Browsing by Author "Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani"

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The adoption of innovative approach in research proposal development in the Management Sciences of the Higher Education sector
(International Journal of Special Education, 2022-03-03) Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
Several innovative factors transforming higher education provide opportunities of changing its context. This influence the sector to continuously learn new ways of conducting business and introduce innovative methods in its post- graduate research-based teaching. Thus, the future of academia in Higher Education lies in the continuous search for innovative methods of evaluating students’ research proposal. This sentiment underpins the significance of the Research Proposal Evaluation Tool (REPRET). REPRET is a computer-based innovative tool that assists emerging research supervisors (or promoters) in the management sciences in evaluating students’ research proposals effectively. It has built-in functions that provide technical and methodological guides regarding students’ proposals. It assists students in improving the quality of their research proposals, the efficiency of research proposal development, as well as throughput. It is a Microsoft Excel-based tool managed by the research supervisor (or promoter), covers various sections of the research proposal and is compatible with quantitative, qualitative and mixed paradigms. The contribution of REPRET as an innovative tool relies on higher education’s ability to adapt to new processes. REPRET represents an innovative practice in education. It helps the higher educational sector, particularly the management sciences, to achieve competitive advantage and higher performance.
Application of explainable artificial intelligence technique to model the predictors of South African SMMEs resilient performance during the Covid-19 pandemic
(Center for Strategic Studies in Business and Finance SSBFNET, 2024) Zhou, Helper; Chamba, Lucy T.; Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
Various studies have been carried out to establish the key drivers impacting small enterprise sustainable performance in developing countries. Despite many policy-oriented studies to uncover the factors influencing SME resilience in emerging markets, these firms continue to register high failure rate, which has been further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Guided by a history of linear- and log-linear econometric model estimation that ignores potential network effects, our study extends the literature by implicating SMME resilience as a production network. Utilising data from both incubated and non-incubated SMMEs, marking a departure from traditional linear econometric models, radial basis function artificial neural network algorithm was invoked to establish the drivers of SMME resilience during Covid-19 regime. The study extends the literature by implicating eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) methods. Specifically, optimal SHapley Additive Explanations values (SHAP values) were computed to enhance the prediction output from the machine learning algorithm. The XAI analytics provide insightful findings on the key drivers which influenced the resilience of SMMEs during the Covid-19 pandemic. The importance of innovation through introduction of new products, company age and higher number of marketing mediums is confirmed however total assets, analytics, educational level and number of workers surfaced as a threat to these enterprises’ sustainable performance. The study recommends that both the government and SMEs should leverage XAI to identify their heterogeneous attributes and inform intelligent decision-making which necessities their resilient performance.
The appropriateness of the design of experiments to support Lean Six Sigma for variability reduction
(AOSIS, 2018-09-27) Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
A Design of Experiment (DoE) is a strategy for planning, conducting, analysing and interpreting the experiment so that valid conclusions can be drawn efficiently and economically. It has the ability to reduce product and process variability. Hence, this study examined if DoE is an appropriate tool to support Lean Six Sigma in selected automotive component manufacturing companies in South Africa. The automotive component manufacturing sector uses various tools aimed at reducing variability. This includes Lean Six Sigma. Consequently, companies that participated in the study have (over and above Lean Six Sigma) adopted a DoE strategy. Thus, the study was designed to establish if DoE is an appropriate tool to support Lean Six Sigma. Of the 123 participants identified, 107 completed the questionnaires. Middle managers of four automotive component manufacturing companies in the eThekwini District Municipality participated in the study. The study investigated production and the related experiences of the automotive component manufacturing companies. Descriptive and correlation were used to analyse data. Results indicated that the appropriateness of DoE to support Lean Six Sigma in various business activities (like finance, strategy and product development) has no relation to both product improvements through reformulation during product development and process optimisation using quality control tools. However, study participants provided a number of reasons for implementing DoE in the automotive component manufacturers. It is advised that the automotive component manufacturers develop a comprehensive variability reduction policy that aligns DoE tools to business performance.
