Theses and dissertations (Management Sciences)

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The ability of the South African Small Medium Enterprise Development Programme to promote economic growth and employment
(2008) Jessup, Dylan; Myburgh, Cornelius; Raap, Peter John
The ability of the South African Small Medium Enterprise Development Programme to promote economic growth and employment. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) offers the Small Medium Enterprise Development Programme (SMEDP) incentive grant programme to qualifying manufacturers in South Africa. The status of the progress of this incentive grant programme is unknown. The DTI alluded to an impact study in the 2004 DTI Annual Report but no further reference or publication of results of the impact study has been made. The objectives of the study are to investigate the following three criteria of the SMEDP and to develop benchmarks and recommendations for future incentive grants offered by the DTI. • Rationale for implementation of SMEDP; • Exploration of SMEDP merits; and • Measure of SMEDP success. The study is a secondary analysis design with both qualitative and quantitative components. The qualitative component allows the researcher to reflect on the process by which the incentive programme under investigation came into being, whilst the quantitative component allows for comment on the result of the process as per the markers developed in the qualitative component of the design. There were 152 sample cases used in the study. The outcome measures are the output measures stated in the Medium Term Strategic Plan which are: • The number of jobs sustained. v i • The number of jobs created. • The number of Greenfield’s projects supported. • The fixed investment in Rand terms. • The improvement in employment levels. The DTI achieved certain of the stated objectives. The empirical data analysed confirms the achievement of these objectives. There is scope for further empirical investigation for the future development of incentive grants. The contribution of the SMEDP to economic growth and employment growth is evident and such government interventions should be continued. The recommendations from the study include further investigation into the following areas to improve the benefits provided by manufacturing incentive programmes: • Limit the incentive to a specified Rand value per job created; • Volume driven turnover growth not price driven turnover growth; • The continued inclusion of expansions in future programme; and • Specified sector programmes i.e. textile sector.
Academics perceptions of community engagement at a selected University of Technology in South Africa
(2021-09) Patchappan, Terslina; Govender, Ivan Gunass
The South African society is unambiguously in a flux, plagued with wicked challenges such as increased levels of poverty, youth unemployment and an extensive public health crisis, which have become the societal norm. Increased prominence exists for university programmes to alleviate these challenges and sustain the South African landscape. This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of community engagement amongst academics at a selected University of Technology, namely the Durban University of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Academics’ perceptions towards community engagement are significant for the institutionalisation of engagement at the university. Against this backdrop, the main objectives of this study were to evaluate academics’ understanding of community engagement; assess the extent of their initiatives; determine their enablers and constraints to undertake such initiatives; and recommend strategies that could lead to an improved community engagement experience. The research design adopted was the quantitative paradigm, which entailed the distribution of a structured open and closed-ended questionnaire to the respondents. Against a Five-Point Likert Scale, the questionnaire comprised of six sections, each under a specific main theme related to the research topic. The simple random sampling technique achieved a sample size of 80 respondents from a target population of 102 academics. The sample respondents returned seventy-four questionnaires. This represented a high response rate of 93%, through the attribution of a personal method of data collection. Furthermore, the data collected was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 24.0 for Windows. Upon completion, the entire dissertation was verified against plagiarism through the Turnitin programme and achieved a 10% rating. The study found that workload demand and time are main inhibitors of community engagement. The researcher recommended that DUT should consider offering rigid empowerment and support structures for academics. Lastly, the research project concluded with directions for future research based on the insights of academics into community engagement in South African higher education.
