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Theses and dissertations (Management Sciences)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/14

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Has files: YesSubject: search.filters.subject.Technological innovations--South Africa

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    The emergence of creativity and innovation from a quality perspective
    (2014-05-28) Dohery-Bigara, Francis; Singh, Shalini; Naidoo, R.
    Creativity and innovation drive organisational progress and is being heralded as the next competitive frontier for organisations. This study was initiated by current research which showed that the soft (infrastructure) quality management practices which focuses on people and culture had a greater effect on the pursuit of quality and innovation than the hard (core) quality management practices which focuses on techniques and methodology. Adopting a culture of innovation and creativity in quality instead of mere compliance, should drive the corporate quality strategy. This study made use of qualitative and quantitative research techniques by reviewing national and international related literature and used a questionnaire to investigate 54 ISO 9001 accredited South African organisations, respectively. It also investigated the degree to which creativity and innovation are practiced in these organisations, thereby exploring the gap between the importance of a factor to an organisation and the practice of the same factor. Results from Chapter 4 show that implementing innovation, the role of management and the role of government in encouraging innovation are very important but insufficiently practiced. The questionnaire revealed that hard/core factors are sufficiently practiced in quality but that the soft/infrastructure factors, which are important to innovation, are not. The respondents indicated that pursuing both quality and innovation simultaneously is an important goal and that the external and internal environment impact on innovation as much as the characteristics of the individual does. A model which attempts to consider all the factors that impact on innovation and quality is proposed. The model, called the Qic Model, consolidates previous research on innovation and quality through the Composite Model of Innovation and Quality and then proposes a tool called the Qic Assessment Matrix which can be used to strategically position an organisation or assess effort in innovation and quality.
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    Intellectual property management and protection : low intellectual property registration at universities : a case study of the Durban University of Technology
    (2012-11-19) Bansi, Ramika; Reddy, Karunanidhi; Chetty, Soobramoney
    The purpose of this study was to investigate the low rate of registration of IP rights such as patents, trademark and design rights at the DUT, through a survey conducted with the academic research staff. Managing IP at a University of Technology today has new dimensions with the implementation of the IP Act 51 of 2008. Stimulation of the development and commercialization of technology within South Africa may benefit the country and its citizens. The knowledge economy indicates that research, development and innovation are fundamental prerequisites for achieving and maintaining competitiveness and sustained growth. The researcher undertook to explore reasons for low IP registration as a means to increase such activity at the DUT. This study adopted both the qualitative and quantitative methodologies with questionnaires distributed to full-time academic staff in selected departments. Factors that contributed to the gap between academic research and intellectual property registration were examined. This study investigates activities relating to patent registration, as well as the academic performance of researchers at DUT. The literature reviewed indicated that factors affecting low intellectual property right activities at the DUT may be a lack of awareness, implications of the ownership provisions, funding and an effective institutional arrangement for the management of intellectual property. This study identified strengths and weakness of DUT‟s IP management system. It is envisaged that the findings of the study will contribute to increasing IP registration at the DUT, in particular, and other UoT‟s in general. Low IP registration can be attributed to lack of understanding and awareness of the ownership provisions of the IP Act. The study highlighted lessons to be learned from universities in other countries and how the DUT‟s system can grow into an efficient and effective means of promoting national innovation and economic growth. In an increasingly global world, the ability to invent, design and manufacture goods and services that people want is more vital to our future prosperity than ever.