Theses and dissertations (Management Sciences)

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Towards effective strategy implementation in the public sector : an appraisal of the Zimbabwe agenda for sustainable socio-economic transformation
(2024) Mapaona, Bennitta Desire; Lubombo, Musara
Public 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 Findings reveal deep-rooted issues like political interference, leadership disengagement, outdated policies, and weak institutions, hindering ZIMASSET outcomes.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.
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, Kudakwashe
The 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.
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 Cathari
The 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.
Business leadership competency for innovative strategies post COVID-19 among small and medium enterprises in Gauteng Province, South Africa
(2023) Mugivhisa, Fulufhelo Lindelani; Ogulu, Christiana
The 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.
An integrated approach to managing single-use-plastics
(2024) Roopnarian, Oshea; Singh, Shalini
Societies’ 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.
Improving the administration of disability grants in South Africa’s social security agency
(2024-05) Luthuli, Mthokozisi Sydney; Dorasamy, Nirmala
Improving 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).
The influence of organisational change on organisational culture and employee engagement at a retail distribution centre in KwaZulu-Natal
(2024) Ndlovu, Thobeka; Murwirapachena, Genius
Organisational 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.
The role of Agribusiness Development Agency (ADA) in developing emerging black commercial farmers in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN)
(2023) Ndlela, Zenzele; Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
This 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.
Assessing the influence of organizational culture on small, medium and micro enterprise’s business sustainability in the eThekwini Municipal area
(2024) Khoza, Ntokozo Thanks-Lord
This 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.
Developing an integrated systems thinking approach to assessment of work integrated learning at Universities of Technology
(2024) Reddy, Radha; Skinner, Jane; Green, Paul
Work 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.
Customer relationship management as a strategic tool for customer retention at a selected ICT company in Johannesburg
(2024) Sibisi, Christopher; Rawjee, Veena Parboo; Govender, Jeevarathnam Parthasarathy
In the aftermath of Covid-19 and its negative impact on business and profitability, many businesses are seeking innovative solutions to curb the loss of customers. The adoption of effective customer relationship management (CRM) initiatives is on the rise in many industries in South Africa. This is primarily characterised by the fact that it is now extremely difficult to secure new business when the company continues to lose its existing business to competitors. The adoption of CRM has been profoundly successful because of its ability to synergise various units within the company to work together to achieve common goals. The goal is to provide quality customer service with the intention of achieving customer satisfaction that leads to customer retention. Through good CRM strategies, systems and processes, companies build strong organisational capabilities and competencies that enable them to create sustainable competitive advantages. This study focused on CRM as a strategic tool for customer retention at a selected Information Communication Technology company in Johannesburg. The study adopted a quantitative method to collect data on the various factors influencing the use of CRM in the organisation. The population of the study consisted of 121 employees in the company from whom the data was collected using electronic questionnaires as the data collection instrument. The study population consisted of sales, marketing, business development, outbound logistics and finance teams. These participants were selected because of their engagements with current and potential customers. The study used the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 software for data analysis. This software was used to produce graphs and tables to generate meaningful interpreted data. The demographic data was analysed using frequency distribution tables.
The influence of corporate social responsibility on business performance of a medium-sized manufacturing enterprise in eThekwini Municipal Area
(2024) Maome, Itumeleng Judith
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an organisation's ongoing commitment to ethical behaviour and economic development, as well as improving the quality of life for its employees and their families, the local community, and society at large. It is an unavoidable requirement for long-term development, particularly in developing countries. Although there has been some focus on CSR and business performance in large corporations, research on CSR in SMEs, particularly in economically depressed African countries is becoming increasingly important. To reap the benefits of CSR efforts, SMEs should be encouraged to create strategic CSR frameworks. Hence this study aims to investigate the influence of CSR on the business performance of a medium-sized manufacturing enterprise in the eThekwini metropolitan area. It will contribute to theoretical discussions and improve their performance. The data for this study was gathered in two parts, that is quantitative and qualitative. The pre- and post-CSR quantitative data were derived from business performance values obtained from company records. To collect qualitative data, both semi-structured and focus group interviews with the manager and employees were used. The SPSS was used to analyse the quantitative data, while Nvivo analysed the qualitative data. Furthermore, inferential statistics used in quantitative data included regression analysis and factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), while qualitative data analysis employed thematic content analysis. The findings of this study reveal that the medium-sized enterprise has a positive attitude towards CSR. Emanating from his humanity and Ubuntu, the owner of the organisation was inspired to practise CSR. The benefits gained by a sampled medium-sized enterprise that incorporated CSR into its business operations were highlighted in this study. This study adds to the existing body of knowledge on CSR and business performance in South African SMEs. It adds to the body of knowledge by creating a CSR framework for SMEs.
