Faculty of Management Sciences

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Adoption of social media for effective marketing by micro-hospitality businesses in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
(2022) Nkosana, Tenson; Mnguni, Erasmus M.; Skinner, Jane Phyllida
The rise in popularity of social media as a marketing instrument has fundamentally changed the way in which small to medium enterprises, and small hospitality businesses in particular, interact with their clientele, especially in marketing their products and services. These small hospitality establishments (formal accommodation, guest accommodation, game lodges, events centres, restaurants and support services) have been influenced by social media and are compelled to adopt these platforms for effective marketing to keep pace with modern dynamics in tourist behaviour. The literature indicates that social media marketing in general has gained significant momentum across all sectors, with micro-hospitality establishments having embraced it fully in more economically developed countries. Although prior studies indicate that social media, with a particular reference to travel review sites such as TripAdvisor, are now regarded as the major sources of reliable travel information for tourists, as well as influencing their decisionmaking processes, evidence from the literature shows that there is limited industry-specific research into the adoption and utilisation of social media for marketing regarding small hospitality establishments in the context of a less economically developed country, and this is at a time when these establishments are struggling to survive and to regain their market share due to recent and ongoing travel restrictions. Research in this area is limited. This research was conducted to address this gap. The main aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of social media as a marketing strategy taking small hospitality establishments in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa as a case study. To achieve this, a review of literature provided insights into social media adoption for marketing, backed by relevant theoretical frameworks and specifically the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 (UTAUT2). For data collection, both electronic and hand-delivered questionnaires were distributed to micro-hospitality establishments in KZN. Telephonic and live interviews as well as observations were also conducted with fifteen small hospitality establishments. A total of 70 respondents we engaged for this study through interviews, observations and questionnaires. The results from the study revealed that although social media marketing has been adopted extensively by small hospitality establishments in KZN, its effectiveness as a marketing strategy is not uniform across establishments and cannot be generalized. Empirical results further revealed that these establishments were not being systematic in the utilization of social media marketing, that other marketing strategies were sometimes as effective in this context and that some were failing to optimise the opportunities that exist. The major challenges highlighted by most small hospitality establishments were: lack of adequate funding, lack of specialized human resources, and the difficulty of measuring the actual impact of social media adoption. The conclusion drawn from the above empirical evidence and from the literature is that social media marketing is not an all-round strategy for effective marketing particularly for small establishments in a rural setting who are competing with hotel chains and franchises in urban areas. It is however the most significant marketing tool. It was therefore concluded that a combination of social media marketing, star grading and other informal means of assuring service quality, along with a clear marketing strategy adapted to the needs of the individual establishment, could provide the optimal matrix for effective marketing of small hospitality establishments in the context of a developing country. This study contributed in two ways: firstly, the research addresses the gap identified in the literature by providing evidence on the relative effectiveness of social media for marketing by small hospitality establishments in the context of a less economically developed country and, secondly, a social media marketing framework was proposed based on the evidence of shortcomings in marketing strategies by this group, highlighted by this study.
Advancing peace building programs to counter violent extremism messaging in Sidi Moumen District, Morocco
(2023) Khebbaz, Soufiane; Kaye, Sylvia Blanche; Harris, Geoffrey Thomas
Digital platforms and communication tools have transformed the way we seek information and interact with others. Extremist groups are effectively using media to spread their ideas, propagate hate, and mobilize youth. This research examines the role of new media in countering violent extremism, preventing youth radicalization and fashioning political and religious discourse throughout the implementation of the “Youth Leaders for Peace” project. Youth from marginalized urban areas of Casablanca in Morocco were engaged in a participatory action research utilizing the power of new media and technology to build peace, deliver impactful messages, and influence positive change in both online and offline spaces. They worked with civil society organizations to identify, engage, and explore issues critical to the effective use of new media to enhance youth participation in political and civic life in their community. Activities were designed and implemented to encourage marginalized urban youth to participate constructively in countering violent extremism using dialogues about the principles and mechanisms of democracy, civic engagement, political participation, peaceful coexistence, and constructive conflict resolution.
