Theses and dissertations (Management Sciences)
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Item Towards effective strategy implementation in the public sector : an appraisal of the Zimbabwe agenda for sustainable socio-economic transformation(2024) Mapaona, Bennitta Desire; Lubombo, MusaraPublic management scholarship consistently confronts the challenge of strategy implementation capabilities within the public sector, a pressing issue particularly pronounced in Zimbabwe, where institutions frequently face hurdles during implementation. Scholars lament the scarcity of empirical research aimed at improving public strategy implementation, particularly within Zimbabwe's socio-political context. Formulated in response to this invitation, this study addresses the challenges of implementing public strategies in Zimbabwe, focusing on the Zimbabwe Agenda for Sustainable Socio-economic Transformation (ZIMASSET) from 2013 to 2018. Using a critical realist approach and a pastiche of theories encompassing the environmental, cultural, power, and learning perspectives, the study examines the complex dynamics affecting public strategy implementation in unstable sociopolitical context such as Zimbabwe. Inspired by Sun Tsu's adaptable strategy principles, the study analyses interview data collected from participants in the Office of the President and Cabinet Permanent Secretaries, ZIMASSET implementors, and public intellectuals to examine key aspects of public strategy implementation. Findings reveal deep-rooted issues like political interference, leadership disengagement, outdated policies, and weak institutions, hindering ZIMASSET outcomes. The theoretical framework helps explain the environmental factors, cultural dynamics, power structures, and learning processes influencing ZIMASSET implementation, underscoring the need for multifaceted solutions. Challenges include limited stakeholder involvement, transparency issues, and external constraints such as economic sanctions. The study advances the discussion on public strategy implementation in Zimbabwe and proposes a framework for enhancing public strategy implementation. The proposed framework presents practical insights for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners. The study hopes to contribute to a broader understanding of the challenges in translating strategic plans into tangible socio-economic outcomes, potentially extending beyond Zimbabwe's borders.Item The effectiveness of the supply chain management system at a selected community education & training college in KwaZulu-Natal(2024) Mthethwa, Bhekefini Sibusiso Vincent; Jugmohan, Sean; Shonhiwa, KudakwasheThe current Community Education and Training Colleges (CETCs) have evolved from the old Adult Education and Training (AET) system where all supply chain management processes were centralised nationally in Pretoria. The decentralisation of supply chain processes to CETs in 2019 meant that the CETCs were expected to carry out all the supply chain management functions. The devolving of the supply chain management (SCM) function to the CET colleges meant that a selected community education and training college (CETC) has a mandate of servicing all the community learning centres (CLCs) and satellite learning centres (SLCs) falling within their jurisdiction. This study embarked on an exploration of how a selected CETC has responded to the transition of inheriting SCM functions. This was done by: firstly attempting to establish how human and physical resources impact on SCM in a selected CETC; secondly the identification of possible prevalent SCM risks; thirdly identifying performance measures to supply chain practices; and fourthly establishing what supply chain risk mitigation strategies affected SCM practices. Against this backdrop, the study made recommendations on all four objectives in the process, also suggesting the possible risk mitigation that could be applied to the possible challenges that this study endeavoured to unmask or reveal. In order to collect data that would enable the study to draw these findings on the effectiveness of SCM in a selected CETC, a quantitative method was adopted. The study sourced data from a population size of 118 respondents comprising all management officials at the central office of the selected CETC and all CLC managers and satellite supervisors on the PERSAL system of the selected CETC. The study applied the STATA 17 software package to present the statistical data analysis of the data collected. Consequently, graphs and tables were used in the study to interpret data which corroborated the findings of the study on the effectiveness of SCM systems in a selected CETC, espoused in the objectives of the study.Item Unfair credit practices, borrower challenges and risks, and the role of the National Credit Act in the eThekwini Metropolitan Area(2024) Zulu, Lungelo Percival; Msuya, Norah Hashim; Womack, Anna Johanna CathariThe South African government enacted the National Credit Act No. 34 of 2005 (NCA) primarily to increase consumer access to credit markets, protect consumers from unfair credit and credit-marketing practices by credit providers, promote a fair, accessible marketplace, and establish national norms and standards relating to consumer protection, as well as reduce consumer over-indebtedness. Consequently, credit providers are obligated to adhere to strict rules and regulations when determining a credit consumer's affordability prior to granting home loans. Given the importance of the NCA and the absence of support consumers received from the previous Usury Act No. 73 of 1968 and the Credit Agreements Act No. 75 of 1980, this research seeks to investigate unfair debt practices, challenges and risks experienced by borrowers in connection with unpaid debts, and the role and strategies of