Faculty of Management Sciences

Permanent URI for this communityhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/13

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 1375

Decision support systems : critical success factors for implementation
(1998) Averweg, Udo Richard Franz; Melville, Stuart W.
Decision Support Systems (DSS) are interactive computer-based systems developed to support managers in complex tasks requiring human judgment. DSS utilise data, provide an easy user interface and allow for the decision maker's own insights.
A critical evaluation of the Lean Six Sigma (LSS) programme at Valspar, South Africa
(1998-11-19) Naicker, Gayshree; Raap, Peter John
Increasing competitive pressure from global markets and technological developments has resulted in the continual demand for business improvement philosophies and methodologies to address this challenge. The LSS approach to business improvement has emerged in both the practitioner and academic literature as having a significant role in this area. In 2006, The Valspar Corporation embarked on a LSS initiative as a way to improve the business globally, to achieve sustained profitable growth and to enhance customer value. Valspar (SA) found the implementation of LSS a challenge because the organisation could not afford the appointment of a full-time Black Belt to manage the programme locally. Green Belts were appointed to lead LSS projects part-time. Management wanted to know if they have applied the LSS methodology correctly within the scope of the business, especially since not all organisations were successful in the implementation of LSS. The objective of this study was to determine the critical factors that affect the successful implementation of LSS at Valspar (SA) and to assess the degree to which these critical factors exist at Valspar (SA). In a census, the researcher used the questionnaire to gain information about the current views of employees on the LSS programme at Valspar (SA). The research highlighted the critical success factors for LSS implementation and the results of the evaluation revealed both the positive and negative aspects of the LSS programme at Valspar (SA).
Clustering : it's impact on the competitiveness of small manufacturers in the clothing industry in Port Elizabeth
(2000) Van Laar, Catherina Elizabeth; Davies, Theresa-Anne
This research has aimed to explore the impact of clustering on the ability of small manufacturers in the clothing industry in Port Elizabeth to enhance their competitiveness. The research study was conducted in two stages, which included both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Firstly, an exploratory qualitative study using the Delphi method was employed to identify the key problems currently being experienced by small manufacturers in the clothing industry. Finally, the application of a structured questionnaire to small manufacturers in the clothing industry followed, exploring the awareness of and interest in clustering as a strategy for enhancing competitiveness. A key observation to emerge from the qualitative research is that significant differences were evident between the responses of academics, professionals in small business development and small business owners. An analysis of the problems experienced by small manufacturers in the clothing industry revealed that high labour costs and low I productivity were the frontrunners. The lack of knowledge was cited as the most important problem preventing the wide scale implementation of horizontal clustering. Another key observance to emerge from the quantitative study is the fact that very few significant differences are evident between the two groups viz. small business owners and experts. The research indicated that although in the minority, horizontal linkages exist between small clothing manufacturers in Port Elizabeth. The results indicated furthermore that the majority of small clothing manufacturers in Port Elizabeth are
An investigation into the Generation X sub-culture on three South African metropolitan areas: their values and attitudes woth regard! to work, family, and marketing.
(2000) Aiston, Belinda; Mason, Roger Bruce
The term Generation X has generated a lot of interest and controversy around the world, particularly in America. Yet many people have been using the term without having a clear understanding of who Generation X is. Although there are numerous articles to be found on the American Generation X, very little research has been done in South Africa on this particular topic. The confusion that surrounds generational theory highlights the need for marketers to conduct more research on this particular area. The following study was conducted within the South African marketplace, in three major metropolitan areas, using quantitative research methods. The sample for the study consisted of three hundred respondents between the ages of 18 to 34. The respondents were selected using quota and judgement sampling. Respondents had to complete a five page questionnaire, with an interviewer present to aid in completion. The main objective of the research was to determine whether Generation X exists in South Africa, and if Generation X does exist, to what extent the South African Generation X differs from their American counterparts, in terms of their values and attitudes towards marketing, family and work.
