Research Publications (Management Sciences)

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Challenges of ICT adoption and utilisation in small rural restaurants : a case study of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands
(AJHTL, 2016) Nkosana, Tenson; Skinner, Jane Phyllida
Information and communication technology (ICT) has become an essential element in the hospitality industry around the world over the past few decades, with particular benefits accruing to restaurant owners. Restaurants within poorer areas, however, often struggle to access the relevant technologies. This article investigates the challenges confronting ICT adoption and utilisation in restaurants in a rural setting. Twelve small restaurants in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa were investigated. The findings indicate large discrepancies between three groups: the top two thriving businesses; the majority group of middle-level enterprises, which exhibited varying levels of success; and the remaining two restaurants, which were clearly struggling to survive. Their success in adoption of ICT corresponded closely in nearly all instances with these success levels. The challenges to adoption and utilisation of ICT were found to centre on cost, owners’ lack of familiarity with ICTs, and a corresponding lack of ICT skills amongst staff. The inability of imported software packages to suit local needs also emerged as a significant issue.
Contributing elements and issues to strategic management in the construction industry among small and medium enterprises : a case study in South Africa's eThekwini region
(University of Cape Town, 2022) Rambaruth, Amit; Adam, Jamila Khatoon; Krishna, Suresh Babu Naidu
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are vital to the economy and have helped it grow, but they still have a high failure rate. Many businesses fail within the first few months of operation due to a lack of strategic planning. This study aimed to identify persuading factors that contribute to strategic management to improve performance and categorise challenges faced by SMEs in implementing a strategic plan in the eThekwini region of South Africa. The study adopted a quantitative research approach, and the population of interest for the research includes small and medium construction companies, which were sourced via the Construction Industry Development Board (cidb) registry. An online survey tool was used to distribute the questionnaire to 145 small and medium businesses. The data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The study's findings reveal that most eThekwini-based SMEs in the construction industry use strategic management practices to improve their business performance. The key factors for strategic management in SMEs, such as improving decision-making processes, increasing productivity, and gaining a competitive advantage, demonstrated high levels of agreement among participants regarding improving business performance. This study also found widespread agreement on the challenges of implementing a strategic plan in an organisation. Therefore, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must develop procedures and policies to deal with the difficulties that arise when drafting a strategic plan. This will ensure that strategic planning works in their operations. This can be accomplished by implementing strategic management into SMEs training programs offered by government and tertiary institutions that support SMEs. The government should also improve education and broaden its business skills curriculum. Keywords: Business, Construction, Performance, Planning, Strategy, South Africa.
Digital and interactive content production as part of Lesotho Strategic Development : a brief study on Lesotho working towards national colloboration for updated civil register and voter register in the spirit of improved service delivery
(IEEE, 2014-10) Maphephe, John; Balkaran, Rishi; Thakur, Surendra C.
Some say that the world is getting smaller, but I believe with those who say it is not. It just feels smaller, because modern technology helps overcome the distances. To be part of the modern world, with its advantages and obligations an identity is required. For the government to provide schooling, health services, and local government delivery services and to know who should be eligible to vote, it needs to know who you are. It also needs to know who are to pay taxes, do public service delivery and contribute to society in other ways. This is why many countries want to keep track of their residents; to know when they are born, when they marry or divorce and when they die. Decision-makers depend on sound and timely statistics for policy development, decision making and for programme monitoring and evaluation. In the present scenario, Information communication technology has added the impetus to the services provided by the Lesotho Government (GOL) since the implementation of Lesotho Government Data Network (LGDN). This paper will highlights the role of digital technology and interactive content for strategic development of Lesotho and the potential of Lesotho Government working towards national collaboration specifically for update civil register, census data and voter register..
Digital and interactive content production as part of Lesotho strategic development - A brief study on Lesotho working towards National colloboration for updated civil register and voter register in the spirit of improved service delivery
(IEEE, 2014) Maphephe, John; Balkaran, Rishi; Thakur, Surendra C.
