Faculty of Management Sciences

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An analysis of the quality of life of people living in urban, formal, low-cost housing settlements : a case of Mount Moriah
(2020-01) Govender, Lydia Trisha; Msweli, Pumela
Apartheid left a legacy of extreme poverty, high levels of unemployment, and have marred the housing context in the country. This makes South Africa a unique landscape for quality of life research. The aim of quality of life research is to advance human and social development to improve quality of life and standards of living. The aim of this study is to analyse the quality of life of people living in urban, formal, lowcost housing settlements, through a case study of Mount Moriah in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal. The study analysed how the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) housing project improved the quality of life of RDP beneficiaries. The study utilised a quantitative methodology approach. The quantitative design took the form of a questionnaire with close-ended questions and served as an instrument of data collection. The questionnaire was administered to the housing beneficiaries in the Mount Moriah housing project. A total of 110 participants responded to the questionnaire. The data was analysed using the SPSS version 25.0. Descriptive statistics such as tables, frequency, percentage, bar and pie charts were utilised, and inferential statistics such as chi-square test was employed. The findings showed that there were more female-headed households than males; and that the majority of the beneficiaries were Blacks. The findings also showed that unemployment rates and level of crime was high and the majority of the respondents earned below the upper bound poverty line. On the basis of the findings of this study, it is recommended that government implements and promotes socio-economic opportunities and programmes to promote quality of life of people living in urban, formal, low-cost housing settlements.
An appraisal of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in the tourism industry in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
(2020-05) Doncabe, Thembeka; Chetty, Gopalkrishna
The aim of the study is to assess current Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities employed across the tourism industry in Durban, with the primary objective of the study to examine the extent to which the tourism industry in Durban engages in CSR activities. CSR is an important part of sustainable development and should be merged with company values, described as comprising of human rights, monitoring, stakeholders’ rights and employee rights. In South Africa (SA), CSR has been evident for a number of years, with its nature and context shaped by apartheid. With tourism being part of the service industry, it is of great importance that these stakeholders are put at the forefront. Globalisation pressure and the increasing burden on governments to provide comprehensive social services has resulted in the need to better understand how organisations play a role in sharing these burdens. The city of Durban has an extensive tourism and hospitality industry that grows continuously annually and as such, industry players should initiate and participate in CSR programmes. Global changes with travellers and the industry are greatly influencing the implementation of CSR in Durban. Study findings are based on a sample of 96 respondents, with a response rate of 76 percent for the selfadministered questionnaire employed for data collection from 4-and 5-star accommodation establishments in Durban, as well as domestic airlines that service KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). Results suggest the Durban tourism and hospitality industry is fairly involved in CSR, with a few exceptions. Nonetheless, many respondents indicated challenges they face in CSR initiative implementation, including the lack of assistance from organisations that drive tourism. They believe further training on CSR implementation and support would greatly influence levels of CSR implementation. The findings in this study reveal that environmental impact measures and or activities are at the forefront of CSR activities for both airlines and the hotel sector. Activities with the environmental impact measures include minimising energy consumption, such as using energy saving globes and solar panels, waste minimisation, waste recycling, and protection of the natural environment. Findings derived from the study will unveil more opportunity regarding CSR in Durban and will inform those organisations involved in tourism promotion and development to act accordingly in assisting industry participants.
Assessing the performance of green roofs for stormwater runoff mitigation in the South African urban environment
(Journal of Urban and Environmental Engineering, 2021-12-31) Sucheran, Reshma; Sucheran, Arisha
Rapid urbanization has altered the hydrologic cycle, causing increased runoff rates and peak flows in the drainage system. Cities are now facing serious problems relating to stormwater management such as water scarcity, degraded waterways, and increased flooding. Under such circumstances, green roofs present numerous benefits including the retention of rainwater for a longer time and a delay in the peak discharge. Using data from various storm events, this study examined the performance of retrofitted green roofs for stormwater management in the eThekwini region of South Africa. The study also used the Personal Computer Storm Water Management Model (PCSWMM) to investigate the effect that the best performing green roof would have on stormwater flow rates and volumes for the region. The results concluded that the green roof systems proved to significantly reduce stormwater runoff flow rates and volumes, and retention largely depended on the intensity and duration of the rain events. The PCSWMM model further confirmed that when compared to the base model, peak flow rates from the green roof model decreased by over 40% for all storm intensities. It can therefore be concluded that the implementation of green roofs within the eThekwini Central Business District (CBD) will be highly effective in reducing peak stormwater flow rates.
