Strategic leadership within the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Association between 1988 and 2004
- Authors: Andrew, Craig Bruce
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Duke of Edinburgh's Award (Organization) Duke of Edinburgh's Award -- History Nonprofit organizations -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:764 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003885
- Description: Providing strategic leadership for global Not-for-Profit organisations poses great challenges to the leadership structures of these voluntary organisations. This study looks at the phenomenon of strategic leadership in the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DOE) International Award Association (IAA) as a global Not-for-Profit Organisation (NPO). The main aim of the research was an in-depth examination of the processes involved in leadership at the top level in a global NPO. Eight strategic leaders from the top management team were interviewed. Further information was generated from a study of the Annual Reports spanning the 15 year period (1988/9 – 2003/4), and key strategic documents were used as supporting material. The research was conducted in a phenomenological paradigm, using the case study research method. Care was taken to minimize possible researcher bias and interpretations, as the researcher has been associated with this organisation for the past 18 years. It was found that the Royal Family play extremely valuable and multifaceted roles in the organisation. The triumvirate of The Royals; The Secretary General’s; and The Trustees; works well as individual ‘great groups’ yet when necessary, they form a collective collaborative grouping to effect strategic leadership for the IAA. The two main themes to emerge from the findings were the nature of the DOE as a global NPO and the role of strategic leadership in the DOE Award. The DOE Award has demonstrated that it has many unique strategic leadership features and is using these features to become more business-like in the application of its new strategic vision. The individual ‘great groups’ offer sound leadership throughout the process of overseeing and running the business of the DOE Award yet, when necessary and appropriate, these great groups appear to work collectively, perhaps in an unstructured manner, as the triumvirate of power. Their collective collaborative leadership is a unique feature of the DOE Award. The highly interactive role of the Royal Family is unique and sets the DOE Award apart from other similar youth organisations globally. The nature of the loose association of National Award Authorities all subscribing to the rules and conditions of association is also a very unique feature of this NPO. The DOE Award is not a movement organisation but is guided by its service ethic. The DOE Award is a service organisation in which the strategic leadership plays a crucial role yet the constitutional power resides with the International Award Association membership. This IAA membership meets every three years at the World Forum Triennium to approve all new policy and procedures.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Andrew, Craig Bruce
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Duke of Edinburgh's Award (Organization) Duke of Edinburgh's Award -- History Nonprofit organizations -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:764 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003885
- Description: Providing strategic leadership for global Not-for-Profit organisations poses great challenges to the leadership structures of these voluntary organisations. This study looks at the phenomenon of strategic leadership in the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DOE) International Award Association (IAA) as a global Not-for-Profit Organisation (NPO). The main aim of the research was an in-depth examination of the processes involved in leadership at the top level in a global NPO. Eight strategic leaders from the top management team were interviewed. Further information was generated from a study of the Annual Reports spanning the 15 year period (1988/9 – 2003/4), and key strategic documents were used as supporting material. The research was conducted in a phenomenological paradigm, using the case study research method. Care was taken to minimize possible researcher bias and interpretations, as the researcher has been associated with this organisation for the past 18 years. It was found that the Royal Family play extremely valuable and multifaceted roles in the organisation. The triumvirate of The Royals; The Secretary General’s; and The Trustees; works well as individual ‘great groups’ yet when necessary, they form a collective collaborative grouping to effect strategic leadership for the IAA. The two main themes to emerge from the findings were the nature of the DOE as a global NPO and the role of strategic leadership in the DOE Award. The DOE Award has demonstrated that it has many unique strategic leadership features and is using these features to become more business-like in the application of its new strategic vision. The individual ‘great groups’ offer sound leadership throughout the process of overseeing and running the business of the DOE Award yet, when necessary and appropriate, these great groups appear to work collectively, perhaps in an unstructured manner, as the triumvirate of power. Their collective collaborative leadership is a unique feature of the DOE Award. The highly interactive role of the Royal Family is unique and sets the DOE Award apart from other similar youth organisations globally. The nature of the loose association of National Award Authorities all subscribing to the rules and conditions of association is also a very unique feature of this NPO. The DOE Award is not a movement organisation but is guided by its service ethic. The DOE Award is a service organisation in which the strategic leadership plays a crucial role yet the constitutional power resides with the International Award Association membership. This IAA membership meets every three years at the World Forum Triennium to approve all new policy and procedures.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Evaluation and identification of critical success factors in the running of successful food security projects within the Eastern Cape Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform, in the Amahlhathi local municipality
- Authors: Tali, Patrick
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Project management -- South Africa -- Stutterheim , Food security -- South Africa -- Stutterheim , Food supply -- South Africa -- Stutterheim
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:836 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013346
- Description: The challenges of food insecurity and the manner in which it can be addressed is a global concern. Governments throughout the world have strived for means to address global food security either through development of Millennium Development Goals or United Nations protocols. It is a major concern that the South African Government has made it its centre focus to address the challenge of food security. In the Eastern Cape, the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform has embarked on numerous food production programmes in an attempt to address this challenge. It is however noticeable that these attempts somehow did not manage to address their intended purpose. A study of literature with the aim of identifying critical success factors was done. The critical success factors identified and explored were, project management, establishing a clear mission and project objectives, addressing challenges and opportunities of social, environmental and economical sustainability, addressing physiological needs of the beneficiaries, involving the youth and community, role of extension services, training and capacity development, create local partnership and on-going monitoring and evaluation. The factors were then explored through a study of projects from the food production programme in Amahlathi Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. A multiple case study wherein a purposive selection of four food security projects selected from two food security programmes was conducted. A structured questionnaire was used to source the information from all members of the selected projects to evaluate the existence of the critical factors. The main aim was to test whether these factors, if they existed in these projects, contributed to their existence. The findings reveal that none of the identified factors existed in the selected projects and though not proven, the non-existence of these factors has resulted in these projects being in survival mode instead of a sustainable state. A recommendation is made of a further study focusing on a bigger sample wherein these factors could be tested. The study could assist in developing a formal model for the running of these projects successfully.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Tali, Patrick
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Agriculture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Project management -- South Africa -- Stutterheim , Food security -- South Africa -- Stutterheim , Food supply -- South Africa -- Stutterheim
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:836 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013346
- Description: The challenges of food insecurity and the manner in which it can be addressed is a global concern. Governments throughout the world have strived for means to address global food security either through development of Millennium Development Goals or United Nations protocols. It is a major concern that the South African Government has made it its centre focus to address the challenge of food security. In the Eastern Cape, the Department of Rural Development and Agrarian Reform has embarked on numerous food production programmes in an attempt to address this challenge. It is however noticeable that these attempts somehow did not manage to address their intended purpose. A study of literature with the aim of identifying critical success factors was done. The critical success factors identified and explored were, project management, establishing a clear mission and project objectives, addressing challenges and opportunities of social, environmental and economical sustainability, addressing physiological needs of the beneficiaries, involving the youth and community, role of extension services, training and capacity development, create local partnership and on-going monitoring and evaluation. The factors were then explored through a study of projects from the food production programme in Amahlathi Local Municipality in the Eastern Cape Province. A multiple case study wherein a purposive selection of four food security projects selected from two food security programmes was conducted. A structured questionnaire was used to source the information from all members of the selected projects to evaluate the existence of the critical factors. The main aim was to test whether these factors, if they existed in these projects, contributed to their existence. The findings reveal that none of the identified factors existed in the selected projects and though not proven, the non-existence of these factors has resulted in these projects being in survival mode instead of a sustainable state. A recommendation is made of a further study focusing on a bigger sample wherein these factors could be tested. The study could assist in developing a formal model for the running of these projects successfully.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
An investigation of the relationship between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and financial performance of companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) in South Africa
- Authors: Soko, Leon Lenny Kudzaishe
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7078 , vital:21215
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether there is an association between CSR and financial performance in South African companies which are listed on the FTSE/JSE SRI Index. Specifically, whether there is a difference in financial performance of companies that perform CSR activities, and those that do not. If so, which direction does this association have? The selection process of companies used in this study will now be explained step-bystep. The JSE SRI Index results show that there were 80 successful constituents as of February 2015 (JSE, 2015). These 80 companies are listed alphabetically in Appendix A, while the top 100 companies as ranked by Turnover are linked in Appendix B. Of these 100 companies, 67 were constituents of the JSE SRI Index continuously in 2015 and are shown in Appendix C. This leaves 33 companies in the top 100 which are not listed on the JSE SRI Index. Companies that were listed on the JSE SRI Index were assumed to be ‘good’ companies as the listing requirements included the performance of numerous CSR activities such as Employee development, environmental sustainability practices and stakeholder engagement. The financial performance of these 67 companies was compared to the financial performance of the 33 companies that were not listed on the JSE SRI Index which were included in the population sample of one hundred companies. Financial performance was measured using the ratios: Return on Assets and Return on Equity. The data analysis process used in this study was as follows: 1. The ratios for each company were obtained from the iNET (BFA) database, and annual and integrated reports for the period 2011 - 2015 (Appendix D;E;F). 2. The ratios for Non-SRI and SRI companies were then compared for each of the three ratios using a T-Test. The purpose of the T-Test was to show whether there is a difference in the ratios between SRI and Non-SRI companies on a year to year basis. The direction of the difference was shown by whether the SRI ratio was higher than or lower than the Non-SRI ratio. The results of this study do not seem to support any of the CSR theories, as the study concluded that there is no significant difference between the financial performance of companies that perform CSR activities and those that do not. This means that investing in CSR activities does not have a significant effect on the financial performance of a company.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Soko, Leon Lenny Kudzaishe
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7078 , vital:21215