An investigation into clustering/linkages as a strategy to enhance the competitive performance of small, medium and micro furniture manufacturing firms in Kwa-Zulu Natal
(2000) Pillay, Devika; Davies, Theresa-Anne
It has been largely accepted that Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are principal driving forces in economic development (UN-ECE, 1999; Istomina, 1998; Lalkaka, 1996). However, many small, medium and micro enterprises are constrained by an array of problems such as a lack of access to finance, training services and physical infrastructure. Also, small, medium and micro enterprises are forced to operate in highly competitive environments and transition economies and this limits the ability of small, medium and micro enterprises and even large organisations to operate successfully and efficiently. Consequently, a strategy focused on inter-firm linkages and collaboration could alleviate the problems faced by small, medium and micro enterprises. Research indicates that inter-firm linkages or clustering can lead to the emergence of collective efficiency, which facilitates the industrialisation of SMMEs and has the potential of contributing to economic development (Schmitz, 1995). A cluster would involve interaction between enterprises or networks of enterprises that produce identical or similar products. These linkages create 'collective efficiency' which is critical in sustaining a competitive edge. The ability of small, medium and micro enterprises to maintain this competitive edge will ensure greater success and opportunities for specialisation and differantion.
The relationship between the activity and impact training approaches as used in selected South African food manufacturing companies implementing total quality management
(2000) Lourens, Melanie Elizabeth; Chetty, Gopalkrishna
The aim of this investigation is to establish the relationship between the Activity and Impact .training approaches in selective South African food manufacturing companies in order to establish which training approach makes the greatest contribution to a Total Quality Management implementation strategy. The main characteristics of these two training approaches are the following: In the Activity training approach the focus is on individual training requirements. Here the trainee and/or the line supervisor subjectively identify individual training requirements (training needs). Furthermore, this approach has no conclusive form of evaluation being conducted, especially to determine whether the knowledge and skills gained during the training course has been transferred to the trainee's working environment Impact training focuses on results-orientated training aimed at meeting the needs of the organisation by providing employees with relevant knowledge and skills to improve their performance. The work environment is seen as an extension of the training programme enabling both the Human Resources Department (Training and Development Department) and the line manager to work in joint collaboration when measuring the trainees' performance in a practical environment A self-designed questionnaire was used to determine whether the selected sample population (n=171) follows an Activity or an Impact training approach when implementing a Total Quality Management strategy. The research revealed three pertinent findings: Firstly, Total Quality Management programmes implemented within the South African food manufacturing industry characterise both the Activity and the Impact training approaches.
The South African managed healthcare system and the general practitioner
(2000) Govender, Krishnavelli Marla; Raap, Peter John
Managed care is defined by Chetty (1999: 1) as "the practice of evidence based medicine with an approach to managing both the quality and cost of medical care". Managed care was introduced into South Africa in the last decade due to increasing cost of healthcare. All forms of managed care represent attempts to control costs by modifying the behaviour of general practitioners.
An analysis of the factors that influence the possibility of incurring bad debts in medical practices of sole practitioners
(2000) Kharwa, Saleem; De Beer, Marie
The purpose of this study was to determine and analyse the factors that influence bad debts in medical practices of sole practitioners. The objective of the research was to establish a system of accounts receivable management which would lead to improved cash flows in such practices and ultimately influence a reduction in the cost of medical care. To be able to establish such a system in medical practices conducted by sole practitioners, it was necessary to study the procedures used in the granting of credit, determine the collection policies in existence and ascertain the financial training and experience of staff employed. The research data, collected by means of a questionnaire, found that accounts receivable management in such medical practices is not of an acceptable standard. Furthermore, the lack of trained staff leads to poor collection techniques and lengthy debt collection periods. These factors increase the demand for financing, which in turn leads to increased fixed costs in the form of interest payments on overdraft facilities. Consequently, this impacts negatively on the cash flow cycle of the practice. In order to improve and speed up collections from debtors, recommendations are made in respect of the method in which accounts receivable should be managed in such medical practices. These include, among others, the separation of debt collections from other functions within the practice, the use of electronic media to collect accounts receivable, as well as the introduction of a course in basic business management within the curriculum of the Bachelor of Medicine. It is envisaged that the proper management of accounts receivable would assist in reducing the cost of medical care to the consumer.
