Browsing by Author "Naidoo, Vannie."

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A conceptual framework for private higher educational institutions to respond to disruptions in South Africa.
(2024) Maota, Tshepo Religion.; Naidoo, Vannie.
During the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, global societies experienced widespread disruption and uncertainty, significantly affecting higher education. This "black swan" event tested the resilience of higher education institutions, necessitating an involuntary shift in instructional practices. This study explores the impact of pandemic disruptions on student and staff experiences in local PHEIs, with a focus on their operational flexibility and capacity to navigate turbulent circumstances. The research employs a mixed-methods approach, involving a sample size of 381 students and 316 staff members from various demographic backgrounds. We administered the survey using reliable measures to ensure high response rates. The findings indicate that lower-level students, such as undergraduates, faced greater difficulties in adapting to online learning compared to higher-level students, such as master's and doctoral candidates. The challenges included limited access to technology and resources, as well as difficulties maintaining engagement and motivation. In contrast, staff members initially reported high levels of support adequacy, but these ratings decreased with increased years of experience, possibly due to burnout and evolving expectations. Leaders within PHEIs highlighted the need for enhanced training and preparedness to manage disruptions effectively. They identified specific challenges, such as political and economic factors, system changes, and the absence of specialised tools for disruption management. Insights from leaders included the importance of scenario planning, robust communication strategies, and fostering a culture of adaptability and resilience. We developed a comprehensive framework for disruption management as a guiding beacon for navigating disruptive encounters. We created a machine-learning-based predictive model using a binary classification tree to predict disruption risks within this framework. The model was trained on variables such as potential impact, probability of occurrence, warning index, and relevance to the education sector, achieving high accuracy in classifying disruption risks. Despite limitations like region-specific focus and challenges of data collection during a pandemic, this study provides valuable insights into proactive strategies, support significance, effective leadership, and predictive models for disruption management in higher education. This research contributes to the understanding of disruption management in PHEIs and provides practical tools for enhancing institutional resilience.
An assessment of healthcare leadership competencies at Busamed Gateway Private Hospital in Umhlanga.
(2017) Govender, Leeshalan.; Naidoo, Vannie.
Scholars argue that there is a need to for healthcare managers/supervisors to be talented in management if they are to effectively deal with today’s increasing complicated healthcare environment. Managers/supervisors should work in such a way that they show measurable results and effectiveness to put into practice management operations informed by credible evidence on management. On the other hand, academic and professional programmes are underscoring the need for managers/supervisors to acquire competencies that would make them effective in their workplace. Even then, it remains unknown the competencies of healthcare managers/supervisors in the South African healthcare including managers/supervisors at the Busamed Gateway Private Hospital. Thus, this study was conducted to determine the competencies of healthcare managers/supervisors as a lack of appropriate competencies among healthcare managers/supervisors may be the cause of some of the healthcare challenges faced by the Busamed Gateway Private Hospital. A case study research design was used to guide the study. A quantitative research methodology was used to underpin the study, and census sampling was used to select twenty-four respondents. Data was collected using a questionnaire. Data was analysed with SPSS version 24.0. Generally, findings indicate that managers/supervisors at the Busamed Gateway Private Hospital believe to have communication and relationship management, professionalism, leadership, knowledge of the healthcare system and business skills competencies. However, with regards to communication/relationship management competencies the study indicates that managers/supervisors do not show negotiation competencies. There is a need therefore for managers/supervisors to explore the principles of seeking mutual benefit with employees as this key to a successful leadership in hospitals. With regards professionalism competencies managers/supervisors are strong in ethical and health profession competencies than in other competencies. There is a need for managers/supervisors to consider all professional competencies as important in hospital operation. Findings on healthcare environment competencies show that improving the health system competence is not prioritised, as results managers/supervisors do not have the freedom to implement whole scale changes to the health care system. There is a need to revisit the hospital regulations and laws to allow leaders to be creative and innovative. The study found that leaders lack competencies to organise employees and resources that are critical in the process of delivering health care services. Thus, systems for the management of employees within the hospital should be revisited to maximise employee performance. On leadership competencies, the study found that managers/supervisors do not believe to have mutual trust competencies. Therefore, managers/supervisors lack skills to promote workplace trust. There is a need to run programmes to specifically teach employees on the importance of relationships between internal stakeholders and external stakeholders. This is important because the foundation of all relationships is trust. Without parties trusting each other it will be hard for stakeholders to come to an agreement or consensus on issues affecting the hospital.
An assessment of the business process review : a study of the finance division at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2018) Thangavelu, Nancy.; Naidoo, Vannie.
The University of Kwazulu-Natal (UKZN) Finance Division underwent a restructuring process in 2014 that saw the number of staff in Finance reduce from 120 to 75 staff. The aim of this process was to downsize staff from the support sector and re-allocate funds to the Academic sector. Overall the re-structuring has not been an easy process especially on the Human Resources of the organisation and the productivity at the University. The purpose of this study is to look at the strategies that can be used to effectively restructure the organisation without effecting the motivation and morale of the staff. Managers and change consultants need to implement the correct strategy that fits the organisation and will improve staff satisfaction which in turn will boost staff moral resulting in optimum productivity. The research was based on a quantitative approach. Random sampling was used to select a sample of 63 finance staff. A questionnaire was designed with close-ended questions and sent to the sample who were located on five of the University’s campuses. According to the findings, the respondents felt that management did not follow crucial steps in the restructuring process which according to academic theory is essential to success of any restructuring process. The results also revealed that more than 50% of staff are demotivated and have a very low morale. Staff also feel that their perceptions of restructuring is being ignored by management. The study recommends that the UKZN use a change theory for future change endeavours. It is also recommended that management should communicate pertinent information to staff when undergoing a restructuring process, should introduce rewards to those staff who are carrying more workloads than employed for, create small short-term wins for staff and ensure that a culture of positive well-being amongst staff to ensure that staff remain motivated.