Reputation management at local government level : a case study of Amahlathi Local Municipality
(2024-05) Qaba, Pikolomzi; Dlamini, Bongani Innocent
This mixed methods study, titled "Reputation Management at Local Government Level: A Case Study of Amahlathi Local Municipality" aimed to explore the Amahlathi Local Municipality’s (ALM’s) reputation among stakeholders, assess how media reports reflect community members' opinions, evaluate stakeholders' expectations, and identify sustainable strategies for reputation management. The research employed a convergent parallel design, with a sequential mixed method data collected and integrated during analysis. Surveys and interviews were conducted with diverse stakeholders, including residents, Eastern Cape Corporative Governance and Traditional Affairs representatives, and municipal employees. The findings revealed a mixed reputation for ALM. While some stakeholders expressed satisfaction with service delivery and infrastructure development, others criticised the Municipality for perceived corruption and lack of transparency. Stakeholders' expectations focused on improved service delivery, increased transparency, and stronger accountability. Based on these findings, the study identified sustainable strategies for managing ALM's reputation, including fostering open communication, enhancing transparency, promoting community engagement, and strengthening accountability mechanisms. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on reputation management at the local government level, providing valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to improve the public perception and performance of municipal institutions.
Exploring the complexities of the relationship between political and administrative interface in Uthukela District Municipality : a systems’ thinking perspective
(2024-05) Mkhize, Patrick Sibusiso; Hardman, Stan
Systems theory leverages effective diagnosis and management of the complexities of politicaladministrative interface in the contemporary polycentric local governance systems. It is in that context that this research uses systems theory to evaluate the nature of the complexities of politicaladministrative interface in uThukela District Municipality and its Alfred Duma, Inkosi Langalibalele and Okhahlamba Local Municipalities. Such analysis is aimed to extract a systems model that can be adopted for diagnosing and managing such complexities not only in uThukela District Municipality, but also in the entire South African local governance system. The study is motivated by both practical deficiencies in uThukela District Municipality and its local Municipalities as well as theoretical deficiencies that characterise most of the existing studies on managing complex local governance systems. To therefore, address such practical and theoretical deficiencies, this study uses systems theory to evaluate the nature of the complexities of political-administrative interface vis-a-vis other actors in uThukela District Municipality and its local Municipalities. Through such analysis, the study aimed to identify a comprehensive systems model that can be extracted and suggested to uThukela for diagnosing and managing such complexities. The entire research process is guided by certain six critical research objectives and questions. First research objective and question evaluate and identify the critical political actors and their interactive activities in uThukela District Municipalities. Second research objective and question examine and identify the critical administrative and management actors and their interactive activities in uThukela District Municipalities. Third research objective and question assess and identify the complex networks of the other critical actors that integrate with politicaladministrative interface in uThukela District Municipalities. Fourth research objective and question analyse the complexities that arise from politicaladministrative interface vis-à-vis other actors and their impacts in uThukela District Municipalities. Fifth research objective and question examine the effectiveness of the approaches that are used for managing such complexities in uThukela District Municipalities. Sixth research objective and question sought to identify and extract a systems model that can be adopted for diagnosing and managing such complexities not only in uThukela District Municipalities, but also in the entire South African local governance system. Basing on these six critical research objectives and questions, theories revealed local governance organisations to be analogous to systems that constitute of different internal interactive subsystems and actors that also influence or are instead influenced by certain external actors. Certainly, such theoretical articulations echoed fundamental argument in this research that the use of systems approach would aid effective diagnosis and management of the complexities of politicaladministrative interface vis-à-vis other actors in uThukela District Municipality and its local Municipalities. Primary research was undertaken to analyse, compare and triangulate such theoretical articulations with empirical findings reflecting actual experiences of actual political, administrative and other actors in such complexities. Primary research was based on phenomenological ontology as the research philosophy