private sector cooperation -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Partnership -- South Africa -- Western Cape Strategic alliances (Business) Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41427 , vital:36482
- Description: The purpose of the research is to evaluate how the municipality and the business sector in George can work together for the future of George and to develop a proposal for such a strategic partnership. The goal of this research is to evaluate the current strategic partnerships within the town of George, to assess the readiness for a strategic partnership in the George region and to develop a theoretical model of how a town could partner with the business sector for inclusive economic growth, through the examination of the key success factors for such a partnership. This research provides useful insight into the factors that will contribute to a partnership between the business sector and local government ensuring the future of George. This research considers the current situation in George and proposes a cross-sector partnership approach to ensure not only city competitiveness but also further growth.
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- Date Issued: 2019
Strategic service quality challenges within Metrorail in the Western Cape
- Authors: Skosana, Nkosinathi Thembinkosi
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa -- Western Cape , Customer relations -- Management Railroads -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43368 , vital:36862
- Description: Service quality has become a major area of attention for organisations as there is proven research that highlights a strong link between business performance, customer loyalty, profitability and customer satisfaction. Therefore, understanding factors that influences the organisations service quality becomes vital for managements (Fukey & Issac, 2014). According to (Kotler, 1991), the main objective of any transport organisation is to achieve passenger satisfaction and loyalty, as well as a superior quality service which is envisioned to keep the service provider at a competitive position in the field of passenger transportation. The primary research problem in this study is to understand perceived service quality challenges within Metrorail Western Cape. The study employs a modified SERVPERF models in developing a model suitable for testing the perception of commuter in public rail transport. In order to assess this, the study adopts a Positivistic view with the aim to produce quantifiable data, through the use of large samples and the testing of hypotheses. The study is quantitative in principle. Quantitative study supports the use of surveys as a means of data collection and because the data is quantitative, this allows the use of rigorous statistical analyses in order come to a conclusion or finding. The results of this are of a descriptive nature and can easily be used to infer to a larger population. A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed electronically using the Questionpro links and manually distributed at stations. From the distributed total, a total of 257 responses were received and analysed using software package STATISTICA with the assistance of a qualified statistician. The key findings indicate that according to the perception of commuters, Metrorail service quality is below the expected levels. The major arears of importance for commuters in Western Cape are safety, communications and reliability of the service.
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- Date Issued: 2019
Study into the Road Accident Fund adopting a semi-paperless strategy
- Authors: Lugebu, Sisonke
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Road Accident Fund (South Africa) , Business planning -- Computer simulation Information technology -- Management Computer systems -- Environmental aspects Green technology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40522 , vital:36179
- Description: The study sought to explore the feasibility of the South African Road Accident Fund(RAF) transitioning from traditional offline paper management system to a semi-paperless management system. the study was conducted with the RAF offices in the East London region. the researcher explored the benefits, risks and challenges inherent in business process automation. the literature study covered business process automation, service delivery in South Africa and other diverse related aspects. the population sample was drawn from departments within RAF offices in East London region. Primarily data was collected by means of semi-structured questionnaire, which was handed to participants. the study was guided by interpretivist paradigm and made use of qualitative research method.