Challenges facing the delivery of mega projects in Transnet capital projects.
(2018) Chetty, Rajan.; Naidoo, Vannie.
This study was undertaken to critically identify and analyse the challenges facing mega-project delivery at Transnet Capital Projects (TCP), a project execution wing of Transnet State-Owned Enterprise (SOE). Transnet is the custodian and operator of eight commercial ports, 20 500 kilometres of railway and 3800 kilometres of pipeline network in South Africa. The Department of Public Enterprises regards Transnet as an integral SOE upon which the country is heavily dependent on for economic growth, job creation and socio-economic transformation. In fulfilling its mandate, Transnet continually reviews its strategies to increase operational efficiencies, produce infrastructure ahead of demand, and reduce the costs of doing business. As a specialist project wing, TCP has delivered several mega-projects for the port, rail and pipelines divisions of Transnet, however evidence indicates that almost 55% of railway projects fail and that the New Multi-Product Pipeline (NMPP) project cost has almost doubled from its original estimate of R11.1 billion to R23.4 Billion. Currently TCP is executing several mega-infrastructure projects arising from Transnet’s R300 Billion Market Demand Strategy (MDS). Future mega-projects are anticipated to follow from Transnet’s 30-year long-term framework plan (LTFP). This study uses PMI’s (2013) ‘10 Knowledge Areas of Project Management’ as a model to critically identify and analyse the challenges facing the delivery of mega-projects in TCP. A simple convenience sample and quantitative data collected from 191 respondents in TCP project management teams provided an extensive data set for analysis. Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS) was applied to analyse 122 constructs and through principal component analysis determine the main contributing challenges. Inferential statistical calculations were processed to determine correlation of 21 hypotheses. The findings indicate that while TCP has world-class project lifecycle processes and selected tools, there are challenges in upfront planning of mega-projects, inefficient scope and cost control, contract management challenges, inadequate personnel experience and skill, an overwhelmingly large number of stakeholders to manage and weak risk management. This study contributes new data on mega-project challenges, recommends new mega-project management practices, processes, and strategies to address these challenges. A new model to refocus mega-project execution for successful outcomes is presented. Transnet, project practitioners, researchers, stakeholders; public and private sector; and the African continent will benefit from the learnings of mega-project delivery at TCP.
Consumers buying decision process towards cosmetics: a comparison of the generations X and Y in Durban.
(2018) Ilunga, Kateta Concordia.; Naidoo, Vannie.
Understanding the factors influencing consumers through the buying decision process is of vital importance, most especially in recent times whereby marketing is more consumeroriented. The main purpose of this study was to compare the behaviour of two different generations (X and Y) group consumers through the cosmetics-buying decision process. However, this study used the buying model, which includes five stages; needs recognition, information search, alternative evaluation, purchase decision and post-purchase evaluation. This study used a quantitative research approach. A sample size of 379 (Westville campus and Howard college students born between 1965-1999) was determined using the probability random sampling method. Furthermore, data was collected by means of a survey questionnaire, and a satisfactory return rate of 99 per cent, or 377 questionnaires, were submitted for statistical analysis. After analysis result revealed that out of 377 respondents, the majority of them was from the generation Y with 60.2 per cent (n=227) whereas the generation X was only 39,8 per cent (n=150). Furthermore, findings indicated that through the cosmetics-buying decision process, each generation (X and Y) consumers’ needs are triggered by different motives. Most of the generation X consumers buy cosmetics products to satisfy the need to enhance beauty, whereas the generation Y is more likely to be driven by physiological needs than compared to generation X. Furthermore, the generation Y is more likely to be influenced by advertisements than compared to generation X. Findings suggested that during the cosmetics-buying decision process both generations (X and Y) consider social network platforms as a source of information, moreover the generation Y is also more likely to consider previous brands as a source of information than compared to the generation X. Findings suggested that loyalty, quality, and price are the basic criteria that generations X and Y consumers use during the cosmetics-buying decision process. However, generation Y is also partially likely to consider recommendations from sales persons. Finally, findings suggested that both generations (X and Y) use satisfaction as a basic criterion in the cosmetics-buying decision process. Nevertheless, statistical test results indicated that there are significant behavioural differences between the generation X and Y consumers during the cosmetics-buying decision process.
Customer perceptions and expectations of service quality in the medical insurance sector in Zimbabwe.
(2018) Mufudza, Tsitsi.; Naidoo, Vannie.
This study sought to evaluate customers’ perceptions and expectations of service quality in the medical insurance sector in Zimbabwe. This will help to identify the service quality gaps experienced and to come up with strategies to improve service delivery in the industry. Literature has shown that service quality has been least reflected on by researchers in private health insurance, and efforts to improve quality in the sector were mainly centred on regulations and benchmarking against practices adopted in developed countries. Therefore, an empirical assessment of service quality in the Zimbabwean medical insurance industry will greatly contribute to understanding the service quality dimensions, which could bring efficiency, profitability and sustainability to the industry threatened by increased competition and economic challenges. Furthermore, to ensure continued subscription by members in such a volatile situation, medical insurance companies need to align their service offerings with customer needs. The theoretical underpinnings of the study were the SERVQUAL and gaps models of Parasuraman, Zeithaml and Berry (1985). A positivist research philosophy and quantitative methodology were adopted. The population constituted of 1000 000 members of five major medical insurance companies in Zimbabwe, namely PSMAS, CIMAS, First Mutual Health, Fidelity and Altfin. A sample of 384 was chosen from five major health institutions in Harare using quota and convenience sampling. Data was collected using a questionnaire adapted from a generic instrument (SERVQUAL scale), based on a fivepoint Likert-type scale. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 was used for data analysis in which both descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The major findings were that medical insurance customers in Zimbabwe are dissatisfied with service offerings in the industry with highest levels of dissatisfaction being expressed towards the quality dimension, reliability and lastly tangibility. Levels of dissatisfaction also varied across the service quality dimensions in terms of age groups, periods of membership to medical insurance companies and other demographic variables. The study also found that service quality was lower in government-owned than in privately owned medical insurance companies. Strategies to improve service quality in the industry are suggested, with some managerial and theoretical implications being highlighted.