Analysing consumer product preferences for selected hedonic and utilitarian shopping goods in Durban
(2019) Kamwendo, Andrew Ronald; Maharaj, Mandusha
The retailing environment has shown that consumer purchases are dependent upon the consideration and subsequent evaluation of product attributes. As such, retailers have sought to investigate the sales affinities that exist between products. Given that consumer purchases are goal driven, researchers have investigated consumer purchases for goal derived product categories (utilitarian and hedonic products). The aim of this study was to investigate product attribute preferences for the establishment of a consideration set of selected hedonic and utilitarian cross-category shopping products in Durban. The quantitative study design based on a cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted in two sequential phases. The study population consisted of consumers within the city of Durban. The study sample of 444 students selected from the Durban University of Technology, Mangosuthu University of Technology and the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Phase one of the study sample consisted of 231 respondents while Phase two sample was 213 respondents. Research respondents were chosen using convenience sampling. Quota sampling was also used to select respondent belonging to four generational groups. Respondents were purposely selected based on their capacity to give meaningful information relevant to the study. Two separate, self- developed instruments were used in each phase. The Cronbach alpha test was conducted to test for reliability of the first instrument. The results indicated acceptable, consistent scoring patterns for the sections of the research instrument. Respondents rated the importance of skincare and clothing detergent product attributes during the first phase. The findings of phase one of the study revealed that respondents classified skincare and clothing detergent products as slightly and moderately utilitarian, respectively. The study also revealed that the consideration of clothing detergents and skincare products is predominantly utilitarian in nature. No significant differences were found in the respondents rating of skincare and clothing detergent attributes. Product attributes valued by the consumer were found to be important to the consideration of clothing detergent and skincare product categories. The findings from the first phase of the study were used to develop questions used in the second phase of the study. Through the use of conjoint analysis techniques, skincare and clothing detergent product profiles were identified and ranked by respondents in their order of preferences. Pearson’s and Kendall’s tau correlation coefficient was used to validate the findings of phase two. Phase two of the study revealed that for clothing detergent products, product form is the most important attribute followed by product effectiveness. It is important to note that significant differences were found in the respondent's preferences for product attributes in terms of the respondent's demographics. For clothing detergents, significant differences were found in terms of respondents preferences for the price, scent, size and product form of clothing detergents. For skincare products, durability was the most important attributes followed by the brand of skincare products. In terms of demographics, significant differences were also found in the respondents preferences for skincare product attributes. The findings of the study are limited due to the low response rate among older respondents. Sampled respondents do not represent the population distribution in the city of Durban. The majority of respondents were unemployed students, therefore the findings of the study cannot be generalised. The findings of the study may also be limited due to the broad nature of the purchasing goals as well as the product categories. Consequently, generalised product attribute preferences were obtained. Therefore, future studies may benefit from narrowing the development of narrow purchasing goals and investigating subcategories. This study is the first to use conjoint analysis techniques to measure product category attribute preferences in South Africa. The study enhances to the existing body of knowledge in the South African retailing and marketing environment. The study has produced theoretical and practical contributions to the management of product categories offered by retailers. Moreover, the model proposed by the study simplifies the category management process enabling a retailer to simplify the investigation of consumer category preferences. Future studies should also test the model using other product categories and a larger population sample.
Analysing the influence of operations management as an approach to sustaining effective corporate governance in the public health sector : a case study of the provincial department of health
(2023-05) Mthembu, Nozipho Elsie; Dlamini, Bongani Innocent
Operations management has gained considerable attention in the corporate world and establishment due to its perceived benefits. It assists in the effective management function of controlling and supervising of services and people. With efficient operations management, people such as nurses, physicians and other healthcare personnel can provide attentive services. In light of the effect of operations management, the objectives of the study were to determine whether executives and health representatives can engage in planning that creates the highest level of efficiency within the organisation; establish if the management exercises control that can promote rational decisions; determine whether, through the operational skills and exposure, the management can direct operational resources towards achieving the best efficiency; establish whether the executives and their subordinates can recognise the factors hampering OM and their method of corporate governance, and assess the extent to which health representatives can expedite the efforts of OM to implement effective corporate governance. For this study, simple random sampling was applied to select required respondents from the KwaZulu-Natal health care units and centres. The 259 responses received were accepted as the sample size of this study. Data collected were captured and analysed on Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) v26.0 to yield descriptive and inferential statistics. The most important outcome of the study was that the healthcare workers referred to the fact that the management function of planning, organising, controlling, supervising, staffing, coordinating and leading were all very valuable in setting up and operating a successful business. The issue that surfaced from the respondents was that the operatives were not committed to the ethical code that direct their operations, even though some of them did endeavour to embrace transparency, accountability, fairness, teamwork, risk management and integrity in their line operations and mode of governance. The main recommendation that is made here is that healthcare leaders and operatives must be enlightened with the importance of an ethical code to maintain effective corporate governance. This could also be a path for further research.
An analysis of attitudes, behaviour and perceptions of water use within urban households in the city of Durban
(2023) Banoo, Ismail; Dorasamy, Nirmala
South Africa is facing increasing water demands to meet the needs of a rapidly growing and urbanising population, including an urgent need for sustained economic growth. At the same time, climate change is driving the country towards a warmer and drier climatic future, with predicted longer droughts and intense floods. Climate change will result in reduced water availability to meet South Africa’s water demands of the future. This study addresses the urban water demand management challenge by focussing on the attitudes, behaviour and perceptions of urban households towards their water consumption, in a search for ways in which domestic demand for water may be substantially reduced. The analysis reflects the attitudes and perceptions of City of Durban urban dwellers in a period when water use restrictions are common across the country. Several national, provincial and local government calls have been made for immediate researched solutions for reducing urban water demand in South Africa (SA). The research study has brought to fore the complexity of competing forces shaping water demand and water use in the context of the socio-demographic composition of households living within different kinds of dwellings, as well as cultural, behavioural and attitudinal aspects of water consumption in City of Durban. In so doing, it aimed to inform public management policy and planning on effective ways to reduce water consumption and identify alternative and complimentary solutions towards effective water demand management. The essential questions the research addressed was to what extent do two key dimensions of urban structure - built form and the socio-behavioural characteristics of household behaviour, influence the pattern of water consumption across the Durban metropolitan area. Additionally, the study also investigated the extent to which people understood water-saving as an environmental concept and the need to conserve the natural resource, including what urban water users believed were the most effective water-saving habits, technology interventions and communication methods with water services authorities.