An assessment of strategic decision-making processes in small and micro enterprises in the services sector in South Africa
(2019-02) Gopaul, Roger; Rampersad, Renitha; Pillay, Gnanam
The thesis assesses the strategic decision-making process in small and micro enterprises in the services sector in South Africa. The mortality rate of small and micro enterprises remains undesirably high in South Africa. Among the factors affecting small and micro enterprise sustainability is poor managerial skills including deficiencies in the strategic decision-making process. A review of the literature revealed that there is a gap pertaining to an assessment of strategic decision formation among this sector. On the basis of the literature review, the process of strategic decision-making was assessed in different situational contexts consisting of the external environment and internal environment which influences the decision formation. The study assumed a qualitative methodology in order to understand the phenomenon of strategic decision-making. SSemi-structured interviews, focus group sessions and observation methods were employed, as the essential form of data collection. The sample population comprised thirty businesses that satisfied the criteria of small and micro in the services sector. A content analysis was conducted in order to present the findings of the research study and offer an integrated theoretical model of the strategic decision-making process. The findings of the research indicate that the process of strategic decision-making is pivoted on the intuitive decision-making tendencies of the business owners. As such, there was diminutive reliance on a procedural rational mode towards formulating decisions among small and micro businesses. The phases of the decision formation process within these businesses were simplified with few steps involved. The phases of the decision-making process consisted of information gathering, interpretation of information and option generation for implementation. The findings show that the process of strategic decision formulation within small and micro enterprises adopts an intuitive approach consistent with a descriptive mode of decision-making. The phases of the intuitive approach to strategic decision-making among small and micro enterprises were deemed iterative and overlapped during the process of formulating the decisions as compared to a decision-making mode that is fundamentally sequential in character. The findings of this study have many potential theoretical contributions to the stock of knowledge as well as practical contributions to governmental policy-makers, supporting agencies and business owners. Recommendations for future research were advocated which have the propensity to further augment the understanding of the strategic decision-making process.
Barriers to and determinants of funding sustainable development projects in developing countries : a case study of the eThekwini Municipality
(2017) Sangham, Anilrai I.; Msweli, Pumela
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the barriers to and the determinants of funding sustainable development through the implementation of the Clean Development Mechanism at the Bisasar Road and Mariannhill landfill sites. The Clean Development Mechanism is an economic construct, arising out of the Kyoto Protocol (UNFCCC 2004:10), and formulated to promote social and economic welfare by transferring technology in such a manner, that it promotes sustainable development and ecological renewal. The stated goal of CDM (UNFCCC: 10) is to reduce harmful emissions and thereafter, to produce sustainable development and ecological renewal. This research utilised the case study methodology as advocated by Eisenhardt (1989:538). The study employed multiple data collection methodologies which included face-face interviews, within case analysis, triangulation, field notes and photographs. An important component of the data collection methodology was to access financial records of revenue flows for the CDM implementation process from January 2009 to December 2015. The research found that there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that the Clean Development Mechanism, as implemented at Bisasar Road and Mariannhill, reduced carbon emissions. Further, the study found that the production of clean energy produced financial losses rather than revenues for funding sustainable development. The relevance and value of this research lies in the presentation and formatting of the Systematic Sequential Analysis Model. The purpose of the Systematic Sequential Analysis Model is to introduce a series of financial, macro-economic, micro-economic, and technical sustainability filters for the implementation of the Clean Development Mechanism in developing countries.
Creative leadership and management in the KwaZulu-Natal film industry
(2022-02) Gengan, Robin; Sangham, Anilrai I.