Developing a framework for entrepreneurial strategies and SME performance in Tanzania-based bakeries.
(2020) Jeje, Kafigi Nicholaus.; Naidoo, Vannie.
Abstract available in pdf.
Durban customers' perception of cash back premiums marketing campaigns for Afrikaanse Verbond Begrafnis Ondernemings Beperk.
(2021) Ngwabe, Jane Nompumelelo.; Naidoo, Vannie.
The prime aim of this study is to evaluate customers’ perceptions of AVBOB cashback premium marketing campaigns and how it impacts on customers’ performance based on the Attention, Interest, Desire and Action (AIDA) model. This study draws on the AIDA model to determine the influence of the AVBOB cashback premium marketing campaigns on consumers purchasing decision – based on attention, interest, desire and action with reference to the AVBOB cashback funeral cover. AIDA, which is an abbreviation for Attention, Interest, Desire and Action is used by marketing staff to create powerful communication techniques that better reflects customers’ necessities and wants (Hadiyati, 2016: 51-52; Rawal, 2013: 38-39; Winer & Dhar, 2011:441). This study adopted a non-experimental quantitative approach for collecting data. It enables the researcher to explore the phenomena that is being investigated. Consequently, a convenient sampling technique was used to enrolled participants into the study. With 73.2% of the sample being females. 88.3% of the sample being Africans, 58.5% of the sample being single, 77.1% of the sample employed, and 48.8% of the sample having between 1 – 3 children, the results from this study revealed that this study used a sample of 205 respondents. The findings from this study revealed that 97.5% of the respondents buy the AVBOB’s cashback funeral cover as a family necessity. On customers’ performance or buying behaviour, the results from this study indicated that AVBOB cashback premium marketing campaigns influences customers’ attention toward the product, with p-values of <0.05. However, the results from this study suggested that AVBOB cashback premium marketing campaigns has no influence on customers’ interest toward the product, with p-values of >0.05. Similar, the findings from this study also revealed that cashback premium marketing campaign has no influence on customers’ desire toward the product, with p-values of >0.05. Furthermore, the findings from this study revealed that AVBOB cashback premium marketing campaigns influences customers’ decision to buy the product based on family necessity, with a p-value of 0.037.
The effect of personality type and team roles on social innovation model at Zimbabwean nongovernmental organisations.
(2020) Mhizha, Clarence.; Naidoo, Vannie.
The research involved Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) with a Social Innovation agenda in Zimbabwe. All NGO participants were affiliates of the National Association of Non- Governmental Organisations. The study was built on existing literature and was centered on the effect of team roles and personality types on social innovation donor support in National NGOs in Zimbabwe using the Belbin Team role and Myers Briggs Type Indicator Personality type tests. The study utilized a quantitative approach based on correlation research designs. In the operationalization of this study, the population comprised Management level employees from 50 Local NGOs in Harare and Manicaland territories of Zimbabwe. The 50 NGOs making the population were those with a social development motivation. Disproportionate stratified irregular sampling was utilized to come up with the sample. One way ANOVA and Multinomial logistic regression analysis using SPSS Statistics were used as models for data analysis. The major findings revealed that there was some degree of co-relation between personality types and donor funding of social innovation. Guardian and Giver were found to be the most influential personality types. Also some co-relation was found between team roles and donor funding for social innovation in Non-Governmental Organisations in Zimbabwe with Sharper and Monitor being the most influential team roles. The trend observed indicated that there is a higher possibility of increasing donor funding in a Non-Governmental organisation that employs people with Guardian and Giver personality types and Sharper and monitor team roles in any portfolio of finance manager, project Manager and Human Resource Manager. The key recommendation is to blend much of Guardian and Giver personality types with sharper and monitor team roles in the selection of senior management employees in Non-Governmental Organisations that rely on donor support for their Social Innovation agenda. The findings of this study will empower NGOs in Zimbabwe to improve the way they handle social advancement. The study makes an original contribution to new knowledge through the development of the Donor funding Statistically Significant variables Performance Model for NGOs in Stressed Economies.
The effects of institutions, innovation and business strategy on indigenous Ghanaian firms’ degree of internationalisation: determining the symbiotic relationships=Imiphumela yesikhungo, ubuhlakani kanye neqhinga lebhizinisi kumafemu omdabu aseGhana nezinga lomhlaba. Isinqumo sobudlelwano obuvuna nhlangothi zonke.
(2021) Takyi, Nyankom Lydia.; Naidoo, Vannie.