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- Date Issued: 2019
Supply chain efficacy for reefer cargo destined for Cape Town terminal
- Authors: Tefu, Johanna
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Business logistics -- South Africa -- Cape Town , Industrial procurement Physical distribution of goods Marine terminals -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43867 , vital:37066
- Description: Economical earnings for South Africa rely severely on export earnings, which are dependent on the effectiveness and efficiency of the cold chain. Achieving an efficient, integrated, effective, collaborative, focused and proficient supply chain in the exporting of reefer cargo plays a pivotal role in growing a country’s economy. The purpose of this treatise is to develop a conceptual framework that can be adopted by the cold chain industry in South Africa to achieve supply chain efficacy for reefer cargo destined for Cape Town Terminal. A quantitative approach was adopted for the collection of data, as well as an in-depth literature review was conducted, where efficacy in a supply chain was studied. Variables that were explored in the study for the attainment of supply chain efficacy include; the reliability of the cold chain, communication, innovation, agility, asset management and the level of service quality. Information that was needed for the study was collected using a questionnaire and available literature. A questionnaire was used to determine key elements that are imperative in the development of a conceptual framework to ensure the attainment of supply chain efficacy. This study explores the necessary literature on the South Africa fruit industry, the cold chain and its participants, the SCOR process model and elements that determine supply chain efficacy. The study also explored the various dimensions of an integrated supply chain. The ideal conceptual framework was developed which was used to form a basis for the formulation of the questionnaire. The study comprised of 126 respondents and various statistical methods were used to analyse the conceptual model. Hereafter, a proposed conceptual model to measure supply chain efficacy was constructed. The model includes reliability, communication, innovation, asset management, and service quality, which have been tested to be determinants of supply chain efficacy. The study concludes with managerial recommendations that participants in the cold chain can adopt to achieve efficacy. Some of the recommendations include Port Terminals implementing control measures that will ensure proper and accurate pre-advice of reefer cargo, this is to take place prior to containers arriving at the terminal gate. Port Terminals and Shipping Lines to develop a platform e.g. an application whereby timeous and informative communication will be made available to industry when the port is faced with periods of high winds or any changes in vessel schedules. The fostering of partnerships that will make possible the opportunity for exploring Lean Six Sigma principles with efforts of improving export processes. The development of a performance tracking tool that can be used by the entire cold chain, so as to ascertain where improvement areas to the process are and implement immediate change. The industry to invest in extensive market research to examine and improve on fruit export trade. Focusing on strategies such as diversifying the market, this can be done as a result of the volatility of the sector. Port Terminals to explore possibilities of increasing rail activities for reefer containers. Controlling bodies such as the PPECB to conduct industry-wide training programmes for refining the handling of reefer cargo in aims of improving trade. The industry to also establish platforms were feedback would be given pertaining to the performance of the cold chain at the end of the reefer peak season, with variable action items. This treatise looks at proposing a conceptual framework that can be adopted to achieve supply chain efficacy for reefer cargo destined for the Cape Town Terminal. This study will enable the integration of the cold chain network in the Western Cape in order to meet fruit export demand and seasonality requirements.
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- Date Issued: 2019
The development of a framework to assess the economic viability of thoroughbred breeding in South Africa
- Authors: Keevy, Julia Merle
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Thoroughbred horse -- Breeding -- South Africa , Race horses -- Breeding -- South Africa Horse industry -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40632 , vital:36203
- Description: The thoroughbred horseracing industry in Southern Africa has reported a declining trend in industry participants in recent years with pressure being experienced from external sources as well as from within. The industry is reliant on the thoroughbred breeding sector to supply quality horses for the purpose of racing. This, coupled with the challenges faced in exporting horses to global markets, has diminished the demand for thoroughbred horses locally. The economic viability of the breeding sector, as the foundation of the broader thoroughbred industry, is pivotal for its future sustainability. This has served as the motivation for this study. The sport of thoroughbred horse racing in South Africa contributes over R2,7 billion to the estimated R4500,0 billion South African GDP in the form of gambling revenue alone. The industry is particularly labour intensive and employs over 15 000 people in South Africa which include breeding, racing and betting industry participants. In this study, a broad analysis of the thoroughbred breeding sector in South Africa was conducted with the intention of developing a framework within which to assess the perceived economic viability of the thoroughbred breeding sector in South Africa. The study used the literature review to identify key factors that have an economic impact on the thoroughbred breeding sector in terms of how these factors influence perceived economic viability. The empirical section of the study tested thoroughbred breeders‘ perceptions and understanding of the concepts that influenced the economic viability of the breeding sector. Strong evidence emerged from the empirical study that the industry is not exploiting marketing avenues that are available, creating information shortages that affect perceptions of the sector and that the equine export system from South Africa is inefficient and costly. Amidst political uncertainty and general economic decline in South Africa, the future of the industry and the people that it supports is questionable. The relevance and scope of the breeding sector in support of the broader thoroughbred industry in South Africa is pivotal, without it there will be no industry.