the NCA in addressing such challenges and risks. The study employed a quantitative research method. Respondents (credit consumers) completed a survey questionnaire (hardcopy or online) by indicating their credit perspective in terms of unfair credit practices encountered within the market; challenges when trying to access credit; risks in connection with unpaid debts; and the strategies of the NCA to prevent such challenges and risks; along with awareness of the Act. The data strongly suggested borrowers encountered multiple challenges and risks, as a direct result of unfair credit practices by providers. An overall analysis revealed borrowers are unclear regarding the NCA and its provisions. However, findings revealed the NCA does play a significant role in regulating the South African credit market. Prior to enactment of the Act, only a percentage of low- and middle-income groups had access to credit; to ensure equal access, a formal, accessible credit market had to be established.Item Business leadership competency for innovative strategies post COVID-19 among small and medium enterprises in Gauteng Province, South Africa(2023) Mugivhisa, Fulufhelo Lindelani; Ogulu, ChristianaThe COVID-19 pandemic brought many challenges to South African business leaders, such as optimising hybrid teams, attracting and retaining workers with needed capabilities, and making the most of scarce competencies. Current and complex challenges require leadership with the necessary skills. Besides COVID-19 challenges, business organisations and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) must deal with economic downfall, social unrest, and corruption. Leadership plays an important role in ensuring business competitiveness amid these challenges. This study investigated the business leadership competency required for innovative strategies required post-COVID-19 among SMEs in Gauteng Province, South Africa. This involves identifying leadership competencies and proposing a framework for innovative leadership. A sample size of 384 respondents was drawn from owner/managers of SMEs in Gauteng Province. A mixed-method approach was adopted using both structured interviews and a closed-ended questionnaire through an online survey. The results showed that most of the SMEs agreed that COVID-19 challenged SMEs with several difficulties. The research highlighted business leadership competencies for innovative strategies post-COVID-19. The main findings revealed that training and developing employees play a pivotal role in shaping and influencing business performance, which is critical to the success of a business and ensuring innovation. Furthermore, the survey results showed that most SME owners/managers prioritise the competency of setting targets, reviewing and improving financial performance. Results also indicated that adaptability, flexibility, and resilience are necessary to meet changing market conditions. Furthermore, the study highlighted the importance of building diverse and expansive networks. Additionally, findings show that SME Leaders must be willing to take calculated risks for the business to emerge successful.Item An integrated approach to managing single-use-plastics(2024) Roopnarian, Oshea; Singh, ShaliniSocieties’ reliance on plastic materials and excessive consumption off Single-Use-Plastics (SUP) associated with poor regulations and conglomeration of plastic waste in the environment has had radical and far-reaching consequences on food chains, strained landfill territory and declined tourism, to name a few. The expanse of these effects suggests that the negative impact of SUP warrants urgent attention. There are urgent calls from the Group of Seven (G7), Group of Twenty (G20) and Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) intergovernmental bodies along with the United Nations Sustainability Development Goals to control the detrimental effects of SUP. This study aimed to develop an Integrated Quality and Environmental Management System (IQEMS) to control the consumption, use and pollution caused by SUP in the South African context. Accordingly, the objectives of this study explored selected quality (ISO 9001:2015) and environmental Standards (ISO 14001:2015) with their applications and a SWOT analysis in order to inform the integration process. This study followed a qualitative research approach and gathered data using a systematic literature review and thematic analyses. Two-hundred and twenty-three articles were selected from different databases such as Pubmed, Web of Science, Emerald, Scopus and Taylor and Francis. Some of the keywords that were used to search the databases were “SUP”, “ISO 9001”, “ISO 14001” “Industry 4.0”, “Risk Management”, “Plastic Pollution”, “Integrated Management Systems” and “SUP regulation”. Following these analyses, the study Benchmarked different legislative and economic strategies undertaken by other countries for both the private and public sector to mitigate the impact of SUP and developed an integrated management system (IQEMS). Thereafter, a perception study, using interviews was undertaken with experts to determine the usefulness of the proposed IQEMS. The research concluded that the integrative system was useful and the study presented a way forward for South Africa from the legislative level for both the private and public sectors in the management of SUP. It is envisaged that the integrated system can assist in developing guidelines and protocols for the facilitation of active involvement of municipal management in sustainable programmes. The outcomes of this can spur the development of different niche markets, thereby stimulating employment and the local economy.Item Improving the administration of disability grants in South Africa’s social security agency(2024-05) Luthuli, Mthokozisi