Browsing by Author "Phiri, Maxwell Agabu."

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Adoption and usage of mobile marketing practices to promote domestic tourism: a case of Zimbabwe’s hospitality sector.
(2021) Nyatsambo, Maceline.; Phiri, Maxwell Agabu.
The escalated global use of the mobile phone and mobile internet presents endless opportunities for dynamic marketers. Elsewhere, research on the adoption and use of mobile devices to harness marketing opportunities has been growing steadily, while lagging in Zimbabwe. Despite the problem of declining foreign tourist arrivals, the Zimbabwean tourism and hospitality sector has not harnessed mobile marketing (MM) practices to promote its domestic tourism market for sustainability. The main purpose of the study was to establish the readiness of Zimbabwe's hospitality marketing employees to adopt and use mobile marketing practices to promote domestic tourism. Guided by the research objectives, the study analysed extant literature on mobile marketing adoption, acceptance and use, benefits of specific mobile marketing practices and tools, domestic tourism and hospitality marketing, to come up with theoretical constructs of the hypothesized model. A quantitative research methodology approach and cross-sectional design were adopted. Data was collected from 264 respondents in major tourist destinations of Zimbabwe using a self-completion, mainly structured questionnaire in a survey. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Confirmatory Factor Analysis and Structural Equation Modelling.The findings indicate that Awareness and nowledge; Experience; Social Networking habits and Perceived Usefulness(PU) positively influence behaviour intention (BI) to use mobile marketing (MM) practices amongst hospitality marketing employees in Zimbabwe. Perceived ease of use(PEOU); Management support; Company mobile technology infrastructure and Technology accessibility had no significant influence on BI. There was a significant indirect effect of Awareness Knowledge to Behaviour Intention mediated by PU and PEOU. Lastly, the results confirmed that BI had a significant positive influence on actual usage behaviour (AUB). The study recommends that marketing management in Zimbabwe’s tourism and hospitality sector should implement MM practice by providing marketing employees with mobile communication devices and mobile internet (Wi-Fi). These MM practices include use of mobile social media tactics like live streaming of tourism destinations and hospitality facilities, GPS enabled location-specific messages and targeted mobile messages via WhatsApp and SMS. Collaborations with mobile network operators would allow hospitality companies access to customer databases that can be used to recruit potential domestic tourists. The study contributes new knowledge by integrating constructs from technology acceptance and use theories and making an initial examination of these from the perspectives of marketing employees in the context of Zimbabwe’s domestic tourism and hospitality sector.
Adoption of smartphone etiquette in the workplace in service-based business: the case of National Botanical Gardens in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.
(2021) Zondi, Mbusowakhe Philington.; Phiri, Maxwell Agabu.; Bamata, Nkombe Herman.
In recent decades, smartphones have grown in popularity. Their growth has left the trail of indisputable proof of both improving and disrupting the workplace. Studies also suggest that users may develop addictions at work, which is caused by smartphone applications and the way they constantly increase user engagement. While good smartphone usage has beneficial impacts, bad usage has a negative impact on job efficiency in a business. The selected service-based business has implemented the usage of smartphones in the workplace to facilitate communication and access to current business platforms to improve service delivery. However, it is unclear how smartphones are managed at the workplace to ensure that they fulfil their primary function. It is a management responsibility to figure out how much time is wasted, owing to a lack of mechanisms to track smartphone usage. Smartphones have made corporate management much more complicated because managers have to manage, not only production but also the additional distractions that might stymie production if not properly controlled. It is unclear whether implementing smartphone etiquette in service-based businesses could serve as a guide for managing smartphones in the workplace. The smartphone conundrum in the workplace, warrants to be investigated to ascertain the extent of use, the impact on productivity and profitability. And finally, to address approaches to manage the smartphones in the workplace. As a result, this study aimed to investigate if the adoption of specific smartphone etiquette approaches that can be used to improve productivity and profitability in service-based business. The case of the National Botanical Garden in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. This study adopted the interpretivism paradigm as a philosophical guide to understand the views of the participants. The study employed the qualitative research approach to deeply understand the phenomenon of the smartphones in service-based businesses. A case study research design was used as the architectural backbone of the research to enhance the correctness of the findings. The target population of the study was the customer service employees of the selected service-based business. A sample of 267 was drawn from the 1,000 in the study population through purposive and convenience sampling techniques. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were used to collect data from 199 customer services respondents. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. The findings of the study revealed that smartphones have a high negative impact towards productivity and profitability in service-based business. This signified the importance of adopting the ‘smartphone etiquette approaches’ to manage the smartphones in the workplace. The findings of this study are valuable to service-based business managers as a basis for improving employees and business performance. The company's main goal is to increase its profit margins. Management can improve its performance by focusing on some elements that have a beneficial impact on a company's profitability, such as productivity through proper management of smartphone use in the workplace and reducing time used on non-work-related activities. This research is a significant step forward in comprehending the difficulties surrounding the influence of smartphones on business productivity and profitability in South Africa.
