Theses and dissertations (Management Sciences)

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

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Evaluating the sustainability of South Africa’s gambling industry
(2023) Mlobeli, Siphamandla; Hatikanganwi, Mapudzi
South Africa is a developing country that prides itself on having in-depth understanding of gambling activities. People engage in gambling activities like casino games and lotteries. Even though gambling activities have evolved from being a relatively unusual occurrence limited to brick-and-mortar casinos, bingo halls, race and sports books, it has become a technologically sophisticated sector that is growing significantly every year. The gambling activities have transforms how individuals gamble. People gamble in the comfort of their own homes. However, the growing importance of unregulated (and thus illegal) gambling in South Africa is a troubling trend. This study aimed at investigating the opportunities for the South African gambling sector to continue operating in the face of declining revenues. To establish the set objectives, this study adopted the use of qualitative methods particularly purposive sampling. The researcher acquired a representative sample of the three CEOs and 12 players from each of the three companies, Gold Circle, HollywoodBets, and Phumelela Gaming. In a similar vein, the 12 clients chosen from the three businesses have a history of doing business with them. The findings of the study revealed that both internal and external elements contributed to the industry's swift drop in fortunes. The internal variables include marketing, culture, issues with tax income, racing, wagering, and the use of human capital. Education, innovation, globalisation, a lack of skilled workers, economic and political instability, legal issues, restrictions on gambling, change, and government backing are some of the external variables. The study recommended significant government assistance for the industry. The national gambling board should also see to the closure of all illegal gambling establishments. The sudden increase in licence renewal costs and tax revenue needs to be investigated, to help the business regain its financial stability.
Modelling values, entrepreneurial competencies and sustainable development : a case of small, medium and micro enterprises in eThekwini Municipal area
(2023-04) Ogonsola, Sijuwade Adedayo; Potwana, Nobubele
There is a universal call to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity. This must be done in such a way that the needs of the present must be met without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This is what sustainable development is all about. Broadly stated, it refers to programmes, initiatives and actions aimed at the preservation of distinct areas such as human, social, economic and environmental. Governments at all levels are expected to be in the forefront of such initiatives. At the heart of economic development is the business world, in particular, Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises. There is overwhelming evidence that these categories of business are very responsive to societal needs and are thus able to mitigate the effects of afflictions such as poverty and unemployment. As such, the South African Government has some initiatives in place to assist them to grow. The kind of assistance that is mainly focussed on is financial and skills training. However, even with all that assistance, the two main ills of poverty and unemployment have not been dented. This observation gave rise to this study, to examine the behavioural competencies of entrepreneurs to see how values impact competence so that sustainable development is achieved. The research area was eThekwini Municipality, which is a Metropolitan City in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Its size and economic activity make it attractive to job seekers even from rural areas. The main aim of this research has thus been to determine the extent to which values and entrepreneurial competencies can impact sustainable economic development in the eThekwini Municipal Area of South Africa. To establish the set objectives, a descriptive research design was employed, using a quantitative research strategy. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire which was administered to the entrepreneurs through convenience sampling, yielding a sample of 400. The data was captured and analysed on SPSS (version 26) and SEM was used to test the structural relationships of the variables, these being Honesty; Integrity; and Transparency as these emerged as the key values that entrepreneurs should have while Accountability; Social Interaction and Personal Identity were conceptualised as key competencies. The main measures of sustainable development were Poverty Alleviation and creation of employment opportunities. Pertinent observations came out of the structural model which showed that honesty and transparency do not have an effect on accountability. Similarly, personal identity does not have an impact on integrity whereas integrity has a significant effect on social interaction. Furthermore, accountability does not have a significant impact on neither poverty alleviation nor creation of employment opportunities. The finding that integrity weighs more to society than anything else is to be taken seriously.