An investigation into the influence of quality and standardisation of merchandising activities in grocery retailing chains on impulse purchasing in the Durban area
(2001) Bourel, Sandra; Mason, Roger Bruce
Little is known about the implications of merchandising activities of retailers, despite the fact that retailing plays a vital role in the economy. South African retailers, who are the only players in their domestic territory, need to be aware of the economic situation and of the expansion strategies of the main international retail actors. Unlike South African retailers, international companies are experienced in the world-wide grocery retailing field and have shown a lot of determination in expanding their presence and power on an international scale. This dissertation illustrates the landscape of grocery retailing today, and the risk faced by a reactive attitude by South African retailers in the face of international competition. The dissertation provides a framework, and a complete description, for integrating merchandising activities, which include visual merchandising activities, as a crucial tool to influence consumers' buying behaviour, through their impulse buying behaviour. This research project has, as its main purpose, the identification of a relationship between merchandising activities in the grocery retailing field and the impulse buying behaviour of shoppers. The dissertation addresses three issues for efficiently managmg merchandising activities, namely, the importance of the level of standardised merchandising, the role of perceived
An investigation into the level of socio-economic empowerment of women by identifying their lingerie buying behaviour in the Durban area
(2001) Heurtebis, Solene; Mason, Roger Bruce
The purpose of this investigation is to define the level of socio-economic empowerment of South African women by identifying their lingerie buying behaviour in the Durban area. This research set out to establish if there are relationships between the following three variables: * The level of emancipation of women - If they are high or low In socio-economic emancipation according to criteria identified in the literature review * Their buying motivations - When buying lingerie, do they consider it as a pleasurable and enjoyable experience or a task to complete? * The type of shops they patronise - Shops with a high level of service or self-service shops In order to reach this aim, the literature review provided information about the evolution of women since the beginning of the 1960's, about the evolution of South African women, especially since the end of the Apartheid system, and finally, about the influence of these evolutionary changes on fashion and on the lingerie field in particular. The purpose was to emphasise the link that exists between the level of empowerment of women and their fashion buying habits. Thus, it has been established that women do not only buy to please the members of their family, but also to affirm their personal identity. Moreover, four categories of women were identified according to their level of emancipation; that is, whether they are career oriented (plan to work or career women) or whether they are home ivprevent
An exploratory investigation of the relationship between the achievement of ISO 9000 quality standards and the level of customer service provided by manufacturing companies in the Durban area
(2002) Ganachaud, Luci; Mason, Roger Bruce
During the past 20 years, marketing in industrialized countries has evolved towards Relationship Marketing placing more attention on customer loyalty. To achieve this new objective, increased interest has been placed on delivering quality customer service. In parallel, the notion of quality has evolved toward total quality, now considering every aspect in the company. Following this evolution, new quality tools have been developed, such as the ISO 9000 standards.