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- Date Issued: 2019
The diffusion of Max condoms among young women in KwaZulu Natal
- Authors: Donald, Charlene Chenaye
- Date: 2019
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96870 , vital:31342
- Description: HIV is a disease that has a myriad of effects across different settings, and its prevalence varies across countries with different epidemiological drivers. The growing and disproportionate impact on young women has encouraged new ideas in HIV prevention strategies. The profusion of studies on HIV prevention strategies notwithstanding, the aspect of condom innovation has been largely ignored in literature. Drawing on the Diffusion of Innovation theory, this study examines how Max condoms have gained popularity among young women aged 18-24 years. The hypotheses are tested using an innovation-decision conceptual model and a comprehensive data set of 131 participants from rural, peri-urban and urban districts in KwaZulu Natal. Results reveal that the impact of marketing material and an effective public launch were significant in increasing Max condoms uptake, while the influence of peers and other members of one’s social system are critical for normalising the behaviour change. Young women have adopted Max condoms and uptake is continually influenced by positive perception of Max condoms’ relative advantage.
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- Date Issued: 2019
The effect of age and culture on brand loyalty in the South African motor industry
- Authors: Hempel, Martin Johan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Brand loyalty -- South Africa , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Older consumers -- South Africa , Consumers -- South Africa -- Cross-cultural studies
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/96859 , vital:31339
- Description: It has become imperative for companies in the motor industry to study and understand the notion of brand loyalty due to the many inherent advantages that it offers. Although existing literature provides extensive information on brand loyalty, the concept of brand loyalty is not constant across all industries. Factors such as age and culture also alter the effects of brand loyalty and the degree of brand loyalty generated within a consumer. Taking these variables into account, this study sets out to establish if age and culture have an effect on brand loyalty in the South African motor industry. The method in which motor companies emit marketing signals are also explored to establish if the emitted marketing signals are able to assist in the generation of brand loyalty. A South African real estate agent group agreed to participate in the research and became the sample population for the study. 190 successfully completed questionnaires were obtained in the data collection process and data with a Cronbach Alpha Coefficient (α) of 0.7662 proved that the data had satisfactory reliability. The data was processed and analysed in the statistical analysis program Stata. The study discovered that marketing signals don't assist in the generation of brand loyalty in the South African motor industry. It is suggested that it is more plausible that marketing signals can assist to maintain brand loyalty, rather than to generate brand loyalty. The study also discovered that culture does not have an effect on brand loyalty in the South African motor industry. However, after considering that the cultural distribution of the sample was significantly skewed, the sample is regarded as an unreliable test of the effect of culture on brand loyalty. The study also discovered that age doesn't have an effect brand loyalty in the South African motor industry. The researcher noted that the previously cognitively strenuous process of obtaining information has become more simplified by the internet and could potentially have reduced the generating of brand loyalty among older consumers. A final test was conducted to ascertain if relationships exist between the four stages of loyalty. The study suggested that all four loyalty stages are connected which confirms that brand loyalty is generated by both attitudinal and behavioural dimensions.
