Faculty of Management Sciences
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Item Systems thinking : a vehicle for the development of knowledge-sharing culture in the University of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal(2023-06-05) Mhlongo, Patrick Mbongwa; Zondo, Robert Walter DumisaniKnowledge is a fundamental source of competitive advantage for both public and private organisations. This includes higher education institutions as they are under constant pressure to meet the needs of their stakeholders. It is thus critical for such organisations to create conducive environments for knowledge-sharing across functional boundaries. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to examine the significant of systems thinking for the development of knowledge-sharing culture in Universities of Technology (UoTs). The study was qualitative in design. Data was collected, through face-to-face interviews, from employees of UoTs in KwaZulu-Natal (in South Africa). Participants were purposively selected. Thematic analysis was used to analyze data. Hence, study findings indicate that systems thinking serves as a catalyst for knowledge- sharing in UoTs. This suggests that systems thinking plays a key role in creating a conducive environment for knowledge-sharing across the organisation and beyond functional boundaries. Given the need for UoTs to remain competitive, a strong culture of knowledge sharing across functional boundaries is critical. The original value of this paper is in its approach in uncovering the strengths and weaknesses of systems thinking for the development of knowledge-sharing culture in the UoTs in KwaZulu-Natal.Item Adoption of social media for effective marketing by micro-hospitality businesses in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa(2022) Nkosana, Tenson; Mnguni, Erasmus M.; Skinner, Jane PhyllidaThe 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.Item The influence of inventory sequencing for the improvement of inventory control : evidence from a South African automotive assembly organisation(2020-04-29) Zondo, Robert Walter DumisaniOrientation: Control of inventory is a central issue in operations management and has received a considerable amount of attention in literatures. One of the reasons behind this attention is that inventory holding comprises a significant cost in the supply chain. Research purpose: The study investigates whether the inventory sequencing system has an influence in improving inventory control in an automotive assembly organisation in KwaZuluNatal, South Africa. Motivation for the study: There is a lack of coordination and control in the management of the inventory in the supply chain in South Africa. The traditional supply chain practice uses sequences of weakly connected activities both within and outside the organisation. This leads to misalignments in the supply chain. Research design, approach and methods: The automotive company that has adopted an inventory sequencing strategy participated in the study. The collection of data was carried out in two phases. This includes the collection of pre- and post-inventory sequencing results from company records for production volumes, inventory costs and product damages. The preinventory sequencing results were quarterly data reflecting the company’s performance over the 4-year period prior to the implementation of inventory sequencing. The study was quantitative in design and examined the production and related experiences of the automotive assembly organisation that has adopted an inventory sequencing procedure. The Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) model, using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse data. The company operates in the eThekwini District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal. Main findings: The study established that the inventory sequencing has no influence on either the production volumes or inventory costs. However, it has the ability to reduce product damages. Practical/managerial implications: The automotive sector should revise their operations and develop inventory control strategies, policies and practices that help to achieve new business goals. Contribution/value-add: The original value of this article is its approach in uncovering strengths and weaknesses of inventory sequencing for the improvement of inventory control in the automotive sector.Item An assessment of reporting tools used for corporate social responsibility in the Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMME) Sector in Kwazulu-Natal(2021-04) Buthelezi, Mthokozisi; Rampersad, Renitha; Gopaul, RogerSmall, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are considered as the key role drivers in order to close the gap of inequality, particularly when it comes to investing in disadvantaged communities. In South Africa, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is proposed as a strategy to revive the competitiveness of SMMEs. As global competitiveness continues to be a momentous trend, the notion of CSR is proposed as an impressive strategy to invigorate the operations and competitiveness of SMMEs. The aim of this study was to assess the reporting tools used for CSR in the SMME sector in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). In so doing, this study utilised a qualitative research approach to assess the reporting tools used by the SMME sector. Nonprobability and judgmental sampling was used to obtain participants. The target population was selected from the three geographic areas in KZN, namely Pietermaritzburg, Durban and Richards Bay. The population centered on 15 CEO’s, and 15 general public representatives that had benefited from the CSR projects of the 15 selected enterprises. The participants were selected by the researcher based on their involvement on CSR. In-depth interviews, observation, and focus group discussions were conducted by the researcher to collect primary data from the SMME