A study of selected information technology systems on potential business units within departments in the M L Sultan Campus of the Durban Institute of Technology (DIT)
(2003) Ramroop, Navitha; Bhattacharya, Abhijith
Over the last decade computer technology has impacted tremendously on the survival and productivity of organisations. In today's technologically advanced business environment, much emphasis is being placed on obtaining a competitive advantage through the use of computers - a commodity that has become available to almost everyone in an organisation. Increasing global competition and pressing social needs have impacted with such vigo~ that even tertiary institutions are now facing major financial constraints, thus forcing them to investigate alternative sources of income to maintain sustainability. Through the use of computer technology - searching, retrieving, sorting, producing and organising data efficiently and accurately - the belief is that many departments at the M L Sultan Campus of the Durban Institute of Technology can be converted into income-generating units that can be self-sustaining. There are many departments at the M L Sultan Campus with the relevant infrastructure and person-power to establish business units. These departments vary in the services that they provide, thus relevant information systems need to be aligned to future business units within these departments. This study focuses on a) investigating the impact of information technology and its systems on businesses; b) ensuring that information technology and its systems is looked at a~ a cost effective resource for maintaining a competitive edge and promoting business value. The interaction of business processes, people and technology will ensure successful planning and implementation of strategies within the potential business units; and c) recommending to selected departments the expected fmdings whereby they could choose to adopt these recommendations to transform themselves into business units in order to maintain a competitive edge for financial sustainability.
A study of entrepreneurship in the Bangladesh area of Chatsworth
(2003) Ahmed, Desmond; Chetty, Rajendra P.
This study focused on a feasibility analysis of establishing entrepreneurs in the Bangladesh area of Chatsworth. Ute purpose of the research was to investigate strategies that would enable the development and promotion of entrepreneurship in the area, The researcher has noted from experience, living in an area contiguous to Bangladesh, that there is a serious shortcoming with regard to-entrepreneurial skills among people in depressed communities. The researcher needed to consider strategies of empowering them to earn a decent living. This research project looked at the Bangladesh area, which is indeed a very poor region in Chatsworth. Moreover, -the statement of purpose was to examine theoretical constructs related to entrepreneurship which would enable and empower depressed communities to become economically self-sufficient. In addition, the key objective of the study was to undertake an empirical investigation in the area of Bangladesh to determine the needs of the community with respect to development of entrepreneurship and to make recommendations for the economic upliftment of the community. The findings suggest that the people in the Bangladesh area want to embrace entrepreneurship. However, their main concerns are accessto finance, education and training. The existing small businesses in the area need financial assistance to grow and the people who want to start businesses need to have access to affordable finance. The present Government policy is to encourage the development of entrepreneurship both at community level and in educational provision.
The fostering of entrepreneurship at secondary schools in the north Durban region
(2003) Narain, Nalinee; Sookrah, R.
The Department of Education has, since 1998, introduced entrepreneurship education in government schools, for the first time. One of the overall developmental outcomes of the curriculum, of which there are five, is to develop entrepreneurial capacities. Economic and Management Sciences, one of the eight learning areas, encourages learners to develop basic skills and knowledge needed to manage their lives and their environments effectively; to understand the basics of the economy and how it works, and develop basic entrepreneurship, financial management and planning skills to operate effectively in the economy
Tourism grading as a marketing instrument in bed and breakfast establishments in the Durban metropolitan region : an entrepreneurial approach
(2003) Tanner, Charles Frank William; Rajah, K. K.; Penceliah, Soobramoney
This dissertation documents research that has been motivated by the growth in the bed and breakfast tourist accommodation sector as a result of the increasing number of visitors to and within South Africa and, particularly in the Durban region. In addition, the political and socio-economic transformation during the past decade has opened the way for entrepreneurs to develop alternative forms of tourist accommodation so that more people can benefit from tourism-generated income and contribute to the wealth of their communities. IV Urged on by large hotel companies and the government's aim to raise the quality standards of tourist facilities, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) launched a new and voluntary star grading system in November 2001. While this still competes with other grading and quality assurance schemes, bed and breakfast (B&B) establishment owner-managers are becoming more familiar with the benefits of star grading, a process that plays an important role in the marketing of their facilities. The purpose of this study was to theoretically and empirically explore and evaluate the way that grading assists entrepreneurs to perform the marketing function of B&B establishments. It examines the opinions and perceptions of owner-managers who are members of the local KwaZulu-Natal Bed and Breakfast Associations (KWABABA) as well as a number of tourism personalities who, inter alia, are professionally involved in promoting the quality standards of accommodation establishments. The conclusions that have been drawn from the literature review, interviews and questionnaire surveys demonstrate that the majority of B&B owner-managers are somewhat familiar with the star grading system, though only a few have been graded while some still have negative perceptions of the scheme. In order to promote a positive stance it has been recommended that KWABABA and other associations, with whom the B&B hosts network, should become more involved in sharing information, training and assisting B&B employers and employees so that these can become more professional in marketing their products and services to meet the expectations of corporate and leisure tourist.