Addressing bullying at a boy’s high school in Durban
(2023-04) Naidoo, Meedhaloshnie Ragoobathie; Hamlall, Vijay
This study aimed to explore the current status of bullying at a boys’ high school in urban KZN and the experiences and perceptions of bullying among the learners of this single sex, multicultural, multiracial school. The objective of the study was to investigate the nature, causes and consequences of bullying in this particular school. This study further proposed and implemented interventions that served to address bullying behaviour at the school. The study adopted the interpretivist paradigm and qualitative methods to answer the research questions. A participatory action research approach was used to conduct this study. The data collection methods were semi-structured individual interviews and focus group discussions. Content analysis was used to analyse the data. The non-purposive sampling method was used to select the target population, which consisted of five learners from the boarding establishment (a hostel for learners who choose to stay at school during the school term) and five from the day’ boys. Three educators were also interviewed: two males and one female. In total, this study comprised 13 participants. The data gathered from the interviews and focus group discussions with both the learners and educators indicated that bullying was highly prevalent at the school. Forms of both direct and indirect bullying were evident at the school. Direct bullying was both verbal and physical. Physical bullying took place more covertly in the form of boys using their body strength and size to punish and dominate the weaker boys. A considerable amount of verbal bullying took place at the school. This included acts of harassment, teasing, name-calling and ridiculing. Indirect bullying in the form of social exclusion involving ostracism, and the spread of rumours or gossip was also rife. Both forms of bullying targeted personal characteristics and generally constituted attacks on sexuality and appearance. The underlying themes for the causes of bullying behaviour were identified as boys subscribing to hegemonic forms of masculinity, power-seeking and peer expectation. Being in an environment in which there are predominantly male influences, the boys were expected to act like ‘real men’. They wanted to feel powerful and dominate the so called ‘weaker’ boys. This increased their social status in the eyes of their peers. Data generated from the interviews indicated that the consequences of bullying behaviour resulted in the victim experiencing a poor self-image and low self-esteem. Avoidance and absence from school, seclusion and isolation and an increase in violent behaviour were identified as major outcomes of being bullied. Participatory action was used to plan and implement an intervention programme for the whole school to tackle bullying. The aim was to create a safe, positive learning environment for the learners. The short-term outcomes of the programme were evaluated. The study recommends that it is imperative that the seriousness of bullying be recognised by all stakeholders in the school community for appropriate and effective measures to be implemented to reduce bullying in schools. It is not uncommon for school stakeholders to trivialise bullying that takes place in their schools. Many hold the view that bullying is part of growing up (e.g., boys will be boys) and should not be made an issue. Greater awareness of the problem of school bullying is required and a focus on prevention would ensure that schools create safer and more harmonious learning environments
Addressing bullying at a primary school in the Ilembe District, Kwazulu-Natal
(2023-04) Mthembu, David Nhlakanipho; Hamlall, Vijay
School-based bullying has over the recent years become increasingly common and vicious. Schools are a microcosm of society in general. The society we inhabit has become increasingly intolerant and violent. Kruger (2013) highlighted that bullying is rife in today's school culture, with devastating consequences which negatively affect not only learners and staff, but the broader neighbourhood community, the general school climate, and the overall functioning of the school. Research, according to Kruger (2013), shows that bullying can be a precursor to aggression and, if not addressed, may lead to more serious acts of violence. Bullying is a common problem in this school, according to the research. Boys are more likely to engage in physical bullying, such as beating, punching, and kicking, whereas girls are more likely to engage in verbal bullying, such as insulting, name calling, and spreading rumours, as well as cyber bullying. The study discovered that these types of bullying had a physical, emotional, and psychological impact on students. Bullying was found to be influenced by gender, age, socioeconomic level, and sexuality in this school. The school playground has also been identified as a common site for bullying. Gender discourses, according to the findings, play a significant role in promoting bullying in this school, as boys attempt to exert control over girls. The motivation of this study emanates from the need to tackle school bullying against the backdrop of violence that learners face in their school and home life. According to Childline (2019) bullying gangs often become violent gangs that are involved in crime, so schools need to respond pro-actively to bullying to prevent it becoming gangsterism. Research shows that most children believe that when they report the bullying to an educator nothing is going to be done to stop it. The overall aim of this study was to investigate and address bullying among learners at Sund Primary School in Mandeni, iLembe District. The goals of this study was to uncover the nature of bullying that learners face, the causes and consequences of bullying at the school, the effects of bullying on learners’ lives, to use participatory action research to plan and implement a programme aimed at creating a safe positive environment and to evaluate the short-term outcome of the programme. vii A qualitative Participatory Action Research was used in this study. The data was gathered through semi-structured individual and focus group interviews. The study included ten boys, ten girls and three educators as participants. This study was further aimed at contributing towards peace building and creating harmonious teaching and learning schooling environments through an ant-bullying intervention programme.