to elicit practical views from the actual actors or participants in the political-administrative interface vis-à-vis other actors’ complexities in uThukela District Municipalities. Phenomenological ontology dictated the use of case study and exploratory research designs as well as qualitative research method. Qualitative research method entailed the use of interviews as the principal technique to elicit facts in their real natural settings and context. This aided thorough diagnosis and identifications of the points of conflicts and antagonisms in such complexities. Such research ontology, designs and methods were used to elicit views from a sample of thirty participants consisting of mayors, speakers, members executive council committees, oversight committees and all Section 54 and 56 in uThukela District Municipality and its local Municipalities. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews to permit eliciting of new insights from the participants. Obtained qualitative data from each of the thirty participants was thematically analysed. Thematic analysis was used to extract coherent common set of themes, subthemes and their associated narratives that logically and chronologically explain the critical political actors, administrative actors, other actors, such actors’ interactive activities, points of conflicts and antagonisms that induce complexities from such interactive activities. It also extracted themes and narratives on the impacts of such complexities on service delivery and the effectiveness of the approach so far used for managing such complexities. Findings imply that besides political-administrative interface, uThukela District Municipality as a “system” also constitutes of other subsystems that are reflected in the form of Alfred Duma, Inkosi Langalibalele and Okhahlamba Local Municipalities. However, as actors in such political and administrative subsystems interact with each other, they were also found to interact with certain other critical actors like certain community activists as well as business actors. To mitigate and manage these complexities of political-administrative, uThukela District Municipality was found to emphasise prohibiting political office-holders from holding municipal administrative offices and enforcement of councillors’ Code of Conduct to prevent their interference in municipal administration. Other measures were reiterated to include suggestion for abolition of speaker’s office, streamlining relationship between the mayor and municipal manager and use of relevant laws to manage collusions leading to corruption. To deal with such complexities, this study triangulated findings with theories to extract and suggest a systems model that can be adopted to comprehensively diagnose and manage the complexities of political-administrative interface vis-à-vis other actors in uThukela District and its local Municipalities. It is argued in that systems model that effective diagnosis and management of the complexities of political-administrative interface would require the application of certain six critical steps. In otherwords, the study not only suggested a systems model that can be emulated by uThukela District Municipality and its local Municipalities, but also by the entire South African local governance system. Even though through such systems model, this research enriched the existing theories on public administration and management, future studies must still assess how such a model can be scientifically tested using confirmatory factor analysis.
Embedding the advancement practice in South African universities : lessons from the Kresge Inyathelo Advancement Initiative (KIAI)
(2024-05) Sedumedi, Mosimanegape David; Hardman, Stan
The South African Higher Education academic enterprises are besieged with multiple challenges that threaten its viability. Both the government and academic leadership bemoan the dwindling fiscals and turbulent economic markets as factors contributing to this undesirable trajectory. This manifested in 2015, following the October student uprising over increases in student fees. Their main grievance was a call for zero-percent fee increase for the sector. The call later gravitated towards a demand for free education. Universities on the other hand, lament their dire need for student fees to augment the government funding to keep afloat. The impasse brought about by the students’ demand for free education on one hand, and the University’s quest for sustainability on the other, brought the South African Higher Education institutions’ viability model into scrutiny. Notwithstanding government’s obligation to public funding in a South African context, Universities are challenged to develop their own Advancement capacity to to mobilise resources from alternative funding sources. Advancement in this instance refers to a systematic and integrated approach to building and managing the external relationships with key constituencies and stakeholders thereby positioning an organisation to attract support (Inyathelo, 2015). This research is therefore aimed at contributing towards institutional Advancement body of knowledge, positioning it as a possible viability strategy. The study employs Stanford Beer’s (1981) Viable Systems Model’s diagnostic capability to analyse the Advancement practice to the end of informing organisational self-knowledge.