Studies involving indigenous firms’ international operations, the role of institutions and symbiotic relationships in export activities in developing economies, particularly in the Sub- Saharan African countries, are underexplored in the extant literature, which, however, takes a normally developed country perspective. The general discourse in the literature is the crucial role the external environment plays in firms’ international operations. This study examines how the relationship between government financial and non-financial support and its associated effect on innovation and strategic alliances enhances the foreign market operations of indigenous internationalising firms in the non-traditional crops industries in Ghana. In addition, the study examined the synergistic influence of symbiotic relationships in moderating the association between innovation, strategic alliances and the degree of internationalisation. Drawing on an institutional-based view and using a mixed-method approach (quantitative and qualitative), the study develops a complex model using survey data from 301 indigenous Ghanaian exporters. Data were explored using structural equation modelling and content analysis. The findings from the thesis show and confirm that formal institutional dimensions (government financial and non-financial) have a significant positive (direct and indirect) effect on firms' internationalisation. In addition, the symbiotic relationship was found to have a direct effect on internationalisation and a strong moderating impact on innovation and business strategy, while informal institutional dimensions revealed varied direct and mediating effects on internationalisation. The study builds strong arguments for institutional theory, resource dependency theory and symbiotic relationships. In addition, this study's findings contribute to the international entrepreneurship theory by explaining the mediating X (innovation and strategic alliance) and moderating (symbiotic relationship) role in a developing market like Ghana. This study's originality lies in its use of a rigorous analytical tool, the SEM method, to validate a complex mediated-moderated conceptual framework on indigenous firms internationalisation. The thesis recommends an extensive collaborative relationship with government; family and friends; experienced exporters; successful importers and local firms to establish comprehensive symbiosis factors to reinforce the association of innovation and DOI, and business strategy and DOI. İn addition, the study recommends an implementation of single corridor method of export for the non-traditionaly crops. Such implementation of a single corridor method will help control pricing and volumes of export products to the international market and thereby avoid spoilage of products and goods. Lastly, the thesis suggests that government should consider increasing exporters’ capacity and capabilities to spur innovation and improve the degree of internationalisation. Iqoqa Izinga lomhlaba lifuna ubudlelwano obukhombisa ukusizana phakathi kombusi, noncithisano, kanye nokomhlaba noma ingede ezothuthukisa ngokufanele, ukwazi, nobuncintiswano kanye nokwandisa okwenzekayo emhlabeni. Lolu cwaningo luhlola ukulamula okuneqhinga kobudlelwano phakathi kukahulumeni nezinga lomhlaba ezinkampanini ezizimele. Okufundwayo kwabe kuwukuhlola ulwazi oluqoqiwe kubahwebi abangumsinsi abangama-301, abatholakale engosini yaseGhana Export and Promotion Authority database. Ukuthembeka kanye nobuqiniso bolwazi kwavivinywa kusetshenziswa uhlelo oluqinisekisa imbangela sakuhlaziya, uhlaka lokulinganisa isilinganiso sokuhlaziya, lwahamba lusebenzisa, i-Amosv23. Okufundwayo kwaphetha ngokuthi kokubili ukusekelwa ngezimali noma ngokunye uhulumeni kwaba nokubaluleka okusezingeni eliphezulu. Lobu budlelwano balanyulwa ngokuvunwa iqhinga lokuhlanganyela. Okufundwayo kwakusasa kungahlola ubudlelwano obufanayo, kodwa bubuke ngale kokusekelwa nguhulumeni, izimboni zomdabu kanye nesifundo somhlaba esifaka nezinye izikhungo eziqhamuka ngaphandle ezinezithako ezifana nezimbangela ezinobunhlasiko.
The impact of company acquisition and rebranding on the workforce in a Kwazulu-Natal manufacturing plant, SA.
(2016) Sewpersadh, Avaan Anand.; Naidoo, Vannie.
ABSTRACT Problem Acquisitions, mergers and the eventual rebranding of companies has become a common practice in the business world today. The motivation for this practice ranges from business diversification, to strategic growth, to the elimination of competitors. The reasons for the process vary, but the effect on the workforce is largely the same. Pre, during and post-merger, employees tend to feel high levels of anxiety, stress, distrust and alienation. These negative effects on the workforce result in huge losses in employee productivity, company output and even the loss of key personnel. Purpose This research study focused on a recent acquisition, merger and rebranding that occurred at a manufacturing plant in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. It was noted that staff experienced the typical emotions associated with the process. An objective of the study was to determine the factors that motivated and excited staff the most about the merger. The second objective was to determine what factors demotivated and concerned staff the most. Thirdly, it was investigated whether lower salary earners were more or less resistant to the changes than higher salary earners. The fourth objective of this research was to determine how the acquisition and merger process can be improved from the perspective of the workforce. Design and Methodology Staff at the plant were surveyed using a structured questionnaire. The research instrument consisted of quantitative type questions that staff answered on a Likert Scale, and a qualitative type question where staff could input their feelings, views and opinions. The data retrieved was analysed in great detail and provided significant insight into the mind-sets of staff during the process. Data was described descriptively and inferentially and has been tied to relevant literature and current statistical data. Findings The factor that caused the greatest motivation and excitement among staff was the possibility of increased job security after the acquisition, merger and rebranding. The greatest level of demotivation and concern/worry was caused by potentially reduced job security after the process. It was found that in terms of motivation and excitement levels, there was no significant difference in attitude between lower earners and higher earning staff. It was qualitatively found that an improved benefit scheme would have most greatly improved the overall experience of staff. Conclusions and Value This study investigated the effect that an acquisition, merger and rebranding has on a workforce. The study found that to optimize motivation and excitement levels, it is recommended that management open communication lines and engage in collaborative decision making with staff. To minimize demotivation and concern/worry, providing clarity surrounding the job security of staff members should be a priority. To improve the process, it was found that the inclusion of a benefit scheme, specifically a retirement benefit had the greatest effect. The findings from this study provided insight into what can be done to improve the acquisition, merger and rebranding process. Application of the recommendations may increase the success rates of mergers and make the process far more efficient as staff will be more motivated and positive towards it.