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether there is an association between CSR and financial performance in South African companies which are listed on the FTSE/JSE SRI Index. Specifically, whether there is a difference in financial performance of companies that perform CSR activities, and those that do not. If so, which direction does this association have? The selection process of companies used in this study will now be explained step-bystep. The JSE SRI Index results show that there were 80 successful constituents as of February 2015 (JSE, 2015). These 80 companies are listed alphabetically in Appendix A, while the top 100 companies as ranked by Turnover are linked in Appendix B. Of these 100 companies, 67 were constituents of the JSE SRI Index continuously in 2015 and are shown in Appendix C. This leaves 33 companies in the top 100 which are not listed on the JSE SRI Index. Companies that were listed on the JSE SRI Index were assumed to be ‘good’ companies as the listing requirements included the performance of numerous CSR activities such as Employee development, environmental sustainability practices and stakeholder engagement. The financial performance of these 67 companies was compared to the financial performance of the 33 companies that were not listed on the JSE SRI Index which were included in the population sample of one hundred companies. Financial performance was measured using the ratios: Return on Assets and Return on Equity. The data analysis process used in this study was as follows: 1. The ratios for each company were obtained from the iNET (BFA) database, and annual and integrated reports for the period 2011 - 2015 (Appendix D;E;F). 2. The ratios for Non-SRI and SRI companies were then compared for each of the three ratios using a T-Test. The purpose of the T-Test was to show whether there is a difference in the ratios between SRI and Non-SRI companies on a year to year basis. The direction of the difference was shown by whether the SRI ratio was higher than or lower than the Non-SRI ratio. The results of this study do not seem to support any of the CSR theories, as the study concluded that there is no significant difference between the financial performance of companies that perform CSR activities and those that do not. This means that investing in CSR activities does not have a significant effect on the financial performance of a company.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An exploratory study of barriers and enablers of strategy execution in the Eastern Cape Department of Education in South Africa
- Authors: Vena, Nomava Vinolia
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Strategic planning South Africa Eastern Cape , Business planning South Africa Eastern Cape , Public administration South Africa Eastern Cape , Corporate governance South Africa Eastern Cape , Government accountability South Africa Eastern Cape , South Africa. Department of Education
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63649 , vital:28465
- Description: Effective strategy execution is very important for the achievement of an organisation’s goals. Because it is a difficult task to translate a strategy into action, itis imperative for leadership to prioritize its strategic plan to ensure its success. The purpose of this study is to identify barriers and enablers of strategy execution in Basic Education in the Eastern Cape; its focus is on strategic goal number six: “Efficient administration ensured through good corporate governance and management”. The effectiveness of the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) is measured by its service delivery, how strategy is executed in providing quality education. These are guided by the norms and standards like the National Education Policy Act: Norms and Standards for educators, as set by the National Department of Basic Education and the Treasury Acts. The motivation for the study was the Department’s poor performance as reported by the Auditor General (AG) in his 2015 audit report, that there has been a lack of good governance and accountability in the ECDoE. The study is qualitative: a sample of twenty-five (25) ECDoE senior managers were interviewed as the custodians of the execution of the strategic plan. Purposive sampling method selected the twenty-five from a total of forty-five (45) senior managers, some of whom were in Head Office and some in the twenty-three (23) districts. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews and responses were captured on Excel Spreadsheet, and analysed with the Thematic Analysis. Major findings relating to barriers were on Human Resource Management, Poor Leadership, Resourcing (Tools of Trade), Improper Budgeting Systems, Poor Communication, and Organisational Structure. Some variables were interchangeably identified both as barriers and enablers, such as budgeting and resourcing. There were many recommendations, but for this study one, the Finance Section, will suffice: and that is that the Finance Section should analyse each directorate’s spending for each year before the new budget is allocated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Vena, Nomava Vinolia
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Strategic planning South Africa Eastern Cape , Business planning South Africa Eastern Cape , Public administration South Africa Eastern Cape , Corporate governance South Africa Eastern Cape , Government accountability South Africa Eastern Cape , South Africa. Department of Education
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/63649 , vital:28465
- Description: Effective strategy execution is very important for the achievement of an organisation’s goals. Because it is a difficult task to translate a strategy into action, itis imperative for leadership to prioritize its strategic plan to ensure its success. The purpose of this study is to identify barriers and enablers of strategy execution in Basic Education in the Eastern Cape; its focus is on strategic goal number six: “Efficient administration ensured through good corporate governance and management”. The effectiveness of the Eastern Cape Department of Education (ECDoE) is measured by its service delivery, how strategy is executed in providing quality education. These are guided by the norms and standards like the National Education Policy Act: Norms and Standards for educators, as set by the National Department of Basic Education and the Treasury Acts. The motivation for the study was the Department’s poor performance as reported by the Auditor General (AG) in his 2015 audit report, that there has been a lack of good governance and accountability in the ECDoE. The study is qualitative: a sample of twenty-five (25) ECDoE senior managers were interviewed as the custodians of the execution of the strategic plan. Purposive sampling method selected the twenty-five from a total of forty-five (45) senior managers, some of whom were in Head Office and some in the twenty-three (23) districts. Data was collected through questionnaires and interviews and responses were captured on Excel Spreadsheet, and analysed with the Thematic Analysis. Major findings relating to barriers were on Human Resource Management, Poor Leadership, Resourcing (Tools of Trade), Improper Budgeting Systems, Poor Communication, and Organisational Structure. Some variables were interchangeably identified both as barriers and enablers, such as budgeting and resourcing. There were many recommendations, but for this study one, the Finance Section, will suffice: and that is that the Finance Section should analyse each directorate’s spending for each year before the new budget is allocated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
The relationship between innovation and leadership in First National Bank of South Africa
- Authors: Ward, Philip Henry
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: First National Bank of Southern Africa Banks and banking -- South Africa Bank management -- South Africa Leadership -- South Africa Organizational change -- South Africa Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa Chief executive officers -- South Africa Technological innovations -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:795 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004306
- Description: This research investigates the relationship between innovation and leadership in First National Bank in South Africa. In an information age paradigm, innovation is a key driver of organisational success. Innovation allows an information age company to create a sustainable competitive advantage over its competitors. First National Bank (FNB) has recognised the need for innovation and measures the amount of innovation generated in each business unit on an annual basis. Leadership is a key factor influencing innovation in large, multi-segment organisations, particularly transformational leadership. Large multi-segment organisations often have multi-functional teams and transformational leadership of these teams more effectively promotes innovation. Large multi-segment organisations also often have complex decision making processes. Transformational leadership ensures optimal innovative decisions rather than adequate decisions are reached. FNB is a multi-segment organisation comprising ten business units each headed by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The relationship between the level of innovation being generated annually by each business unit and the leadership style of the business unit CEO formed the focus of this research. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire was used to gather information on the leadership style of each CEO's. Data on the level of innovation within each of these business units was supplied by First National Bank. Data was statistically analysed against the innovation generated by each business unit using correlation analysis. Most of the results testing the relationship between transformational and transactional leadership and innovation were found not to be significant. This contradicts the theory which suggests a positive relationship between transformational leadership and innovation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Ward, Philip Henry
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: First National Bank of Southern Africa Banks and banking -- South Africa Bank management -- South Africa Leadership -- South Africa Organizational change -- South Africa Organizational effectiveness -- South Africa Chief executive officers -- South Africa Technological innovations -- Economic aspects -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:795 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004306
- Description: This research investigates the relationship between innovation and leadership in First National Bank in South Africa. In an information age paradigm, innovation is a key driver of organisational success. Innovation allows an information age company to create a sustainable competitive advantage over its competitors. First National Bank (FNB) has recognised the need for innovation and measures the amount of innovation generated in each business unit on an annual basis. Leadership is a key factor influencing innovation in large, multi-segment organisations, particularly transformational leadership. Large multi-segment organisations often have multi-functional teams and transformational leadership of these teams more effectively promotes innovation. Large multi-segment organisations also often have complex decision making processes. Transformational leadership ensures optimal innovative decisions rather than adequate decisions are reached. FNB is a multi-segment organisation comprising ten business units each headed by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The relationship between the level of innovation being generated annually by each business unit and the leadership style of the business unit CEO formed the focus of this research. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire was used to gather information on the leadership style of each CEO's. Data on the level of innovation within each of these business units was supplied by First National Bank. Data was statistically analysed against the innovation generated by each business unit using correlation analysis. Most of the results testing the relationship between transformational and transactional leadership and innovation were found not to be significant. This contradicts the theory which suggests a positive relationship between transformational leadership and innovation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The impact of inbound logistics activities on the operational performance of the postal services organization in South Africa
- Authors: Tabeni, Mvelo
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: South African Post Office Postal service -- South Africa Business logistics Business logistics -- Cost effectiveness Delivery of goods -- Management Physical distribution of goods Customer services -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:797 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004577
- Description: Introduction and Relevant Details: This research investigates the impact of inbound logistics' activities on the operational performance of the business within the branches of the South African Post Office (SAPO) in the Eastern Cape Province. The study basically hypothesises a statistically significant positive correlation between inbound logistics' activities and the operational performance of the business with regards to revenue generation and operational costs in particular. A sample of 100 branch offices was randomly selected. A 50-item questionnaire was administered by mail to the branches to collect the data during September 2005, and statistical tests for correlation were conducted on at least five dependent variables; stock procurement costs, effects on revenue, number of stock variation occurrences, order variation occurrences and the stock holding effects. Results of Data Analysis: The results of 88 respondents (88%) showed the existence of the significant positive relationship between the inbound logistics activities and the operational performance of the business at the South African Post Office branches as proposed by the study. The Spearman Rank Correlation tests were above 0.7 for most of the tested variables, showing a strong relationship. The inbound logistics' activities were also found to be positively correlated to revenue generation as well as to the operational expenses of the business. Conclusion and Recommendations: The findings allowed the researcher to conclude also that whatever improvements are made to the inbound logistics will also impact on the operational performance of the business, while failures in the inbound logistics will do so negatively. Business endeavours to maximise revenue and minimise costs are directly affected by the inbound logistics' activities. The branches of the SAPO seemed to be dissatisfied with most of the services rendered by the Supply Distribution Centre (SOC) of the SAPO, and such services have negatively affected the achievement of revenue targets at the branches as well as the operational costs. Holistic approaches to developing positive perceptions in the branches together with improving service activities at the SOC are recommended. Collaborative initiatives between branches and the SOC, reviewing the lead-times and the establishment of proper structures to handle supply chain queries, enhanced by information system technology to provide accurate and up-to-date information to branches and related parties about stock order issues are required . Areas of further research highlighted include the inbound logistics' activities of the SOC and the effectiveness of company policies as a guide to Supply Chain Management (SCM).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Tabeni, Mvelo