Addressing gender-based violence in Umlazi, Ward 83 Durban
(2023) Khuzwayo, Zanele Maureen; Hamlall, Vijay
Extensive research has pointed to ongoing and increasing gender-based violence internationally and in South Africa. The rampant escalation of gender-based violence in many South African townships is of particular concern. The main focus of this study was to investigate the experiences, perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs regarding gender-based violence of a sample of men and women living in Ward 83 in the township of Umlazi, in KwaZulu-Natal. This study looked beyond the dichotomy of women as victims and men as perpetrators, with a focus on understanding how society constrains and enables individual agency around gender-based violence and decision-making and how behaviour is affected by social norms and expectations. This study identified the sources of the attitudes and beliefs expressed by the chosen sample of community members in Umlazi using a participatory action research approach and implemented a programme of action aimed at preventing and reducing the prevalence of gender-based violence in the township through behaviour and attitudinal change. Men play an active role in shaping women's identities and controlling their behaviour. For this reason, the study included men living in the area. This study is situated in the social constructionist framework since the researcher was interested in understanding the experiences, perceptions, attitudes, and beliefs of a sample of men and women as described by them. This framework allows for the interpretation of gender, culture and social factors that shape identities and actions. The choice of a small sample is based on the intention to produce rich, in-depth qualitative data. The participants consisted of seven females and five males ranging in age from twentyone to fifty years old, since this study focused on the experiences of the adult community of Umlazi. The two main research methods employed were individual semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. The results were interpreted and analysed using thematic analysis. The findings of this study revealed that gender-based violence in this community manifested itself in various forms. However, I classified the consequences of gender based violence into two broad categories: physical and psychological. Scholars of gender and violence argue that there is no single factor that causes gender-based violence but rather an array of factors that raises the likelihood that a man in a particular setting may act violently towards a woman. Significantly, it emerged in this study that the main causes of gendered violent behaviour were associated with social norms, substance abuse and constructions of masculinity. The effects of gender-based violence were acute and immediate physical injuries and psychological trauma. The women mentioned feelings of depression and anxiety and suicidal thoughts. The abuse also impacted their self-worth and self-esteem. This study recommends an integrated comprehensive approach of all stakeholders in the form of community based intervention programmes towards the eradication gender-based violence.
Addressing sexual harassment among students at a Durban university
(2023) Jagath, Sahara; Hamlall, Vijay
Sexual harassment and gender-based violence have become pervasive and normal within South African society and is a matter of grave concern at colleges and universities. This study seeks to address sexual harassment among students at a Durban university. The study explores the understanding and perceptions that students attach to sexual harassment. The nature, cause and consequences of sexual harassment, and student suggestions on ways to reduce it, were examined. Ultimately a participatory action plan was implemented to tackle sexual harassment at the university. Drawing on Lorber’s (2000) social construction of gender theory approach, this study explored the lived experiences of students at the university. The theory is based on the premise that gender is constantly created and recreated during social interaction (Lorber, 2000). This allowed for the understanding of students’ experiences within a social context. The literature reviewed showed that gender relations and patriarchy contributed enormously to sexual harassment. The study adopted the Interpretivist paradigm and qualitative methods to answer the research questions. These approaches enabled data generation based on the participants’ interpretation and lived experiences. The non-purposive sampling method was employed to select twenty undergraduate students: twelve females; five males; one queer; and two bisexual participants. Data was generated using individual interviews and focus group discussions. The interpretive thematic analysis process of recognising, examining and identifying similarities and differences and thereby finding themes within the data was used. Three broad themes emerged, including who mainly perpetrated the sexual harassment; the nature of sexual harassment; causes of sexual harassment (embedded in subscription to violent forms of masculinity and socio-economic factors, confronting patriarchal discourses and resisting victimhood). The study argued that it was within the broader context of violent forms of masculinity and patriarchal power context that challenged and effectively silenced victims. Data generated revealed that the participants held a diverse range of understanding of sexual harassment and GBV. It was evident that sexual harassment was prevalent on campus. Female students are exposed and the main victims of such, with the male students, the main perpetrators. Students who are LGBTQIA⁺ were found to be vulnerable to sexual harassment mainly due to their sexual orientation. The study revealed the need to create better awareness on what constitutes sexual harassment and gender-based violence and participants suggested that victims, perpetrators and university staff have to work collaboratively to tackle the scourge. Participants all concurred that there is a need for focussed and ongoing education and awareness campaigns on campus.
Adoption of business intelligence by micro-small apparel businesses in the great eThekwini region
(2023-08) Mavutha, Winiswa; Corbishley, Karen; Kamwendo, Andrew
The increasing pressure of costs in the Small Medium Micro Enterprise (SMME) sector produces the need to continually improve management efficiency. This requires the use of different approaches, methods and tools. One method is the use of a digital business analytical tools, such as those related to business intelligence (BI). BI assists businesses with the analysis of information to make better decisions to improve business performance. The objective of this study was to determine factors influencing the adoption of BI in micro-small apparel retail businesses in the eThekwini region. This was a cross sectional study conducted among 161 apparel business owners who were selected using non-probability purposive sampling. Data was collected using an anonymous questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was conducted to determine the influencing factors for business intelligence adoption. The conceptual framework used for this study was the technology-organisation-environment (TOE) framework. The results from this study found that the factors that significantly influence the adoption of BI in micro-small apparel businesses in the eThekwini region are perceived relative advantage, organisational readiness, management support and organisational data environment. The results of this study have also indicated that there are not sufficient government incentives offered for technological innovations such as BI , particularly for micro-small businesses. While there are a number of government funding opportunities and business support mechanisms, the respondents indicated that government incentives do not support the adoption of BI and all the factors needed to be considered during the adoption process. The adoption and use of BI in the South African context could contribute greatly to the country’s GDP and generally create growth opportunities for South African SMMEs in the global market. Government support for such an initiative would help decrease the high unemployment rate in South Africa as more jobs would be created around the country through these projects.