Sydney; Dorasamy, NirmalaImproving the administration of disability grants in South Africa’s Social Security Agency was the primary focus of the study. Although the South African social security grant categories include the child support grant, older age persons’ grant, disability grant, grant-in-aid, care dependency grant, war veterans grant and the foster child grants, this study only focused on disability grants. In South Africa, fraud and maladministration are among the challenges impacting the quality of public service delivery. In terms of the study, the impact of this amongst other issues were investigated. The aim of the study was to improve the administration of disability grants in South Africa’s Social Security Agency, identify gaps and forward recommendations. The study adopted a mixed method approach using the SASSA offices in Gauteng, Western Cape, and the KwaZulu-Natal provinces. The data collection tools were interviews and questionnaires, while SPSS and computer software instruments were used to analyse and interpret the findings. This study’s original contribution was to improve the disability grant policy by introducing a more critical framework for addressing the disability grant issues that undermine the effective administration of disability grants at the selected South African Social Security Agencies. The contribution to the study was three-fold [1] Gaps in literature; [2] a conceptual analysis; and [3] Methodological/theoretical (statistics and interview contribution).Item The influence of organisational change on organisational culture and employee engagement at a retail distribution centre in KwaZulu-Natal(2024) Ndlovu, Thobeka; Murwirapachena, GeniusOrganisational change remains one of the most critical challenges facing organisations. It is imperative for employee engagement and organisational culture to be incorporated into the organisational strategic goals to enhance employee performance and organisational success. Generally, organisational change can be triggered by factors including the business, political, economic, and cultural environments, competitor initiatives, technological innovations, globalisation, or restructuring. The riots that happened in several parts of Durban and Johannesburg in July 2021 affected several businesses. In the aftermath, studies have emerged detailing the impact of the riots, yet very few studies, if any, exist on the impact of the unrests on organisations across the retail distribution sector. This study aims to close this gap by investigating the impact of organisational change on organisational culture and employee engagement within the retail distribution sector. The study fulfils three main objectives to achieve this aim. The first objective is to examine the Influence of organisational change on organisational culture. Secondly, the study seeks to examine the Influence of organisational change on employee engagement, and lastly, the study aims to determine the role of demographic factors, if any, on the influence of organisational change on organisational culture and employee engagement.Item The role of Agribusiness Development Agency (ADA) in developing emerging black commercial farmers in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)(2023) Ndlela, Zenzele; Zondo, Robert Walter DumisaniThis study sought to examine how the Agribusiness Development Agency (ADA) supports the growth and development of emerging black (Africans, Indian and coloured) commercial farmers in KwaZulu Natal (KZN). The study was anchored on the theory of change which provides a model of how a project management-oriented entity such as ADA should work. Using qualitative research in the form of in-depth interviews (ten participants) with emerging farmers supported by ADA, ADA senior managers and KZN Dept of Agriculture and Rural Development officials and document analysis, the study found that ADA plays a fundamental role in supporting emerging black commercial farmers in the study area through provision of grants, production inputs, equipment, technology, and infrastructure development. Despite the assistance from ADA, findings indicate that emerging black commercial farmers encounter several challenges that are both internal and external. The study also provided recommendations on how ADA should deal with challenges encountered by emerging black commercial farmers. The following policy suggestions are recommended: Financial services, such as credit, must be made available to emerging farmers at reasonable interest rates, including grants with low interest rates for the blended finance scheme, until commercialization. Requirements for accessing loans, funding, or credit for new farmers should be restructured or amended based on the farmer's ability to repay the credit rather than the availability of title deeds or assets as collateral. To gain a better comprehension of their farming regions and techniques, as well as to improve their communication with farmers, extension agents should routinely visit the areas where emerging farmers reside.Item Assessing the influence of organizational culture on small, medium and micro enterprise’s business sustainability in the eThekwini Municipal area(2024) Khoza, Ntokozo Thanks-LordThis research accepted that the government of South Africa supports the development of Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) due to their potential to grow the country’s economy. The research then aimed to ascertain the extent to which the influence of organizational culture on SMMEs can influence business sustainability in the eThekwini Municipal area of South Africa. The study scrutinized the ability of SMME managers and operators on how they can through organizational culture ensure business sustainability in a way that contributes to sustainable economic growth. Additionally, the