The KwaZulu-Natal film industry’s current growth and development is adding to the sustainable source of economic development and cultural identity in the province. The recent emergence of small production companies and independent producers has significantly contributed to these factors. This study explores the concept of creative leadership and management in the KwaZulu-Natal film industry in terms of a Creative Leadership mathematical equation and a Creative Leadership Competency Framework; the researcher postulated both approaches exclusively for this study. The Creative Leadership mathematical equation identifies seven key characteristics that distinguish a creative leader in the film industry from other forms of leadership. The Creative Leadership Competency Framework, in addition to this identification, explores the relationship between the four core dimensions (soft skills, innovation, film project management and iterative content generation) and the four key competencies (high-quality content, influential, entertainment and education) and their ultimate effect on creative leadership within the KwaZulu-Natal film industry. By conducting both qualitative and quantitative research, the study is approached according to the methodology of triangulation. The qualitative research approach explores the Creative Leadership mathematical equation, and the quantitative research approach explores the Creative Leadership Competency Framework. Both the equation and the framework set a theoretical and philosophical foundation for future investigation and further contribution to the body of knowledge of filmmaking in KwaZulu-Natal. The findings and recommendations summarise the equation and the Creative Leadership Competency framework postulated in the study with a further discussion on Spiritual Intelligence, aesthetics, ethics, cultural context and the KwaZulu Natal film industry.
Developing a framework to promote the adoption of electric vehicles in South Africa
(2022) Mohubedu, Simon Mabushi; Assensoh-Kodua, Akwesi
Increasing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are considered as the major challenge for climate change, global warming and air quality in cities and South Africa has pledged a reduction of its GHG emissions to peak at 398 to 614 Mt CO2-eq for the period 2025 to 2030 as part of the Paris Agreement on climate change. The government has also noted that as a means to reduce GHG emissions, the domestic electric vehicle (EV) market needs to grow significantly as the road transport sector is responsible for over two-thirds of transport-related carbon dioxide emissions. While many developed nations globally are beginning to adopt EVs as a strategy to moderate GHG emissions, South Africa is falling short in this regard and still lacks a policy on the electrification of vehicles. A qualitative research design was used to investigate and identify factors that have potential to stimulate the adoption of EVs in South Africa. A conceptual framework of public policies for innovation diffusion was also used to provide structure to the study. Additionally, the conceptual framework was further expanded with a view to developing and proposing a framework to policymakers for the promotion of the adoption and uptake of EVs in South Africa. Some of the major findings from the study were that the high purchase price of EVs, the availability of charging infrastructure and the lack of customer education and awareness were the biggest impediments to the uptake of the domestic EV market. Inversely, these were equally the main factors that have potential to stimulate the uptake of the EV market in South Africa. Amongst the recommendations from the proposed framework were that policymakers should be cognisant of these and other demand-side barriers together with existing advantages such as the presence of a successful automotive policy framework in South Africa and should devise policies aimed at removing the barriers to the adoption of EVs in the local market. Furthermore, the proposed framework also highlights the significant role that government needs to play by being involved in driving the demand for EVs in South Africa through relevant interventions, notably, through the provision of policy incentives.
The effectiveness of staff training on knowledge transfer and employee retention : a case study of Servcor Private Limited in Zimbabwe
(2017) Utete, Reward; Jinabhai, Dinesh C.
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of staff training on knowledge transfer and employee retention at Servcor Private Limited. Due to increasing levels of competition in staff training and growth opportunities in the Hospitality and Catering industry, Servcor Private Limited faced challenges in retaining its employees, as well as in ways of transferring knowledge. Employees at Servcor Private Limited in Zimbabwe were leaving in pursuit of world-class training and the opportunity for professional development offered in competing organizations, both within and outside the Hospitality and Catering industry. For this study, the target population equated to 240 employees and a sample size of n = 120 was considered as appropriate. The sample was selected by picking every odd number from the sample frame utilizing a systematic sampling technique under the ambit of probability sampling method. The data was analysed using the latest computerised Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 24.0 and the personal method was used to administer the questionnaire to all 120 respondents. Two questionnaires were discarded because the majority of questions were not answered and hence resulted in 118 responses. Therefore, a response rate of 98.3% was obtained. After the study was completed, the researcher solicited the services of a Post-graduate Librarian to run the TURNITIN Program to test the entire thesis for plagiarism which recorded 10%. The non-parametric tests were carried out to test hypotheses utilising the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 for Windows. The Pearson’s Chi-square and Spearman correlation tests were conducted for all fifteen formulated hypotheses to determine whether there was a statistically significant relationship between the variables. The key findings revealed that staff training was insufficient in the organisation and was not coping with constant changes in the surrounding. The findings indicated that respondents felt their superiors were not willing to teach them every aspect of their work. The findings also reflected that employees prefer on-the-job training. The researcher recommended that top management should increase the amount of investment on staff training in order to retain employees. The recommendations highlighted that should ensure that all the equipment and tools that are used for staff training are aligned with prevailing technology. The recommendations also highlighted that top management should promote a culture of knowledge transfer. The study concluded with suggestions for future research in this field.