The adoption of Internet technology among general practitioners in KwaZulu-Natal
(2008) Jones, Joanne; Raap, Peter John
The pharmaceutical industry is in the midst of a fundamental transformation. Time and cost constraints are forcing marketers to search for new ways to maintain and grow brand awareness. The amount of time that doctors allow for representatives to market their products is becoming less and less and as a result products are not getting the exposure they used to. Organisations that find innovative ways to maintain exposure of their products may gain a competitive advantage over those organisations that rely on traditional marketing methods. The prolific increase in the use of the internet may provide pharmaceutical organisations with a complementary channel to market their products. The objective of this study is to determine the levels of internet technology adoption among general practitioners. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) is one of the most influential research models in studies of the determinants of information systems/ information technology (IS/IT) acceptance. In TAM, perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use are hypothesised and empirically supported as fundamental determinants of user acceptance of a given IS/IT. Using TAM, this study sets out to determine general practitioners’ intention to use the internet as a source of pharmaceutical information. The literature review provides an extensive evaluation on the development of TAM and its application in different technologies. Based on these findings, the researcher developed this study to investigate internet technology acceptance in the pharmaceutical industry. Use is made of the descriptive survey method and data is retrieved from a sample of 105 general practitioners in Kwazulu-Natal. The observation is made via the benefit of a questionnaire. The process of sampling is that of convenient sampling. The analysis is quantitative and makes use of statistical analysis appropriate for the data. Analysis of the survey results produces useful insights into the factors influencing internet technology adoption by general practitioners. When analysing the independent variables, respondents were not in strong agreement about the perceived usefulness nor the perceived ease of use of internet technology as a source of pharmaceutical information. However, positive results from the relationships between the independent (perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use) and dependent variables (attitude and intention to use) provide valuable data with which organisations may develop internet-based marketing strategies. Based on the survey findings, recommendations using the Beynon-Davies (2004) Internet Adoption Model are suggested.
The adoption of lean manufacturing principles in electronic manufacturing : a case of Altech UEC
(2018) Naicker, Vanesh; Ramchander, Manduth
Electronic manufacturers are at increasing risk from offshore competition; often due to significantly lower labour costs abroad (Roberts, 2012). The implications are serious and, ignoring the threat, will, at best, lead to loss of market share and, at worst, the closure of many businesses with significant effect on the South African economy and society. This kind of competition has been seen in other industries. The clothing industry in South Africa, for example, has either failed or moved offshore. Traditional manufacturing production systems offer no solution to the problem, while a lean manufacturing has been associated with productivity increase, quality improvement, reduction of lead time and cost (Marudhamuthu & Krishnaswamy, 2011). According to Taj and Morosan (2011), waste is anything other than the minimum amount of equipment, materials, parts and working time which is absolutely vital to production. The focus of this study is the adoption of lean manufacturing principles in the electronic manufacturing industry in South Africa: a case of Altech UEC. The aim of this research is to identify the possible or potential of adopting lean manufacturing principles in the electronic manufacturing industry and, in particular, Altech UEC. The study identified the tools, techniques and drivers for implementation. In order to achieve the aim of the study, the following objectives were developed: • To capture employees’ perception of lean manufacturing and the principles that they believe have been implemented within Altech UEC; • To establish the impact being made or lack thereof of implementing lean manufacturing at Altech UEC; • To ascertain the challenges being faced by the implementation of lean manufacturing at Altech UEC; and • To explore the ways in which the implementation of lean manufacturing can be improved within Altech UEC. For the purpose of obtaining necessary information, the researcher employed a descriptive research design. With this research design, the primary data needed in this research are derived from the answers of the respondents of the survey through a previously used questionnaire. This study sought to explore the use and implementation of lean manufacturing principles at Altech UEC as the basis for understanding how lean manufacturing can benefit an organisation within a South African context. There were four research questions asked under the broader topic of lean manufacturing and through extensive research of previous literature and logical inferences made from the analysis of the data it was found that while some aspects of lean manufacturing principles were being used to improve upon the lean manufacturing process, there was still a great deal of improvement for Altech UEC to be a lean manufacturing organisation. The study was able to effectively conclude that lean manufacturing impacts positively on the manufacturing process and, if implemented correctly, the manufacturing process will run smoothly and efficiently. The more lean manufacturing aspects applied to the manufacturing process, the more likely it was to run smoothly and efficiently at an increased rate of production.
Agritourism as an instrument of improving rural communities’ livelihood in Ghana : a case study of Adjeikrom community
(2023) Kwabiah, Alexander; Molokwane, R. W. S.