factors that influence the development and the performances of SMMEs in the eThekwini Municipal area were observed. The study follows the human behaviour of SMME managers, operators, and business owners as to how they can contribute to economic development and survive in the competitive market. Using simple random sampling, data was collected from various SMMEs in the eThekwini Municipal area. A total of 250 entrepreneurs responded to the questionnaire. This data was captured and analyzed on SPSS (version 26) and yielded descriptive statistics. The key findings were that the entrepreneurs revealed that business awareness; transparency; market capturing; opportunity recognition; market intelligence; clarity of purpose; business risk; creativity; self-motivation; and team spirit were all significant in founding and operating a successful business. A challenge that emerged from the respondents was that a high number of entrepreneurs did not give much significance to assuming responsibilities. However, they were taking good care of their environments and using their cultural values to reform the environment. The main objective is that entrepreneurs, operatives and managers must learn to assume responsibly if they are to build their businesses and environment that renounces incorrigible act. This could also be an avenue for further research.Item Developing an integrated systems thinking approach to assessment of work integrated learning at Universities of Technology(2024) Reddy, Radha; Skinner, Jane; Green, PaulWork integrated Learning (WIL) is understood as a component in the successful attainment of a qualification within an appropriate field, assisting significantly in accomplishing the graduate attributes as demanded by employers. WIL calls for the practical exposure and engagement of students in the workplace that is seen as the first point of transition from higher education into the world of work (WoW). WIL is reliant on the attainment of various skills all of which need assessment in order to authenticate their achievement. It has been documented that challenges exist with the management of WIL as it involves engagement between three parties, the higher education institution, the student and industry (the external partner). One of these challenges is the assessment of WIL, which currently presents a disjointed, complex situation within a qualification, presenting the need for a more planned, systematic approach for successful implementation. Another challenge inherent in this assessment is the engagement of two learning sites and the inclusion of the activities of three partners within the assessment of each student. The active role of students in their own assessment activities is required if attainment of graduate attributes is to be achieved within a student-centred approach, while the involvement of various assessors with varied abilities being responsible for assessing WIL trainees within varied industry environments all presents a situation full of inconsistencies in practice. The focus of this study is therefore on establishing an optimum system of assessment of WIL within a complex situation involving an integrated approach which will also allow for flexibility of practice within the numerous sectors of industry. The study adopted a Systems Thinking theoretical framework, with specific reference to Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), which focussed on identifying interconnectivity within the practices of assessment of WIL. The study is anchored in the interpretivist paradigm and implemented a mixed methods design, allowing for a triangulation of the findings for a clearer understanding of the practice of assessment within WIL. Five of the six Universities of Technology (UoTs) in South Africa, were included as the study population. Two departments from the Management Sciences Faculty of each UoT were selected based on their offering of the WIL programme. The study population included the Academic WIL co-ordinators, industry mentors and students who had undergone WIL training. Quantitative data (questionnaires) complemented and supplemented qualitative data (interviews) in strengthening the analysis and the interpretation of the findings. Quantitative data was analysed by a statistician adopting the SPSS software package, while the qualitative data was coded into themes and categories by the researcher. From the data analysis it emerged that for a successful practice of assessment of WIL to be attained, it is important that WIL becomes an integrated practice within a qualification, with scaffolded assessment activities throughout the qualification, designed to promote and develop student Learning, Teaching and Assessment (LTA) activities, allowing for a holistic assessment of WIL and WIL related activities. It is clearly in the interest of all WIL stakeholders to ensure the success of this process. It emerged that assessment of WIL needs to be incorporated as a mix of authentic cocreated activities that are not reliant on one assessor, but the product of integrated activities of the key partners (academic WIL co-ordinator, industry mentor and the student). The study presents a model for the attainment of this integrated assessment of WIL, in the context of the identified theoretical framework, the literature reviewed and the analysis of findings of this study. The study recommends that WIL practitioners adopt the integrated model of assessment of WIL with inclusion of scaffolded WIL activities within the curriculum and foster a relationship of inclusivity between students, WIL practitioners and Industry mentors in engaging in assessment of WIL. It is also recommended that a community of practice is established holistically within an institution, amongst other institutions of education as well as the industry partners.