Social entrepreneurship as a tool for sustainable development in the townships in KwaZulu-Natal province
(2023) Akoh, Emmanuel Inalegwu; Lekhanya, Lawrence Mpele
Globally, social entrepreneurs have been identified as major contributors to solving social problems such as unemployment, poverty and inequality. They can also be considered a catalyst to economic transformation as a result of their significant contribution to a country’s Gross Domestic product (GDP) and have been identified as a crucial part of any country that aspires to achieve sustainable development. In countries, such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, France and Australia, growth in social value creation attributable to social entrepreneurs has strengthened, indicating any predicated or identified economic, social and environmental challenges may be mitigated or addressed by their inputs. This indicates beyond reasonable doubt that social entrepreneurs have an important role to play in any country and, it can also be argued, more especially in developing countries such as South Africa. The ineffective use and low contribution of this phenomenon to address the many socio-economic challenges affecting South Africa have been a significant concern to the South African government, academies, investors and policy makers, leading to a call for additional support for social entrepreneurship emergence and growth in the country. The National Development Plan (NDP) considers small businesses such as social enterprises a key component of any inclusive growth strategies and envisions by 2030, 90 percent of new jobs will be created by micro, small and medium enterprises. Research on factors affecting social entrepreneurs’ growth and their contribution to sustainable development in the country has seen various extensive studies in this field, nonetheless, a serious research gap remains regarding an in-depth understanding of those characteristics and factors that critically influence social entrepreneurship and improve their contribution to sustainable development. Furthermore, theoretical models of these factors are lacking. The current study, therefore, covers a critical research area with the potential to improve the present state of South African social entrepreneurship, with specific reference to social entrepreneurship within the townships in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). The study aimed to identify the critical factors affecting social entrepreneurship as a tool for sustainable development in the KZN townships and to propose a prototype model to improve its effective contribution, since the contribution level currently experienced in the social sector is poor, which is attributed to various significant challenges faced by social entrepreneurs in South Africa. Research was thus conducted in three townships within the KZN Province, employing a quantitative research method, where the study population consisted of 90 social entrepreneurs. A non-probability, convenience sampling technique was adopted, while a closed-ended questionnaire was used to collect the primary data for the study. Inferential and descriptive statistical analysis of the data was undertaken using SPSS (version 27.0) software. The findings of the study indicate several challenges severely affect social entrepreneurs, who are constantly faced with significant barriers that affect their performance, impacting on social entrepreneurs’ innovativeness and creativity that could promote and improve their contribution to sustainable development. The study identified environmental factors to have a significant impact on social entrepreneurs’ contribution to sustainable development, while society’s perception, social networking, social impact measurement and access to financial resources were also identified as catalysts to social entrepreneurs’ performance. Key insights are provided into both the theoretical and practical implications of social entrepreneurs’ contribution to sustainable development. In addition, an extensive range of recommendations is outlined and a theoretical framework proposed for those factors that social entrepreneurs, government officials, and policy makers can understand to help develop remedies for current challenges affecting social entrepreneurs
The impact of financial audits on the sustainable growth of SMME’s : a case study of the eThekwini Municipality
(2021) Mkhize, Nkanyezi Lindani Alen; Chazireni, Bobo
Small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) play a very important role in the economies of the world. However, the sustainable growth of these businesses in South Africa is one of worst recorded, as 90% of them fail within the initial stage of their existence. This study sought to investigate whether financial audits had an impact on the sustainable growth of SMMEs in South Africa. The New Companies Act 71 of 2008 of South Africa has brought about a lot of changes in the regulatory requirements of SMMEs to relieve them of administrative burdens and increase their sustainability. This, however, worked adversely against these businesses due to the barriers which inhibit their longevity. This can be attributed to the notion that managers/owners of the SMMEs have become oblivious to the risks inherently associated with businesses, and that this is enhanced by SMMEs not having to account to anyone (that is, there is no regulatory body or entity that controls these businesses). The commander and the agency theories, highlight the importance of separating ownership and control amongst SMMEs to align information symmetry between interested parties. A quantitative approach was followed in conducting the study and data was collected from SMMEs in Durban, under the eThekwini Municipality using a semi-structured questionnaire. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed to analyse the sample demographics, and then mean and standard deviations were computed for the variables.