An analysis of communication tools employed for HIV/AIDS education by student support services at universities in KwaZulu-Natal
(2018) Nchabeleng, Ntheno Lentsu; Rampersad, Renitha; Dorasamy, Nirmala
HIV/AIDS remains a global health crisis. In sub-Saharan Africa, young people continue to be disproportionally affected by HIV/AIDS. While access to antiretroviral (ARVs) is an important factor in the success of HIV/AIDS treatment, socio-cultural factors continue to exacerbate the spread of HIV/AIDS particularly among young people. This has necessitated the need for comprehensive strategies to be designed in order to address contextual factors that undermine HIV/AIDS prevention efforts for young people. The Higher Education HIV and AIDS Programme (HEAIDS) exists to address HIV/AIDS related challenges and to manage HIV/AIDS programmes in Higher Education institutions (HEIs) in South Africa. Despite efforts to mitigate the spread of HIV/ADS among university students, students continue to engage in risky sexual behaviour. Using the Interactive Model of Communication, Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) and the Health Belief Model (HBM), this study analysed the communication tools employed for HIV/AIDS education by student services at four public universities in KwaZulu-Natal. A mixed method approach, consisting of a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews were employed to obtain data from 474 university students and 24 health care providers to assess the communication tools utilised in HIV/AIDS education at HEIs. Findings revealed that university students are well informed about HIV/AIDS; however, students’ health seeking behaviour remains poor. Key findings highlighted that students’ reception and interpretation of HIV/AIDS messages are embedded in their autobiographical and socio-cultural circumstances. Thus, in order for HIV/AIDS communication strategies to be effective in influencing positive sexual behaviour among university students, there is need for an assessment of their autobiographical and socio-cultural circumstances in order to understand how students receive and interpret HIV/AIDS messages.
An analysis of competent board governance : the case of eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality
(2022-11) Fuchs, Jody Moses; Mgutshini, Tennyson
Background: Governance quality research in South Africa is limited despite evidence that it is needed. Ineffective and unethical governance is a major concern internationally. South Africa’s sustainable development agenda depends on the quality of public and private sector governance, as well as its impact on the socio-economic prosperity of the nation. Research on the continuous improvement of governance is imperative. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to analyze contemporary corporate governance quality as relevant to determining institutional value and formulate a valid measure that reliably frameworks competent Corporate Governance. Method: The exploratory sequential mixed method study utilized both purposive and systematic sampling approaches to identify 97 participants who met the required characteristics to inform the study. Semi-structured interviews followed by a survey were conducted to generate data from practicing local government elites in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality in the Kwa-Zulu Natal Province of South Africa. The interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and anonymized with consent from participants. The survey data was collected electronically and processed using SPSS version 27. Qualitative and quantitative data was analyzed using directed content analysis, thematic analysis and exploratory factor analysis. Results: The findings revealed that out of the 23 identified indicators, stakeholder governance has the highest positive relationship with competent governance. Local governance elites are subjected to the same agency dilemmas as found in private sector directors, but in this case, it is due to the conflicting political-administrative interests that prevail. Furthermore, they are difficult to physically access because of their busy calendars and decentralized locations. More importantly, results indicate leadership is undergoing a profound shift towards competent representation by stakeholders, with stakeholders and for stakeholders. Implications for Practice: It is anticipated that knowledge obtained from the results of this research will be implemented to improve public and private governance quality. It is evident that, by using a stakeholder-integrated approach to Corporate Governance, value creation for stakeholders is more likely to result. The proposed model and implementation guidelines were developed to guide governance practitioners. Key Contributions Made by the Study: The ontological and epistemological domain of governance has been extended to add value to the existing body of empirical knowledge. Additionally, the development and use of the proposed model derived from this research can empower public and private sector corporate governance professionals to create more value for stakeholders
Analysis of consumption patterns and their effects on social cohesion from a Zulu cosmology perspective
(2017) Lombo, Sipho; Msweli, Pumela
Using historic and ethnographic data collected from KwaZulu-Natal, this study examines food consumption from the Zulu Cosmology epistemic point of view. The study highlights as a prosocial behaviour that reduces the importance of self in favour of pro social norms of sharing and selflessness. In other words, personhood is understood as a process and the product of interconnectedness experienced in social spaces. Pro-social behaviour is therefore seen as a determinant of harmonious and social cohesive communities. The study concluded that social cohesive communities develop a set of cultural protocols and boundaries that reward prosocial norms and punish antisocial behaviour. Social cohesion as a concept was also found to be inseparable from the notion of shared values, identities and norms. The study delved deeper and found that the land, the livestock and the cultural rituals to honour the living and the dead defined a unique interconnectedness of the Zulu person to his culture. Eating and eaten products were part of a uniting culture that linked a Zulu man, woman, girls, old men and women to other people, their animals and their land. Zulu people lived for, and with, other people in peace. No man or family would go hungry. Immediately that becomes known, another man would give the destitute man a few cattle to start his own flock and feed his family. This and other eating rituals contributed to a strong, peaceful and social cohesive nation of King Shaka ka Senzangakhona. On the basis of the understanding of the cultural rituals, their link with the land and animal the study concluded that land restitution and agrarian policies can be enhanced by taking into consideration their need for land to cultivate vegetables and fruits that have cultural meaning, policies that enable to have livestock as well as space to practise their culture. The study is envisaged to inspire social welfare and community development policies that instil the prosocial values of Ubuntu and interconnectedness.
Analysis of media frames in femicide : an action research of print and broadcast media in Lesotho
(2021) Ramakoele, Mosiuoa Joseph; Kaye, Sylvia Blanche; Harris, Geoffrey Thomas
Women abuse by in Lesotho is pervasive and it is normalised and sanctioned by culture. The status of women in Lesotho has forages been that of a perpetual minor where their participation and representation were not a mater of contention nor a prerequisite in any social discourse. The laws of Lerotholi that uphold marital powers were overtaken by events from 2006 when the Equality of Married Person's Act 2006 (abolished marital power) and the Land Act 2010 (women to hold tenure) were passed. Logical expectation would be that gender-based violence and femicide will tremendously decline but violence and femicide are still ongoing. Media is a strategic ally but sadly, in Lesotho, the media is an auto-pilot due to a lack of key legislative frameworks such as the Media Policy and Media Act. The purpose of this study is to examine media frames of intimate partner femicide. The research was qualitative and it had an action research design with the aim of improving media capacity on framing intimate partner femicide.