Expatriates and knowledge transfer : a case study of a power plant constructed in Africa
(The Clute Institute, 2015-03) Ravu, S. Y.; Parker, Kudayja Mahommed
This paper outlines aspects of a broader exploratory study on the management of skills shortages at a leading energy utility in Africa. Specifically, the paper examines the opinions of local and foreign personnel employed on a power plant construction project on the nature of skills shortages experienced at the energy utility, the organizations short-term strategy of dealing with the shortages by employing expatriates and the latters role in knowledge transfer. Various human resources approaches were explored to provide appropriate theoretical structure to the research including intellectual capital and human capital models. A sample of highly skilled personnel defined as key job families according to the Kaplan and Norton (2004) human capital model were purposively selected for the study. Primary data was collected using a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews. International research on expatriates impact on knowledge transfer within the public sector environment is very scarce; this is the first research of its kind to examine these issues at a public power plant. Preliminary results indicate that the type of knowledge, willingness to learn and share on the part of both expatriates and locals, and national culture are some of the factors impacting the success of knowledge transfer from expatriates to locals.
Exploration of the benefits derived from free basic electricity programme in mitigating energy poverty and the impediments faced in its implementation in the Eastern Pondoland
(2019-01) Ngeva, Unathi Felix; Burton, Simon; Mohlakoana, Nthabiseng
When the new democracy dawned in South Africa during the year 1994, the nation witnessed a lot of transition whereby the newly elected democratic government embarked on a quest, which sought to redress the apartheid legacy. The newly elected democratic government inherited a triple challenge of inequality, unemployment and poverty, and to correct these apartheid injustices, the government drafted their first socioeconomic policy framework in the form of the White Paper on Reconstruction and Development in 1994. One of the major programmes introduced by the government within Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) framework was the National Electrification Programme (NEP) and its focus was to accelerate access to electricity to the previously disadvantaged communities. During the year 2000, the South African government announced its intention to provide Free Basic Services to all the poor communities and subsequent to that, Free Basic Electricity (FBE) policy was gazetted in 2003 by the South African government. Despite these poverty alleviation interventions by the government, recent statistics from Statistics South Africa (StatsSA) indicate that Limpopo and the Eastern Cape are both sitting at the bottom as the poorest provinces. This study explores whether there are any benefits enjoyed by the indigent households with regards to FBE and the challenges that are being faced in implementing this programme in the Eastern Pondoland. The main aim of this study was to look at the extent to which the FBE programme is used to fight energy poverty and improve the quality of life amongst the poorest communities in the study area. This study used mixed research methods to investigate the research problem. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected using household questionnaires for the respondents and interview schedules for the officials. A sample of ninety respondents from three selected municipalities that form the Eastern Pondoland was used and non-probability sampling was used to select the respondents. Additionally, five officials and three councillors from each of the three municipalities were interviewed with regards to the challenges influencing FBE implementation in the study area. Findings from this study point mainly to the dissatisfaction in the current amount of 50 kWh per month of FBE. This finding precisely confirmed other previous research ii findings on FBE by various scholars as highlighted in the ‘literature review’ of this study. The study further revealed that there were deserving households that are not benefiting on the subsidy due to various issues such as irregular updates of indigent registers, unregistered meters, tampered meters, as well as bottlenecks in the registration process. Implementation hindrances included the lack of education and awareness, funding challenges, shortage of human capital, infrastructural challenges and the lack of technical resources. With regards to the household income, the study found that there was a significant relationship between the household income and the suitability of FBE. Study also found that the household income is one of the main determinants for a household to be classified as indigent and therefore, qualify for Free Basic Services.