CEO’s and the beneficiaries from their companies. The study revealed that some SMMEs used platforms such as meetings and strategic sessions to report on their CSR engagements. The findings further outlined that social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram were the most preferred reporting tools by SMME owners. The fact that these tools did not cost the company much was considered to be a major motivator for the adoption. Given that majority of SMMEs are actively engaged in CSR, most of them did not report their programmes at all to their stakeholders even though there are free tools that can be utilised. The study has provided additional contribution to the current literature on CSR and SMMEs. It further provided recommendations on how SMMEs can implement CSR programmes efficiently and use appropriate tools to communicate and report their CSR activities competently.Item The influence of key risk drivers on the performance of SMMEs in the manufacturing sector in KwaZulu-Natal(2021-12) Zhou, Helper; Gumbo, VictorSmall Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) have been shown to be key contributors to sustainable socio-economic development, constituting more than 90% of private sector enterprises around the world. Inevitably, many developing countries continue to explore means aimed at enhancing the performance of small enterprises. However, despite the implementation of various interventions the failure rate of SMMEs in South Africa particularly KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is disturbing, reaching up to 80% in the first year of operation. As such, to contribute to addressing this challenge, the study adopted a novel approach to establishing and modelling manufacturing SMMEs performance drivers. Utilising a unique three-year panel dataset, key risk drivers were established and modelled via R software version 3.6.3. To achieve the study objectives, a series of independent but related papers were carried out and these make up the main chapters of this thesis. The first chapter provided the background to the study. The second chapter explored the characteristics of manufacturing SMMEs based in KZN province. The findings showed the complexity of firm performance, indicating the heterogeneity between rural and urban based SMMEs. The next chapter, harnessing Stochastic theory aimed to establish whether SMMEs’ growth performance followed a random walk. The theoretical model was rejected, thus providing a basis for the claim that firm performance is a function of certain risk drivers. Armed with findings from the previous papers, the investigation of key drivers impacting the sales and growth performance of manufacturing SMMEs ensued. The fourth chapter, harnessing the Penrosian and strategic management theories established key drivers of SMMEs’ performance. The fifth chapter concerningly, revealed that SMME owners in the manufacturing sector are largely not aware of the impact of established drivers on their enterprises’ performance. In the next chapter, a total of five machine learning algorithms were evaluated of which Artificial Neural Network and Support Vector Machines were identified as the best algorithms for SMME sales and growth predictive modelling, respectively. The two algorithms informed the development of a dedicated machine learning application for SMMEs that’s being commercialised through the DUT Technology Transfer and Innovation Directorate.Item Exploration of systems thinking in the Universities of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal(International Journal of Special Education, 2022-03-03) Mhlongo, Patrick Mbongwa; Zondo, Robert Walter DumisaniThe environment in which organisations operate is almost unpredictable and hence they have to deal with complex challenges. It is necessary for organisations to continuously improve their processes and practices to remain competitive. The Universities of Technology (UoTs) are not immune from those challenges. Systems thinking philosophy has been identified as an effective management approach that helps organisations deal with such challenges. Hence, this study explores the application of systems thinking in the UoTs in KwaZulu-Natal. KwaZuluNatal, one of the nine provinces of South Africa, created in 1994 when the Zulu Bantustan of KwaZulu and Natal Province were merged. It is located in the southeast part of the country. The province has two UoTs situated within the eThekwini District Municipality. Organisational silos are still prevalent in the UoTs. This creates an attitude of “us-and-them”. Consequently, collaborative efforts across the organisations become difficult. Systems thinking has the ability to help UoTs respond effectively to complex and unpredictable challenges. It facilitates this possibility as it assists members to focus on the organisation as a whole, including its stakeholders, rather than on individual parts of the organisation. It considers the organisation as a complex system with interrelated parts. Hence, this paper provides insights on its application at the UoTs in KwaZulu-Natal.Item Insight into self-reliance of rural communities for endogenous growth in KwaZulu-Natal(Siauliai University, 2022-06-06) Zondo, Robert Walter DumisaniIt has been established that development in most African countries has been severely affected due to the loss of the key aspects that define communities and the environments in which they live. Rural communities are normally overlooked when development interventions are implemented. Immediate intervention of rural communities requires funding for infrastructure such as earth dams, training facilities, marketing of products and services, frameworks for rural development plans as well as capacity support. Such funding plays a positive role in the development of self-reliance of rural communities. Other than funding, African indigenous knowledge is critical in advancing the self-reliance of rural communities. However, such a knowledge