Some say that the world is getting smaller, but I believe with those who say it is not. It just feels smaller, because modern technology helps overcome the distances. To be part of the modern world, with its advantages and obligations an identity is required. For the government to provide schooling, health services, and local government delivery services and to know who should be eligible to vote, it needs to know who you are. It also needs to know who are to pay taxes, do public service delivery and contribute to society in other ways. This is why many countries want to keep track of their residents; to know when they are born, when they marry or divorce and when they die. Decision-makers depend on sound and timely statistics for policy development, decision making and for programme monitoring and evaluation. In the present scenario, Information communication technology has added the impetus to the services provided by the Lesotho Government (GOL) since the implementation of Lesotho Government Data Network (LGDN). This paper will highlights the role of digital technology and interactive content for strategic development of Lesotho and the potential of Lesotho Government working towards national collaboration specifically for update civil register, census data and voter register..
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
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 implementation of augmented reality on the Internet of Things for virtual learning in higher education
(Step Academic, 2024-01-28) Aroba, Oluwasegun Julius; Prof. Bringula, Rex P.
Purpose–This article investigates the potential of augmented reality (AR) for virtual learning in higher education. This review discusses the advantages as well as disadvantages of virtual learning, as well as the advantages and functions of augmented reality in digital literacy on innovative education. With the launch of electronic literacy about two years ago during the COVID-19 epidemic, considerable changes in literacy and tuition methods in higher education have previously occurred. It has become clear that virtual literacy issues thereafter worse than actual literacy issues. To meet the needs of today's scholars and establish novel tutoring approaches, educational institutions must implement new literacy technology, such as augmented reality. By implementing nascent literacy technology, this investigation hopes to lead to a better comprehension of stoked reality in virtual literacy for advanced education researchers. Method–The goal of this essay is to investigatethe use of augmented reality in higher education for virtual learning. The moderate category of this technology will also be investigated. Head-mounted displays are occasionally used in conjunction with real-world environments or props, such as when simulating takeoff on a motion platform; however, augmented reality makes reading and teaching methods far more accessible.Results–Similarly, a use case was created to demonstrate the student journey using stoked reality software on the mobile device to fantasize, comprehend, and make learning more accessible for students to engage with their environment. Conclusion–Augmented reality has the potential to identify educational surroundings as far more accurate, acceptable, more unifying than digital illiteracy. Increased reality technology affects literacy and the higher education system. It possesses the possibility of increasing the approachability and accessibility of literacy sources in team and personal study. Recommendations–To successfully integrate augmented reality into the Internet of Things for virtual learning in higher education, organizations need to put a high priority on staff development, make significant infrastructure investments, and foster cross-disciplinary collaboration. Practical Implications–Higher education institutions should prioritize data security and ethical issues while simultaneously investing in faculty development and AR-IoT infrastructure.
Investigating the challenges of e-learning in a developing institution of higher learning : a hypothetical approach
(Clute Institute, 2019-05-01) Agbenyegah, Albert Tchey; Dlamini, Bongani Innocent
The popularity of e-learning (EL) largely infiltrated into every sector of South African institutions of higher learning. This growing interest in EL is due to the advent of rapid internet technologies. For decades, South African institutions of higher learning have accepted EL as a vital learning tool for the enhancement of learning and teaching within the higher education sector. However, there are countless challenges that continue to hinder learning and teaching activities. This study seeks to determine the relationships between various challenges and EL capabilities through stated hypotheses. The study is a descriptive, qualitative design aided by a quantitative approach that were applied to collect data. In total 150 full and part-time ICT students including four permanent ICT lecturers participated in the study. By means of statistical methods of descriptive, inferential statistics aided by independent t-tests, three stated hypotheses were formulated and tested. The study therefore, recommends that higher institutions of learning should increase investments in various EL programs including relevant ICT infrastructure development and also in levels of connectivity. The study further recommends that EL contents should be designed taking into account the cultural characteristics of students.
The Level of awareness of green marketing and its managerial implications amongst selected South African manufacturing Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in KwaZulu–Natal
(IFRD, 2014-08) Lekhanya, Lawrence Mpele
The focus of this paper is to present an exploratory study on the level of awareness regarding green marketing and its managerial implications, among selected, South African Manufacturing Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), in the province of KwaZulu–Natal (KZN). The concept of green marketing and thought provoking managerial implications are still an issue of concern in the South African manufacturing sector. The study aimed to explore the awareness levels about green marketing by selected South African manufacturing SMMEs in KZN, and the resulting managerial implications. Primary data was collected from 84 manufacturing SMMEs. This research was quantitative in nature and a questionnaire was used to collect data from SMMEs owners/managers in KZN. Findings of the research indicate that SMMEs in the study are aware of green marketing and its managerial implications. It further reveals that SMMEs’ owners/managers indicate that the South African Environmental Act and Consumer Protection Act are additional factors that influence their businesses operations. The paper will benefit SMMEs owners/managers, SMMEs marketing managers, and affiliated stakeholders, by introducing a new understanding of green marketing and how to cope with the demand of new green marketing strategies. Most work on the Green Zone has concentrated on green products, with little emphasis on green marketing and its implications. The findings are limited by the study’s exploratory, quantitative nature and small sample. Generalisation should be done with care and further research, with a large sample and consideration of other provinces, is therefore recommended.