A critical analysis of partnerships between public higher education institutions and the retail sector in KwaZulu-Natal
(2024-05) Ramraj, Upaasna; Rawjee, Veena Parboo; Govender, Jeevarathnam Parthasarathy
Retail industries are one of the major contributors to the gross domestic product (GDP) and an employment hub that encounters recruitment challenges in a competitive world. A common factor relating to these challenges is the failure to attract skilled employees to occupy vacant positions. A viable prospect is for higher education institutions to establish partnerships with the sector. This study; therefore, aims to investigate the role of partnerships between public higher education institutions and the retail sector in KwaZulu-Natal Province. It does so by outlining the key success factors influencing partnerships, identifying skills relevant to the retail sector, and determining how to build and strengthen partnerships between higher education and the retail sector. The study conforms to the pragmatic paradigm, assuming an exploratory descriptive and cross-sectional mixed methods approach. Using descriptive and inferential tests, quantitative data were generated from a survey of 80 exit-level students as well as store managers representing 128 retail stores in KwaZulu-Natal Province. Qualitative data was yielded from interviews and focus group discussions with general managers, regional managers and retail floor supervisors. The overall findings demonstrated that relationships between education and retail require further strengthening. The main findings show that the transition process for graduates from universities to the labour market is challenging due to the misalignment of skills. The passive approach of stakeholders’ is regarded as key to skill misalignment, necessitating crucial intervention. The study recommends significant structured engagement between the sectors to allow a smoother transition into the labour market through the availability of skilled personnel. The study provides a framework for effective partnerships to guide industry partners, academics, and policy developers in establishing and managing partnerships between education institutions and the retail sector.
E-consumer awareness of digital consumerism concerning free data resource exploitation
(2024-05) Serubugo, Ayub; Penceliah, Darry
The ubiquity of digital technology with powerful smart equipment has transformed digital marketing, paving the way for digital consumerism. Electronic consumer data is being freely exploited at an exponential rate through constant company surveillance for the purpose of predicting profits. E-consumer online behavioural data is progressively becoming a valuable asset for precise, granular online targeting. However, e-consumers are oblivious to the fact that their digital traces are being monitored in the process of navigating the internet. Additionally, e-consumers are unaware that their autonomy is being eroded by unfair, capitalistic digital surveillance and profiling technology. The aim of the study is to assess e-consumers awareness of the influence of digital consumerism on free data resource exploitation. A cross-sectional mixed method research design using a validated Likert-type scale questionnaire survey was administered to a non-probability convenience sample of 400 respondents. Thereafter, interviews were conducted using purposive sampling of participants until sufficient data was collected based on the point of saturation. The saturation point was reached after interviewing 20 participants. Online survey data was analysed by SPSS 28 computer software for descriptive and inferential statistics and AMOS was administered for structural equation modelling (SEM). The data from the interviews was analysed using NVivo pattern matching and content analysis. The results reveal that while some e-consumers are aware of free data exploitation, most e-consumers do not notice that their online behavioural data is being harvested and exploited by online retailers. The findings may assist digitalised companies to initiate loyalty programmes by compensating e-consumer data resource input. Further studies should be undertaken to explore the remediation models for free data exploitation. A remediation strategy by online retailers to recognise e-consumers data input is paramount with the current, rapid growth of digitalisation in today’s data-driven economy. A cross-sectional mixed method research design using a validated Likert-type scale questionnaire survey was administered to a non-probability convenience sample of 400 respondents. Thereafter, interviews were conducted using purposive sampling of participants until sufficient data was collected based on the point of saturation. The saturation point was reached after interviewing 20 participants. Online survey data was analysed by SPSS 28 computer software for descriptive and inferential statistics and Amos was administered for structural equation modelling (SEM). The data from the interviews was analysed using NVivo pattern matching and content analysis. The results reveal that while some e-consumers are aware of free data exploitation, most e-consumers do not notice that their online behavioural data is being harvested and exploited by online retailers. The findings may assist digitalised companies to initiate loyalty programmes by compensating e-consumer data resource input. Further studies should be undertaken to explore the remediation models for free data exploitation. A remediation strategy by online retailers to recognise e-consumers data input is paramount with the current, rapid growth of digitalisation in today’s data-driven economy.