Assessing the effectiveness of an occupational health and safety system in a selected automotive assembly organisation in South Africa
(AOSIS, 2021-01-26) Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
Background: It has been established that high levels of safety performance are achieved by strong and positive safety climates. Good safety, health and environmental practices reduce the cost of overall healthcare delivery while increasing general productivity. These sentiments underpin the concept of an occupational health and safety (OHS) system. Aim: This study assesses the effectiveness of an OHS in a selected automotive assembly organisation in South Africa. Settings: The automotive organisation that participated in the study has adopted an OHS system. Prior to its implementation, the company experienced an increase in the rate of occupational diseases and injuries. Methods: The study objectives were achieved by examining Health and Safety (H&S) related experiences in the company. The collection of data was carried out in two phases, namely the collection of pre-OHS and post-OHS results from company records for H&S compliance, occupational diseases, as well as workplace injury rates. The pre-OHS results were quarterly data reflecting the company’s H&S performance over the 3-year period prior to the implementation of the OHS system. This company operates in the eThekwini District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal. Results: The OHS system has no influence on occupational diseases, or on the workplace injury frequency rates. However, H&S compliance plays a role in the maintenance of the OHS system. Conclusion: In order to maximise performance, a comprehensive OHS policy must be developed that aligns management commitment to the OHS system. Thus, the study uncovered the strengths and weaknesses of OHS in this automotive assembly organisation in South Africa.
Assessing the financial implications of quality management system accreditation on small training providers in KwaZulu-Natal
(AOSIS, 2018-04-10) Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
Background: A quality management system (QMS) in education and training is designed in accordance with industry quality models of ISO 9001. Its techniques ensure quality in skills development. However, training providers incur significant costs to obtain QMS accreditation. Therefore, the discourse on the economic effect of QMS accreditation in small training providers is crucial. Aim: This paper investigates the influence of QMS accreditation on the financial performance of small training providers in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Setting: The South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) is a statutory body, regulated in terms of the National Qualification Framework (NQF) Act No. 67 of 2008 to oversee the development and implementation of the NQF. They are responsible for accrediting 21 sector-based Education and Training Quality Authorities (ETQAs) for the purpose of monitoring and auditing training achievements in terms of the national standards and qualifications. Methods: For this study to achieve its objectives, the ETQAs belonging to 12 different Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) provided the sample frame of accredited training providers in KZN. The SETAs are responsible for administering education and training within their industrial sectors. Of the 89 small training providers, 81 participated in the study. Descriptive and correlation analysis were used to test the two objectives. That is, to examine whether the management and marketing practices of QMS accredited small training providers improve their financial performance. Results: The study indicates that there is no statistical significant relationship between the management and marketing practices of QMS accredited small training providers and their financial performances. This shows that small training providers do not incorporate financial measures during QMS implementation. The accounting departments are not covered in the QMS strategy. Conclusion: Small training providers should take advantage of QMS accreditation for their business’s financial performance. They should incorporate financial indicators during QMS implementation and measure QMS’s economic effects on an ongoing basis. The original value of this paper is in its approach in uncovering the strengths and weaknesses of QMS accreditation in the financial performances of accredited small training providers in KZN.
Cluster methodology : the strategy for sustainable local development in the rural communities of South Africa
(2023-05-16) Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
Rural communities are making efforts to implement sustainable development initiatives in their regions. However, there is a lack of capacity, specific development strategies, expertise, infrastructure and finance to achieve their developmental goals. These deficiencies disadvantage self-reliant initiatives in rural areas as the development interventions and investments are directed to better-off urban communities. Hence, this paper proposes the cluster approach as a sustainable local development in rural areas of South Africa. Clusters are referred to as the agglomeration of inter-related firms and related institutions. They are employed to show a geographical and a sectoral focus of firms that produce and sell a range of related or complementary goods and services. These firms normally experience the same challenges and opportunities. The clusters are assisted by a spectrum of supportive institutions situated within spatial proximity, including business-related associations, technical or training service providers. Cluster development initiatives that improve access for local firms to local and global markets can have positive poverty impacts that enhance income, employment and the well-being of workers and entrepreneurs within a cluster. This study assesses the influence of the cluster approach on sustainable local development in rural areas of South Africa. It establishes the suitability of clusters as strategic methods for local economic growth for South Africa.
Corporate social responsibility and human resource performance : evidence from a selected medium manufacturing organisation in South Africa
(2023-05-15) Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani; Maome, Itumeleng Judith
Over the years, the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has gained popularity as a management philosophy whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their operations and interactions with stakeholders. It aims to contribute to societal goals of a philanthropic, or charitable nature by engaging in activities or supporting volunteering or ethically-oriented practices. This practice has mostly been associated with large organisations. However, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been recognized for their contributions in social and economic development of any country. Hence, this study examines the influence of CSR on human resource performance in the selected manufacturing SMEs in South Africa. This study was quantitative in design and examined production and related experiences of the manufacturing SME organisation that had adopted CSR strategy for human resource improvement. The Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model, using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), was used to analyse data. The selected company operates in the eThekwini District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal. The study was achieved by collecting pre- and post-quarterly data for employee turnover and labour absenteeism. The results indicate that both employee turnover and labour absenteeism have no relationship with human resource performance post- CSR implementation. However, CSR has a relationship with human resource performance. Any increase in CSR activities results in an increase in human resource performance. Formal CSR programmes can boost employee morale and lead to greater productivity in the workforce.