Long-term preservation of digital records at the University of KwaZulu-Natal archives
(Journal of the South African Society of Archivists, 2018-09-29) Matlala, Mpubane Emanuel
The long-term preservation strategies used for digital records are significant in that they can ensure access to records and archives. This study examines the strategies used for the digital preservation of records at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Archives. It describes how care is taken in order to ensure that the various plans of action that are adopted are appropriate for the university archives. A qualitative research design with an interpretivist world view was used in this exploratory study. In this study, interviews, observations and document analysis were employed as data-gathering techniques. The research sample was purposively selected from members of the archivist staff at the university archives. Findings revealed that staff members had started a data preservation project; however, it became clear, that there was no decisive policy framework for the preservation of digital records for the UKZN Archives. Therefore, it is recommended that these issues be dealt with via the implementation of an Information Communication Technological (ICT) infrastructure and the devising of policies and strategies to help ensure the long-term preservation of digital records.
Millennial’s consumer behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic : perspectives from an emerging and a developed economy
(Adonis & Abbey Publishers Ltd, 2022-11-10) Tshikovhi, Ndivhuho; Dobbelstein, Thomas; Moyo, Sibusiso
One of the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic was on shopping behaviour patterns due to lockdown restrictions and social distancing requirements. In this study, South African and German millennials (those born between 1980 and 2002) are analyzed to determine their buying behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic in the year 2020. We demonstrate the choices of purchases amongst African Journal of Business and Economic Research (AJBER) (Online) ISSN 1750-4562 (Print) ISSN 1750-4554 Indexed by SCOPUS, UGC CARE List, IBSS, EBSCO, ProQuest, ABDC, SAJE, COPERNICUS,ERIH PLUS, CABELL, Sabinet and J-Gate Vol. 17, (Issue 4), December 2022 Pp 283–309 Millennial’s consumer behaviour during the COVID-19 … 284 millennials between the two countries, that is, South Africa as an emerging and Germany as an advanced economy. This study shows how consumers' choice was influenced by the pandemic before, during, and after the first lockdown. Making use of an online survey (meaning accessing millennials with internet access in both countries), it was found from a data set of 949 millennials in Germany and 676 millennials in South Africa that millennial’s shopping behaviour varied for specific product categories before, during and after the lockdown. As a result, this study concluded by providing recommendations for retailers, policymakers and researchers taking into account a pandemic scenario.
Navigating the digital divide : exploring the multifaceted 4IR challenges and technological disparities encountered by SMMEs within KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
(Private Company Technology Center, 2023) Sheik, Ismail
The dawn of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has been a harbinger of unparalleled technological innovations, reshaping industries and economies at an unprecedented pace. While these advancements promise a new frontier of opportunities, they also bring forth a myriad of challenges, particularly for Small, Micro, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMMEs). This research delves deep into the multifaceted challenges and technological disparities encountered by SMMEs in the wake of 4IR, with a concentrated lens on the enterprises operating within the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa. At the heart of this exploration is the pronounced digital divide, which exacerbates the gulf between well-resourced corporations and SMMEs. The divide is not just technological but extends to areas like access to finance, digital literacy, infrastructure, and the agility to adapt to rapidly changing business environments. As these SMMEs grapple with the challenges of integrating into the digital economy, they face hurdles such as limited access to advanced technological tools, cybersecurity threats, the high cost of digital transformation, and a dearth of skilled manpower to navigate the complexities of 4IR. Furthermore, the research sheds light on the systemic and infrastructural challenges in the KwaZulu-Natal region, which further compound the difficulties faced by local SMMEs. From inconsistent internet access and electricity issues to the lack of tailored training programs and financial schemes, these enterprises find themselves in a precarious position, trying to bridge the chasm between traditional business models and the demands of the digital age. By offering an in-depth analysis of these challenges, this study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the obstacles that SMMEs face in the current 4IR-driven economic climate. It emphasizes the need for a multi-stakeholder approach, involving governments, industry leaders, educational institutions, and financial institutions, to collaboratively develop strategies, policies, and interventions that can empower SMMEs. Through targeted support, capacity-building initiatives, and fostering an ecosystem of innovation, there's potential to not only narrow the digital divide but to position these enterprises as key players in South Africa's 4IR journey. This research, thus, serves as both a clarion call and a foundational blueprint for ensuring that no enterprise, regardless of its size, is left behind in this transformative era.