In spite of the tremendous potential of agritourism resources in these locations, rural farming communities in Ghana continue to be underdeveloped. Utilizing these agritourism resources can help the economy of these areas to become more diverse and improve the people's quality of life by lowering poverty levels. This research aims to provide answers to this topic as well as new information about the growth of agritourism and its effects on the enhancement of rural livelihood in Adjeikrom. This study took the form of a case study, mixed research design was adopted. A questionnaire and an interview guide were used to collect primary data from a sample of one hundred respondents based on multi-stage and simple random sampling techniques. The data was collected within the Adjeikrom community. The statistical programme, SPSS version 24.0 was used to analyse the data. The result of the study revealed that the local community in Adjeikrom has benefited from agritourism initiatives in that through tourism, the community has been empowered, boreholes have been provided and there have been cultural exchanges as a result of host-guest interactions. The study revealed that there was high start-up capital for the local people and stakeholders. With regards to measures towards improving the appropriate development of Agritourism in the area, the expectation is that there should be a commitment on the part of all stakeholders to the improvement of livelihood in the community so as to alleviate poverty. For agritourism to contribute more towards the creation of job opportunities, entrepreneurial skills and income generation, it is recommended that the government through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture strengthens partnerships with the local business sector, the local community in general and all other stakeholders, as well as the policy-makers to ensure a faster integrated tourism development process, thereby allowing stakeholder engagements and training activities.
Aligning private higher education with the needs of the local tourism industry
(2015) Ramouthar, Shayna; Naidoo, Krishna Murthi
There is a considerable gap between what is provided by tourism education providers and the needs expressed by the industry. Literature pertaining to private higher education institutions based in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) curriculum provision is very limited. Therefore, this study sought to determine whether tourism qualifications offered at registered private higher education institutions in KZN are aligned with the needs of the local tourism industry. This study accordingly identified and investigated the gaps between the needs of the local tourism industry and the core tourism curriculum offered at private institutions. In addition, the study closely examined the curricula offered by analysing and comparing the similarities and differences between the tourism curriculums of each private institution. In order to provide solutions and recommendations for future curriculum development, stakeholder’s views on what a tourism curriculum offered at private higher education institutions should entail was evaluated. Respondents comprised of managers from selected sectors of the local tourism industry, tourism graduates, tourism curriculum designers and tourism academics of the selected private higher education institutions. To achieve the first and third objective, a mixed-methods approach was adapted. This empirical study utilised electronic surveys to obtain a sample of 164 participants. A document analysis entailing thematic analysis was also complied to address the second objective. The findings revealed that there are more similarities amongst the education providers’ formal curriculum content than differences. However, the tourism curricula on offer by all the sampled private higher education institutions were observed not to align with the needs of the local tourism industry. Therefore, this study identified numerous gaps between the needs of the local tourism industry and the provisions by private higher education institutions. The misalignment was found to be attributable to multiple factors for which recommendations are made.
Analysing rural tourism motivation factors and ICT adoption with specific reference to Malealea Lodge in Lesotho
(2015) Tsephe, Neo Puleng; Mnguni, Erasmus M.; Eyono Obono, Seraphin Desire
Tourism can be classified either as urban tourism or as rural tourism, and it is one of the fastest growing industries globally. Rural tourism is usually associated with rural development because it has strong linkages to rural resources; but it remains underdeveloped compared to urban tourism. This underdevelopment of rural tourism serves as a motivation for this study whose aim is to examine the factors affecting the perceived satisfaction of rural tourists especially in this digital world where Information Communication and Technology (ICTs) is pervasive. In fact, ICT has transformed the travel industry in a remarkable way. The objectives of this study were: I) to select suitable theories that can explain the perceived satisfaction of rural tourists; ii) to design a conceptual model of the factors affecting the perceived satisfaction of rural tourists; iii) to empirically test the planned conceptual model of the perceived satisfaction of rural tourists, and, iv) to recommend measures to be taken for the improvement of the satisfaction levels of rural tourists to the point where they can significantly contribute to the full development of rural tourism. These objectives were achieved using content analysis of existing literature on rural tourism satisfaction and through a survey of tourists from the Malealea Lodge which is located in the Mafeteng District, in the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho. The results of this study are the following: I) the push and pull motivation theory was selected to explain the perceived satisfaction of rural tourists; ii) rural tourism demographics, their push and pull motivation, and their level of ICT adoption were hypothesized as the factors that affect tourists satisfaction with their rural tourism experiences; iii) the satisfaction of rural tourists with their rural tourism experience is affected by their occupations (demographic factor), by their level of ICT adoption, and by their pull motivation; and this satisfaction is not affected by other demographic attributes nor by the push motivation of rural tourists; iv) it is recommended that rural tourism marketing be increased in order to attract clients from other regions besides Africa and Europe and other age groups apart from young Africans which were found by xiii this study to be the biggest rural tourism clientele group, and that peace and security be maintained in rural tourism destinations as these two attributes were found to have an effect on the perceived satisfaction of rural tourism. Finally, more research should be conducted on the effect of ICT adoption on rural tourism satisfaction.