Corporate social responsibility practices : evidence from the automotive manufacturing SMEs in the eThekwini Metropolitan area
(Bussecon International Academy, 2024-07-26) Mvakwendlu, Nonophela Buhle; Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) are regarded as a vital business sector in the South African economy. They elevate employment, reduce poverty, and increase the overall economic growth of any country. It is essential that SMEs should develop and grow. In ensuring their survival and growth, SMEs must be flexible and agile in every growth stage. Thus, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is one of the strategic tools for business survival and growth. CSR is when organisations act responsibly and ethically towards society, the environment and other stakeholders, to maximise positive impact not just for profit. It is expected that the implementation of CSR can enhance the performance of SMEs. Consequently, the study assesses CSR practices applied by SMEs in the eThekwini Metropolitan Area. The study was quantitative in nature. It targeted 120 SME owners in the automotive manufacturing sector of the eThekwini Metropolitan Area. Data collected from 110 SME owners was analysed using version 27 of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The results established that business performance increases when SME organisations support community, particularly when there is employee involvement in such support activities. Hence, the original value of this study is in its approach in uncovering the perceptions and involvement of SMEs operating in the automotive manufacturing sector in the eThekwini Metropolitan Area in KwaZulu-Natal (in South Africa) on their CSR practices.
Cut-throat competition in the supermarket industry : impressions of the managers of selected supermarkets in Amanzimtoti
(Solid State Technology, 2020-12-09) Hlengwa, Dumsile Cynthia; Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
The number of shopping malls is proliferating across the face of South Africa year after year despite the mounting evidence that they are declining across the globe due to a number of factors. This includes, amongst others lifestyle changes, emergence and growth of on-line shopping, rising cost of utilities and fuel, thinning wallets and thinning threshold populations. While the United Nations calls for a more sustainable form of development (Sustainable Development Agenda 2030) that is mindful of how things connect to and affect one another systematically, older concrete structures are being abandoned to decay to the promotion of social degeneration, environmental despoliation and loss of income for developers and shop owners. Objective: The study determine the effects, in terms of threshold populations and profitability, of this form of excessive development to existing and new supermarkets, which tend to be used as key tenants in shopping malls. Method: The study was non-experimental, descriptive and deductive in nature. The method used was qualitative and the data collection technique was interviews with the general managers of 10 of the 12 supermarkets found within a 5kilometre radius of the old Amanzimtoti CBD. The study design was cross-sectional case study of selected supermarkets in Amanzimtoti. The data collection tools were observation, semi-structured interview schedules. The sampling frame was non-representative as supermarkets were selected to avoid repetition of the same brand twice except in case where the size and variety of goods was different. Results: Competition in the supermarket industry is cut-throat in the area of study. Competing supermarkets had to come up with a number of operational strategies such as revamping the shops, adding more products to their lines. In addition, they determine prices on a weekly basis, bargaining with suppliers in order to keep the prices competitive. Managers also spend more time on the shop floor in order to keep on the pulse of product movement, dates and customers, even sacrificing staff (more workload, retrenchment strategies, etc.) in order to remain profitable. Conclusion: In order to facilitate sustainability all developments should be viewed in terms of them being systems within other systems and enhance the growth and sustainability of systems that already exist within the respective area. Consequently, it is important for the local municipalities, developers and supermarket shareholders to involve managers as practitioners in proposed developments and how such developments would affect the stores that manage.
Do firms’ growth rates follow a random walk? evidence from incubated small and medium enterprises in South Africa
(Durban University of Technology, 2023) Zhou, Helper; Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
Debate on the validity of the Law of Proportionate Effect (LPE) on firm growth is ongoing decades after it was postulated by Gibrat in 1931. The theoretical model which asserts that firm growth follows a random walk has been largely tested in developed economies using data from non-incubated firms, with scanty research in developing regions like Africa. This paper, therefore, aims to address this gap by being the first to assess the validity of Gibrat's law on incubated small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa. The study utilised four-year panel data from 300 incubated SMMEs across the country, for the period between 2018 to 2021. Utilising the Law's generalised growth rate model, the generalised least square regression modelling was harnessed, using R Software. The findings, using sales as firm size proxy, confirmed Gibrat’s Law. The results showed that firm size had no effect on the sales growth rate of incubated firms, on the other hand when employment proxied performance the LPE was rejected. The findings provide important implications for both practitioners and pertinent stakeholders in the SMME sector in South Africa.