An analysis of policy impact and stream water quality practices on knowledge, attitudes and behaviour toward stream restoration practices in Umlazi Township, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
(2022-05) Xaba, Ntokozo Amanda; Mgutshini, Tennyson
Background: Environmental knowledge and environmental policies influence behaviour change towards environmental-policies adherence. Rivers in Umlazi are one of the most polluted rivers in South Africa which results in reports of death resulting from illegal dumping. There is limited understanding of how policy and stream water quality influence people’s environmental knowledge, attitude and behavioural practice. Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine policy impact on knowledge, attitudes and behaviour toward stream restoration practices in Umlazi Township, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa Methodology: A sequential mixed method design was used in this study. Interviews and focus group discussions were used to collect data from the municipality and community organisations under exploratory design. A survey on community members of Umlazi validates the interview and focus group findings. Results: Altering physical and natural environment as part of Social Ecological Model (SEM) and improving living conditions of the citizens can be conducted by the government to yield better public health outcomes. Beta coefficients (0.168) for policies findings suggest policy impact has biggest influence in predicting behavioural change towards stream restoration and in decision making than attitude and knowledge. Even though there was lack of proper knowledge on stream water quality testing, poor attitude towards stream restoration practice was highlighted throughout the study. Citizens’ behaviour and attitude instead highlighted social disapproval towards clean stream management and 76.3% highlighted concerns of children being more vulnerable to health and safety risks. Key Contributions Made by the Study: The study proposes a model that suggests that sustainable management of river ecosystems requires a stronger inter-disciplinary approach and reclaiming the ‘water sector’ from the margins to the centre of policymaking.
An analysis of quality culture and quality management practices in selected South African pharmaceutical organisations
(2019-01) Swartz, Bronwyn Claudia; Singh, Shalini
South African pharmaceutical organisations struggle to compete with their counterparts in other countries. To overcome this challenge, a suitable Operational Excellence (OpEx) strategy in their manufacturing environment can improve the quality of pharmaceutical products and encourage economic growth in South Africa. This study examined the contribution of a Quality Culture on OpEx in selected pharmaceutical organisations. The objective of this study was to develop a conceptual Model of Quality Management Practices supported by Quality Culture, for Category A pharmaceutical manufacturers in the South African Pharmaceutical Industry, to promote OpEx. This study followed a two-phase sequential embedded mixed method approach. Statistical results were derived from the analysis of quantitative data from a questionnaire which used a census sample. Thereafter, a qualitative phase included an in-depth exploration of a smaller purposefully selected sample of individuals. The sample size of the pilot study was one manufacturer while the main study target population consisted of 30 pharmaceutical manufacturers. Internal validity (reliability) was assured by Cronbach’s alpha in the quantitative phase for both the pilot and main study. External validity was assured through the use of a standard instrument in the pilot study and main study. Data saturation and peer review assured validity in the qualitative phase of the pilot and main study. Ethical clearance for this study was granted through DUT’s institutional channels. Results of the quantitative phase of the main study (n=17, response rate 57%) found a significant regression relationship (68%) between successful Quality Management Practices and the Quality Culture in pharmaceutical organisations. Quantitative analysis statistically confirmed the suitability of OpEx dimensions for the Model and established a correlation between these OpEx dimensions and four important organisational culture types namely: clan culture, hierarchical culture, adhocracy culture and market-driven culture. Results of qualitative data analysis (n=3) indicated that an appropriate blend of culture types supports OpEx in the South African pharmaceutical industry. Based on these findings, an OpEx Model was developed for South African pharmaceutical manufacturers. This study recommends that the OpEx model be adopted by South African pharmaceutical manufacturers to cultivate an appropriate blend of organisational culture types, within their overall Quality Culture. This will support and enable effective Quality Management Practices and OpEx. A limitation of the SA Pharma OpEx Model developed was that it lacked a financial component. Future research should include the financial component to expand on the SA Pharma OpEx Model.
An analysis of tacit knowledge sharing behaviour, within a social capital framework, in a business environment of a South African, University of Technology
(2014-05-21) Smith, Carol; De Beer, Marie; Mason, Roger Bruce
This thesis integrates social capital and ‘reasoned action’ theory to construct a theoretical model for investigating the factors which predict an individual’s intention to share tacit knowledge in a University of Technology. It utilizes Nahapiet and Ghoshal (1998: 243) definition and conception of social capital. They define social capital as “the sum of the actual and potential resources embedded within, available through, and derived from the network of relationships possessed by an individual or social unit”. This study examined tacit knowledge sharing behaviour (i.e., knowledge that is shared between individuals) within the context of social capital. The specific type of tacit knowledge that is being studied relates to work experience ‘know-what’ and ‘know-how’. ‘Know-what’ refers to the basic mastery of a discipline that professionals achieve through education and training. ‘Know-how’ refers to procedural knowledge about a business process and the individual’s capability to perform an action with an understanding of why the action is appropriate in the particular context, (i.e., action skill or applied competence). Specifically, this study examines the relationship between the structural, relational and cognitive dimensions of social capital and the individual’s attitude towards the sharing of tacit knowledge. It further examines the relationship between the individual’s attitude towards tacit knowledge sharing, their perceived norms and perceived behavioural control over the sharing of tacit knowledge (mediating variables) and their intention to share tacit knowledge. It is a case study which consists of a mixed methods research design, incorporating nine research interviews and five hundred and fifty four self administered questionnaires. The theoretical model is examined using structural equation modeling (SEM) and as a result of the findings, the initial model is revised into a set of theoretical models, which are tested using SEM and found to be consistent with the data (i.e., a good fit). The direct, indirect and total effects of the identified predictor (social capital) and mediating variables (â€˜reasoned actionâ€™) on the individualâ€™s intention to share tacit knowledge, in each model, is examined and the results are presented. Each dimension of social capital is found to be significant for predicting the criterion variable ‘attitude towards tacit knowledge sharing’. The individual’s attitude towards tacit knowledge sharing is found to be highly significant for predicting the individual’s intention to share tacit knowledge but the ‘reasoned action’ variables are found to be not as significant, particularly perceived behavioural control over the sharing of tacit knowledge. The results of this study enrich our collective understanding regarding social capital and tacit knowledge sharing behaviour.