system is either underdeveloped or not fully utilised for development purposes. The underutilisation of African indigenous knowledge leads to the loss of valuable information that could be used for developmental purposes, ensuring unified communities. This affects the establishment of self-reliance strategies in rural communities leading to the creation of endogenous growth. Such growth enriches the development process and empowers communities to be self-reliant, thus improving quality of life. The economic empowerment strategies should result in the development of rural entrepreneurs for South Africa. This study assesses the effects of self-reliance on rural community development in KwaZulu-Natal.Item Stakeholder expectations and perceptions of Work Integrated Learning : a case study of the Public Relations programme at the Durban University of Technology(2021) Mavundla, Bajabulile Patricia; Rampersad, RenithaUnemployment is currently a global challenge. Therefore, South Africa cannot be exempted. Statistics show that there is a high percentage of unemployed graduates in South Africa due to a lack of required skills as per the industry requirement. Work Integrated Learning (WIL) is considered to be the key role driver in order to reduce the high rate of unemployable graduates. WIL was proposed by both the Department on Higher Education and Training and the Council on Higher Education (CHE2011) as a strategy to combat the challenge of unemployment facing graduates in South Africa. The aim of this study was to explore the expectations and perspectives of employers, co-ordinators and students involved in the Public Relations WIL programme at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in Durban, South Africa. The study further aimed to propagate knowledge of stakeholder expectations and to identify gaps and strengths in the expectations of all stakeholders. This study utilised a qualitative approach and a convenience sampling technique to acquire participants. The population centred on N=46 participants, which included N=30 students registered for Public Relations Practice, N=1 DUT WIL Coordinator and N=15 Industry Supervisors. The participants were selected based on their involvement in the WIL Programme in 2016. In-depth interviews, observations and focus group discussions were conducted by the researcher to collect primary data from the focus groups, WIL employers and the DUT WIL Coordinator. The study revealed WIL as an important component of the Public Relations Programme. The findings further outlined that transition was necessary for PR WIL students and that the importance of placement within the Public Relations Industry is a necessity to provide proper opportunities for PR WIL students to experience professional life, with the notion that such experience will promote knowledge development. The study concluded that all students had a common objective of WIL, which was to put into practice what they had learnt in class in a practical working environment. They indicated that the time-frame was too limited to conclude all the tasks in a space of six months. The study makes recommendations for the additional contributions to the PR WIL programme offered at DUT.Item Key performance drivers of small enterprises in the manufacturing sector in KwaZulu Natal province, South Africa(Allied Academies, 2021-08-31) Zhou, Helper; Victor, GumboThis paper sought to establish key performance drivers for small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the manufacturing sector in KwaZulu Natal (KZN) province, South Africa. A quantitative approach was adopted, utilising three-year panel data of manufacturing small enterprises. The results utilising Fixed Effects panel data modelling technique, revealed that productivity, permanent and temporary workers have a positive effect, whilst company age and unemployment have a negative effect on SMMEs sales performance. Based on these results, it was recommended that SMMEs should leverage their human resources to drive sustainable performance. It is also important that key interventions targeting the SMME sector should not only focus on internal but external environment drivers like unemployment which have a significant impact on the performance and thus long-term survival.Item Media framing of natural disasters in KwaZulu-Natal province: impact of contingency plans(Virtus Interpress, 2015) Ngcamu, Bethuel Sibongiseni; Binza, Shakespeare MzikayiseThis study explores how the media frame disaster contingency plans which include preparedness, mitigation, response and recovery of the KwaZulu-Natal province before, during and in the aftermath of natural disasters. The province has been stricken by natural disasters. Although newspapers report the disasters they fail to give details of disaster contingency plans that should be available to those who are susceptible to, and the victims of disasters. Based on a content analysis of 114 online newspaper articles between 2000 and 2013 to examine how the media framed the KZN government’s disaster contingency plans. This study concludes that the highest occurrence of disasters (71%) was from 2011 onwards as compared to previous years, and most of these were associated with areas that are susceptible to floods (34%). The findings of the study highlight that the media placed an emphasis on disaster response (41%) over preparedness (24%) and mitigation (7%). The outcomes suggest that newspaper organisations need to appoint a designated reporter responsible for disaster management issues. This is relevant because this study conveys findings that have the potential to persuade government and newspaper organisations to collaborate and to ensure that their officials are multi-skilled and able to cover all phases of disaster management in their articles, in order for these to be understood at all levels of society. This study further adds to the growing body of knowledge regarding quality journalism that meets its objectives.