An evaluation into Nambiti Private Game Reserve as a tourism contributor towards socio-economic sustainable development of local communities
(2022) Dladla, Simphiwe Sandile Justice; Chili, Nsizwazikhona Simon
This study focuses on the contribution of the Nambiti Private Game Reserve as a tourism attraction towards improving the welfare of the local community of Cremin through a socio-economic sustainable development. The primary focus of tourism growth is to make the most of socio-economic gain amongst the neighboring communities. This is however not always the case as most rural communities adjacent to private game reserve, national parks and heritage sites are among the least developed communities in the Republic South Africa. it is, therefore, necessary for this study to examine and evaluate whether rural communities residing near private game reserves, heritage sites and national parks are benefiting socially and economically. The purpose of this study is to determine if Nambiti Private Game Reserve has an important responsibility in social and economic sustainable development of Cremin community. For purpose of this study, both qualitative and quantitative methods of research are applied in a form of a case study approach. The benefits of using a qualitative approach involve that of collecting more in-depth information from respondents which enables the researcher to examine respondent’s experience in detail through research tools such as the semi-structured interviews, whereas quantitative research generates statistics using large-scale survey research using tools such as questionnaires with closed-ended questions. The study was undertaken to examine the contribution of the Nambiti Private Game Reserve towards ensuring that the welfare of the Cremin community is improved socially and economically. This study was conducted in the Cremin region which had a total number of 21 households as of 2006 which than grew to 58 households with a population of 174 in 2016 (STASSA, 2011). The Cremin region falls under the uThukela District in Klipriver and is 25 kilometers from Ladysmith, Kwazulu-Natal. This study plays a key role in the exposition of the contribution of the Nambiti Private Game Reserve to emancipate the community while at the same time it reveals challenges that are faced by all the concerned stakeholders especially the Nambiti Private Game Reserve authorities to achieve the principles of sustainable development of the local community of Cremin.
Evaluating private game reserves' contribution to community development : a case-study of Kwandwe Private Game Reserve
(2020-04) Stuma, Phelokazi; Giampiccoli, Andrea; Jugmohan, Sean
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the application of the community development-model adopted by Kwandwe Private Game Reserve (KPGR), in the Eastern Cape, towards sustainable development of communities near the location of the game reserve. Community development is one of the important areas that the government of South Africa is targeting to reduce poverty and inequalities. Many initiatives have been proposed through local authorities to enhance local economic development. KPGR provides work opportunities for the local people to enable them to earn household income. The study draws from a mixed method approach wherein elements of quantitative and qualitative techniques were used to obtain relevant information from 300 respondents. These include employees of KPGR, the management of KPGR, Ubunye Foundation and the community members of Branderstone and Kransdrift. Findings of the study revealed that many factors adversely affect KPGR from exercising some of its corporate social responsibility. These include limited interaction of KPGR with the surrounding community, low literacy among community members and inadequate infrastructure. These factors adversely affect the community developmental model in the Branderstone and Kransdrift communities. To mitigate these concerns, the study advocates a thoughtful and strategic involvement of the surroundings, harnessing the potential of local communities and investing in infrastructural projects which are crucial for community development.
The influence of global sourcing on local firms’ competitiveness, supply chain competence and performance in the sugar sector in South Africa
(2021-04) Makhaye, Phumlani Marcus; Hove-Sibanda, Sibanda, Progress
While a variety of studies have conducted research on the influence of global sourcing, only limited studies have investigated the supply chain competence, competitiveness of local firms and performance within the South African context. Hence, this study illuminates these themes with the intent of suggesting proactive strategies for the South African sugar industry. Furthermore, this study also attempts to suggest means through which the service delivery could be enhanced within the African continent and beyond, while also attracting, retaining and motivating professional business relationships with potential buyers of South African sugar cane growers and manufacturers of sugar from other countries. This study used a quantitative research approach. It focused on suppliers and manufacturers of sugar in South Africa (KZN), particularly sugar manufacturing firms and their sugarcane suppliers who are affiliated with the South African Sugar Association. A final sample size of 312 participants who were selected through the simple random sampling method was used in this study. A designed questionnaire was used to obtain relevant information from these participants. The primary findings of this study indicated a positive and significant influence of global sourcing on local firm competitiveness, supply chain competence and supply chain performance. The results from the study suggest that sourcing some products globally can make the local sugar manufacturers and cane suppliers to enjoy cost and value competitive advantage, help them to create a competence and improve performance for the entire sugar supply chain. They show that there is possibility to create situations where global sourcing and job loss minimisation/stoppage in local firms of South African sugar industry. These findings have relevance for South Africa and for other African countries within the same industry. The study indicated that, to attain competitiveness on a global scale, while meeting the global sourcing expectation standards, these sugar industries need to advance and sharpen their capacities. Invariably, findings emanating through this research may be beneficial to the South African sugar industry as the study provides recommendations on supply chain as well as its advocacy on measures which can enhance service delivery.