Postgraduate critical mass for sustainable development : experiences from Durban University of Technology
(Business Perspectives, 2015) Chule, Siyabonga Goodwill; Dzwairo, Bloodless; Moyo, Sibusiso
Human capacity growth is analyzed quantitatively and tackled critically for the functional purpose of meeting the chal-lenges of sustainability in the South African context. The progression of Bachelor of Technology degree (BTech) stu-dents is studied for the academic period 2004-2014 as these form a potential pool of postgraduate candidates at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). The first objective of the research study involved analyzing the enrolment and graduation rates. The second objective was to assess the type of enrolments (part-time/full-time) and to correlate the gender, the ethnic groups and the demographic factors. The third objective was to quantify the academic year fre-quencies for graduates in the enrolled qualifications and finally the authors evaluated and scaled the popularity of qua-lifications in the respective faculties. The findings in this research indicated a ‘strong growth’ of expertise for the human capacity development, presented by a concentrated large number, at an erratic progress for sustainability of the potential pool of postgraduate students. The indicated ‘strong growth’ was found in the Management Sciences Faculty within the Business Studies Unit, and in Civil Engineering in the Civil Engineering and Surveying Department. The lack of strong growth in other areas within some of the qualifications in faculties could be due to a lack of the diverse expertise in other disciplines of Manage-ment Sciences and Engineering amongst other reasons. In the Applied Sciences the low numbers of scientists indicates the low throughput as a reflection of low enrolments. The enrolments numbers are low but there is a huge potential as demand continues to increase so to realize the skills targets in the knowledge economy as outlined by the South African National Development Plan targets for 2030. Addi-tionally, the high numbers of engineers are key towards South Africaâ€™s infrastructure development.
Risks and factors contributing towards rural entrepreneurial orientation growth of business in an emerging economy
(Virtus Interpress, 2016) Lekhanya, Lawrence Mpele; Visser, Kobus
This paper examines risks and critical factors contributing to the rural entrepreneurial orientation growth of businesses. The concept of entrepreneurial orientation and various factors influencing the rural entrepreneurial orientation growth are still not well known. The study aimed to assess risks and critical factors affecting rural entrepreneurial orientation growth of businesses. Questionnaire was developed and used to collect primary data from 127 rural entrepreneurs. The sample was made with small and medium entrepreneurs operating in rural places. They were selected using quota sampling, with respondents completing a questionnaire with the assistance of an interviewer. The study used quantitative technique for data collection. SPSS (23.0) version was used for data analysis and scientific statistical significance level found to be (.000*) at the Cronbach’s alpha (.791*) reliability. Results of the survey reveal that majority indicates competition as a big challenge for them. Findings further indicate that competitor is due to the small market and lack of products differentiation. This study introduces an additional literature in the field of entrepreneurship with specific reference to rural entrepreneurship. The paper will benefit rural entrepreneurs, entrepreneurial marketing managers, potential young entrepreneurs, business consultants, policymakers, financial institutions, government agencies and all affiliated stakeholders by introducing a new understanding of risks and various critical factors causative into rural entrepreneurial orientation growth of business in an emerging economy. Most work on the entrepreneurship development has concentrated in the urban areas with little emphasis on the rural places. The findings of this study limited by study’s exploratory, small sample and quantitative nature. Therefore, generalisation of results should be done with care and further research is encouraged and should aim at the development of technical skills that will empower and encourage entrepreneurial orientation growth culture among rural and young entrepreneurship in the developing and emerging economies countries.