The effect of corporate social responsibility on human resource performance in the selected medium sized manufacturing organisation in South Africa
(2023-10) Maome, Itumeleng Judith; Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
— In recent years, the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has gained significant attention and popularity as a management philosophy in companies. CSR involves the integration of social and environmental concerns into a company's operations and interactions with stakeholders. While CSR has been primarily associated with large organisations, it is also important to recognize the contributions of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to the social and economic development of a country. This study focuses on examining the effect of CSR practices on human resource performance in a selected manufacturing SME in South Africa. This study adopts a quantitative research design. The relationship between human resource performance (dependent variable) and variables such as employee turnover and labour absenteeism is examined. The measurements of these variables are transformed and statistically analysed using regression analysis. Pre- and post-quarterly data on employee turnover and labour absenteeism are collected to assess the impact of CSR implementation on human resource performance. The results indicate that there is no significant relationship between employee turnover and labour absenteeism with human resource performance post-CSR implementation. However, the study reveals that there is a positive relationship between CSR activities and human resource performance. An increase in CSR activities leads to an improvement in human resource performance.
Effect of transformational leadership on employee resistance to change at eThekwini automobiles : a perspective of leaders’ inspirational motivation
(Beykent University, 2024-06-01) Chukwuma, Nonye; Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
Transformational leadership and employee change resistance have been studied extensively. However, no systematic attempt has been made to reframe those findings in light of leaders' inspirational drive. The sample size of 170 participants from eThekwini automobile dealership organisations indicated that employees' intention to resist change was negatively associated with their managers' transformational leadership style focused on inspirational motivation. Transformational leadership's impact on employee resistance to change at eThewkini Automobiles in KwaZulu-Natal is examined through a leader's inspirational motivation. Inspirational motivation reduced staff resistance to change at these car companies, according to the transformational leadership tool multi-leadership questionnaire (MLQ). Various branches of 6 major automobile companies in eThekwini, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa were considered for this study. The study included 170 of 270 individuals. Both descriptive and correlational analysis were employed to test study objectives. The study found that inspirational motivation mediates the relationship between transformational leadership and employee resistance to change because transformational leadership reduces resistance, improves commitment, and embraces change. Inspirational motivation mediates transformational leadership in organisational change management, according to the study. The study suggests that management use inspiring motivation to promote change management acceptability and commitment to change and reduce employee resistance to change.
Effectiveness of housekeeping methodology on productivity in the automotive parts manufacturing organisation in South Africa
(SRAC - Societatea Romana Pentru Asigurarea Calitatii, 2021-04) Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
The majority of South Africans expect greater prosperity that can be accomplished through greater employment and high productivity. Thus, the need for productivity improvement in South Africa should be uppermost in both the public and private sector’s agenda. This can be achieved by implementing an effective management system that has a bearing to improved business performance. This sentiment underpins the concept of housekeeping methodology, namely, the 5S. 5S is a housekeeping philosophy represented by the practical approach for sorting, set in order, sanitise, standardise and sustain. As a result, this study evaluates the effectiveness of 5S on productivity in the automotive parts manufacturing companies in South Africa. 5S is an approach designed for achieving overall organisational cleanliness and standardisation at workplace that is motivating and pleasing to all the employees in the organisation. The study was quantitative in design and examined the production and related experiences of the automotive parts manufacturing company that has adopted a 5S strategy. The Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model, using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse data. The company operates in the eThekwini District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal. The study was achieved by collecting pre- and post-quarterly data for machine downtime and labour production output rate. The results establish that machine downtime has a relationship and statistically significant to productivity. However, productivity has no relationship with both the 5S and labour production output. This study uncovers the strengths and weaknesses of 5S strategy on productivity in the automotive parts manufacturing organisations in South Africa.