Analysis of the efficiency levels of the manufacturing sector in Zimbabwe
(2018-08) Damiyano, David; Dorasamy, Nirmala; Lekhanya, Lawrence Mpele
Identifying the best level of efficiency within firms and determining efficiency drivers and barriers is the main issues in efficiency theory, as the use of efficiency scores is believed to have an important influence when crafting efficiency models in the manufacturing sector of an economy. Using input-output data from developed economies and blend it with financial ratios will salvage decimation in any sectors of the economy. This study analysed the efficiency levels of the manufacturing sector in Zimbabwe. The manufacturing sector is one of the most significant pillars of the economy due to its contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), export earnings, employment levels and investment opportunities. The two efficiency orientations namely Output-Orientation and Input-Orientation were considered to determine the barriers and the drivers of efficiency in Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector. The underpinnings of the efficiency measurement was guided by Duality theory and approaches to efficiency measurement, namely the production function approach and the cost function approach. Applying both descriptive and non-parametric Data Enveloping Analysis (DEA) statistics, and a hybrid of cross sectional and longitudinal quantitative surveys, primary data from questionnaires, and secondary data from the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange financial statements, were utilized. The sample size used was 21 firms from each of the 10 manufacturing sub-sectors. Using the primary and secondary data, the study, in addition, the study calculated the efficiency scores for each firm in the 10 manufacturing sub-sectors, average efficiency score for each sub-sector and the overall efficiency score for the Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector. This allowed for firm efficiency comparison and sectorial efficiency. The sectors were analysed under the assumptions of constant returns to scale (CRS) and variable returns to scale (VRS) in line with the study objectives. Using Output- Orientation and Input-Orientation there was certainty that inefficiencies in Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector is a result of both input excesses and output shortfalls, the slacks-based measure was be used. This slacks-based measure was able to identify and assign the magnitudes of barriers and drivers of efficiency in each sub-sector and the whole manufacturing sector in Zimbabwe. The input variable which is a major driver of efficiency in the manufacturing sector is costs of material, both under CRS and VRS. The output variable which is a major driver of efficiency in the manufacturing sector is the sales, both under CRS and VRS. The input variable which is a major barrier to efficiency in the manufacturing sector is cost of services, both under CRS and VRS. The output variable which is a major barrier to efficiency in the manufacturing sector is the level of value- addition in manufactured products, both under CRS and VRS. The study found that average efficiency score for Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector is 67.1% under CRS and 80.2% under VRS. It can be deduced that 34.9% of DMU in the whole manufacturing sector are efficient under CRS and assuming VRS, 52.5% are efficient. Combining the DEA results will better inform the government on sectorial and national policies to effect and prepare the best efficient model which will favour Gross Domestic Product (GDP), export earnings, employment levels and investment opportunities. These efficiency results can be used by management and government as an assessment tool to rank firms’ efficiency performance based on sector-by-sector, input-by-input and output-by-output. Given that efficiency ratios obtained differs from the financial ratios from financial statements, this study offered hybrid disclosure of efficiency ratio and conventional financial ratio as a solution to decimation of the Zimbabwe’s manufacturing sector tracking.
Anti-corruption education as a way of building positive peace in Rwanda
(2015) Basabose, Jean de Dieu; Harris, Geoffrey Thomas; Kaye, Sylvia Blanche
Corruption has increasingly become a challenging issue that undermines peacebuilding processes. Anti-corruption efforts therefore constitute one of the ways of building and sustaining positive peace. Attempts to combat corruption generally follow one of three strategies which include: developing legal and punitive frameworks, establishing investigative and preventive mechanisms and promoting ethical values-based approaches. The present study has explored corruption in Rwanda and has highlighted the necessity of developing anti-corruption education as a way of combatting corruption. The first part of the study has used focus group discussions and interviews to collect information on corruption in Rwanda while the second part consists of experimental interventions organized to test an anti-corruption education curriculum. It has been realized that Rwanda, if compared with other African countries, has made remarkable progress in terms of fighting against corruption. However, the country still has a long way to go in order to achieve its ambition of building a corruption-free nation. The educational strategies to ensure the promotion of ethical values-based approaches have been found the weakest aspect of the anti-corruptioan campaign in Rwanda. This study has emphasized the necessity of involving children in the combat against corruption. Inspired by the Ubupfura ethical values, which are embedded in Rwandan culture, the study has proposed an anti-corruption curriculum for Rwandan children under the name of Nibakurane Ubupfura. Through the experimental interventions and preliminary evaluation of the curriculum, it has been demonstrated with evidence that the proposed anti-corruption education, applying an Ubupfura model, could significantly contribute to equipping children with the skills needed to disassociate and distance themselves from corrupt practices. With reference to the short-term impact of the experimental intervention conducted in this study, it leaves no doubt that the continous use of this education curriculum will help children to develop attitudes and behaviors that resist corruption. It is argued in this study that an effective campaign against corruption should consider promoting anti-corruption education with the aim of enabling present and future generations to maintain and live out the Ubupfura ethical values. Considering the link between anti-corruption and peacebuilding efforts, as explained in this study, it is underlined that efforts continuously made to raise such generations could undoubtedly move Rwandan society toward sustainable positive peace.