The Significance of Emerging Technologies in Promoting Internationalization of Rural SMEs in South Africa
(MCSER Publishing, 2014-09) Lekhanya, Lawrence Mpele
Internationalization of rural SMEs can be able to assist in building of rural economic development in the developing countries including South Africa. Because of their characteristics, SMEs are far more flexible and responsive to frequent changes that occur in the contemporary, global environment than large enterprises. This paper intends to analyse the significance of emerging technologies in promoting internationalization of rural SMEs in South Africa. The paper also analyses the most frequent problems of rural SMEs failure to use emerging technologies as a strategic tool to promote internationalization. The primary data was collect using quantitative method. Data was collected from five rural areas of the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province. The sample consisted of 374 SMEs owners/managers, selected using a quota sampling method, with respondents completing five-point Likert scale questionnaire with the assistance of an interviewer. The results reveal that the majority of respondents believe that emerging technology is a very important promotional tool that can be used by rural SMEs to access the international markets; however, the findings also indicate that rural SMEs in rural KZN are affected by lack of technology standards/networks. Further research should aim to develop training capacity building programmes that will provide entrepreneurial skills and encourage entrepreneurial technology innovation and use of new technologies among rural dwellers particularly in KZN.
Succession planning and staff retention challenges : an industrial outlook and major risks
(Virtus Interpress, 2017) Maphisa, Sindisiwe Bonisile; Zwane, Bonginkosi Keith; Nyide, Celani John
The sugar manufacturing industry in the emerging economy is potentially at high risk of not achieving its goals of increasing production output. This is due to higher than average age of growers, nonexistence of effective succession planning to expedite the transition to a new generation of growers, related increasing departure of farmers from the industry and difficulty in attracting new talent to the industry due to the high cost of entry. This research sought to explore managements’ perceptions of succession planning and the impact it has on retention at a Sugar Manufacturing Company. In order to achieve the research aim and objectives, a qualitative approach was utilised in the form of an exploratory case study. A single case study was also chosen because this is a critical, unique and revelatory case and the researchers had access to the case previously inaccessible to empirical research. Purposive sampling was used and total of 15 managers participated in this study. The study found that the company is not doing enough to implement succession planning programmes even though there are potential candidates who can be trained and developed into management positions.
The use of integrated supply chain management model for promoting competitiveness in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturing industry in Nigeria
(Business Perspectives, 2016) Ogunlela, Gabriel Oyebanjo; Lekhanya, Lawrence Mpele
The importance of integrated supply chain management cannot be overemphasized in any business due to the emergence of inter and intra firm trade, literature has confirmed that the success of any business in all parts of the world depends on the effectiveness of their supply chain management. The focus of this paper is to present an exploratory study on the use of integrated supply chain management model for promoting competitiveness in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturing industry in Nigeria and explore critical factors affecting implementation and use. Primary data are collected from 80 selected respondents in FMCG manufacturing industry based in Lagos Nigeria. Quantitative method of data collection is used. SPSS 22.0 is used to analyze data. Findings of the research indicate the significance of .000* with .879* Cronbach’s Alpha reliability. It also reveales that most of the tested variables are very significant. The study will benefit FMCG manufacturing industry in Nigeria and affiliated stakeholders as well as international communities by providing them with recent model. The findings are limited by the study’s exploratory, quantitative nature and small sample, therefore, generalization of the results should be done with care and further research, with a large sample encouraged.
Whether to adopt or not? : a cross-country comparison of consumer resistance towards the Internet of Things in households
(2021) Meintjes, Corné; Heidig, Wibke; Dobbelstein, Thomas
The uptake of IoTs in households worldwide is lower than predicted and comparatively slower in developing countries than in developed countries due to inadequate digital infrastructure. This study aims to understand why the Internet of Things in households (specifically smart household appliances) have been resisted and have not been adopted to predicted levels by comparing Germany as a developed country to South Africa as a developing country. The specific focus was on innovation and consumer characteristics, perceived risk of adoption, and personality considerations, using a smart refrigerator. Through regression analysis of data generated from a quantitative survey of 1665 consumers from Germany and South Africa, it was found that both resistance and adoption are influenced by how intrusive the smart appliance is, how the consumer perceives its usefulness and whether it is considered novel or new. The perceived price of the smart appliance also played a role in adoption. Only South Africans’ perception of their capability to use a technologically innovative product influences their resistance to the smart appliance. Adoption is not the inverse of resistance when considering the constructs in their totality. Consumer innovativeness, influenced by uncertainty avoidance, played a significant role among the German and South African participants both resisting and adopting smart products. However, the cultural dimension of uncertainty avoidance also influenced consumer innovativeness. On the other hand, South Africans’ spirit of innovation influenced their resistance to and adoption of smart appliances more strongly than their German counterparts.