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: South African Post Office Postal service -- South Africa Business logistics Business logistics -- Cost effectiveness Delivery of goods -- Management Physical distribution of goods Customer services -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:797 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004577
- Description: Introduction and Relevant Details: This research investigates the impact of inbound logistics' activities on the operational performance of the business within the branches of the South African Post Office (SAPO) in the Eastern Cape Province. The study basically hypothesises a statistically significant positive correlation between inbound logistics' activities and the operational performance of the business with regards to revenue generation and operational costs in particular. A sample of 100 branch offices was randomly selected. A 50-item questionnaire was administered by mail to the branches to collect the data during September 2005, and statistical tests for correlation were conducted on at least five dependent variables; stock procurement costs, effects on revenue, number of stock variation occurrences, order variation occurrences and the stock holding effects. Results of Data Analysis: The results of 88 respondents (88%) showed the existence of the significant positive relationship between the inbound logistics activities and the operational performance of the business at the South African Post Office branches as proposed by the study. The Spearman Rank Correlation tests were above 0.7 for most of the tested variables, showing a strong relationship. The inbound logistics' activities were also found to be positively correlated to revenue generation as well as to the operational expenses of the business. Conclusion and Recommendations: The findings allowed the researcher to conclude also that whatever improvements are made to the inbound logistics will also impact on the operational performance of the business, while failures in the inbound logistics will do so negatively. Business endeavours to maximise revenue and minimise costs are directly affected by the inbound logistics' activities. The branches of the SAPO seemed to be dissatisfied with most of the services rendered by the Supply Distribution Centre (SOC) of the SAPO, and such services have negatively affected the achievement of revenue targets at the branches as well as the operational costs. Holistic approaches to developing positive perceptions in the branches together with improving service activities at the SOC are recommended. Collaborative initiatives between branches and the SOC, reviewing the lead-times and the establishment of proper structures to handle supply chain queries, enhanced by information system technology to provide accurate and up-to-date information to branches and related parties about stock order issues are required . Areas of further research highlighted include the inbound logistics' activities of the SOC and the effectiveness of company policies as a guide to Supply Chain Management (SCM).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
Sustainable tourism opportunities for Mauritius
- Authors: Ternel, Maeva
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/6118 , vital:21046
- Description: Sustainable Tourism (ST) integrates governance, economic, socio-cultural and environmental dimensions of tourism in tourism development and management. Growing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) concerns suggest that traditionally, tourism tends to corrupt the very resources it needs to thrive, and thus its sustainability over the long haul has become of general concern. However, despite the vast and extensive literature dedicated to ST, including preeminent journals providing both a theoretical base and reliable empirical evidence to the subject, the concept of sustainability in tourism remains somehow at its embryonic stage, especially in the case of a small island developing state (SIDS). The research occurred within the context of the destination (Mauritius), with however, a focus on five sizeable Mauritian hotel groups. With tourism being one of the pillars of the Mauritian economy, this research intended to explore the different repercussions of such an industry. The aim of the research was to determine to what extent tourism’s operations and development, was appropriately managed in Mauritius by assessing the country’s current tourism situation relating to sustainability and identifying priority areas for intervention. This, was done using different tools, including the United Nations World Tourism Organisation's framework, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council's guidelines and the Sustainable Tourism Attitude Scale. The contribution this research intended to make was to suggest sustainable tourism opportunities and make recommendations for the tourism sector and its stakeholders for the island of Mauritius. Overall, the research concluded that despite the increased importance of ST, the need for Managed Tourism (MT) and the formulation of general principles and guidelines, tourism governance; poverty reduction; and the sustainability of the natural and cultural environment were identified as areas of particular need and should be considered with high priority for intervention/action.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Ternel, Maeva
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/6118 , vital:21046
- Description: Sustainable Tourism (ST) integrates governance, economic, socio-cultural and environmental dimensions of tourism in tourism development and management. Growing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) concerns suggest that traditionally, tourism tends to corrupt the very resources it needs to thrive, and thus its sustainability over the long haul has become of general concern. However, despite the vast and extensive literature dedicated to ST, including preeminent journals providing both a theoretical base and reliable empirical evidence to the subject, the concept of sustainability in tourism remains somehow at its embryonic stage, especially in the case of a small island developing state (SIDS). The research occurred within the context of the destination (Mauritius), with however, a focus on five sizeable Mauritian hotel groups. With tourism being one of the pillars of the Mauritian economy, this research intended to explore the different repercussions of such an industry. The aim of the research was to determine to what extent tourism’s operations and development, was appropriately managed in Mauritius by assessing the country’s current tourism situation relating to sustainability and identifying priority areas for intervention. This, was done using different tools, including the United Nations World Tourism Organisation's framework, the Global Sustainable Tourism Council's guidelines and the Sustainable Tourism Attitude Scale. The contribution this research intended to make was to suggest sustainable tourism opportunities and make recommendations for the tourism sector and its stakeholders for the island of Mauritius. Overall, the research concluded that despite the increased importance of ST, the need for Managed Tourism (MT) and the formulation of general principles and guidelines, tourism governance; poverty reduction; and the sustainability of the natural and cultural environment were identified as areas of particular need and should be considered with high priority for intervention/action.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
Middle management communication in the midst of a crisis
- Authors: Mbolekwano, Veliswa A
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/52477 , vital:26194
- Description: Crisis communication by organisational top leadership to external stakeholders has been explored in literature, while internal crisis communication dynamics by middle managers with their employees within the organisation has been under studied. This paper pursues an understanding of crisis communication dynamics between middle management and their subordinates by investigating how the Middle Managers/Team Leaders of Makana Brick Manufacturing Firm (MBMF) communicated with their employees in the midst of the Eskom load shedding crisis in 2014. The investigation is not limited only to how they handled or made sense of the crisis, but also examines the effect and efficiency of their daily communication on both employees (subordinates) and operations in pursuing this end. As a foundation and background, the study broadly explores the literature on Crisis Leadership, Crisis and Crisis Communication, which are critical topics to understanding the communication role of the middle managers who were the primary subject of this research. The research was conducted through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. Nine Team Leaders were interviewed. The data collected was transcribed verbatim and analysed through open coding. In the literature of crisis management, the concept of crisis communication has been extensively examined as a function of crisis management, primarily with regards to the crisis communication strategy, encompassing the actual verbal and nonverbal responses an organisation uses to address a crisis. The findings are generally congruent with the crisis communication literature, and reinforce the importance of efficient internal communication in building a culture of transparency between management and employees, as espoused in the literature reviewed, which in addition presents an invaluable opportunity for employees across all levels to engage in and be informed of the organisation’s priorities and therefore has the potential to dictate the success or failure of any major change or crisis situation. As such, it can be argued that there is a need for the same analytical rigour that is given to external crisis communication to be given to financial or operational measures (Barrett, 2002). For both external and internal stakeholders, human compassion, concern and empathy; faith in legitimate and appropriate actions taken by the chosen organisation spokesperson; and honesty, candidness and openness in communication (Seeger 2006, p. 242) are universal. The quality and the quantity of communication, essentially, affect the level of trust and involvement of employees (Thomas, Zolin & Hartman, 2009), which is particularly relevant in times of crisis (Mazzei & Ravazzani, 2015 p. 322). Trust must be developed with staff through clear, honest communication and transparent actions. These encompass being fair, open in communication and intentions, showing consistency, fulfilling promises and being honest about what middle managers can and cannot communicate to their employees (Farrel & Schlesinger, 2013, p. 125). In this study, face to face communication proved to be the most preferred communication channel because of its rewarding advantages such as direct feedback, two-way communication, relationship building and project collaboration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Mbolekwano, Veliswa A
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/52477 , vital:26194
- Description: Crisis communication by organisational top leadership to external stakeholders has been explored in literature, while internal crisis communication dynamics by middle managers with their employees within the organisation has been under studied. This paper pursues an understanding of crisis communication dynamics between middle management and their subordinates by investigating how the Middle Managers/Team Leaders of Makana Brick Manufacturing Firm (MBMF) communicated with their employees in the midst of the Eskom load shedding crisis in 2014. The investigation is not limited only to how they handled or made sense of the crisis, but also examines the effect and efficiency of their daily communication on both employees (subordinates) and operations in pursuing this end. As a foundation and background, the study broadly explores the literature on Crisis Leadership, Crisis and Crisis Communication, which are critical topics to understanding the communication role of the middle managers who were the primary subject of this research. The research was conducted through semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. Nine Team Leaders were interviewed. The data collected was transcribed verbatim and analysed through open coding. In the literature of crisis management, the concept of crisis communication has been extensively examined as a function of crisis management, primarily with regards to the crisis communication strategy, encompassing the actual verbal and nonverbal responses an organisation uses to address a crisis. The findings are generally congruent with the crisis communication literature, and reinforce the importance of efficient internal communication in building a culture of transparency between management and employees, as espoused in the literature reviewed, which in addition presents an invaluable opportunity for employees across all levels to engage in and be informed of the organisation’s priorities and therefore has the potential to dictate the success or failure of any major change or crisis situation. As such, it can be argued that there is a need for the same analytical rigour that is given to external crisis communication to be given to financial or operational measures (Barrett, 2002). For both external and internal stakeholders, human compassion, concern and empathy; faith in legitimate and appropriate actions taken by the chosen organisation spokesperson; and honesty, candidness and openness in communication (Seeger 2006, p. 242) are universal. The quality and the quantity of communication, essentially, affect the level of trust and involvement of employees (Thomas, Zolin & Hartman, 2009), which is particularly relevant in times of crisis (Mazzei & Ravazzani, 2015 p. 322). Trust must be developed with staff through clear, honest communication and transparent actions. These encompass being fair, open in communication and intentions, showing consistency, fulfilling promises and being honest about what middle managers can and cannot communicate to their employees (Farrel & Schlesinger, 2013, p. 125). In this study, face to face communication proved to be the most preferred communication channel because of its rewarding advantages such as direct feedback, two-way communication, relationship building and project collaboration.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An empirical study of client satisfaction with service recovery within a South African banking institution