Impact of workplace discipline on organisational performance at a selected chemical organisation in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa=Umthelela wokuqondiswa kobugwegwe emsebenzini ekwenziweni kahle komsebenzi enkampanini yamakhemikhali eqokiwe KwaZulu-Natali, eNingizimu Afrika.
(2022) Sishi, Kusangiphila Kenson.; Naidoo, Vannie.
In today’s competitive environment, workplace discipline has been considered an important strategy that influences positively organisational performance. Although workplace discipline has received scholarly interest from both organisational researchers and human resource management practitioners, arguably, there is still a paucity of research on the impact of workplace discipline on organisational performance in KwaZulu-Natal. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impact of workplace discipline on organisational performance at Sappi Saiccor, Umkomaas. The study adopted descriptive and exploratory research to describe and provide in-depth knowledge about the subject. The mixed methods approach was employed to collect and analyse the quantitative and qualitative data. Stratified and purposive sampling techniques were used to select 291 participants from a population of approximately 1200 Sappi Saiccor, Umkomaas employees in KwaZulu Natal. An online questionnaire and structured interview grid were used to collect the data. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (version 27.0) was used to analyse the quantitative data while the qualitative data was analysed using NVivo (version 12.0). The quantitative results revealed that there is a strong positive relationship between workplace discipline and organisational performance. Similarly, the qualitative findings affirmed that workplace discipline positively impacted organisational performance at Sappi Saiccor. Additionally, the quantitative and qualitative findings revealed a positive relationship between workplace discipline and employee relationships. Moreover, the quantitative and qualitative results showed a significant relationship between organisational performance and COVID-19. Besides, the results of this quantitative and qualitative study found a positive relationship between workplace discipline and the impact of COVID-19. The scope of the study was limited to the impact of workplace discipline on organisational performance at Sappi Saiccor mill, Umkomaas in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The study recommends that employers must be consistent during disciplinary processes and communicate properly the organisational rules and procedures. IQOQA Empilweni yanamuhla enokuncintisana, ukuqondiswa ubugwegwe emsebenzini kuthathwa njengesu elibalulekile elinomthelela omuhle ekwenzeni kahle kwenkampani noma kwenhlangano. Yize ukuqondiswa ubugwegwe emsebenzini sekushukumise intshisekelo kubacwaningi kanye nabalawula amahhovisi ondabazabantu, kunokushoda kocwaningo ngomthelela wako ekusebenzeni kwezinkampani KwaZulu-Natali, eNingizimu Afrika. Ngakho-ke, lolu cwaningo lwaluhlose ukucwaninga ngomthelela wokuqondiswa ubugwegwe ekusebenzeni kwenkampani yakwaSaiccor, Umkomaas, KwaZulu-Natali. Lolu cwaningo lwakhetha indlela echazayo nehlolayo ukudingida kanye nokunikeza ulwazi olujulile ngalesi sihloko. Kwasetshenziswa indlela yocwaningo engxube ukuqoqa nokuhlaziya imininingo ewucwaningozinombolo kanye nekhwalithethivu. Amasu okuqoka ngokohlelomikhakha kanye nangokwenhloso kwasetshenziswa ukukhetha ababambiqhaza abayi-1200 abangabasebenzi bakwaSappi Saiccor, eMkomaas, KwaZulu Natali. Kwasetshenziswa uhlumibuzo lwezobuchwepheshe kanye nemposambuzo ehleliwe ukuqoqa imininingo. Kwasetshenziswa iStatistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (version 27.0) ukuhlaziya imininingo yocwaningozinombolo kwase kusetshenziswa iNVivo (version 12.0) ukuhlaziya imininingo eyikhwalithethivu. Imiphumela yocwaningozinombolo yaveza ukuthi kunobudlelwane obuhle obuqinile phakathi kokuqondiswa ubugwegwe kanye nokusebenza kwenkampani. Ngokunjalo, imiphumela yemininingo ekhwalithethivu yagcizelela ukuthi ukuqondiswa ubugwegwe kwakunomthelela omuhle ekusebenzeni kweSappi Saiccor. Ngaphezu kwalokho, imiphumela yocwaningozinombolo neyekhwalithethivu yaveza ukuthi kuba nobudlelwane obuhle phakathi kokuqondiswa ubugwegwe nobudlelwane babasebenzi. Imiphumela yaphinde yaqhakambisa ukubaluleka kobudlelwane bokusebenza kwenkampani kanye nomthelela weCOVID-19. Umklamo wocwaningo wawubhekene kuphela nomthelela wokuqondiswa ubugwegwe ekusebenzeni kwenkampani yakwaSappi Saiccor Mill, eMkomaas, KwaZulu-Natali, eNingizimu Afrika. Ucwaningo luphakamisa ukuba abaqashi bakhombise inhlalanjalo mayelana nenqubo yokuqondiswa ubugwegwe futhi bazise ngemithetho nenqubo yasemsebenzini ngendlela efanele. Amagama asemqoka: Ukuqondiswa ubugwegwe; ukusebenza kwenkampani; COVID-19; ubudlelwane kubasebenzi; ubudlelwane ngokwasemsebenzini.
Investigating Nigerian non-governmental organizations’ capabilities to replicate successful youth poverty alleviation innovation programmes.
(2018) Igbinakhase, Idahosa.; Naidoo, Vannie.