Rural-urban migration patterns to enhance service delivery in KwaZulu-Natal : eThekwini municipality
(2024-05) Nkabinde, Buyani; Lekhanya, Lawrence Mpele; Dorasamy, Nirmala
Townships in South Africa were designed and established when apartheid was at its peak. The challenge facing the democratic government in the developmental local sphere of government, is inefficient service provision, due to the continuous increase of local inhabitants, caused by an increased rate of rural-urban migration patterns. Urban planning focuses on city and town design and how the municipality delivers services to communities dwelling within these designed urban spaces. Rural-urban migration is the movement of people from rural to urban areas, with the main reason the pursuit of better opportunities to improve their socio-economic conditions. Therefore, the pull and push factors of rural to urban migration are clearly defined and explained in order to assist the municipal administration and academia to improve urban service delivery. The study adopts a quantitative approach with the sample comprising 350 respondents, purposively selected through nonprobability sampling and required to complete a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. The researcher assisted in terms of questionnaire administration. The completed questionnaire provided the quantitative data for statistical analysis, using SPSS version 28.0. Study findings indicate that, among other factors, a strong significance exists regarding increased crime levels in urban areas as a result of rural-urban migration patterns, with suggestions that include more money needs to be prioritised from government for policing and crime in cities such as eThekwini Municipality. Since there are more informal settlements because of rural-urban migration, it is also shown as necessary to create networked infrastructure in rural areas to improve communication for those working from home. To identify and explain migration to enhance service delivery at eThekwini Municipality, the study investigated the pull and push factors in migration patterns and their influence on service delivery, as well as examining the extent to which rural-urban migration can be used to deal with the current state of service delivery. In addition, the study determined the role of rural-urban migration in the overpopulation of urban areas at eThekwini Municipality, to suggest and recommend a conceptual framework that should be employed to improve the current state of service delivery in the municipality.
Leadership approaches to talent development and retention : a case study of a UOT in South Africa based on system dynamics
(2024-05) Govender, Gonasagren; Bodhanya, Shamim
Higher Education (HE) in South Africa has been recently affected by high staff turnover in the science faculties. The higher education system is under severe pressure given that the academic cohort of scientists comprises a majority of ageing white males. Thus, the higher education sector will have to ensure it attracts and retains scientific staff to address this potential crisis. High turnover sometimes occurs as a result of poaching from ‘sister institutions’ but, in the main, is due to staff losses to the private sector because universities cannot match the salaries offered in the private sector. A shortage of scarce skills has left universities with no option but to appoint foreigners in some faculties. This has a negative impact on staff retention. Furthermore, a career in academia is sometimes embraced through default rather than conscious choice. This results in lower productivity as there is little motivation for new staff to perform to their potential since they see academia as a stepping-stone to their ‘real career.’ Therefore, this study, sought to evaluate leadership approaches to talent development and retention using a qualitative system dynamics model. System dynamics modelling is a computer simulation approach to addressing social issues that is rooted in the agency-structure debate. The fundamental thesis of system dynamics is that the behaviour or observed phenomena in any system over time is largely determined by its structure and that effective changes or modifications can only be achieved through an understanding of the structure. The research was primarily qualitative, as system dynamics requires elicitation and understanding of the prevailing mental models in a system as the basis for developing a simulation model. System dynamics modelling primarily follows the systems thinking paradigm, which is a philosophical world view that is rooted in holism. The system thinking paradigm holds that all things and events inadvertently form part of a larger whole and they can be best understood within the context of this larger whole. A purposive sample of 30 members of staff from human resources management, executive management and members of the University Council was used to collect data through interviews and focus groups. Data was analysed using NVivo and a qualitative system dynamic modelling approach. The findings of the study led to identification of four consolidated themes, viz. talent development and retention; a