The implementation of a performance management system : a case study of a selected logistics company at City Deep in Johannesburg, South Africa
(2020-11) Kgatle, Kenneth Dipela; Mugari, Alpha
A selected logistics company, at City Deep in Johannesburg, rolled out a balanced scorecard as a strategic performance management system (PMS) to remedy service delivery challenges since 1997. The institutionalisation of this system has become an essential aspect of its people management strategy in relation to the overall strategic objectives of the company. Numerous problems marred its implementation, with some employees citing inconsistencies in the ratings awarded, ineffective communication and favouritism, and this consequently affected service delivery performance. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the implementation of a PMS at the selected logistics company. Its sub-objectives guided the study. These include determining the factors influencing the participation of managers and employees in a PMS; evaluating the relationship between knowledge practices in a PMS and excellent service delivery and seeking remedies to the implementation challenges thereof. The quantitative research methodology was utilised in this study. A standardised close-ended questionnaire on a seven-point Likert Scale was employed for data collection from study participants. Microsoft Excel was used to analyse the data collected. Inferential (z) statistic testing, factor analysis, and Cronbach's Alpha test were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and the statistical tools available in Microsoft Excel. Research findings revealed that the company's vision and mission statement were not adequately shared with subordinates concerning the company's balanced scorecard as a PMS. Additionally, performance feedback was found to be biased and ineffective, thereby severely affecting the implementation of the PMS. In conclusion, senior management must institutionalise continuous professional development workshops to effectively disseminate the organisation's vision and mission statements to its employees. Managers are urged to conduct regular performance evaluation sessions and provide objective written performance feedback to subordinates timeously.
Management of skills shortages within Eskom : a case study of Medupi Power Station, Lephalale, South Africa
(2015-01-14) Ravu, Yagambram; Parker, Kudayja Mahommed; Reddy, M.
The study explores issues around human resources and training within Eskom using the Medupi Power Station as a case study. This power station is currently being constructed in the Limpopo province approximately 350 kilometres north of Gauteng. The main aim of the study was to identify the skills shortages on the project and make recommendations on how to manage them in the long and short term. The research objectives included ascertaining the types of skills shortages being experienced and perceptions regarding the employment of expatriates and their contribution to knowledge transfer at Eskom. The mixed methods approach was utilised to conduct the research. The combination of quantitative and qualitative methods using questionnaires and interviews provided detailed and relevant data for addressing the research questions. A sample of 48 highly skilled employees who are currently working on the Medupi Project participated in the study. They included senior management, engineering and other technical staff and human resources personnel. The results revealed the nature of the skills shortages on the Project, namely supervisory, civil engineering and contracts management skills. The findings regarding the employment of expatriates reveal that they are employed on a contract basis and can terminate their contract on a short notice. This has an adverse effect on continuity on the Project. In addition, the local employees believed that the expatriates are chiefly motivated by the financial incentives and are not fully capable of transferring skills as they do not have power station experience. The study proposes a new knowledge transfer model for the Medupi Project. According to this model, the line management’s ability to provide an enabling work environment and support for on-the-job training influences knowledge transfer. Furthermore, employee motivation to acquire and utilise a newly learnt skill on the job, the setting of goals that are achievable given the multitude of constraints experienced on the Project, and senior management support are key determinants of line managements’ success in providing an enabling knowledge transfer environment.