The original contribution of this study to knowledge is the re-contextualisation of the SCALERS model to investigate the organisational capabilities of Nigerian nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) to replicate successful programmes designed to empower poor youths as NGOs are among the key stakeholders in the fight against youth poverty in Nigeria. Youth poverty is on the rise in Nigeria despite the successful poverty alleviation programmes of NGOs being utilised in some locations within Nigeria. This has necessitated the current investigative study to unravel the near lack of replication by these NGOs in other needy locations in Nigeria to reduce the growing scourge of youth poverty in the country. The research questions comprise two main categories focusing questions on the effectiveness of the organisational capabilities of these NGOs and determining the progress made in replicating successful programmes designed to empower poor youths in Nigeria and investigating the correlation between these. The study addressed a gap in extant literature and focused on youth poverty alleviation activities of NGOs and their organisational capabilities in Nigeria by investigating these organisational capabilities issues in relation to replicating successful programmes designed to empower poor youths to address the growing problem of youth poverty in Nigeria using the SCALERS model as theoretical foundation for the study. The study utilised a quantitative-based non-experimental exploratory correlational study design to investigate the organisational capabilities of youth-serving NGOs to replicate successful programmes designed to empower poor youths. A simple random sampling technique was adopted to gain access to the NGOs, and a self-administered questionnaire was utilised to gather the research data from managers of the NGOs. Descriptive and inferential statistics were carried out and their findings were significant. The major findings of the study were that the investigated NGOs had been able to meet their staffing, communication, alliance-building, replication and stimulating market forces needs effectively and that there was a significant correlation between the organisational capabilities of the investigated NGOs and replicating successful programmes designed to empower poor youths. It is expected that the research findings will enable youth-serving NGOs and their stakeholders to tackle youth poverty effectively
Investigating procurement challenges within three provincial departments in Kwazulu-Natal.
(2019) Manjate, Olivia.; Naidoo, Vannie.
This research investigated challenges faced by public procurement at the Department of Arts and Culture, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Treasury and Department of Sports and Recreation. In this study a quantitative research method was used. It involved finding out an unfolding model that occurs in its natural setting which allowed the development of detailed involvement from actual experiences of the participants. The obtained results were analysed using a Likert model. and it was deduced that there are challenges facing public procurement. This is regardless of the supply chain management officials’ competence in public procurement, their adequate knowledge of laws and regulations guiding it and availability of adequate facilities e.g. PC’s, internet facilities, photocopy, printers etc. Moreover, there is adequate information available to officials on supply chain management prescripts in the departmental policies and procedure manuals. This study concludes that, while the officials are adequately equipped with tertiary qualifications and have knowledge of laws and regulations guiding public procurement, there is high evidence of irregular expenditure which means there’s non-adherence to policy prescripts which includes the Public Finance Management Act, 1999 (Act 1 of 1999). This predicament may be addressed if the government were to show will and commitment by enforcing appropriate penalties to offenders who do not comply with the available legislative framework.
Investigating service quality perceptions in tertiary institutions : the case of University of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2012) Naidoo, Vannie.; Phiri, Maxwell Agabu.
The study aimed to gain insight into staff and student perceptions of service quality at tertiary institutions. As noted in the literature review, service marketing has evolved over time, as more research has been conducted on quality and how it impacts on the customer. Since tertiary education forms part of service marketing, this study aims to identify the quality variables attached to this service sector and illustrate how each quality variable affects the students and staff within the university environment. The literature review highlighted that universities should not merely subscribe to service quality for its own sake, as high levels of service quality within tertiary institutions yield long-term benefits. These include competitive advantage, reducing customer recruitment costs, promoting positive word of mouth and reputation and building loyal internal customers, which all result in a higher Return on Investment (RoI) in the long term. The foundation of this study is based on the theories relating to the SERVQUAL and Gaps model of service quality developed by Parasuraman, Zeithaml and Berry (1985). The study adapted the variables pertaining to the tertiary education sector to the SERVQUAL instrument. The researcher opted to use a five point LIKERT scale for the questionnaire, which consisted of closed-ended questions. The questionnaire used in the study was adapted to the quality dimensions peculiar to the tertiary education environment and to the SERVQUAL instrument. Convenience sampling technique was employed. The researcher identified the population as all students and staff at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, consisting of approximately 40 000 students and 4 170 staff. The samples included 380 students and 354 academic and non-academic staff from the Westville, Howard College, Edgewood, Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine and Pietermaritzburg campuses. These figures were arrived at using Krejcie and Morgan's (1970) tables on sample size for a given population. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 13 for Windows programme was used for the analysis and presentation of the data. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse data. Data will be presented in tables, charts and graphs to illustrate the results of the survey. The findings of this study record the perceptions and expectations of staff and students respectively. Further, the relevant quality “Gaps for Tangibles, Responsiveness, Reliability Empathy and Assurance” are identified for staff and students. Thereafter relevant recommendations are put forward to address these gaps. The findings of the empirical study illustrate that both staff and students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal were very dissatisfied with the quality of services provided. These findings can be used by University management to improve their marketing strategies for each service offering made to students and staff within the University. It is recommended that in order for the University to be recognized as an institution of higher learning with a high quality of excellence it needs to have an organizational culture that embraces high levels of service quality.
Investigating service quality perceptions of MBA students : a case study on South African retail banks.
(2015) Bhengu, Mbalenhle Sithuthukile.; Naidoo, Vannie.