- Authors: Davies, Gareth M
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: First National Bank of Southern Africa Banks and banking -- South Africa Bank management -- South Africa Financial services industry -- South Africa Banks and banking -- Customer services -- South Africa Banks and banking -- Customer services -- Effect of marketing on
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:725 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003845
- Description: In many industries, service is the critical determinant of success or failure. Service failure is almost inevitable, and this has the potential for the organisation to lose its customer. However, if implemented successfully, Service Recovery can rectify the breakdown in service, and turn angry, frustrated customers into loyal ones. Service Recovery is vital for profitability, especially for companies operating in the services market, like First National Bank (FNB). Unfortunately, few service firms know how satisfied customers are with their Service Recovery efforts, and FNB is no exception. This study attempted to rectify the situation, to ensure that the bank does not fail its customers a second time. The major focus of the study is to assess client satisfaction with Service Recovery (SR) from FNB. By using the RECOVSAT instrument (developed by Boshoff in 1999), the study aims to establish how effective FNB was in terms of the six dimensions of SR, namely communication, empowerment, feedback, atonement, explanation, and tangibles. The relationship between each of the dimensions and customer satisfaction, as well as between customer satisfaction and loyalty, was measured, and a hypothesis for each relationship rejected or accepted. The empirical results show that, from 702 complainants, a RECOVSAT score of 68% was computed, which could be regarded as only satisfactory. The dimensions of communication, explanation, atonement, and empowerment, had the strongest positive correlation with customer satisfaction, while feedback and tangibles, although positively correlated, were not statistically significant, and thus not as important as the first four dimensions. FNB performed best on tangibles (81%), then communication (75%), explanation (70%), atonement (68%), empowerment (62%), and lastly feedback (51%). The study reinforced the view that customer satisfaction is positively related to loyalty. Other findings were that, administration and errors were the most frequent complaints, followed by pricing, fees, and interest, while time delays/waiting were the third most numerous. Over 54% of complainants had been with the bank for over 10 years, which could be a problem if the customers had left the bank, as the profitability of a customer generally increases with time. Age and gender did not appear to be factors that influenced behaviour of complainants. In terms of the managerial implications, it is recommended that FNB implement a Customer-Complaint-Handling (CCH) system that is both national and inter-group. The bank should also focus on empowering employees, improving communication skills, explaining to customers why the problem occurred, apologising, and offering some atonement. By adopting the recommendations, FNB should improve their service recovery, and as a consequence, their customer satisfaction and loyalty, and profitability should also increase.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Davies, Gareth M
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: First National Bank of Southern Africa Banks and banking -- South Africa Bank management -- South Africa Financial services industry -- South Africa Banks and banking -- Customer services -- South Africa Banks and banking -- Customer services -- Effect of marketing on
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:725 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003845
- Description: In many industries, service is the critical determinant of success or failure. Service failure is almost inevitable, and this has the potential for the organisation to lose its customer. However, if implemented successfully, Service Recovery can rectify the breakdown in service, and turn angry, frustrated customers into loyal ones. Service Recovery is vital for profitability, especially for companies operating in the services market, like First National Bank (FNB). Unfortunately, few service firms know how satisfied customers are with their Service Recovery efforts, and FNB is no exception. This study attempted to rectify the situation, to ensure that the bank does not fail its customers a second time. The major focus of the study is to assess client satisfaction with Service Recovery (SR) from FNB. By using the RECOVSAT instrument (developed by Boshoff in 1999), the study aims to establish how effective FNB was in terms of the six dimensions of SR, namely communication, empowerment, feedback, atonement, explanation, and tangibles. The relationship between each of the dimensions and customer satisfaction, as well as between customer satisfaction and loyalty, was measured, and a hypothesis for each relationship rejected or accepted. The empirical results show that, from 702 complainants, a RECOVSAT score of 68% was computed, which could be regarded as only satisfactory. The dimensions of communication, explanation, atonement, and empowerment, had the strongest positive correlation with customer satisfaction, while feedback and tangibles, although positively correlated, were not statistically significant, and thus not as important as the first four dimensions. FNB performed best on tangibles (81%), then communication (75%), explanation (70%), atonement (68%), empowerment (62%), and lastly feedback (51%). The study reinforced the view that customer satisfaction is positively related to loyalty. Other findings were that, administration and errors were the most frequent complaints, followed by pricing, fees, and interest, while time delays/waiting were the third most numerous. Over 54% of complainants had been with the bank for over 10 years, which could be a problem if the customers had left the bank, as the profitability of a customer generally increases with time. Age and gender did not appear to be factors that influenced behaviour of complainants. In terms of the managerial implications, it is recommended that FNB implement a Customer-Complaint-Handling (CCH) system that is both national and inter-group. The bank should also focus on empowering employees, improving communication skills, explaining to customers why the problem occurred, apologising, and offering some atonement. By adopting the recommendations, FNB should improve their service recovery, and as a consequence, their customer satisfaction and loyalty, and profitability should also increase.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
The influence of leadership styles on employee commitment in the retail industry
- Authors: Mqomboti, Sakhile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Retail trade -- Management -- South Africa , Retail trade -- Employees -- South Africa , Employee loyalty -- South Africa , Leadership -- Case studies -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/93811 , vital:30947
- Description: Purpose – Companies operating in the South African retail industry have been experiencing a high staff turnover, reported to be standing at 36% (Kelly, 2016). The Edcon Retail Group and Taste Holdings have already indicated their strategic focus on staff turnover reduction in order to achieve their business objectives (Crotty, 2017; Laing, 2017). This research study explained the relationship between the three leadership styles of the Full Range Leadership Theory (FRLT) model developed by Bass and Avolio and three types of commitments from the three component model of Meyer and Allen. The research study was interested in the leadership style that contributes the most to commitment. The effective leadership style may be developed to improve the level of employee commitment in the South African Retail industry. Methodology – The research study used the total population of 300 subordinate employees from four stores of a retail company in the Rustenburg region in the North-West Province of South Africa. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ 5X) instrument was adopted for leadership questionnaire data collection, the three-component model of commitment was adopted for data collection of the commitment questionnaire. Pearson Correlations quantitative data analysis was adopted to explain the relationship of the independent and dependent variables. Multiple Regression quantitative data analysis was adopted to test the strength of the leadership styles on commitment. Findings – The statistical analysis results of Pearson Correlations found weak but significant positive relationship between Transactional leadership style and both Normative and Continuance commitment. A weak but significant positive relationship was found between Transformational leadership style and Normative commitment. A weak but significant positive relationship was found between Passive/Avoidant leadership and continuance commitment. Transformational leadership style showed more strength in contribution to commitment, followed by the Transactional leadership style. Significant – This research study will expand the existing but limited leadership style and commitment body of knowledge in the South African retail industry. The South African retail companies will be able to develop the preferred leadership style by its employees and develop this leadership style in their managers to improve the commitment of their employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
- Authors: Mqomboti, Sakhile
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Retail trade -- Management -- South Africa , Retail trade -- Employees -- South Africa , Employee loyalty -- South Africa , Leadership -- Case studies -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/93811 , vital:30947
- Description: Purpose – Companies operating in the South African retail industry have been experiencing a high staff turnover, reported to be standing at 36% (Kelly, 2016). The Edcon Retail Group and Taste Holdings have already indicated their strategic focus on staff turnover reduction in order to achieve their business objectives (Crotty, 2017; Laing, 2017). This research study explained the relationship between the three leadership styles of the Full Range Leadership Theory (FRLT) model developed by Bass and Avolio and three types of commitments from the three component model of Meyer and Allen. The research study was interested in the leadership style that contributes the most to commitment. The effective leadership style may be developed to improve the level of employee commitment in the South African Retail industry. Methodology – The research study used the total population of 300 subordinate employees from four stores of a retail company in the Rustenburg region in the North-West Province of South Africa. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ 5X) instrument was adopted for leadership questionnaire data collection, the three-component model of commitment was adopted for data collection of the commitment questionnaire. Pearson Correlations quantitative data analysis was adopted to explain the relationship of the independent and dependent variables. Multiple Regression quantitative data analysis was adopted to test the strength of the leadership styles on commitment. Findings – The statistical analysis results of Pearson Correlations found weak but significant positive relationship between Transactional leadership style and both Normative and Continuance commitment. A weak but significant positive relationship was found between Transformational leadership style and Normative commitment. A weak but significant positive relationship was found between Passive/Avoidant leadership and continuance commitment. Transformational leadership style showed more strength in contribution to commitment, followed by the Transactional leadership style. Significant – This research study will expand the existing but limited leadership style and commitment body of knowledge in the South African retail industry. The South African retail companies will be able to develop the preferred leadership style by its employees and develop this leadership style in their managers to improve the commitment of their employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Trends and perceptions of sustainabilty reporting and corporate governance : a case study of Eskom
- Authors: Fabricius, Karin
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Eskom (Firm) King Committee on Corporate Governance Corporate governance -- South Africa Corporation reports -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:826 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011782
- Description: The King II Report on Corporate Governance was released in March 2002. This report, although focusing on South African businesses, is acclaimed as a world first in setting superior governance standards. Corporate governance in South Africa is undergoing transformation due to the influence of the King II Report, and a range of other global trends such as Global Reporting Initiative guidelines and the infamous collapse of Enron due to governance failures. Non-financial reporting (also referred to as sustainability reporting) forms the main focus of this research project. The financial reporting aspects of corporate governance, and the role of governing boards and auditors fall outside the scope of this study. Through document analysis methods, Eskom's annual reports from 1998 - 2002, were analysed to establish whether patterns in sustainability reporting were identifiable. Employees and consumers of Eskom were. interviewed, using structured interviews to explore their awareness and knowledge regarding sustainability issues. A drastic increase in Eskom's non-financial reporting was identified in 2000. Apart from the corporate governance category, none of the chosen categories showed a major change after the 2002 release of the King II Report. Possible reasons for the lack of clear trends since 2002 are that the pattern is either not yet visible or it could be speculated that Eskom, who had won various reporting awards, is a leader in the field of corporate reporting and specifically on sustainability issues. Eskom had been involved in the reviewing of the first King Report and the drawing up of the recommendations for King II, and could therefore have modified their reporting procedures in 2000, prior'to the release of King II. As shown in the trend analysis, companies are coming under increased pressure to be socially accountable and transparent. This is fast becoming a 'core business issue', illustrated by the status of the King II Report requirements for corporate governance. Even though the terminology 'sustainability reporting' is unfamiliar to employees and consumers, both groups want disclosure and transparency of sustainability issues. Employees were, however, more aware than consumers of Eskom policies regarding sustainability issues. This report recommends that companies take a pro-active approach to corporate governance and sustainability reporting, noting the desire of consumers and employees to be informed about non-financial issues. These stakeholders also need to be made more aware of the meaning and significance of sustainability reporting.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