system for talent management and retention; a process for talent management and retention, and recommendations for talent management and retention. The afore-mentioned themes were further categorised into nine sub-themes. The results show that several factors impact talent management, including bureaucracy and a lack of proper promotion processes. The findings from the system dynamics approach led to the formulation of four key variables: work pressurised induced turnover, resource dynamics for staff development, training dynamics and consultative strategic planning. The identified variables led to the development of an integrated SD-CLD model on leadership approaches to talent development and retention, which is a key contribution of this study. Therefore, institutions of higher learning must come up with talent development strategies that adhere to the prevailing laws such as the Employment Equity Act to achieve their strategic goals. A targeted training initiative is fundamental in developing the skills of academics in terms of teaching and learning and research. Hence, departmental courses, seminars and workshops for teaching and learning research excellence and general academic development need to be seriously debated within a given collegial, intellectual, and academic environment. This study has contributed to the literature on talent management, leadership, and retention from a university of technology where resource, constraints, culture, and politics play a crucial role on the final recipe. The study has further provided a springboard for altering or reviewing institutional policies so that the needs of employees are properly addressed, and the talent management framework is enhanced. Future research should consider expanding the scope of the study by other variables that are key to organisational effectiveness using a system dynamics approach.
Examining the utilisation of virtual engagement by eThekwini pharmaceutical representatives during COVID-19 restrictions
(2024-05) Gumede, Thabisile; Dlamini, B I
Customer relationship management (CRM) across all platforms is crucial for pharmaceutical companies to fully maximise and implement in meeting customer needs. During the COVID-19 lockdown, pharmaceutical companies were unable to fulfil their obligations of sharing critical education-related clinical information due to strict lockdown measures that were government imposed. The healthcare providers’ (HCPs) engagement and products offered by the pharmaceutical industry are regulated by the government. Almost all pharmaceutical companies were forced to re-evaluate and implement different methods of engaging with HCPs. During the COVID-19 period, pharmaceutical companies reviewed how they engage with HCPs. Pharmaceutical representatives’ role are crucial in ensuring that relevant product-related information is shared to the HCPs. The correct product information is cascaded from pharmaceutical representatives to the patients via their HCPs. It was expected that pharmaceutical representatives continue to engage with HCPs irrespective of lockdown restrictions. This gave a rise to virtual engagement as a method of engaging with HCPs. This study examined of utilising virtual engagement by eThekwini-based pharmaceutical representatives in meeting their targets and key performance indicators while engaging with HCPs. A quantitative study method using seventy-one respondents was employed to collect data related to virtual engagement by administering a questionnaire to the targeted respondents. The respondents completed the questionnaires which were purposely sent to a specific WhatsApp group consisting of eThekwini-based pharmaceutical representatives. Data was statistically analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software. The research questions focused on understanding: the influence of COVID-19 lockdown in successfully marketing products and services virtually; whether virtual engagements are an effective method for pharmaceutical representatives to interact with healthcare professionals, and marketing tools are successful in engaging with healthcare professionals. The results indicate that 68% of respondents engaged both virtually and in-person during the COVID-19 lockdown either 5 – 6 times or more than 8 times a week. Furthermore, there is a significant agreement that the representatives successfully utilised virtual engagement using Teams, WhatsApp and phone call. The results indicate a 53,5% positive effect of virtual engagement on the marketing of products to HCPs. This study concludes that the results concurred with other studies in the world and present an insight into eThekwini-based representative in utilising virtual engagements. Perception of pharmaceutical representative in utilising these marketing tools provided insight for virtual engagement post COVID-19. It is recommended that companies may re-adjust their state of preparedness in adopting virtual engagement where face-to-face interactions are limited and when investigating newer ways of implementing and migrating towards virtual customer engagements post- COVID-19.

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