Analysis of the leather industry for succes[s]ful marketing of DS Leathers.
(2006) Somi, Siphokazi.; Phiri, Maxwell Agabu.
DS Leathers, a leather manufacturing venture is faced with a challenge of penetrating the highly competitive leather industry. This study attempts to investigate what it will take for DS leathers to succeed, how can DS Leathers become more effective than its competitors in creating, delivering and communicating customer value? The study investigates the needs of DS Leathers prospective customers, analyzes the leather industry dynamics, key success factors and DS Leathers resources. A customer-focused company first investigates what its potential customer's desires are, and then builds the product or service. It was therefore pertinent for DS Leathers to pursue this exercise in order to be able to make informed strategic marketing decisions. The study lays a foundation and a framework for DS Leathers marketing management by reviewing a set of core concepts that are perceives as being fundamental to creation solid foundation for successful marketing. Concepts discussed include the development of marketing strategies and plans, capturing marketing insights, connecting with customers, building with strong brands, shaping market offering, delivering value, communicating value and creating long - term growth. The findings are that the industry is highly competitive with a lot global players. It is recommended that DS Leathers should focus on footwear and furniture segments, initially supplying the local government whilst developing its skills and its brand. The conclusion reached is that DS Leathers can achieve success by investing towards its attitudinal resources and superior skills, developing them into distinctive competencies for delivery of superior value.
Analysis of the service quality of a private tertiary institution : the case of Damelin College.
(2012) Martin, Lynelle Cerene.; Phiri, Maxwell Agabu.
The study focuses on the service quality of Damelin College in Pietermaritzburg. Damelin College strives to ensure that students extract every promising benefit their courses. Damelin College aims at being a provider of quality, learner -focused education. The various opinions and attitudes of students regarding the service quality at Damelin College is investigated using questionnaires. This study covers the service quality aspects of private tertiary institutions. Data for the study was collected at Damelin College using a random sample of two hundred participants. The service quality of Damelin is discussed in detail as well as the theory of quality dimensions. The significance of service quality for tertiary institutions is a major aspect and all students need to receive the most appropriate form of respect and understanding. The high commercialized fees that students pay needs to be equate to the standard of the education that they receive. In relation to the problem statement, the research objectives are as follows: 1. To measure the impact of the service quality in private tertiary institutions. 2. To undertake an empirical analysis of the linkage between private tertiary institutions. 3. To investigate what aspects contribute to the choice of a private institution in which to study. 4. To determine how service quality influences where to study. Private institutions, who want to gain a competitive edge, may need to begin searching for effective ways to attract, retain and foster strong relationships with students. The service quality dimensions are tangibility, responsiveness, reliability, assurance, empathy, overall service quality and student satisfaction.
An assessment of practices used in the recruitment and selection processes of academic staff at the University KwaZulu-Natal.
(2018) Mkhize, Nomagugu Favourite.; Phiri, Maxwell Agabu.