The applicability of systems thinking in Universities of Technology (UoTs) in KwaZulu-Natal
(2021-04) Mhlongo, Patrick Mbongwa; Zondo, Robert Walter Dumisani
Organisations in both the private and public sectors have to interact with their surrounding and volatile environments in order to survive. Hence it is critical for organisations to remain competitive under such conditions. There is a need to respond effectively to the needs of stakeholders. Universities of Technology (UoTs) are not immune to global and local challenges. For UoTs, their stakeholders include students, government, accreditation bodies and industry. The focus of the study was on exploring Systems Thinking in the context of UoTs. Systems Thinking empowers members of the organisation with the ability to think holistically in terms of how organisations operate. Given the challenges and the environment in which UoTs operate, it was critical to conduct the study to explore an alternative management approach. The study explores the Systems Thinking approach as an alternative management approach to traditional management practices. The research problem identified in this study is silo practices or functional silos in UoTs. The Systems Thinking philosophy has been identified as an effective management approach to deal with unpredictable and complex challenges in both the public and private sectors. It serves as a catalyst in terms of conditioning organisational members to appreciate the interrelations and interdependence of various departments or units within an organisation. The study adopted a mixed methods approach, investigating the applicability of Systems Thinking in UoTs as the aim of the study. Data was collected through a combination of interviews and a survey. Systems Thinking was the phenomenon being explored, thus the study was phenomenological. A Convergent approach was used as both qualitative and quantitative data were collected simultaneously. In other words, the study was cross-sectional. Moreover, data collected was used to develop grounded theory. It was through the inductive philosophy that the study contributed to the development of a theory. Self-administered questionnaires and unstructured face-to-face interviews were used to collect data from the participants. Qualitative and quantitative data were necessary to achieve the objectives of the study and also to answer the formulated research questions. Permanent employees of the Durban University of Technology (DUT) and Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) participated in the study. The population comprised staff from both the administration and academic sectors. Stratified sampling and simple random sampling were used to select manageable sample from the population. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse quantitative data, whilst Nvivo was the computer software used to analyse qualitative data. A response rate of 73% was achieved. The findings indicated that there was a lack of an institutionalised and internalised overarching Systems Thinking in the UoTs. Participants also felt that there was a strong culture of functional silos in the UoTs. The study showed that the focus of employees was more on departmental or faculty goals, instead of broader institutional goals. Participants were optimistic about opportunities for the application of Systems Thinking in the UoTs. Resistance to change was one of the factors identified as a challenge in terms of the implementation of a Systems Thinking philosophy in the UoTs. The study makes a theoretical contribution and provides necessary insights to improve processes and practices in UoTs. The significance of the study is that it identifies a phenomenon that has received no attention from previous researchers. The study deals with the gap in the existing literature as the focus has been more on Systems Thinking in the context of the corporate sector. The significance of the study is that is provides insights that should be considered during decision-making and strategy formulation processes in UoTs. Systems Thinking empowers decision-makers with the ability to consider all relevant variables of the situation.
The application of ethical leadership styles on employee engagement at Durban University of Technology (DUT) : a case study approach
(2018-11) Bhana, Anrusha; Bayat, Mohamed Saheed; Maharaj, Mandusha
With the epochal changes at different levels of higher education institutions, it has become essential to take employees into account as an imperative part of higher education institutions transformation strategy. The study has investigated the application of ethical leadership style and its impact on employee engagement at Durban University of Technology (DUT) - a case study approach. The existing body of research knowledge on ethical leadership style revealed a great focus on the business sector in comparison to higher educational sector. The research objectives addressed the two gaps in higher education leadership research by exploring evidence of ethical leadership style of executive management leadership and line management leadership and its impact on employee engagement at the institution. The research design adopted mixed methodology approach employing random sampling technique for data collection of employees and purposive sampling technique for semi- structured interviews of line management leadership and executive management leadership. The piloting of the research instrument was statistically tested to ensure validity and reliability prior to commencement of the main study. Moreover, the study involved a cross sectional design and a sample size of 312 respondents for probability sampling and 12 participants for non-probability sampling. The case study approach was based on academic and administrative staff of Durban and PMB campuses at the institution. Method triangulation of data findings ensured a pragmatic and deeper understanding of the phenomena being investigated. The descriptive statistics revealed that more than ninety percent of the respondents agreed that ethical leadership style would have a positive impact on employee engagement at the institution. Clearly, showing support for the need of ethical leadership at the institution. In addition, more than eighty percent of respondents agreed that leadership styles impact employee well-being. Hence, different leadership styles have a direct or indirect influence on employee engagement. Thus, it is essential to find ways to improve employee work and personal engagement at the institution. Moreover, the linear regression analysis findings revealed a predictive relationship between line management leadership and employee engagement at the institution. Notably, the study discussion focused on the employee engagement conceptual model and aligning it to theory that presented a relationship between executive management leadership and line management leadership to employee engagement at the institution. The conceptual model was developed to expedite relevance to the research. Therefore, the study has revealed greater support for the practical implications of ethical leadership practices at the institution. In order for the organization to achieve greater levels of innovation, intrapreneurship, design thinking and financial management, it is imperative to have a fully engaged workforce. The application of ethical leadership style will advocate a value system that will inherently support departmental goals and objectives of the overall institution. Recommendations were made to support the need for proactive measures to promote ethical leadership, interventions to develop ethical leadership policies and techniques to improve employee engagement. In addition, the last recommendation included a proposed model that was taken from the conceptual model that can be further developed and utilized at the institution. Moreover, the study will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on employee disengagement concept of occupational stress, burnout and turnover, fulfilling duties beyond job description, multitasking between duties and job contentment. It will contribute to the importance of ethical leadership in relation to employee engagement at the institution. Lastly, the research information and findings will also contribute towards the ongoing development of ethical leadership research and development of academia leadership in Higher education institutions in South Africa.