Effectiveness of the Design of Experiments (DoE) on variation reduction : empirical evidence for the automotive component-manufacturing sector in South Africa
(SRAC - Societatea Romana Pentru Asigurarea Calitatii, 2021-06-01) Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
In today’s modern manufacturing environment, any process variability is an attack on quality and throughput. Variability reduction is paramount and necessary if higher levels of quality are to be obtained. Hence, this study evaluates the effectiveness of the Design of Experiments (DoE) as a strategic tool for reducing variation in the automotive component manufacturers in South Africa. As with the evolution of the manufacturing process, methods to identify and eliminate process variability are developed. Most of these methods are based on statistical DoE. A DoE is a test or series of tests that enables the experimenter optimise the yield of a process or minimise variability. Consequently, this study focuses on the effectiveness of DoE for variability reduction in the automotive sector in South Africa. Of the 193 individuals identified for participation, 164 completed the questionnaires. Middle-level Managers from four automotive component manufacturing companies in the eThekwini District Municipality participated in the study. The study investigated production and the related experiences of the automotive component manufacturing companies that have adopted a DoE strategy. Descriptive and correlation were used to analyse data. The results indicates that DoE reduces product variation in the automotive component manufacturers in South Africa. In order to maximise performance, a comprehensive variability reduction policy must be developed, which aligns DoE tools to business performance. DoE has the ability to screen a large number of variables to find important ones during product reformulation process in the Product and Development functional areas.
The effects of idealised influence on the dimensions of employee resistance to change at the automobile dealerships in the eThekwini region of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
(Center for Strategic Studies in Business and Finance SSBFNET, 2023) Chukwuma, Nonye; Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
The effects of idealised influence as one of the four components of transformational leadership serve as a critical dimension of leadership style. Others include inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and gaining the admiration, trust, and respect of the followers. However, this study focuses on the context of employee resistance to change and its varying dimensions about the role idealised influence plays as a mediator in mitigating resistance to change and facilitating a successful change implementation at selected automobile dealerships in eThekwini Region of KwaZulu-Natal. Idealised influence refers to the leader’s ability to act as role model and gain the admiration of employees and by so doing, positively influence employee’s resistance to change. The study examines the effects of idealised influence on employee resistance to change at the automobile dealership organisations in the eThekwini Region of KwaZulu-Natal. The study investigates the mediating role of idealised influence on employee resistance to change at the automobile dealership organisations in the eThekwini Region of KwaZulu-Natal. Assessment was based on the effect of this leadership style component and its impact on employees’ willingness to accept or resist changes introduced at the selected organisations. Of the 270 staff members identified for participation, 196 questionnaires were returned and analysed using the convergent data analysis as well as the Structural Equation Model (SEM). The study revealed that the idealised influence is positively associated with the staff quick acceptance of change. The study improves the existing framework with regards to understanding how leaders with idealised influence can facilitate change management acceptance of employees by embracing and inculcating the essence of idealised influence. The results can help managers and change management interventionists formulate human resource development to improve change management planning programmmes.
Entrepreneurial attributes responsible for small and medium enterprise growth in South Africa : small and medium enterprise owners’ perspectives
(International Journal of Special Education, 2022-03-03) Ncube, Thandukwazi Richman; Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) growth has been associated with overall business success and survival. The need to achieve success is the motive to do well and achieve a goal set for growth. Hence, this study examines the attributes embedded in small business owners that are responsible for the growth of SMEs in South Africa. It assesses creativity and entrepreneurial skills as attributes that influence SME growth within small business owners operating in the furniture-manufacturing sector. It was conducted in the eThekwini District Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, in South Africa. Of the 127 SME owners who represented their businesses, 112 participated in the study, representing an 88 per cent participation rate. Correlative analyses were used to test the two objectives, that is, to examine if creativity and the entrepreneurial skills of small business owners have an influence on SME growth. This study reveals that SME success depends on the proper use of entrepreneurial skills for starting and growing the businesses in the early years of establishment. If creativity of SME owners can be enhanced, this will lead to a better support of national goals on job creation for South Africa. The original value of this paper is its approach in uncovering business owner attributes responsible for SME growth within enterprises operating in the furniture sector
Evaluating the effectiveness of a gainsharinng programme for labour productivity improvement
(2017) Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