Navigating the digital divide : exploring the multifaceted 4IR challenges and technological disparities encountered by SMMEs within KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
(Private Company Technology Center, 2023) Sheik, Ismail
The dawn of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has been a harbinger of unparalleled technological innovations, reshaping industries and economies at an unprecedented pace. While these advancements promise a new frontier of opportunities, they also bring forth a myriad of challenges, particularly for Small, Micro, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMMEs). This research delves deep into the multifaceted challenges and technological disparities encountered by SMMEs in the wake of 4IR, with a concentrated lens on the enterprises operating within the KwaZulu-Natal region of South Africa. At the heart of this exploration is the pronounced digital divide, which exacerbates the gulf between well-resourced corporations and SMMEs. The divide is not just technological but extends to areas like access to finance, digital literacy, infrastructure, and the agility to adapt to rapidly changing business environments. As these SMMEs grapple with the challenges of integrating into the digital economy, they face hurdles such as limited access to advanced technological tools, cybersecurity threats, the high cost of digital transformation, and a dearth of skilled manpower to navigate the complexities of 4IR. Furthermore, the research sheds light on the systemic and infrastructural challenges in the KwaZulu-Natal region, which further compound the difficulties faced by local SMMEs. From inconsistent internet access and electricity issues to the lack of tailored training programs and financial schemes, these enterprises find themselves in a precarious position, trying to bridge the chasm between traditional business models and the demands of the digital age. By offering an in-depth analysis of these challenges, this study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the obstacles that SMMEs face in the current 4IR-driven economic climate. It emphasizes the need for a multi-stakeholder approach, involving governments, industry leaders, educational institutions, and financial institutions, to collaboratively develop strategies, policies, and interventions that can empower SMMEs. Through targeted support, capacity-building initiatives, and fostering an ecosystem of innovation, there's potential to not only narrow the digital divide but to position these enterprises as key players in South Africa's 4IR journey. This research, thus, serves as both a clarion call and a foundational blueprint for ensuring that no enterprise, regardless of its size, is left behind in this transformative era.
Postgraduate supervision in a South African transforming academic environment : a reflexivity approach
(Australian Institutes for Educational Research, 2021-12-16) Okeke-Uzodike, Obianuju Ebele
The pace of global transformation places a great emphasis on the need for development, with higher education identified as a key agent in the development of a knowledge economy. Higher education systems have been challenged with providing the necessary skilled person-power to complement the changing labour market. Postgraduate supervision is a vital tool in building institutional research capacities, reputation, financial support and developing skill amongst peers, and between supervisors and candidates. Thus, the effectiveness and efficiency of postgraduate supervision processes determine to a large extent the quality of output and the extent of skills transfer. This article is based on a training course focusing on strengthening postgraduate supervision, attended by the researcher. The primary objective of this article is to examine the concept of postgraduate supervision within a transforming academic environment. Specifically, the article examined how aspects of the supervision process enhance skills development and knowledge transfer. Data for the study were collected through a personal narrative inquiry approach and thematically analysed, with meaning construed alongside related literature. The findings show that postgraduate supervision is characterised by various factors which determine the degree of skills transfer and development. The study provides insights into aspects of supervision that if not well managed, may compromise the objective of skill development. It contributes to the on-going discourse in supervision pedagogy and recommends careful consideration of the dynamic changes that may impact the level of educational transformation and skills development in the knowledge economy
Potential of space science technology for water infrastructure management : a literature review
(Center for Strategic Studies in Business and Finance SSBFNET, 2022-03-16) Mokgobu, Matlou Lesley; Mason, Roger Bruce
This article examines the potential of space science technology for water infrastructure (WI) management. It defines space technology in detail, and when South Africa (SA) started using it as a tool. To explain the context, the different types of orbits, altitudes, and functions of satellites are given, as well as the challenges that satellites encounter in orbit, including the quantity and sizes of orbital debris also known as space junk. The article articulates the international and local challenges to WI and further introduces space technology as a tool that can assist to overcome the challenges. Legislation governing the application of space technology in SA is discussed and the different satellites owned by the various space agencies of Africa are outlined. A discussion on how space technology has boosted the economies and employment in Africa and South Africa is provided. How the various applications of the technology, such as remote sensing (RS), Earth observation (Eo), Geo-Information sciences, navigation, communication, safety, and security can assist WI management are discussed. Details about the involvement of various African and SA universities and colleges in space science programmes that benefit the communities are explained. Also outlined are some experiments performed on the International Space Station (ISS) that benefit the Earth and that could be useful to WI management.
