This study endeavoured to critically appraise the current models that have been designed to evaluate the HIVI AIDS epidemic. The flaw with the models is that they are not based on adequate data. Subsequently, the incorporation of the epidemic variables into Corporate Management has been lethargic especially with respect to small and medium business enterprises in South Africa. Nevertheless, larger corporations have evaluated the impact of the HIVI AIDS epidemic in their individual companies that provide results on the magnitude of the epidemic on the corporate sector. A careful analysis of these results taking into account the nature of the business will allow for more realistic inferences of the skill demographic magnitude of the epidemic from which smaller companies that have not embarked on studies can have a platform to assess the potential magnitude of the disease and this forms the backbone of the disease. Once this is recognised and incorporated into the mindset of companies, then strategic decisions have to be taken to minimise the impact of the epidemic on the business functions to ensure firstly sustainability and then profitability. Recommendations are outlined in the study based on the experiences of the larger corporate players that have performed the appropriate analysis for this and the actions that have been instituted. Thereafter the thesis substantiates the need for implementing strategies to deal with HIVI AIDS and the goals that companies should aspire. Lastly, based on workplace programs that have already been successfully incorporated into companies, the analysis and the program implementation is outlined.

Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, 2003.