Orientation: Companies are faced with the challenge of promoting innovation for productivity improvement among employees. They create a work environment that promotes worker participation for productivity improvement. This sentiment underpins the concept of gainsharing. Purpose: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a gainsharing programme for productivity improvement in automotive parts manufacturing companies in South Africa (SA). Motivation for the study: SA’s labour productivity, in the manufacturing sector, is low when compared with Korea, the United States of America, Taiwan, Japan, France and the United Kingdom. Hence, this study focused on gainsharing, given the low labour productivity levels in the South African manufacturing industries. Research design, approach and method: The two automotive parts manufacturing companies that have adopted a gainsharing strategy participated in the study. A third automotive parts manufacturing company that has adopted the 360-degree performance appraisal system was included for comparative purposes. These companies operated in the eThekwini District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal. Study objectives were achieved by collecting pre- and postquarterly data for spoilage, absenteeism, capital investment and labour productivity. Main findings: Results established that gainsharing improves productivity and reduces spoilage and absenteeism rates. Managerial implication: The South African companies are encouraged to revise their reward philosophies and develop strategies, policies and practices that help achieve productivity goals and support organisational change. Contribution: Gainsharing is a desirable alternative as it contributes to raising the competence levels and productivity improvement of an organisation. As a comparison, the 360-degree performance appraisal does not have an impact on labour productivity
Exploration of systems thinking in the Universities of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal
(International Journal of Special Education, 2022-03-03) Mhlongo, Patrick Mbongwa; Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
The environment in which organisations operate is almost unpredictable and hence they have to deal with complex challenges. It is necessary for organisations to continuously improve their processes and practices to remain competitive. The Universities of Technology (UoTs) are not immune from those challenges. Systems thinking philosophy has been identified as an effective management approach that helps organisations deal with such challenges. Hence, this study explores the application of systems thinking in the UoTs in KwaZulu-Natal. KwaZuluNatal, one of the nine provinces of South Africa, created in 1994 when the Zulu Bantustan of KwaZulu and Natal Province were merged. It is located in the southeast part of the country. The province has two UoTs situated within the eThekwini District Municipality. Organisational silos are still prevalent in the UoTs. This creates an attitude of “us-and-them”. Consequently, collaborative efforts across the organisations become difficult. Systems thinking has the ability to help UoTs respond effectively to complex and unpredictable challenges. It facilitates this possibility as it assists members to focus on the organisation as a whole, including its stakeholders, rather than on individual parts of the organisation. It considers the organisation as a complex system with interrelated parts. Hence, this paper provides insights on its application at the UoTs in KwaZulu-Natal.
The impact of Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) on labour productivity in the automotive assembly organisation in South Africa
(2021-08) Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
Companies develop strategies of promoting innovativeness relating to productivity improvements in their production processes. These may require radical changes aimed at improving short-to long-term growth in productivity. This sentiment describes the concept of business process re-engineering (BPR). South Africa has, over the years, been experiencing low productivity growth in its manufacturing industry. Its labour productivity level is low when compared with BRICS countries like Russia, India and China. Hence, this study focuses on BPR, given low productivity levels in the South African automotive and manufacturing industries. The automotive company that has adopted a BPR strategy participated in the study. The collection of data was carried out in two phases. This includes the collection of pre- and post-BPR quarterly data from company records on overtime and spoilage rates. The pre-BPR results were quarterly data of the company’s performance over a three-year period prior to BPR implementation. The post-BPR data reflect the company’s performance for three years after BPR was implemented. Hence, the study examined the production and related experiences of the automotive assembly organisation that has adopted a BPR strategy. The company operates in the eThekwini District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal. The results established that BPR has a positive relationship with labour productivity. It has an influence on the levels of overtime and spoilage rates. Hence, the automotive companies in South Africa should assess their performance and implement structural changes that help achieve new business goals. These include the job structure, as well as the administrative procedures. The implementation of such changes must be based on an understanding of the economic factors affecting labour productivity.
The impact of corporate social responsibility on financial performance in a selected medium-sized clothing manufacturing organization in South Africa
(Durban University of Technology, 2024) Maome, Itumeleng; Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
Corporate Social responsibilities (CSR) is an established idea that urges corporations to incorporate environmental and social responsibilities into their operations. It enables businesses to be socially responsible to stakeholders and the public. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have received international recognition for their contributions to social and economic development. This study investigates the impact of CSR on financial performance at a medium-sized clothing manufacturing company in the eThekwini District Municipality of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. The study was designed to be conclusive. It employs a quantitative approach, examining the experiences of an organization that has implemented CSR. The study's objective was met by gathering pre- and post-quarterly data on profitability and production costs. The data was analysed using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The findings show that CSR can boost financial performance by minimising business-related risks and compliance expenses, which leads to increased profitability and lower production costs. Any rise in profitability boosts the organization's financial performance, while any drop in production costs improves the company's financial performance. This study identifies the strengths and weaknesses of CSR in relation to financial performance in the selected medium-sized manufacturing business in South Africa.