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- Date Issued: 2019
The effective use of corporate social responsibility as a strategic marketing tool to achieve competitive advantage in the South African banking sector
- Authors: Sogoni, Shalene
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Social responsibility of business , Business communication Mass media and business Marketing Banks and banking -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44034 , vital:37094
- Description: The South African banking sector has increasingly grown, with the rise of new entrants in the market and a strong fintech focus, offering a completely digital banking service with products designed to improve the money management of clients. Competition within this sector has become rife, giving banks the option to compete by using traditional means or pursue alternative options. In the past, banks focused more on lowering costs, increasing sales, improve customer retention strategies and the development of superior digital products and services driven by new technology. However banking organisations also understand that is not enough. In order to survive in a highly competitive industry, firms will be have to diversify and follow alternative means outside of the standard traditional ways of doing banking. The business case for engaging in corporate social responsibility is clear and unavoidable as the scope and nature of the socio-economic problems within our communities persist, so has these societal problems become interdependent with the business environment. Therefore, executive managers and are now encouraged to become good corporate citizens, by becoming more socially responsible in the way it does its business. In other words, by strategically applying CSR, as a marketing tool, a company can be profitable, obtain a competitive advantage and simultaneously contribute towards making a sustainable difference in society. The intent of this study is to determine if corporate social responsibility is being effectively used as a strategic marketing tool to achieve competitive advantage in the South African banking sector. In addressing the main research question, and several other secondary objectives, this study seeks to enrich the discussion by presenting a theoretical review that demonstrates the relationship between several concepts, namely, corporate strategy, strategic marketing, corporate social responsibility and competitive advantage, interrelated in this study. The study employs a qualitative research approach by empirically conducting in-depth discussions with industry experts on the subject matter at hand, underpinned by academic literature. The study will justify the interdependencies of business and the society and explores the benefits of integrating CSR into the core strategy of business. The findings will be valuable to business executives, corporate social responsibility or marketing managers, academics and scholars who are trying to better understand the determinant’s of corporate social responsibility, strategic management and competitive advantage.
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- Date Issued: 2019
The effects of disruptive innovation on MTN telecommunication strategy in Africa
- Authors: Mokhesi, Moroke
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Information technology -- Economic aspects , Telecommunication -- Economic aspects Telecommunication -- South Africa Strategic planning -- South Africa Internet of things
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/42041 , vital:36620
- Description: The purpose of this research study was to investigate the effects of disruptive innovation on MTN telecommunication strategy in Africa. The goal of this research study was to investigate the effects of disruptive innovation on MTN telecommunication strategy in Africa. Five independent variables were identified and tested as to identify the effects/ impact they have on the MTN telecommunication strategy. The research report began with an in-depth literature review on the concept of disruptive innovation and the variables and Internet of things, Cloud Technology, Blockchain, Mobile Money Cashless Society and Big Data. The literature review also provides an overview of the status of the telecommunication industry in Africa, the pace of change and the challenges network operators are facing due to the innovations. This is followed by qualitative explanatory case study research design through in-depth interviews. The research provides valuable insights on recommendations to MTN management on the effects on disruptive innovation on their strategy. This research study provides a useful insight on the effects of disruptive innovation with a telecommunication context in Africa. It also highlights the key disruptive technologies that are at the forefront the current innovation wave. The study is limited to MTN and does not incorporate other multinational network operators who have established networks on the African continent. The research effort looks at the positive and negative effects of disruptive innovation on MTN strategy and make recommendations on how MTN can overcome, minimise or reduce the identified effects on the strategy.