The purpose of the study was to gain insight into the perceptions and expectations of University of KwaZulu - Natal students, studying towards their MBA, on the service quality of South African retail banks. The retail banking sector is a sector that is highly concerned with a high face to face interaction and can be classified as a service industry that has been characterised with aggressive product and pricing differentiation. The need to conduct this research is highlighted by researchers such as Kostov, Arun and Annim (2014) as well as Durdana and Zizak (2015) who outline that the topic of service quality perceptions and expectations, according to the student market in retail banks, is a limited field of research. The literature review highlighted that the retail banking sector, being a sector that is strongly service orientated, would achieve a greater level of trust and confidence in their relationships with their clients’ through an attainment of service excellence. In addition, the literature review placed a particular emphasis on the student market, specifically the Postgraduate market, which is considered to be a lucrative market in the retail banking industry. An investigation into their service quality perceptions and expectations of retail banks across South Africa would motivate retail banks to design suitable and attractive products for the student market which would increase competitive advantage build positive reputations as well as increase the financial returns of retail banks. The SERVQUAL as well as the Gaps model of service quality (both developed by Parasuraman, Zeithaml and Berry (1985), are the main theories in this study and the variables used pertain to retail banking. The researcher used a questionnaire which had a five – point LIKERT scale and the questionnaire was linked to quality dimensions relating to the retail banking industry as well as the SERVQUAL instrument. A simple random sampling technique was employed. The researcher identified the MBA students as the population, consisting of 400 registered students, and a total sample size of 165 students was identified and assessed. Sekaran and Bougie’s (2010) sample table was used to arrive at this figure. The researcher used the statistical package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 13 for windows programme for the complete analysis and presentation of the data. Descriptive as well as inferential statistics were used to analyse the data and the data was presented in the form of tables, graphs and figures. The data results reveal the expectations and perceptions of the MBA students and the respective service quality gaps are outlined in the research. The research presents relevant recommendations to address these service quality gaps as well as offer short – medium term goals for the retail banking sector. The findings of the research revealed a statistically significant difference between the expectations and perceptions of the service quality gaps amongst MBA students. In an attempt to improve the service quality, retail banks need to focus on effective client retention and acquisition strategies that will attract the student market to continue banking and build fruitful relationships with their respective retail banks.
Investigating service quality perceptions of travel agencies- a case study on Tourism KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN)
(2016) Nkadimeng, Tony.; Naidoo, Vannie.
Abstract The purpose of the study is to acquire key insights from Tourism KwaZulu-Natal employees’ expectations and perceptions on service quality of travel agencies in Durban. Most corporates and government, and state owned enterprises utilise services of travel agencies as they travel constantly locally and internationally and most of these organisations encounter challenges with travel agencies relating to bad service. The rapid changes in the travel industry trends lead to a highly competitive environment. Travel agencies have had to increase the quality and type of services they offer in order to meet the current demands. This necessitated the study to look into the current status of service quality within the travel agency sector. The literature review provided an empirical overview of how travel agencies have developed over time due to the fierce global competition that has grown over the past years. The researcher used the employees of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal as the population to be assessed. The population size was 55 and this also formed the bases for the sample. Questionnaires were sent to all 55 and the total population, 49 respondents were received and assessed. When it comes to testing the reliability of the data under review, the analysis showed that the data was reliable as the Cronbach’s alpha values were > 0.70 for all the sub-set of the SERVQUAL model. The respondents provided an insight by demonstrating high level of expectations from travel agencies. The respondents are in a high traveling environment with a 71% traveling for business and 28% on leisure for more than 2-7 times and require complete convenience in terms of required service. The findings from the study provided insights that will enable travel agencies to develop strategies that will improve service quality and encourage customer loyalty. The proposed recommendations look at attributes that were identified across all service quality dimensions looking at sociodemographical components. It should be noted that those dimensions demonstrated significant statistical differences between expectations and perceptions performance. Key outcomes from the study clearly demonstrated the need for travel agencies to consider SERVQUAL model in assessing their current business model. Key words: Service quality, SERVQUAL, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, travel agencies, perceptions and expectations.
Investigating staff perceptions during an acquisition - the case study of the GIBB (Pty) Ltd. and SEFSA (Pty) Ltd.
(2017) David, Roland Alfred.; Naidoo, Vannie.
Growth is an important measure of success in today’s competitive global business environment and is the key element in the successful sustainability of business activities (Jay, 2014, pp. 430-448). Growth could be achieved organically or through the acquisition of another company which could lead to diversity and give the organisation a competitive and unique edge. The success of an acquisition is heavily dependent on the people who are actually affected by this change by way of their attitude and commitment to the change. In order for the acquisition to be successful, employee involvement is vital. Most importantly, their perceptions to the change need to be evaluated so that the organisation is more assured of successful change implementation (Babić, Savović and Domanović, 2014, pp. 856-876). GIBB (Pty) Ltd, a multidisciplinary engineering consultancy had aspired to grow its environmental division through the acquisition of another environmental firm, SEF (Pty) Ltd. It was envisaged that the acquisition would double the size of the GIBB environmental sector in terms of both workforce and revenue. Although the two organisations operated in similar industries they had very different organisational cultures and very different operating structures. In order to determine whether this acquisition would be successful, it was essential to gauge the perceptions of the employees of both companies towards the acquisition and the readiness of both sets of employees to change.
Investigation of the factors that motivates employees work performance: a study on MBA students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2017) Singh, Shalendra.; Naidoo, Vannie.