Analysis and evaluation of strategic planning and implementation at TVET colleges : a case study of Lovedale College
(2019-04-24) Ndzoyiya, Lucky Coselela; Chetty, Gopalkrishna
The aim of this study was an evaluation of strategic planning and implementation at Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges. The study was premised on the rationale that besides the significance of strategic planning as an effective tool for organisations to employ, given the constant changing digitalised and globalised environment, there is documented evidence of academic institutions, particularly TVET Colleges not implementing strategic plans or alternatively not having a functional and up-to-date strategic plan. Such a situation certainly impedes the colleges’ efforts to achieve their developmental goals and objectives, and may additionally contribute to possible threats to the TVET colleges’ competitiveness, given that there is an emergence of newer types of colleges and universities which are dynamic and in touch with the changing environment. They tend to use these tools for their planning purposes. Lovedale College in the Eastern Cape was selected as the case study college for this research. The study employed the mixed method approach; utilising quantitative and qualitative approaches. The qualitative research method used in-depth interviews while the quantitative research method used questionnaires with key informants in the study area. The study found that the respondents had a reasonable knowledge of the concept of strategic planning. This finding has relevance for future studies. The reasonable knowledge that the staff have in respect of strategic planning is mainly due to the length of service or stability of the workforce or the continuous involvement of all staff in the strategic planning exercises over the years. This points to important lessons for other colleges. The study pointed to the need for a greater improvement with respect to strategic planning and the implementation process which may result from appropriate financial support. Furthermore, the colleges should have experienced and skilled human resources to undertake such planning exercises. The study also established that there is a positive and significant relationship between stakeholder experience, inhibitors and enablers, monitoring and intervention, and strategic planning and implementation. The study recommended that in order for the action plans of strategic planning and implementation are executed, it is useful to establish clear objectives and a roadmap to achieve these objectives.
An analysis of business intelligence of small, medium and micro enterprises and their effect on corporate governance in the eThekwini Municipal area
(2022) Hadebe, Mlungisi Hopewell; Dlamini, Bongani Innocent
This study was initiated on intelligence because firms nowadays are developing at a faster pace. Business intelligence is projected to play a critical part in assisting policymakers at every point of their activities to ease making decisions. This expresses why business intelligence has become one of the key areas of interest to workplace management which without the right implementation to governance, it would not be feasible to realize the likely gains that the implement can offer. Consequently, it is apposite to procure a business intelligence governance structure, which represents a subsection of corporate governance. Because intelligence is needed for improvements not only in business but all organizations this study aims to explore the extent to which SMMEs operators recognizes it as a tool that guarantees successful corporate governance. The study also examined the skill of the SMME managers and operators on how they can impart business intelligence into their business to ensure effective corporate governance in their area of operation. In the study, the issues that dampen the use of intelligence in business for the development and operations of SMMEs were investigated. The inherent basis under which this research was taken on was that of human behavior of SMME managers and their underlings expressly how they can use their intelligence to contribute to humanity and subsist the competitive market. Simple random sampling was employed to accumulate data from entrepreneurs in the eThekwini Municipal Area. An aggregate of 200 entrepreneurs responded to the survey, which has made the sample of the study. The elicited data was obtained and evaluated on SPSS (version 25) and generated both descriptive and inferential statistics. The basic conclusions of the study were that the entrepreneurs stated that planning, organizing, coordination, controlling, creativity, team spirit and decision making were highly noteworthy in determining and operating a thriving business. A contest emanating from respondents was that they were unable to adapt themselves to the environment where they can seize opportunities. However, some of them have the interest of their environment at heart to invest their effort for the growth and its development. The main recommendation that is made here is that entrepreneurs must learn how to familiarize themselves to realise business opportunities amid nothing to form something reasonable in the environment. The entrepreneurs must keep their actions, activities, conduct and performance in check where they can use the communicative elements of knowledge, skills, attitude, values, and competence to the advantage of mitigating social problems and making gains.