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- Date Issued: 2019
The effects of leadership styles and organisational culture on job satisfaction and organisational commitment: a case study at Eskom, ECOU
- Authors: Ramaphuma, Gundo
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Corporate culture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/43025 , vital:36728
- Description: The concepts of leadership styles, organisational cultures, job satisfaction and organisational commitment are still attracting considerable attention from scholars, academics, writers, leaders and professionals. Although the effects of these concepts have received considerable attention and literature abounds, however, there have been a few studies on these concepts, if any, conducted in the Energy Sector, more specifically within a South African context. For this reason, the study intended to contribute to the literature of leadership styles and on organisational culture’s impact on job satisfaction and organisational commitment in a parastatal and in the South African context. The present study aimed to assess the effects of leadership styles and organisational culture on job satisfaction and organisational commitment among employees at Eskom, Eastern Cape Operating Unit (ECOU), South Africa. To achieve this, a theoretical model or framework depicting the relationship between these variables was developed and tested. The present study was located within the positivist research paradigm which makes use of a quantitative approach in the form of a questionnaire to gather data for analysis and theoretical comparison. The questionnaire was designed to elicit and rate the respondents’ views as well as for the quantitative data analysis. The population for the present study comprised of approximately 600 employees within the ECOUmain branch offices situated in Beacon Bay, East London. The present study made use of the non-probability sampling design by means of a convenience sampling technique to draw the sample for the study. Questionnaires were distributed to 120 employees within the Asset Creation, Maintenance and Operations Divisions of the ECOU. Of the 120 questionnaires, a total of 86 usable questionnaires were returned and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 tool. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed and findings presented. It was found that there is currently a prevalence of both the Transformational and Transactional leadership styles at the ECOU. However, when asked which leadership style employees would prefer, the majority of the respondents indicated that they would prefer a Transformational leadership style to be exhibited by their managers. Although there was no discernible difference between the two types of leadership styles, a majority of the respondents indicated that they believed that leadership had an impact on their, and the organisation’s, performance, regardless of which style of leadership was exhibited. The findings relating to Organisational Culture highlighted that the majority of respondents felt that the existing culture within the operating unit is that of a Hierarchical Culture. Furthermore, the majority of respondents indicated that they would prefer a Clan Culture instead of the existing culture. With regard to Job Satisfaction, most respondents indicated their dissatisfaction with their salaries as well as there being little chances of being promoted regardless of their work output. The findings relating to Organisational Commitment indicated that most respondents neither have an emotional attachment nor feel any obligation or loyalty to the organisation. The only reason why they are still with the organisation is because of necessity rather than a conscious commitment to the organisation. The overall impression is that the respondents are disengaged from their organisation and thus not committed to it. It was concluded that there is a strong relationship between leadership styles, job satisfaction and organisational commitment. The relationship, however, is a negative one. This confirms the hypothesis that leadership style has an impact on both job satisfaction and organisational commitment. Secondly, it was concluded that organisational culture has an impact on both job satisfaction and organisational commitment. Similarly, this relationship is currently a negative one. Recommendations were made for management to review the leadership styles exhibited by the managers, and to subsequently review the impact of the existing organisational culture on job satisfaction and organisational commitment among employees at this operating unit.
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- Date Issued: 2019
The factors that influence knowledge management in an organisation
- Authors: Mbotini, Bongani
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Knowledge management , Intellectual capital -- Management Organizational learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41515 , vital:36500
- Description: Through an effective system of knowledge management, organisations can evaluate which factors play in important role in ensuring that knowledge is managed well within the organisation. It is believed there are several factors influencing knowledge management effectiveness, including knowledge sharing, commitment and trust, culture, motivation and incentives, mentoring, group work, training, storytelling and networking, etcetera and also, there are various models, and analytical tools that can be used to study the relationships between some key influential factors and the effectiveness of knowledge management. Based on previous research, this study aims to identify and evaluate the key factors that influence the effectiveness of knowledge management in an organisation. Purpose: Knowledge in an organisation tends to be a resource that gets less attention and only after it has been lost or neglected, does management take a look. At this stage it is normally too late to do anything that can assist the organisation. Drawing on dilemma and previous studies done, the aim of this study is to understand and evaluate the factors that influence the effectiveness of knowledge management in an organisation. Methodology: Based on a literature review, a mixed research model is initiated integrating demographics, employee morale, organisational performance, information sharing, knowledge management strategy and a communication gap as some of the factors that have an influence on effectiveness of knowledge management. The mixed model is tested in the study using questionnaires, interviews, observations and focus group discussions. The study was done using a statistical sample of 25 participants who participated in all the forms of the study, meaning they all did the questionnaires, interviews, observation and focus groups. The analysis of the feedback resulted in both qualitative and quantitative data, hence the study had to settle for a mixed method approach. Findings: The findings point towards the general drivers and barriers to knowledge management within the organisation. The significant drivers are: mentoring, networking, training, group work storytelling. The significant identified influencers to xi knowledge management are: employee morale, information sharing, communication gap and employee tenure. Originality: The study contributes to an understanding of factors that influence the effectiveness of knowledge management in an organisation. Keywords: Information sharing, Knowledge management, Communication gap, Employee morale, Organisational performance, Mentoring, Storytelling, Networking, Training.