- Authors: Fabricius, Karin
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: Eskom (Firm) King Committee on Corporate Governance Corporate governance -- South Africa Corporation reports -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:826 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011782
- Description: The King II Report on Corporate Governance was released in March 2002. This report, although focusing on South African businesses, is acclaimed as a world first in setting superior governance standards. Corporate governance in South Africa is undergoing transformation due to the influence of the King II Report, and a range of other global trends such as Global Reporting Initiative guidelines and the infamous collapse of Enron due to governance failures. Non-financial reporting (also referred to as sustainability reporting) forms the main focus of this research project. The financial reporting aspects of corporate governance, and the role of governing boards and auditors fall outside the scope of this study. Through document analysis methods, Eskom's annual reports from 1998 - 2002, were analysed to establish whether patterns in sustainability reporting were identifiable. Employees and consumers of Eskom were. interviewed, using structured interviews to explore their awareness and knowledge regarding sustainability issues. A drastic increase in Eskom's non-financial reporting was identified in 2000. Apart from the corporate governance category, none of the chosen categories showed a major change after the 2002 release of the King II Report. Possible reasons for the lack of clear trends since 2002 are that the pattern is either not yet visible or it could be speculated that Eskom, who had won various reporting awards, is a leader in the field of corporate reporting and specifically on sustainability issues. Eskom had been involved in the reviewing of the first King Report and the drawing up of the recommendations for King II, and could therefore have modified their reporting procedures in 2000, prior'to the release of King II. As shown in the trend analysis, companies are coming under increased pressure to be socially accountable and transparent. This is fast becoming a 'core business issue', illustrated by the status of the King II Report requirements for corporate governance. Even though the terminology 'sustainability reporting' is unfamiliar to employees and consumers, both groups want disclosure and transparency of sustainability issues. Employees were, however, more aware than consumers of Eskom policies regarding sustainability issues. This report recommends that companies take a pro-active approach to corporate governance and sustainability reporting, noting the desire of consumers and employees to be informed about non-financial issues. These stakeholders also need to be made more aware of the meaning and significance of sustainability reporting.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2004
A proposed framework for the development of urban agriculture in South African cities
- Authors: Brown, Nicola Jayne
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Urban agriculture -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Food security -- Climatic factors -- South Africa , Resilience (Ecology)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174413 , vital:42475
- Description: While climate change and rapid urbanisation are impacting our cities and existing infrastructure, population growth and resource scarcity are placing unprecedented pressure on our food systems. In light of such challenges and the Sustainable Development Goals, resilient solutions are being sought to move both urban development and food production towards a more sustainable future. In this context, Urban Agriculture (UA) has been identified as a possible mechanism to complement rural food production with many associated social, economic and environmental benefits for urban communities. Some of these benefits include increased food system resilience, better urban environmental management, circular and productive reuse of urban wastes, employment opportunities, reduced food miles and the promotion of social inclusivity. Through a sustainable food system lens and underpinned by Resilience Theory, this research study sets out to investigate and explore the considerations for UA development. The research study reviews UA literature to identify and analyse the common challenges which act as barriers to implementation, as well as the current or potential opportunities which could be leveraged to drive UA development. The insights gained from literature on UA and UA development frameworks; and the data gathered from qualitative interviews with experts working in UA-related fields in South Africa (SA), were used to build a conceptual framework for UA development in SA. The conceptual framework developed is intended to be used as a guide for local municipalities, urban planners, urban farmers, urban communities and UA support organisations in their approach to developing UA initiatives. The findings from this research study reveal that UA development in SA involves numerous actors at both provincial and municipal levels; and within private institutions, businesses, universities, farmer organisations and society. The findings also reveal that UA currently occurs at many levels in SA, with each level drawing a particular range of participants due to the various social, economic and/or environmental features of the initiative. Along with challenges associated with land access, the lack of UA-related knowledge, the threat of theft, vandalism and soil contamination (to name a few); a lack of understanding of how agriculture can fit into urban spaces was found to be a major obstacle. The findings suggest that this lack of understanding has led to an under-realisation of the full potential of UA in South African towns and cities; and an inability to incentivise and optimise the development of UA. Considering the findings derived from the investigation, the study proposes five major considerations for UA development in SA, all of which are unpacked in the conceptual framework. The study concludes by making recommendations for UA decision-makers and UA organisations to consider for future developments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
- Authors: Brown, Nicola Jayne
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Urban agriculture -- South Africa , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Food security -- Climatic factors -- South Africa , Resilience (Ecology)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/174413 , vital:42475
- Description: While climate change and rapid urbanisation are impacting our cities and existing infrastructure, population growth and resource scarcity are placing unprecedented pressure on our food systems. In light of such challenges and the Sustainable Development Goals, resilient solutions are being sought to move both urban development and food production towards a more sustainable future. In this context, Urban Agriculture (UA) has been identified as a possible mechanism to complement rural food production with many associated social, economic and environmental benefits for urban communities. Some of these benefits include increased food system resilience, better urban environmental management, circular and productive reuse of urban wastes, employment opportunities, reduced food miles and the promotion of social inclusivity. Through a sustainable food system lens and underpinned by Resilience Theory, this research study sets out to investigate and explore the considerations for UA development. The research study reviews UA literature to identify and analyse the common challenges which act as barriers to implementation, as well as the current or potential opportunities which could be leveraged to drive UA development. The insights gained from literature on UA and UA development frameworks; and the data gathered from qualitative interviews with experts working in UA-related fields in South Africa (SA), were used to build a conceptual framework for UA development in SA. The conceptual framework developed is intended to be used as a guide for local municipalities, urban planners, urban farmers, urban communities and UA support organisations in their approach to developing UA initiatives. The findings from this research study reveal that UA development in SA involves numerous actors at both provincial and municipal levels; and within private institutions, businesses, universities, farmer organisations and society. The findings also reveal that UA currently occurs at many levels in SA, with each level drawing a particular range of participants due to the various social, economic and/or environmental features of the initiative. Along with challenges associated with land access, the lack of UA-related knowledge, the threat of theft, vandalism and soil contamination (to name a few); a lack of understanding of how agriculture can fit into urban spaces was found to be a major obstacle. The findings suggest that this lack of understanding has led to an under-realisation of the full potential of UA in South African towns and cities; and an inability to incentivise and optimise the development of UA. Considering the findings derived from the investigation, the study proposes five major considerations for UA development in SA, all of which are unpacked in the conceptual framework. The study concludes by making recommendations for UA decision-makers and UA organisations to consider for future developments.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2021-04
Evaluating the sustainable management of the State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Quvile, Nkosipendule
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Forests and forestry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forest conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forest ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable forestry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forest management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:775 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003896
- Description: This research assesses the state of sustainability of State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape and provides recommendations to improve their sustainability. The Eastern Cape Indigenous Forest Management Audit (ECIFMA) report of 2009 provided the primary data for this assessment (DAFF, 2009). The research was inspired by the fact that the global challenge of forestry destruction and degradation where the extent of forests is being reduced at an alarming rate of 6% annually. It became essential for global leaders to develop policies and strategies that sought to promote sustainable forest management. The monitoring of sustainability of forests was only possible through use of globally and nationally developed sets of criteria and indicators. Eleven forest estates responsible for the management of State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape were selected for this research. The choice was influenced by the availability of audit data from the ECIFMA report of 2009. This report contained performance information of 41 indicators under 18 criteria for monitoring sustainable forest management as extracted from the PCI&S assessment checklist developed for monitoring the sustainability of indigenous forests in South Africa (DWAF, 2005). The data was refined using the MCA methods (ranking and scoring) as described by Mendoza and Prabhu (2000). These methods yielded to the determination of the performance of indicators of forest sustainability. It was thus important to conclude the research by responding to the following questions: • What is the state of sustainability of the State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape? • What recommendations could be made to improve the sustainability of State indigenous forests? It was found that the State indigenous forests were not managed in a sustainable manner. The research report is concluded by providing concrete recommendations to improve forest sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Quvile, Nkosipendule
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Forests and forestry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forest conservation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forest ecology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Sustainable forestry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Forest management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:775 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003896
- Description: This research assesses the state of sustainability of State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape and provides recommendations to improve their sustainability. The Eastern Cape Indigenous Forest Management Audit (ECIFMA) report of 2009 provided the primary data for this assessment (DAFF, 2009). The research was inspired by the fact that the global challenge of forestry destruction and degradation where the extent of forests is being reduced at an alarming rate of 6% annually. It became essential for global leaders to develop policies and strategies that sought to promote sustainable forest management. The monitoring of sustainability of forests was only possible through use of globally and nationally developed sets of criteria and indicators. Eleven forest estates responsible for the management of State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape were selected for this research. The choice was influenced by the availability of audit data from the ECIFMA report of 2009. This report contained performance information of 41 indicators under 18 criteria for monitoring sustainable forest management as extracted from the PCI&S assessment checklist developed for monitoring the sustainability of indigenous forests in South Africa (DWAF, 2005). The data was refined using the MCA methods (ranking and scoring) as described by Mendoza and Prabhu (2000). These methods yielded to the determination of the performance of indicators of forest sustainability. It was thus important to conclude the research by responding to the following questions: • What is the state of sustainability of the State indigenous forests in the Eastern Cape? • What recommendations could be made to improve the sustainability of State indigenous forests? It was found that the State indigenous forests were not managed in a sustainable manner. The research report is concluded by providing concrete recommendations to improve forest sustainability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Exploring situational leadership as a key competence in driving the implementation of the integrated development plan of a South African municipality