The application of marketing intelligence for the survival, growth and success of Chinese entrepreneurs in KwaZulu-Natal
(2017) Yu, Xiao; Penceliah, Soobramoney; Govender, Jeevarathnam Parthasarathy
There has been substantial research related to small and medium-sized Chinese enterprises in various countries. However, little research has been done on marketing by Chinese entrepreneurs in South Africa. Furthermore, no documented research has been conducted on the use of marketing intelligence by Chinese entrepreneurs in KwaZulu-Natal. For entrepreneurs, marketing intelligence plays an important role in the performance of their businesses. This study is aimed at assessing the application of marketing intelligence by Chinese entrepreneurs regarding their survival, growth and success in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This study was conducted within the main industrial areas in KwaZulu-Natal, where Chinese entrepreneurs are based. The research was of a quantitative, descriptive and cross sectional nature, conducted among a sample of 120 business owners, managers, marketing executives and senior staff. The results revealed that the use of marketing intelligence in strategic decision-making by Chinese entrepreneurs in KwaZulu-Natal is very limited. The extent of awareness of marketing intelligence was fairly low. It also emerged that most of the respondents still acknowledged the importance of marketing intelligence and the role it could play in their businesses’ success. Pursuant to the general requirement for an original contribution in a doctoral thesis, the study provides a framework for current and potential Chinese entrepreneurs with regard to the application of marketing intelligence in their marketing planning.
The application of space technology and the challenges of managing water infrastructure in a selected South African municipality
(2023-04) Mokgobu, Matlou Lesley; Mason, Roger Bruce
The installation of water infrastructure in cities poses a challenge to communities, municipalities, and installation contractors. These challenges range from the inaccessibility of streets, the community’s limited access to homes, traffic jams, deep trenches with few or no barricades, leaking water pipes, water supply cut-offs, electricity supply cut-offs, vandalism, and theft of water pipes and accessories. The research problem, therefore, revolves around a better understanding of these water infrastructural problems, how to mitigate such problems caused by inadequate planning, leading, organising, controlling, and coordination by management, arising from various technical aspects of water infrastructure. The need for this study arises from the inconvenience and dangers experienced by communities with heaps of materials lying around causing disturbances to traffic flow, open hazardous trenches becoming dangerous to children playing in their vicinity, vehicle accidents because of the trenches, and damaged kerbs. The study aimed to investigate the challenges of managing water infrastructure in a selected South African municipality to find possible ways to resolve such challenges with the help of space technology. The study achieved the objectives, namely, to identify the challenges experienced by the municipality during and after the installation of water infrastructure; to rank the importance of the experienced challenges; to explore the root causes of the challenges experienced during the installation of water infrastructure; to identify how space technology can help with the management of water infrastructure; to develop a framework of the challenges and the causes; and, to explore water management strategies with the effort of finding possible ways to resolve the challenges. The study was exploratory and applied mixed methods research methodology. Data was collected via a survey (402 City of Tshwane residents), in-depth interviews (20 City of Tshwane managers of the Water Division), and two focus groups (7 participants per group of City of Tshwane contractor managers and contractor employees) through the convergent parallel design method. The quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 27), and the qualitative data was analysed using NVivo version 27, charts, tables, and themes. The results from the three sets of participants indicated multiple challenges related to skills deficits, management deficits, political interference, and inexperienced staff in the water infrastructure division. The findings indicated knowledge, ability and performance gaps in human resources, management, technical skills, financial management, socio-politics, and legal frameworks. The study contributed new knowledge to systems theory regarding the policies, systems, installation and maintenance of water infrastructure, and communication, and these aspects are supported by the findings. The application of space technology on a large scale can help the City of Tshwane fight criminal acts of vandalism and theft of infrastructure. This study found that space technology is still in its infancy in the city, and that the application of this technology requires an elevated level of education, experience and specialised technical skills to operate. This study recommended extensive investment in space technology. The study further recommended that the City of Tshwane improve human resources, training, culture, finance, operations, and control measures. The study recommended further research on the proper use of funds, the causes of community violence against the contractors doing maintenance, investigation of the delays in the procurement of services, turnaround time for the various water infrastructure activities, relationship management between the city employees and the contractors, the impact of lack of reporting by the managers and employees to the superiors in the water infrastructure division, and clearer definition of roles between municipal employees and politicians. More academic research into water infrastructure, based on the use of and relationship between water infrastructure and space technology, is warranted.