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- Date Issued: 2019
The factors that influence the scalability of tenderpreneurs
- Authors: Ngwane, Amanda
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa Corporations -- South Africa -- Growth Success in business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/41841 , vital:36602
- Description: This study investigated the scalability of tenderpreneurs in South Africa. The South African government has invested a lot of capital towards small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), through the tender system. The unemployment trend in the country continues and is a reflection of symptoms and problems that impede the effectiveness of government initiatives such as the tender system. The main aim of this study was to establish the factors influencing the scalability of tenderpreneurs in South Africa. Further objectives intended to establish the factors that would enable tenderpreneurs to scale their businesses, to define the characteristics of a tenderpreneur in South Africa, to determine the factors that influence the growth of tenderpreneurs in South Africa and to establish the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities for and threats to the scalability of tenderpreneurs in South Africa. In order to achieve the said objectives, a sample of ten tenderpreneurs from the Ilembe District in KwaZulu-Natal, was selected from an estimated population of over 50 tenderpreneurs in the region, using the convenience sampling technique. The phenomenological paradigm was employed and qualitative research was done using the exploratory research design. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data for the study. The findings of this study characterised a tenderpreneur as an individual bent on providing requested services, engaging in competitive bidding, usually awaiting opportunities or bids, who do business with or without prior capital. In the political front, the advent of the end of the apartheid era, the emergence of the democratic movement and emancipation of the black majority contributed to the drive towards business ownership by the previously disadvantaged groups. Recommendations made included the fact that the relevant government authorities should assist in supporting the tenderpreneurs through a number of policy and political initiatives such as ensuring broader stakeholder participation, fostering established public funded partnerships, mainstreaming corporate social investment to uplift communities, enforce sustainable business practices and drive infrastructure development.
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- Date Issued: 2019
The futures of orthopedic implants through 3D printing technology for South Africa
- Authors: Davids, Craig Nolan
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Medical innovations -- Economic aspects -- South Africa , Three-dimensional printing Three-dimensional imaging Orthopedics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/39381 , vital:35238
- Description: 3D printing is one of the most disruptive technologies that truly has the potential to change medicine and healthcare by making care affordable, accessible and personalized. It can bring a new era if printers become more sophisticated, printing biomaterials gets safely regulated and the public acquires a common sense about how 3D printing works. An understanding and appreciation of the possible futures of 3D printing technology will be of great value to various stakeholders within the country. This research will identify and describe current drivers that should be appreciated for the government, business communities, academic institutions, healthcare provider’s policy makers and the society at large to make intelligent decisions about the future of 3D printing in medical devices. This study is aimed at identifying the possible futures of 3D printing in orthopaedic devices in South Africa. Causal Layered Analysis (CLA) and the Six Pillars of Futures were identified as the preferred methodologies to be utilised to respond to the research objectives of this study. A detailed literature study was undertaken to evaluate the existing body of knowledge on the research topic. The literature study revealed that several factors needs to be addressed before 3D printing is completely integrated into everyday joint reconstruction surgery. Having already made a big impact in the medical sector, three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology continues to push the boundaries of cost efficiency, convenience, and customization. It has transformed some aspects of medical device production. To date, 3D printing has been employed predominantly by hobbyists, product designers and a few select industrial applications, but the performance of additive manufacturing equipment is quickly evolving, the choice of materials is increasing, and prices of both materials and printers are falling rapidly, all factors through which 3D printing is swiftly progressing to attain wider consumer acceptance and a greater number of manufacturing uses.