- Authors: Nkosimbini, Aphiwe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Situational leadership , Integrated development plan
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145302 , vital:38426
- Description: Situational leadership is relevant to any organisation responsible for the delivery of services. Senior public sector leaders must cultivate the characteristics necessary to drive the implementation of initiatives geared towards meeting the developmental objectives of local government. The introduction of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) of the municipality for the political term beginning in August 2016 provided a prospect of investigating the management of the implementation of this strategic blueprint in the context of the type of leadership styles prevalent in the local government environment. This dissertation therefore elucidates the idea of situational leadership as a key competence in driving the implementation of the IDP. This is through an examination of the understandings of twelve managers involved in driving this implementation. This research took the form of an evaluation case study. The critical incident technique was used to establish from the managers, as part of the interviews, a particular incident relevant to the delivery of services in line with the IDP. The focus in engaging with research participants was on their exercise of leadership as managers through the various contexts/ situations that arise within their working environment. The perspective gleaned from the participants is one which demonstrates the application of the model of situational leadership in a given sector. Furthermore, the study pinpointed the need to consider situational leadership through situation-specific lenses that take on board the role of relationships, organisational culture and its perceived impact on the performance of the organisation. The Case Study of the application of situational leadership provides insight into the myriad of challenges faced by local government leaders in driving service delivery imperatives. This is achieved through interviews with participants and the use of inductive thematic analysis as a tool of analysis. It provides an example of the value to be derived from situational leadership for leaders wanting to reach new frontiers in the work that they do. Ultimately, the service delivery expectations must be satisfied by those on whom this responsibility falls.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Nkosimbini, Aphiwe
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Municipal government -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Leadership -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Corporate culture -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Organizational behavior -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Situational leadership , Integrated development plan
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/145302 , vital:38426
- Description: Situational leadership is relevant to any organisation responsible for the delivery of services. Senior public sector leaders must cultivate the characteristics necessary to drive the implementation of initiatives geared towards meeting the developmental objectives of local government. The introduction of the Integrated Development Plan (IDP) of the municipality for the political term beginning in August 2016 provided a prospect of investigating the management of the implementation of this strategic blueprint in the context of the type of leadership styles prevalent in the local government environment. This dissertation therefore elucidates the idea of situational leadership as a key competence in driving the implementation of the IDP. This is through an examination of the understandings of twelve managers involved in driving this implementation. This research took the form of an evaluation case study. The critical incident technique was used to establish from the managers, as part of the interviews, a particular incident relevant to the delivery of services in line with the IDP. The focus in engaging with research participants was on their exercise of leadership as managers through the various contexts/ situations that arise within their working environment. The perspective gleaned from the participants is one which demonstrates the application of the model of situational leadership in a given sector. Furthermore, the study pinpointed the need to consider situational leadership through situation-specific lenses that take on board the role of relationships, organisational culture and its perceived impact on the performance of the organisation. The Case Study of the application of situational leadership provides insight into the myriad of challenges faced by local government leaders in driving service delivery imperatives. This is achieved through interviews with participants and the use of inductive thematic analysis as a tool of analysis. It provides an example of the value to be derived from situational leadership for leaders wanting to reach new frontiers in the work that they do. Ultimately, the service delivery expectations must be satisfied by those on whom this responsibility falls.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
An investigation into constraints impacting on small micro and medium enterprises (SMMEs) access to finance in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
- Authors: Dlova, Mzwanele Roadwell
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- East London Small business -- Finance -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:783 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003904
- Description: Internationally, in both developed and developing countries, it has been accepted that SMMEs are the backbone and the driving force of economic growth and job creation. In South Africa, SMMEs account for approximately 60 per cent of all employment in the economy and more than 35 per cent of South Africa's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (Ntsika, 1999:38; Gumede, 2000:67 and Berry et ai, 2002 in Kongolo, 2010:235). SMMEs are often the vehicle by which the lowest income people in our society gain access to economic opportunities. The sector represents 97.5 per cent of the total number of business firms in South Africa and that it contributes 42 per cent of total remuneration. SMMEs account for some 3.5 million jobs and have between 500 000 and 700 000 businesses (Abor and Quartey, 2010:2337). Due to the above-mentioned contribution, the South African government initiated a number of SMME support programmes aimed at promoting, growing and developing the SMME sector. As a result, a number of national government agencies such as the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Khula Finance Limited, the National Development Agency (NDA), the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and many other national , provincial and local government organizations were established post 1994. However, despite the concerted efforts by government to develop the sector, SMMEs are, after 17 years of democracy, still faced with enormous challenges such as access to markets, information, appropriate technology, finance, to mention but a few. Of the above-mentioned challenges, access to finance is on top of the list of these. This study, therefore, is aimed at investigating external, institutional and internal constraints impacting on SMME access to finance in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipal area. The study is also aimed at ascertaining which of the abovementioned constraints have the greatest influence to SMME access to finance. In developing the framework of the study, recent empirical research conducted around the country and internationally on constraints influencing SMME access to finance (Bbenkele, 2007:18; Ganbold, 2008:45; Mahadea and Pillay, 2008:99; Chenesai, 2009:135; Zindiye, 2009:78; Fatoki and Garwe, 2010:2765; Pandula, 2011 :257) was drawn upon. In order to meet the objectives of the study, a simple random sample survey of 50 SMMEs in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) jurisdiction was conducted. The profile of the SMMEs was very similar to that of other studies that focused on constraints to SMME access to finance. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from SMME owner-managers and a response rate of 60 percent was achieved . The results of the study indicated that the high cost of credit and interest rates and Value Added Tax (VAT) registration were the key external factors that impacted on SMME access to finance. Generally, SMMEs are viewed by lending institutions as high risk category. Therefore, even though interest rates have come down significantly, the cost of credit and interest rates still remain a constraint. The study also found that even though the South African Revenue Services (SARS) has increased the VAT threshold to R1 million (South African Revenue Service, 2007: 29), SMMEs still struggled to register for VAT. With regards to the institutional factors, the study revealed that ineffective support services provided by private and public SMME support agencies, the lack of communication of these services (access to information) and the lack of the subsequent follow-up services were the key constraints to SMME access to finance. The results of the study indicate that those firms with good track record, high annual turnover, sophistication and diverse skills, good credit record, good cash flow, proper financial records, bankable and viable business plans, collateral and registered for VAT were more likely to have access to finance than their counterparts. The main conclusion of the study is that the internal factors turned to have the greatest influence to SMME access to finance. However, there is more to be done by private and public SMME support agencies and lending institutions to address the above-mentioned institutional constraints which have a negative influence to SMME access to finance. It is recommended that more in-depth empirical research be conducted on the support services provided by private and public SMME support agencies in terms of the services that they offer the effectiveness of the services and how these are communicated to potential customers. It is also recommended that training workshops aimed at addressing the intemal constraints identified be conducted. Also recommended is the development and implementation of sector-specific mentoring programmes for the owner-managers. Strategies to improve the awareness of support services provided by SMME support agencies need to be developed. This would ensure the effective use of these services by SMMEs. It is also recommended that SMME support agencies and lending institutions staff be trained in order to better understand and be more responsive to the owner managers' needs. Linkages with tertiary institutions in planning and conducting the training needs to be made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Dlova, Mzwanele Roadwell
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa -- East London Small business -- Finance -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:783 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003904
- Description: Internationally, in both developed and developing countries, it has been accepted that SMMEs are the backbone and the driving force of economic growth and job creation. In South Africa, SMMEs account for approximately 60 per cent of all employment in the economy and more than 35 per cent of South Africa's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) (Ntsika, 1999:38; Gumede, 2000:67 and Berry et ai, 2002 in Kongolo, 2010:235). SMMEs are often the vehicle by which the lowest income people in our society gain access to economic opportunities. The sector represents 97.5 per cent of the total number of business firms in South Africa and that it contributes 42 per cent of total remuneration. SMMEs account for some 3.5 million jobs and have between 500 000 and 700 000 businesses (Abor and Quartey, 2010:2337). Due to the above-mentioned contribution, the South African government initiated a number of SMME support programmes aimed at promoting, growing and developing the SMME sector. As a result, a number of national government agencies such as the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Khula Finance Limited, the National Development Agency (NDA), the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and many other national , provincial and local government organizations were established post 1994. However, despite the concerted efforts by government to develop the sector, SMMEs are, after 17 years of democracy, still faced with enormous challenges such as access to markets, information, appropriate technology, finance, to mention but a few. Of the above-mentioned challenges, access to finance is on top of the list of these. This study, therefore, is aimed at investigating external, institutional and internal constraints impacting on SMME access to finance in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipal area. The study is also aimed at ascertaining which of the abovementioned constraints have the greatest influence to SMME access to finance. In developing the framework of the study, recent empirical research conducted around the country and internationally on constraints influencing SMME access to finance (Bbenkele, 2007:18; Ganbold, 2008:45; Mahadea and Pillay, 2008:99; Chenesai, 2009:135; Zindiye, 2009:78; Fatoki and Garwe, 2010:2765; Pandula, 2011 :257) was drawn upon. In order to meet the objectives of the study, a simple random sample survey of 50 SMMEs in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) jurisdiction was conducted. The profile of the SMMEs was very similar to that of other studies that focused on constraints to SMME access to finance. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from SMME owner-managers and a response rate of 60 percent was achieved . The results of the study indicated that the high cost of credit and interest rates and Value Added Tax (VAT) registration were the key external factors that impacted on SMME access to finance. Generally, SMMEs are viewed by lending institutions as high risk category. Therefore, even though interest rates have come down significantly, the cost of credit and interest rates still remain a constraint. The study also found that even though the South African Revenue Services (SARS) has increased the VAT threshold to R1 million (South African Revenue Service, 2007: 29), SMMEs still struggled to register for VAT. With regards to the institutional factors, the study revealed that ineffective support services provided by private and public SMME support agencies, the lack of communication of these services (access to information) and the lack of the subsequent follow-up services were the key constraints to SMME access to finance. The results of the study indicate that those firms with good track record, high annual turnover, sophistication and diverse skills, good credit record, good cash flow, proper financial records, bankable and viable business plans, collateral and registered for VAT were more likely to have access to finance than their counterparts. The main conclusion of the study is that the internal factors turned to have the greatest influence to SMME access to finance. However, there is more to be done by private and public SMME support agencies and lending institutions to address the above-mentioned institutional constraints which have a negative influence to SMME access to finance. It is recommended that more in-depth empirical research be conducted on the support services provided by private and public SMME support agencies in terms of the services that they offer the effectiveness of the services and how these are communicated to potential customers. It is also recommended that training workshops aimed at addressing the intemal constraints identified be conducted. Also recommended is the development and implementation of sector-specific mentoring programmes for the owner-managers. Strategies to improve the awareness of support services provided by SMME support agencies need to be developed. This would ensure the effective use of these services by SMMEs. It is also recommended that SMME support agencies and lending institutions staff be trained in order to better understand and be more responsive to the owner managers' needs. Linkages with tertiary institutions in planning and conducting the training needs to be made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The benefits and challenges of implementing the Equator Principles: the case of four large banks in South Africa, through the eyes of project finance teams
- Authors: Baloyi, Glenda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Financial institutions -- South Africa -- Moral and ethical aspects , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Project management -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/126165 , vital:35855
- Description: The purpose of this research was to investigate the benefits and challenges of implementing the Equator Principles (EPs) by the four large banks in South Africa who are signatories to the framework. This was investigated through the eyes of the project finance teams. The research focused on the perceptions of the project finance team. The EPs are voluntary standards, to date they have been adopted by 94 financial institutions. Financial institutions that have adopted the EPs, benefit by having a competitive advantage of getting involved with high risk projects / developments. The Equator Principles resulted in having environmental and social risk policies and structures to manage these risks. This research was conducted using mixed methods and followed the post-positivist paradigm. The research found that the project finance teams were aware of the environmental, social and governance risks associated with project finance transactions. Furthermore, they understood the need to have the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risk assessment during the credit process. This research found out that the benefits of the EPs outweigh the challenges, as they promote responsible investment, thus promoting the reputation of the investor. The EPs requires the client / borrower to conduct an environmental and social impact assessment and commit to covenants that are binding in the financial legal agreements. By having processes and strategies that promote responsible investment in the financed projects / development, this gives the Equator Principles Financial Institution (EPFI) the advantage of competing in the international market. EPs may indirectly influence the financial institutions that have not adopted the EPs, to promote responsible investment by applying ESG risk assessment processes as required by the banks that have adopted the EPs. EPs lack of capacity such as human resources, policies, funds and structures is the reason why companies do not adopt responsible investment is their operation and not incorporating them in the decision-making process. Some EPFI are not committed the EPs and become free riders. Other EPFI are not complying with the EPs and this causes uncertainties with regards to the legitimacy of the ES standards. EPs are ambiguous, subjective and voluntarism can make it difficult to be achieved by the EPFI. EPs increases the approval process for the financial institution to conclude the transaction, thus delaying the start of a needed project / development. And that EPFI may be forced to have fewer clients as a result of the funding requirements required by EPs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Baloyi, Glenda
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Financial institutions -- South Africa -- Moral and ethical aspects , Sustainable development -- South Africa , Project management -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/126165 , vital:35855
- Description: The purpose of this research was to investigate the benefits and challenges of implementing the Equator Principles (EPs) by the four large banks in South Africa who are signatories to the framework. This was investigated through the eyes of the project finance teams. The research focused on the perceptions of the project finance team. The EPs are voluntary standards, to date they have been adopted by 94 financial institutions. Financial institutions that have adopted the EPs, benefit by having a competitive advantage of getting involved with high risk projects / developments. The Equator Principles resulted in having environmental and social risk policies and structures to manage these risks. This research was conducted using mixed methods and followed the post-positivist paradigm. The research found that the project finance teams were aware of the environmental, social and governance risks associated with project finance transactions. Furthermore, they understood the need to have the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risk assessment during the credit process. This research found out that the benefits of the EPs outweigh the challenges, as they promote responsible investment, thus promoting the reputation of the investor. The EPs requires the client / borrower to conduct an environmental and social impact assessment and commit to covenants that are binding in the financial legal agreements. By having processes and strategies that promote responsible investment in the financed projects / development, this gives the Equator Principles Financial Institution (EPFI) the advantage of competing in the international market. EPs may indirectly influence the financial institutions that have not adopted the EPs, to promote responsible investment by applying ESG risk assessment processes as required by the banks that have adopted the EPs. EPs lack of capacity such as human resources, policies, funds and structures is the reason why companies do not adopt responsible investment is their operation and not incorporating them in the decision-making process. Some EPFI are not committed the EPs and become free riders. Other EPFI are not complying with the EPs and this causes uncertainties with regards to the legitimacy of the ES standards. EPs are ambiguous, subjective and voluntarism can make it difficult to be achieved by the EPFI. EPs increases the approval process for the financial institution to conclude the transaction, thus delaying the start of a needed project / development. And that EPFI may be forced to have fewer clients as a result of the funding requirements required by EPs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
An investigation into fraud and corruption risk management policies and procedures at institutions of higher learning
- Authors: Makhooane, Stephen Malefane
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Fraud -- South Africa -- Prevention Corruption -- South Africa -- Prevention Risk management -- South Africa -- Evaluation Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:777 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003898
- Description: Fraud and corruption cost South Africa billions of rand yearly. Institutions of higher learning are no less vulnerable to fraud and corruption than other organisations, but are also subject to risks that are unique to academia. The Public Finance Management Act. No.1 of 1999 requires Public entities including the councils (university or college controlling body) of public institutions of higher learning to adopt enterprise risk management, which includes a fraud and corruption risk management policy and procedures. The function of the fraud and corruption policy is to provide an objective strategy to prevent, detect and investigate any possible irregularity in order to prevent further loss in line with Corporate Governance requirements. The anti-fraud and corruption strategy measures include setting the appropriate tone by management of the institution, being proactive (fraud risk assessments), and being reactive (reporting process, investigation and taking appropriate action). The actions include disciplinary action and criminal or civil proceedings in order to recover assets lost. The procedures address the implementation of the policy. This research focused on identifying the relevant issues that could be included in the formulation of fraud and corruption risk management policies and procedures for institutions of higher learning. The research was conducted using a qualitative methodology consisting of a document analysis and interviews. It was found that, out of eleven institutions of higher learning investigated only one institution meets the criteria set out in the framework developed in the research as an assessment tool. The other institutions involved in the research did not have fraud and corruption risk management policies or procedures and therefore did not comply with the Public Finance Management Act.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Makhooane, Stephen Malefane
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Fraud -- South Africa -- Prevention Corruption -- South Africa -- Prevention Risk management -- South Africa -- Evaluation Education, Higher -- South Africa -- Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:777 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003898
- Description: Fraud and corruption cost South Africa billions of rand yearly. Institutions of higher learning are no less vulnerable to fraud and corruption than other organisations, but are also subject to risks that are unique to academia. The Public Finance Management Act. No.1 of 1999 requires Public entities including the councils (university or college controlling body) of public institutions of higher learning to adopt enterprise risk management, which includes a fraud and corruption risk management policy and procedures. The function of the fraud and corruption policy is to provide an objective strategy to prevent, detect and investigate any possible irregularity in order to prevent further loss in line with Corporate Governance requirements. The anti-fraud and corruption strategy measures include setting the appropriate tone by management of the institution, being proactive (fraud risk assessments), and being reactive (reporting process, investigation and taking appropriate action). The actions include disciplinary action and criminal or civil proceedings in order to recover assets lost. The procedures address the implementation of the policy. This research focused on identifying the relevant issues that could be included in the formulation of fraud and corruption risk management policies and procedures for institutions of higher learning. The research was conducted using a qualitative methodology consisting of a document analysis and interviews. It was found that, out of eleven institutions of higher learning investigated only one institution meets the criteria set out in the framework developed in the research as an assessment tool. The other institutions involved in the research did not have fraud and corruption risk management policies or procedures and therefore did not comply with the Public Finance Management Act.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Influence of local economic development strategic leaders on the formulation of the integrated development plan, Makana Municipality, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Nonxuba, Mnweba McNair
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Local Economic Development (Programme) , Community development -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Grahamstown (South Africa) -- Economic conditions -- 21st century , South Africa -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:832 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013176