Business focus over the recent years has revealed a paradigm shift from fixed asset management to intangible asset management, namely the people of the organisation as a valued asset. The literature study was conducted to gain theoretical knowledge of which motivational theories and factors affect employees‘ performance. The key motivational theories reviewed were, Self efficacy, Goal setting and Expectancy theory. The objective of the study was to highlight the impact of motivational factors on employees and the influence it has regarding work performance. The target population for the study was based on the MBA students at the University of Kwazulu-Natal, the study focused on MBA students that were employed in various industry sectors. A quantitative survey was conducted with a focus on correlation analysis to achieve and test the research hypotheses / objectives, questionnaires were used as the medium to collect data. The empirical study involved descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations and skewness), were utilised to describe the data and SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) programme was used to analyse the data. The results of the study provided insight into the motivational factors, such as recognition of skills and ability, feedback from management on tasks completed and setting challenging and demanding tasks for one self, as key instruments that had an impact on motivation. The influence of these motivational factors also revealed a high degree of commitment and willingness of the employees to take on additional tasks and put in additional hours to complete set goals. The study highlighted the relationship between motivation and the influence it has on the employees. Key words: Motivational factors, influence on employees, employee motivation.
Management practices and implementation of strategic planning among small businesses in Ghana.
(2023) Eshun, Egya Gyanzah.; Naidoo, Vannie.
Abstract This study focused on the management practices applicable and the extent of strategic planning among small firms in Ghana in order to propose measures for effective management of small firms. The research was conducted in the Kumasi metropolitan area of Ghana. The Pragmatic research philosophy was adopted for the research. The research respondents were small business owners/managers in Kumasi, Ghana. The study used mixed methods approach in data collection. Through this approach numerical data was gathered through the administration of questionnaire as also qualitative data was gathered through interviewing of selected small business owners/managers. The quota sampling method was applied to identify the sample of 500 small firms and the purposive sampling procedure was used to choose 10 small firm owners/managers to be interviewed. The quantitative data gathered in the research were analyzed applying the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21, whilst Content Analysis was applied for the qualitative data.The key findings identified in the study were that small businesses in Ghana have limited management skills and also some specific management practices were found to be significantly linked to various dimensions of growth of small businesses as well as competitive advantages enjoyed by small businesses.From the proposed framework developed for the effective management of small businesses it has been established that all the four categories of management practices studied, with the exception of operation-efficiency-focused management practices are significantly associated with the growth of the firm.Also all the four categories of management practices were found to be significantly associated with competitive advantages enjoyed by small businesses in Ghana. The study recommendations include improving the management capacity of small businesses in Ghana, especially in the area of strategic planning and also effectively resourcing and coordinating small business support institutions in Ghana to provide world class and seamless service to small businesses in Ghana. The study has also proposed measures for effective management of small businesses in Ghana so that they can perform their role as the prime mover of Ghana’s economy. Iqoqa Lolu cwaningo lwalubheka izindlela zokuphatha okuyizona kanye nokuthi imihlangano yokuhlonza inqubo yamafemu amancane eGhana ihamba kanjani ukuze aphathwe ngendlela efanele. Lolu cwaningo lwaqhutshwa kuMasipala weKumasi eGhana. Indlela yocwaningo ebheka ukusebenza kahle kwento yiyona eyalandelwa kulolu cwaningo. Abahlanganyeli bocwaningo ngosomabhizinisi nabaphathi bamabhizinisi eKumasi, eGhana. Lolu cwaningo lwasebenzisa indlela exubile yokukhiqiza imininingo. Ngale ndlela, imininingo eyizinombolo yakhiqizwa kusetshenziswa uhlakasikwele lwemibuzo kanti imininingo yekhwalithethivu yona yakhiqizwa kusetshenziswa inhlolovo nabahlanganyeli abangosomabhizinisi abancane nabaphathi bamabhizinisi. Indlela yokuqoka ngokungenhloso yasetshenziswa ukuthola amafemu amancane angama-500 kwase kusetshenziswa indlela yokuqoka ngenhloso ukuqoka abahlanganyeli abangosomabhizinisi abancane nabaphathi bamabhizinisi abayi-10 ababezohlatshwa ngemibuzo yenhlolovo. Imininingo yekhwantithethivu ihlaziywe kusetshenziswa indlela yokuhlaziya, iStatistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) ka-21, kwathi indlela yokuhlaziya ngokwengqikithi, iContent Analysis yona yasetshenziswa ukuhlaziya imininingo yekhwalithethivu. Imiphumela ebalulekile eyavela kulolu cwaningo ukuthi amabhizinisi amancane antula amava kwezokuphathwa kwawo kanti ezinye zezindlela zokukuphatha zinakho ukuletha ukukhula kwamabhizinisi amancane nokuwenza akwazi ukumelana nezimo zamabhizinisi amancane eGhana. Kule ndlela yokuphatha ngokuyikho amabhizinisi amancane, kuvelile ukuthi zozine izindlela zokuphatha amabhizinisi amancane, ngaphandle kwale ebheka indlela yokwenza izinto ngokuyikho, zonke zinakho ukwenza amabhizinisi amancane akhule. Zozine lezi zindlela zokuphatha amabhizinisi zatholakala zikwazi ukwenza amabhizinisi amancane akwazi ukumelana nezimo zamabhizinisi amancane eGhana. Lolu cwaningo luphakamisa ukuba kuthuthukiswe indlela yokuphathwa kwamabhizinisi amancane eGhana, ikhakhulukazi ekuhleweni kwamasu okulawula inkampani kanye nokuhlinzeka ngezidingo zokusebenza nokunikeza ukwesekwa kwezinhlaka zamabhizinisi ukuze iGhana ikwazi ukunikeza izidingo ezisezingeni lomhlaba kwezamabhizinisi amancane. Lolu cwaningo lunikezela ngamasu okwenza amabhizinisi amancane aphathwe kahle njengoba kuyiwona aphethe umcebo wezwe laseGhana kwezamabhizinisi.