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- Date Issued: 2019
The impact of job embeddedness on innovative work behaviours
- Authors: Wood, Jaryd Marc
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Organizational behavior -- South Africa , Employee retention -- South Africa Work -- Psychological aspects Work ethic -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/44379 , vital:37160
- Description: Modern day organisations compete in an ever growing and highly competitive global environment. International competitiveness continues to play a critical role in ensuring that both organisations and employees grow and succeed. An organisation’s and employee’s ability to innovate remains one of the key factors in ensuring that they remain competitive and relevant amongst global organisations. Globalisation, access to advanced technology and the enhanced ability to travel has further enabled consumers and to keep up to date with international trends. These phenomena’s make it increasingly and ever important to remain relevant and innovate to attract new customers or consumers and to retain the current ones. The term job embeddedness relates to the relationships employees have between the organisation they work for and the community they form part of. It is felt that a link may exist between job embeddedness and employees engagement in innovative work behaviours to ensure that employees continuously generate new and improved processes, ideas, technologies to contribute to the organisations success. It is against this setting that an empirical study was created for the purpose of concluding evidential data needed to draw conclusions and make recommendations to leadership within organisation’s relating to the impact that job embeddedness has on engagement in innovative work behaviours. Furthermore, the impact of job embeddedness is tested against employee’s engagement in innovative work behaviours. 90 professional part-time executive MBA programme individuals who were enrolled at the Nelson Mandela University Business School in South Africa and who are based at the four major centres of the Business School, which included Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg were approached to take part in this study. These individuals were employed in a variety of spheres in industry, including engineering, financial services, information technology, accounting and management in organisations that spanned a multitude of additional industries. As a result of these individuals participation, 549 participants took part in the survey. Key findings of the study includes that employee fit into the organisation, employee fit into the community and employee perceived sacrifice in the event of leaving the organisation are all significantly related to engagement in innovative work behaviours. A key recommendation of the study would be that in order to increase the organisational aspect of job embeddedness, organisational leaders would need to consider ways to or place emphasis on factors that would promote organisational fit and organisational sacrifice.
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- Date Issued: 2019
The impact of perceived ethical leadership on employees’ predisposition to behave ethically: a case study within a South African-based financial institution
- Authors: Rudzani, Magau
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Leadership -- Moral and ethical aspects , Leadership Business ethics Ethics
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/40768 , vital:36234
- Description: Ethical leaders consistently set ethical principles within the institution and act in accordance with them; hence, leaders should be a key source of ethical guidance for employees. As the business world is constantly evolving, leaders increasingly are required to ethically lead across different sectors. Current literature on ethical leadership and its influence of employees reflects mostly a Western, European and Asian-based private-sector perspective, pointing toward a compliance-oriented understanding of ethical and unethical leadership. This study examined how perceived ethical orientation of a leader has an impact on employees’ predisposition to behave ethically within a South African context. Qualitative data was collected as the study adopted the interpretivist paradigm, which made it easier for participants to use descriptive words and qualifying statements to express the level of influence their leaders had on their ethical orientation. The target population of the study included all staff of the institution; and participants were chosen using the purposive sampling method. Data was collected from 12 employees using semi-structure interviews. Thereafter, thematic analysis was used to identify and organise participants’ experiences into themes that established the basis for the study findings. These findings confirmed that perceived leader ethical orientation has an impact on employees’ predisposition to behave ethically. The study found that ethical leaders had a track record of being consistent, honest, trustworthy, truthful and credible, and being a role model. In addition, the study also found that unethical leaders are easily identifiable by their perpetual inability to uphold principles of integrity, reliability, rationality, and social justice and fairness. The researcher concluded that the moral identity of the leader has an influence on followers’ predisposition to behave ethically or unethically. The implications of this study are that ethical morals, by their very nature, are transferable from one person to the other and ethical leadership was one antecedent through which this transfer takes place. However, ethical leadership was not the only apparatus that influenced employees’ ethical predisposition and these afford opportunities for future research.
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- Date Issued: 2019