Corporate telecommunications infrastructure as a service provider for small medium and micro enterprises
(2003) Pillay, Deenasegari; Andrew, Theophilus Nethiekreethum
South Africa has been classified as an upper-middle mcome developing country with a growth rate of 2.6%. In order to improve the quality of lives of all its citizens that includes the lowering of the unemployment rate, South Africa needs to achieve a growth rate of not less than 7%. One of the pre-requisites for economic growth is entrepreneurship. The SMME sector has been universally accepted as having the potential for generating employment and contributing to economic growth. In South Africa the SMME sector is a major contributor to the economy. Research has revealed that SMMEs fail in the first five years of start up or. stagnate in terms of development because of lack of skills, management expertise, finance and lack of basic infrastructure (such as electricity, physical premises and telecommunication). South Africa's entry into the global economy makes it imperative for businesses to have access to Information Communication Technologies regardless of the size of the business. The de-regulation of the Telecommunication Act 106 of 1996 made provision for SMMEs to provide telecommunication access to under serviced areas. This is a double-edged opportunity for the Durban Institute of Technology (M L Sultan campus) in that, the Durban Institute of Technology (M L Sultan campus) could become a Service Provider for Telecommunications access and at the same time provide SMMEs within its vicinity with Information Communication Technology access. This research outlines the various elements that a Higher Education Institution such as the Durban Institute of Technology (M L Sultan campus) needs to take into consideration for developing a Business Model to provide Information Communication Technologies to SMMEs within the vicinity of the Durban Institute of Technology. A sample of the SMMEs around the Durban Institute of Technology (M L Sultan campus) was interviewed to determine their ICT needs and their understanding of the impact of access to ICT on their business. It was found, inter-alia, that many SMMEs had no access what so ever and that there was a lack of understanding of the potential impact of ICT on their enterprise.
A study investigating the use of computer aided design (CAD) in the clothing sector to support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the eThekweni area
(2003) Patel, Fathima Bibi; Chetty, Rajendra P.
Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) systems have contributed significantly towards the quality and efficiency levels at large clothing companies. The disadvantages that SME's entrepreneurs face through the lack of access to new technology and technological skills affect their productivity and competitiveness.
The development of an incubator system to promote entrepreneurship for technikon fashion design graduates
(2003) Moodley, Sunthra
The South African economy is unable to support the employment needs of the growing number of graduates. In an attempt to address these needs, the proposed study focuses on the development of an incubator system to nurture young entrepreneurs (graduates), until they are able to survive independently – usually in two to three years.
An evaluation of goal clarity, trust in management and perceptions of organisational readiness for change at Durban Institute of Technology
(2004) May, Tuto
The research explored employees’ opinions on goal clarity, trust in management and perceptions of organisational readiness for change at Durban Institute of Technology (DIT). Where the organisation is going is critical in order for change to be successful, hence, clarity of organisational direction is vital during any change process.
The incidence of malnutrition and the identification of determinants affecting the nutritional status of rural black children aged 0 to 24 months in Umbumbulu, Kwa-Zulu Natal
(2004) Naicker, Ashika
This study examines the incidence of malnutrition and the factors influencing malnutrition amongst rural black children aged 0 to 24 months in Umbumbulu, Kwa-Zulu Natal so as to formulate guidelines for the development of a nutrition intervention education programme.