Assessing the impact of contract administration on the performance of road construction projects in Uganda
(2024-05) Namakula, Barbara; Matsiliza, N S; Chikafalimani, S H P
Uganda‘s Road Construction industry has experienced growth overtime with a considerable portion of budget allocation. Although the industry has dramatically improved, projects are still experiencing performance challenges including but not limited to cost overruns, time overruns and shoddy work. This study sought to assess the impact of contract administration on the performance of road construction projects in Uganda. Contract Administration basically deals with daily project operations providing for the complete work scope composition, responsibilities of parties involved, requirements for executing the operations, work schedule, cost optimization, quality and safety considerations and grievance management. The study is limited to its objectives which were; to assess the performance of road construction projects in Uganda; to determine the extent of use of contract administration on road construction projects in Uganda; to determine whether there is an association between contract administration and project performance, and to develop a contracts administration assessment strategy to enhance road construction project performance in Uganda. The data for this study was collected from 36 running project sites and 72 stakeholders within the industry making a total of 108 samples. Based on the research questions and the study of the literature, a qualitative correlational research design method was used to investigate the relationship between the dependent variable (performance) i.e. cost, quality, time, and the independent variables (contract administration) i.e. project governance, project personnel, communication and relationship management, quality management, monitoring and control, financial management, change control management, claims and disputes resolution management, records management and contract risk management. The first finding indicated that the performance of road construction projects in Uganda is poor in regard to time, fair in regard to cost and very good in regard to quality. The second finding indicated that various contract administration practices have different extents of use with the highest being Monitoring and Control being used every time. Thirdly, the results from the regression analysis of this study indicated that the relationship between performance and contract administration is statistically significant, although based on the findings, some contract administration practices are more critical to performance compared to others. The study recommendations were to minimize time overruns or slippages through contract administrators taking on a wholistic approach in controlling project activities. Monitoring and Control of all project activities and elements on a daily basis is encouraged as this enables early identification of potential time slippage areas or gaps that can be filled with in time to prevent any major damage. Also, the study identified Early contract administrator project involvement, Project governance, Communication and relationship management, Claims and dispute management and Monitoring and control as elements that have significance in regard to project performance. It is recommended that contract administrators take these contract administration practices seriously during execution of projects. Finally, a contract administration assessment strategy tool was developed from this study. It is meant to evaluate a project‘s progress and plan its day-to-day activities so as to align it to its intended objectives. The strategy was developed based on the results of the literature review, survey results and best practices. The strategy will go a long way in ensuring proper projects implementation.
Assessment and implementation of skills development at Umzinyathi District Municipality and impact on service delivery
(2017) Ngobese, Xolani Khayelihle; Hardman, Stanley George
South African municipalities are key institutions that are close to the heart of communities and therefore, their employees form the cornerstone of service delivery to communities. Many municipalities have been blamed for unreliable delivery of basic services whilst those that are located in rural areas still struggle to generate own revenue and faces serious skills shortages. It is important to note that there has been very little research conducted in rural districts and other similar sized municipalities on evaluating the impact of skills development, service delivery and management of learning transfer. Existing studies although they provide useful data, they seem to be aggregate, broad and not tailor made for rural district[s] and some other South African municipalities. Studies which are directed at local municipalities adopts ‘one size fit all approach’ and they did not consider that rural district municipalities have enourmous challenges in evaluating the impact of skills development in service delivery and attracting people with requisite technical and managerial expertise. According to Punia and Kant (2013) most literature on impact and evaluation of transfer training is mainly drawn from the corporate sector. Furthermore, Topno, (2012), Pallares, (2012), Bird and Cassel (2013), they similarily pointed that existing models on evaluating effectiveness of development programs in various companies have the most limitations in assessing post training job performance and organisational impact. This is supported by Wenzel and Cordery (2014 stresses that for the past 40 years, evaluation and impact of learning transfer concept remained complex, underdeveloped and with limited clearly defined empirical findings. Raliphada, Coetzee and Ukpere (2014) indicates that there are organisational factors affecting learning transfer in the South African Public Service. The identification of factors affecting learning transfer is a critical step toward ensuring that successful strategies are developed to remove barriers to learning transfer and ultimately improve implementation which leads to enhanced service delivery (Raliphada et al 2014). Since 2000, Government has undertaken steps to transform South African municipalities. However, systematic problems contributing to poor management and service delivery challenges have continued to engulf local government and in most instances such grievances translated to service delivery protests across the country. Amongst dilemmas facing local government in South Africa is the shortage of skills, poor management, corruption, conflict management and unreliable service delivery. Researchers consistently argued that grievances concerning local government relates to unreliable service delivery, shortage of skills and poor management. The purpose of this is to assess the role of line managers in implementation of skills development at the UMzinyathi rural – district and other similar sized municipalities and impact on service delivery. The study investigated perceptions of line managers, skills development facilitators and employees about the impact of skills development on service delivery at uMzinyathi District Municipality in Kwazulu Natal. The study investigated challenges experienced by managers in training and skills development. The questions were to indicate how challenges in training and skills development can be addressed in rural –district municipality and other South African municipalities. The research adopted qualitative methodology. Furthermore, thematic analysis was used for presentation and discussion of the results. The responses or data collected from participants was interpreted and analysed. The findings of the study imply that there is no human resource development strategy, absence of mentoring and coaching, managers are not involved in skills development, there are no Skills development facilitators, high management turnover, poor planning, absence of effective employee performance management system across all levels in a municipality, no proper training and development sections and there are no tools to measure impact and success of training in local municipalities of a District. The research proposes that integrative transfer of training model developed by Lee C et al (2014), be extended to UMzinyathi District municipality in KwaZulu-Natal and other South African municipalities. The study is also suggesting that existing transfer of training model be modified to add the evaluation of impact and post organisational performance. The study targeted a rural district municipality because of limited research directed at this sphere of government. The modified Integrative Transfer of training Model will contribute to the new knowledge which is currently not existing in the municipalities. The model is modified to consider not only post training job performance but to add the evaluation of organisational performance and impact influenced by skills development programmes.