Perceptions of beachgoers and beach managers on the Blue Flag Award : the case of KwaZulu-Natal beaches
(2020-11) Mukaronda, Lesleen Chenesai; Sucheran, Reshma
The tourism industry has faced a massive growth in the previous years with the beach ecosystem being the most popular scene of leisure and recreation. With this growth comes undisputed environmental impacts such as solid waste, noise and air pollution, unattractive landscapes and erosion on the beach ecosystem. It is to this effect that the Blue Flag certification has been adopted by many coastal municipalities to mitigate the negative environmental impacts that tourism and recreation expose. KwaZuluNatal has a minimal number of beaches with the award and literature has proved that the awareness and knowledge of the award among beach users is sparse. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive examination of the Blue Flag status of KwaZuluNatal from a sustainable development perspective. Moreover, the study aims to assess the attitudes, awareness and the knowledge of the Blue Flag award amongst beachgoers and municipality managers as well the barriers facing the adoption of the Blue Flag in KwaZulu-Natal. A mixed method approach was used in this study and data was collected by means of structured self-administered questionnaires and semi structured interviews. The results indicated that the knowledge on the Blue Flag award by beachgoers is sparse. It was also evident that the award come with both benefits and challenges but when challenges are combated it leads to benefits. It is therefore recommended that municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal attain the award to ensure conservation and economic benefits. The research conducted is anticipated to be highly beneficial towards the improvement and reinforcement of the Blue Flag award in the country and it will perpetrate the need for environmental education and awareness of the award among beachgoers.
The role of Green Campus Initiative (GCI) as integral part of environmental and sustainable resources utilization : a case study of Durban University of Technology
(2021-10-30) Shange, Hlanganani Siduduzo; Hlengwa, Dumsile Cynthia
The Green Campus Initiative (GCI) is quite an old movement around the world, but it was only initiated in South Africa in 2012 by the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr Blade Nzimande. The reason behind the initiating this movement was to make institutions of higher learning mindful of the negative natural effects that are brought about by their everyday socio-economic activities. Moreover, the GCI movement looked to provide a platform for students to gain information and get involved in the movement for change and sustainability. Numerous universities in South Africa participate in GCI, but encounter numerous challenges and limitations, which curtail full-scale implementation and beneficiation. The objectives of this study were to assess the progress on the Green Campus Initiative programs, examine the impact that the GCI has had at DUT, determine the challenges of implementing GCI at the DUT and investigate mechanisms of promoting GCI at DUT. Extensive literature review was conducted to locate the study within existing research. This study used qualitative research method, conducting interviews with some stakeholders and questionnaires to others. Data were analysed using qualitative techniques such as themes, words, word cloud, word trees and others. The study found that while quite a number of activities had been done in the past to promote GCI and prizes won at interuniversity competitions, GCI at DUT was still facing a number of challenges. These challenges emanated mainly from the lack of environmental policy, which would enable the university to develop a fully-fledged GCI office. The study also discovered that academic departments were involved on an ad hoc voluntary basis resulting in some not promoting GCI.
Factors affecting family owned businesses in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
(2018-09) Mlobeli, Siphamandla; Mapudzi, H.
Family owned businesses play a vital role in the entire South African economy. The main objective of the study was to investigate the factors affecting family owned businesses in Durban, KwaZulu Natal (KZN), as well as to establish the leadership styles of management present in family owned businesses. The study also aimed to establish the effect of succession planning on these businesses and propose strategies for the sustainability of family owned businesses. The study was exploratory and qualitative research methods were used to conduct the research. Scheduled individual in-depth interviews with family owned business managers/business owners were conducted by the researcher. The respondents consisted of five businesses that were selected by the researcher around Durban; the respondents were chosen by means of non-probability sampling methods. The findings of the study revealed that there is a lack of communication between family owned businesses and the government; hence, the government has no support towards family owned businesses. The majority of the respondents indicated strategic planning and succession plans as major factors affecting the survival of family owned businesses. Other factors that the respondents highlighted include poor financial management, lack of technology, globalisation, family feuds, lack of education within the family owned businesses, lack of business experience, skill shortages and poor leadership. Based on these findings, the researcher recommended that family owned businesses need to critically evaluate all the internal and external factors before and during the progress of the business. The researcher further indicated that a clear succession plan is required, while family owned business managers need to lead by example.

Theses and dissertations (Management Sciences)

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