Selected key external factors influencing the success of rural small and medium enterprises in South Africa
(World Scientific Publishing, 2014-09) Lekhanya, Lawrence Mpele; Mason, Roger Bruce
Small businesses are critical to improving economic development in rural areas of South Africa. However, rural entrepreneurs are still faced with challenges and problems which make the success of small businesses, especially in rural areas, uncertain. This paper investigates business environmental, financial and infrastructural factors that influence the success or otherwise of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in rural areas. Primary data was collected in five rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) from a sample of 374 business owners/managers, with respondents completing a questionnaire. Access to finance and skills shortages were the factors that most significantly differentiated between more successful and less successful rural businesses in KZN. The majority of respondents indicated that poor roads/transport and access to electricity were major problems.
A system for novel integration strategy for strategic financial risk management
(2022) Pulgam, Rachana; Nikam, Vaishali Dhanaji; Johri, Shiva; Muralidhar, L. B.; Punam, Shashi; Mani, Manisha; Ram, Deo Karan; Lourens, Melanie Lourens; Kanadasan, N.; Pavitha N
There is a correlation between the quality of a company's business strategies and the likelihood that those strategies will hurt the company's position in the market. The availability of financial resources is a significant factor that will determine the trajectory of the organization's growth. Every company faces some level of financial risk in the course of its operations; however, this risk has the potential to propel a company to greater heights provided that it is recognised and managed appropriately. In the current iteration, Strategic Management and Financial Risk Management have been combined to form a single instrument that can potentially serve the purpose of increasing the value of the company by increasing both wealth and profit. This combination was made possible as a result of the combination of Strategic Management and Financial Risk Management. The efficacy of a company's strategic financial management has a direct bearing on the calibre of the decisions that it generates as well as the effectiveness with which it manages its day-to-day business operations.
Towards an energy saving culture : an analysis of the Eskom energy efficiency communication campaign
(2021) Khoza, Eric; Rawjee, Veena; Ngubane, Zwakele Baldwin
This study presents an evaluation of how a sample of Eskom’s residential customers decoded the communication campaign that was meant to encourage them to adopt a culture of energy saving in order to avert the total collapse of the national electricity grid. The study was conducted in three district municipalities across Mpumalanga province. The data collection process, including the research instrument, was informed by the overall objectives of the study. This qualitative study consisted of a multi-stage approach in which one-on-one interviews and focus group interviews were the primary data collection methods. The findings revealed that the campaign was generally a success, as the messages were understood by the participants who, in turn, implemented certain measures to ensure that the national power grid was stable. It was also established by means of the study that Eskom and government need to bring down the cost of compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and ensure that proper consultations are prioritised at the beginning of campaigns.
Whether to adopt or not? : a cross-country comparison of consumer resistance towards the Internet of Things in households
(2021) Meintjes, Corné; Heidig, Wibke; Dobbelstein, Thomas
The uptake of IoTs in households worldwide is lower than predicted and comparatively slower in developing countries than in developed countries due to inadequate digital infrastructure. This study aims to understand why the Internet of Things in households (specifically smart household appliances) have been resisted and have not been adopted to predicted levels by comparing Germany as a developed country to South Africa as a developing country. The specific focus was on innovation and consumer characteristics, perceived risk of adoption, and personality considerations, using a smart refrigerator. Through regression analysis of data generated from a quantitative survey of 1665 consumers from Germany and South Africa, it was found that both resistance and adoption are influenced by how intrusive the smart appliance is, how the consumer perceives its usefulness and whether it is considered novel or new. The perceived price of the smart appliance also played a role in adoption. Only South Africans’ perception of their capability to use a technologically innovative product influences their resistance to the smart appliance. Adoption is not the inverse of resistance when considering the constructs in their totality. Consumer innovativeness, influenced by uncertainty avoidance, played a significant role among the German and South African participants both resisting and adopting smart products. However, the cultural dimension of uncertainty avoidance also influenced consumer innovativeness. On the other hand, South Africans’ spirit of innovation influenced their resistance to and adoption of smart appliances more strongly than their German counterparts.