An analysis of the effect of managerial overconfidence through corporate investments on share price : evidence from some FTSE/JSE Top 40 index companies
(2017) Lawa, Emmanuel; Kwenda, Farai
The discipline of corporate finance has undergone numerous transformations over the past two-and-a-half decades. One such change has been in the area of corporate finance. Driven by certain behavioral biases, it has been observed that managers sometimes make subjective decisions that do not always follow the norms of traditional corporate finance. One such behavioral influence is overconfidence or optimism. There is a paucity of research on the impact that managerial overconfidence through corporate investments has on the general movement of a company’s share price. This study bridges that gap by investigating the effect of managerial overconfidence on the share price of 10 companies from the JSE/FTSE top 40 index. Its main objective was to inspect the relationship between managerial overconfidence and share price. The results show the presence of managerial overconfidence observed through the investment-cash flow sensitivity of firms. The fixed effects panel regression reveals that Tobin’s Q which is the proxy measure of the investment-cash flow sensitivity of a firm, does affect the share price. Holding every other explanatory variable constant, an increase in Tobin’s Q causes the share price to rise, which leads to the conclusion that managerial overconfidence does have an influences on the stock price. It is further observed that managerial overconfidence tends to increase with firm size. This is shown by the weak positive correlation between the Q ratio and LnTA, and Q ratio and sales. In order to avoid the possible loss in value of a firm caused by an overconfidence manager, it is recommended that shareholders or owners ensure that the manager clearly understands the company’s objectives and vision. Due to the resultant influence of managers’ on the value of a company’s stock, investors should not only look at a company’s past performance, as well as the price earnings ratio (PE ratio), dividend yield, DPS, or any other market value ratios. They should also consider the characteristics of the CEO before making their investment decisions.
An analysis of the factors that influence the possibility of incurring bad debts in medical practices of sole practitioners
(2000) Kharwa, Saleem; De Beer, Marie
The purpose of this study was to determine and analyse the factors that influence bad debts in medical practices of sole practitioners. The objective of the research was to establish a system of accounts receivable management which would lead to improved cash flows in such practices and ultimately influence a reduction in the cost of medical care. To be able to establish such a system in medical practices conducted by sole practitioners, it was necessary to study the procedures used in the granting of credit, determine the collection policies in existence and ascertain the financial training and experience of staff employed. The research data, collected by means of a questionnaire, found that accounts receivable management in such medical practices is not of an acceptable standard. Furthermore, the lack of trained staff leads to poor collection techniques and lengthy debt collection periods. These factors increase the demand for financing, which in turn leads to increased fixed costs in the form of interest payments on overdraft facilities. Consequently, this impacts negatively on the cash flow cycle of the practice. In order to improve and speed up collections from debtors, recommendations are made in respect of the method in which accounts receivable should be managed in such medical practices. These include, among others, the separation of debt collections from other functions within the practice, the use of electronic media to collect accounts receivable, as well as the introduction of a course in basic business management within the curriculum of the Bachelor of Medicine. It is envisaged that the proper management of accounts receivable would assist in reducing the cost of medical care to the consumer.
Analysis of the perceptions of crime against tourists in Florida Road, Durban
(2018) Phori, Madiseng Messiah; Mbali, Charlotte
The goal of this study was to investigate the perceptions of crime on tourists eating out at Florida Road in Durban. According to Visser and Rogerson (2004 cited in Goerge and Booyens 2014: 450), although South Africa has been classified as a relatively safe tourist destination, high levels of crime threaten the country’s tourism growth prospects. Crime Stats Simplified (2014) indicates that Durban central is one of the top ten worst precincts in South Africa with high crime rate at 10.9% after Mitchells Plain and Cape Town Central with 17% and 12.2% respectively. Therefore the study focused at the Florida Road since Durban has been a destination of choice for many visitors (Durban Experience 2015), with the aim of analysing the perceptions of crime on tourists eating out at Florida Road. Safety and security are regarded as pillars for tourism growth and destination competitiveness. The main objectives of this research were; to investigate the perceptions of crime on tourists in Florida Road; to determine whether the stakeholders such as police and businesses are doing anything to tackle the issues of crime against tourists; to investigate the stakeholders’ observation about behaviour of tourists in general in relation to safety and security in the area; to what extent does crime affects restaurant businesses that are serving tourists in the area; to make recommendations to what further can be done to prevent crimes against tourists in Florida Road and the province at large. The triangulation methodology was used by employing both quantitative and qualitative methods through descriptive research approach by means of self- administered questionnaires with 42 hospitality workers, UIP security guards & taxi drivers and 10 law-enforcement agencies and interviews and focus group discussions with 5 key informants respectively. The data collected was processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences [SPSS] and NVivo software programmes. The results were analysed using descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and a thematic analysis. There is a perception that the number of tourists has decreased in the last three years due to the crime and the area is currently experiencing high level of theft of motor vehicles and theft out of motor vehicles. There was a perception of safety and poor visitor experience due to vagrants who poses as car guards to commit crimes. There is a perception that visitors do not make return visits once they become victims of crime and some businesses do closes down or relocate, it is also perceived that businesses experience financial losses due to crime in the study area.