- Description: The influence of local economic development strategic leaders on how Integrated Development Plans (IDP) are developed is critical to gain insights into strategic planning directed towards economically developing municipalities. Concisely, the aim of this qualitative study was to gain a multiple understanding of how LED strategic leaders, namely managers of the LED directorate and sub-directorates at Makana local municipality influenced the IDP formulation. The fact that these LED strategic leaders, ‘make consequential or strategic decisions’ suggests that their decisions have an influence on the IDP formulation. Thus, the key research question in this study was: How do LED strategic leaders at Makana local municipality influence the formulation of the IDP at this municipality? This qualitative research used purposive sampling of incidents upheld by LED Strategic leaders. A total of ten in-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted with four LED strategic leaders regarding incidents of their perceived influence on the formulation of the Integrated Development Plan at Makana. The interviews were in-depth in order to gain a rich understanding of their perspectives of reality. As the number of LED strategic leaders was already very small, all the four leaders at Makana participated in this study. Interview data was transcribed and analyzed using open coding and constant comparison. Member check was conducted to enhance confirmability of the findings of this study. Findings indicate that LED strategic leaders perceived their influence on the formulation of the IDP Makana municipality in four varied ways. Predominantly, LED strategic leaders commonly perceived that they had influence in setting evidence-driven direction, and searching for fitness of activities and issues with LED strategy. Thereafter, the other ways in which these LED strategic leaders perceived how they influenced the IDP formulation involve the facilitation of clarity and local relevance of LED mandates, and finally the integration of multiple economic voices of stakeholders. This demonstrates that LED strategic leaders at Makana emphasize proactively managing strategy process rather than content in terms of identifying key opportunities and major economic drivers in the local milieu. Instead, they perceived their influence as characterized by enhancing compliance with bringing the process of municipal strategy formulation closer to stakeholders. Implications of these findings are highlighted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Nonxuba, Mnweba McNair
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Local Economic Development (Programme) , Community development -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Municipal government -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Strategic planning -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Grahamstown (South Africa) -- Economic conditions -- 21st century , South Africa -- Politics and government
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:832 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013176
- Description: The influence of local economic development strategic leaders on how Integrated Development Plans (IDP) are developed is critical to gain insights into strategic planning directed towards economically developing municipalities. Concisely, the aim of this qualitative study was to gain a multiple understanding of how LED strategic leaders, namely managers of the LED directorate and sub-directorates at Makana local municipality influenced the IDP formulation. The fact that these LED strategic leaders, ‘make consequential or strategic decisions’ suggests that their decisions have an influence on the IDP formulation. Thus, the key research question in this study was: How do LED strategic leaders at Makana local municipality influence the formulation of the IDP at this municipality? This qualitative research used purposive sampling of incidents upheld by LED Strategic leaders. A total of ten in-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted with four LED strategic leaders regarding incidents of their perceived influence on the formulation of the Integrated Development Plan at Makana. The interviews were in-depth in order to gain a rich understanding of their perspectives of reality. As the number of LED strategic leaders was already very small, all the four leaders at Makana participated in this study. Interview data was transcribed and analyzed using open coding and constant comparison. Member check was conducted to enhance confirmability of the findings of this study. Findings indicate that LED strategic leaders perceived their influence on the formulation of the IDP Makana municipality in four varied ways. Predominantly, LED strategic leaders commonly perceived that they had influence in setting evidence-driven direction, and searching for fitness of activities and issues with LED strategy. Thereafter, the other ways in which these LED strategic leaders perceived how they influenced the IDP formulation involve the facilitation of clarity and local relevance of LED mandates, and finally the integration of multiple economic voices of stakeholders. This demonstrates that LED strategic leaders at Makana emphasize proactively managing strategy process rather than content in terms of identifying key opportunities and major economic drivers in the local milieu. Instead, they perceived their influence as characterized by enhancing compliance with bringing the process of municipal strategy formulation closer to stakeholders. Implications of these findings are highlighted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
An assessment of the relationship between organisational climate and organisational commitment within the IT department of a telecommunications company
- Authors: Saunders, John
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Corporate culture Organizational behavior Management -- Employee participation Employees -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:729 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003849
- Description: The main objective of this study was to assess the relationship between organisational climate and organisational commitment within the Information Technology department of a South African Telecommunications company. Firstly, the research considered the organisational climate from a qualitative perspective. Research interviews that were based on organisational climate literature were performed with 4 members of the relevant department. Qualitative data analysis revealed several themes. The themes highlighted include: perceived ineffective structure and decision-making; lack of mistake tolerance; risk aversion by employees; recognition and reward systems perceived to be inadequate; performance management is perceived to be ineffective and inadequate; Employee Share Options Program (ESOP) perceived to have a negative influence on employee behaviours; the nature of the social environment perceived to be unfriendly; low level of knowledge and skills sharing; inadequate human resource management practices; These findings highlight the importance of certain aspects within the environment that influence employee perceptions. Organisational climate literature suggests that organisational climate has various behavioral influences and its consideration is essential in the effective functioning of the organisation. Secondly, the research considered the relationship between organisational climate and organisational commitment within the relevant department. The Patterson et al. (2005) Organisational Climate Measure (OCM®) and Meyer and Allen (1991) Organisational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ) were used to assess the relationship between organisational climate and organisational commitment, respectively. Significant correlations were found between integration, pressure to produce, innovation, supervisory support, reflexivity, clarity, involvement, autonomy, welfare and tradition, and both affective and normative commitment, Training was only significantly correlated to affective commitment. No significant correlations were found with continuance commitment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
- Authors: Saunders, John
- Date: 2009
- Subjects: Corporate culture Organizational behavior Management -- Employee participation Employees -- Attitudes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:729 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003849
- Description: The main objective of this study was to assess the relationship between organisational climate and organisational commitment within the Information Technology department of a South African Telecommunications company. Firstly, the research considered the organisational climate from a qualitative perspective. Research interviews that were based on organisational climate literature were performed with 4 members of the relevant department. Qualitative data analysis revealed several themes. The themes highlighted include: perceived ineffective structure and decision-making; lack of mistake tolerance; risk aversion by employees; recognition and reward systems perceived to be inadequate; performance management is perceived to be ineffective and inadequate; Employee Share Options Program (ESOP) perceived to have a negative influence on employee behaviours; the nature of the social environment perceived to be unfriendly; low level of knowledge and skills sharing; inadequate human resource management practices; These findings highlight the importance of certain aspects within the environment that influence employee perceptions. Organisational climate literature suggests that organisational climate has various behavioral influences and its consideration is essential in the effective functioning of the organisation. Secondly, the research considered the relationship between organisational climate and organisational commitment within the relevant department. The Patterson et al. (2005) Organisational Climate Measure (OCM®) and Meyer and Allen (1991) Organisational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ) were used to assess the relationship between organisational climate and organisational commitment, respectively. Significant correlations were found between integration, pressure to produce, innovation, supervisory support, reflexivity, clarity, involvement, autonomy, welfare and tradition, and both affective and normative commitment, Training was only significantly correlated to affective commitment. No significant correlations were found with continuance commitment.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2009
The impact of the Dieselgate vehicle emmissions scandal on customer equity in the South African automotive industry
- Authors: Pillay, Sylvester Deenan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- Germany , Automobile industry and trade -- Law and legislation -- Germany , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Automobiles -- Motors -- Exhaust gas , Brand choice -- South Africa , Customer preferences -- South Africa , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa , Brand loyalty -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Dieselgate
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149304 , vital:38823
- Description: Prominent German automotive manufacturers had been tampering with emissions for some time before it became public knowledge in September 2015. It is then that that the term ‘Dieselgate’ was coined in reference to the scandal. As the scandal became public knowledge, manufacturers accused of emissions cheating faced challenges on several fronts, including legal, financial and environmental. While the ‘backlash’ as a result of the scandal was apparent in other countries, it was not as apparent in South Africa. This research paper set out to explore the impact that the Dieselgate scandal had in South Africa in terms of customer equity. Data analysis was undertaken using a two-pronged approach. The first of these was analysis of vehicle sales data using a paired t-test. This was to understand whether sales had seen a decline pre-, as well as post-scandal. The results point to a sales decline, this highlights that Dieselgate was a factor even though other, unexamined factors, were not investigated. The second instrument used was a customer equity questionnaire, this provided insight into the real opinions of consumers in South Africa about the affected brands. The analysis revealed that the affected manufacturers operating in South Africa had seen no negative effects in terms of customer equity. Based on the results, it could be said that market factors, which was not part of the research, play a great role in consumers’ preferences or mindsets. Additionally, manufacturers can operate with a degree of latitude in certain markets. This is based on market factors in a specific market as well as the regulations imposed and enforced in that market. Lastly, customer equity is a complex theory that includes a multitude of converging theories. Based on this fact, it is currently difficult to evaluate customer equity in its entirety in a single paper. A comprehensive model is yet to be developed that can effectively measure customer equity in an all-encompassing way.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Pillay, Sylvester Deenan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- Germany , Automobile industry and trade -- Law and legislation -- Germany , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Automobiles -- Motors -- Exhaust gas , Brand choice -- South Africa , Customer preferences -- South Africa , Consumer satisfaction -- South Africa , Brand loyalty -- South Africa , Consumer behavior -- South Africa , Dieselgate
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/149304 , vital:38823
- Description: Prominent German automotive manufacturers had been tampering with emissions for some time before it became public knowledge in September 2015. It is then that that the term ‘Dieselgate’ was coined in reference to the scandal. As the scandal became public knowledge, manufacturers accused of emissions cheating faced challenges on several fronts, including legal, financial and environmental. While the ‘backlash’ as a result of the scandal was apparent in other countries, it was not as apparent in South Africa. This research paper set out to explore the impact that the Dieselgate scandal had in South Africa in terms of customer equity. Data analysis was undertaken using a two-pronged approach. The first of these was analysis of vehicle sales data using a paired t-test. This was to understand whether sales had seen a decline pre-, as well as post-scandal. The results point to a sales decline, this highlights that Dieselgate was a factor even though other, unexamined factors, were not investigated. The second instrument used was a customer equity questionnaire, this provided insight into the real opinions of consumers in South Africa about the affected brands. The analysis revealed that the affected manufacturers operating in South Africa had seen no negative effects in terms of customer equity. Based on the results, it could be said that market factors, which was not part of the research, play a great role in consumers’ preferences or mindsets. Additionally, manufacturers can operate with a degree of latitude in certain markets. This is based on market factors in a specific market as well as the regulations imposed and enforced in that market. Lastly, customer equity is a complex theory that includes a multitude of converging theories. Based on this fact, it is currently difficult to evaluate customer equity in its entirety in a single paper. A comprehensive model is yet to be developed that can effectively measure customer equity in an all-encompassing way.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020