An analysis of the quality of life of people living in urban, formal, low-cost housing settlements : a case of Mount Moriah
(2020-01) Govender, Lydia Trisha; Msweli, Pumela
Apartheid left a legacy of extreme poverty, high levels of unemployment, and have marred the housing context in the country. This makes South Africa a unique landscape for quality of life research. The aim of quality of life research is to advance human and social development to improve quality of life and standards of living. The aim of this study is to analyse the quality of life of people living in urban, formal, lowcost housing settlements, through a case study of Mount Moriah in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal. The study analysed how the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) housing project improved the quality of life of RDP beneficiaries. The study utilised a quantitative methodology approach. The quantitative design took the form of a questionnaire with close-ended questions and served as an instrument of data collection. The questionnaire was administered to the housing beneficiaries in the Mount Moriah housing project. A total of 110 participants responded to the questionnaire. The data was analysed using the SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statistics such as tables, frequency, percentage, bar and pie charts were utilised, and inferential statistics such as chi-square test was employed. The findings showed that there were more female-headed households than males; and that the majority of the beneficiaries were Blacks. The findings also showed that unemployment rates and level of crime was high and the majority of the respondents earned below the upper bound poverty line. On the basis of the findings of this study, it is recommended that government implements and promotes socio-economic opportunities and programmes to promote quality of life of people living in urban, formal, low-cost housing settlements.
The antecedents of supply chain performance : a case of KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa
(2019-08) Mbambo, Daluxolo; Hove-Sibanda, Sibanda, Progress
Over the past years, there has been a growing significance in supply chain management (SCM) as a vehicle through which many companies/firms can reach a competitive advantage. Despite the importance of supply chain within today’s economy, little is known about how SCM mechanisms can contribute to firm performance. The main purpose of this study was to evince the influence of trust on supplier development, knowledge creation and supply chain performance (SCP) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Province, South Africa (SA). It was a cross-sectional study that was conducted with different samples and several variables. This is a quantitative study which used a probability and non-probability approach. The study was conducted using both the simple random technique and convenience sampling. Descriptive analysis was performed using the IBM SPSS 25 software package. A sample size of 495 respondents was used in this study. In total, 310 questionnaires were received from all respondents who participated in this study. Results specified that trust does not have any direct impact on SCP. However, based on the beta coefficient values, trust predicts better knowledge creation than supplier development. The empirical results show that an organisation/firm that has a high level of knowledge creation with its suppliers will yield greater performance within its supply chain (SC). As the supply chain performance enabled process was empirically defined, firms are therefore able to design appropriate collaborative strategies for their SC. Thus, the capability to integrate external knowledge from different sectors could be a major factor in firms’ improvement capacity. This study recommends that the South African Government must provide training for firm owners and easy funding access for SMEs in KZN to be able to confront competition from local and foreign competitors. Furthermore, this study suggests that staff development and training for public and private sector institutions as well as individual career management enhancement initiatives must be implemented. Collaboration with suppliers and other supply chain associates is strongly recommended, which should increase the chance to gain strengths, trust, knowledge creation, information sharing and technological proficiencies.
The applicability of a learning organisation philosophy for improving processes and practices in the Universities of Technology (UoTs) in KwaZulu-Natal
(2015-01-15) Mhlongo, Patrick Mbongwa; Zondo, Robert Dumisani; De Beer, Marie
The UoTs are operating in an environment in which they have to deal with multifarious and complex challenges. Responding effectively to such challenges has become critical for UoTs in achieving a competitive advantage and in outsmarting competitors. Traditional approaches which deal with rapid changes in the higher education landscape have become obsolete. The fact is that UoTs are faced with transformational challenges - increasing student intake, the need for improving throughput rate, the need for remaining financially sustainable while producing the top graduates required by industry. Given this background, this study investigates the application of a learning organisation philosophy for improving processes and practices in the UoTs of KwaZulu-Natal. Learning organisation philosophy has been identified as one of the best approaches for organisations in the corporate sector. It is used to achieve and sustain a competitive advantage. Learning organisation philosophy encourages the culture of continuous learning by members of the organisation, so as to achieve strategic objectives. This study provides UoTs’ perspectives of the learning organisation theory. Data was collected from employees of DUT. The sample was drawn from both administrative and academic employees. A self-administered questionnaire was used in collecting the data. The findings of this study reveal that the application of a learning organisation philosophy will help UoTs improve their processes and practices. Based on the findings, the majority of participants indicated that they would embrace and support the application of a learning organisation philosophy at DUT. It has to be noted that in the study, DUT was used as a case study.