Recruitment and selection processes are human resource management functions that have critical influence on the performance of organisations in terms of realising set ultimate goals. The purpose of the study was to investigate recruitment and selection practices used at the University of KwaZulu-Natal focusing on the existing recruitment and selection methods, challenges faced, and strategies to address the challenges. A case study research design and quantitative research methodology were used. The target population for this study were all human resource staff in the College of Law and Management Studies. Probability sampling in particular census sampling was used to select all respondents. The sample size for this study was 92. Data was collected using questionnaires and analysed using SPSS version 21.1. The findings show that the university has a recruitment and selection policy. The regularly used recruitment and selection methods are; newspaper advert, internal recruitment, human resource office/labour office, employee referrals, radio advertisement and internet recruitment in this order. The findings show that the recruitment and selection practices have influence on the majority of the academics’ performance. Challenges to effective recruitment and selection practices include: poor human resource planning, ineffective job analysis, low competency levels on the part of academic staff, cost of recruitment and selection of academics, and poor working conditions of academics. It is therefore recommended that before the university commence recruitment and selection processes, all job profiles should reflect the actual requirements of all jobs.
The assessment of sustainable supply chain management practices amongst selected manufacturing firms in Ghana=Ukuhlolwa kwezinqubo zokwenganyelwa ukusimamiswa kwezindlela zokusatshalaliswa kwempahla ezimbonini ezikhiqizayo eGhana ezikhethekile.
(2022) Nsowah, Johnson.; Phiri, Maxwell Agabu.
The study investigated whether the design and application of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices in the Ghanaian manufacturing business enhance their financial performance and make them environmentally and socially responsible. The study was guided by six theories: the contingency theory, the resource-based view (RBV), the relational-view theory (RVT), the innovation diffusion theory (IDV), the stakeholder theory and the resource dependence theory (RDT). The study was underpinned by a pragmatist paradigm and followed a mixed-methods methodology, which combined interviews and surveys questionnaires to gather qualitative and quantitative data from a sample of 303 employees of Ghanaian manufacturing firms and 20 individuals who lived nearby. The data analysis findings revealed that relational, instrumental, knowledge and moral factors have a significant and positive direct effect on SSCM practices. Moreover, SSCM practices have a positive and significant effect on the economic, environmental and social performance of manufacturing firms. Barriers to the adoption of SSCM practices were also revealed. The findings led to the recommendation that firms need to use environmentally friendly materials for their products and introduce standardized procedures for recycling and disassembling products. In addition, manufacturing enterprises should collaborate with suppliers to ensure that they also adhere to sustainability standards in their processes and deliver services/products that support sustainability goals. Iqoqa Ucwaningo lwahlola ukuthi ngabe ukwakhiwa nokusetshenziswa kwezinqubo zokwenganyelwa kwezindlela zokusatshalaliswa kwempahla ngendlela ecabangela ingomuso emabhizinisini akhiqizayo eGhana, kuyakuthuthukisa yini ukusebenzisa kwawo izimali, nokuthi kuyenzeka yini ukuthi anakekele imvelo nemiphakathi. Ucwaningo lwalulandela izinjulalwazi eziyisithupha: icontingency theory, iresource-based view (RBV), irelational-view theory (RVT), iinnovation diffusion theory (IDV), i-stakeholder theory neresource dependence theory (RDT). Lolu cwaningo lusekelwe yipharadaymu yokungenzeka lwase lulandela indlelakwenza engxube eyahlanganisa izinhlolovo nemibuzo eyisaveyi lapho kuqoqwa imininingo eyikhwalithethivu neyikhwantithethivu esampuleni labasebenzi abangama-303 bezimboni zaseGhana ezikhiqizayo nabantu abangama-20 abahlala eduze nazo. Imiphumela yohlaziyo lwemininingo yaveza ukuthi izimo eziphathelene nobudlelwane, nezinto ezisetshenziswayo, ulwazi nendlela yokuziphatha kunomthelela obalulekile nomuhle, kulezi zinqubo zokwenganyelwa kwezindlela zokusatshalaliswa kwempahla ngendlela ecabangela ingomuso. Okunye futhi ukuthi lezi zinqubo zinomthelela omuhle nobalulekile kwezomnotho, emvelweni nasekusebenzisaneni kahle nemiphakathi kwezimboni ezikhiqizayo. Kwavela nezithiyo ezikhona mayelana nokwamukelwa kwezinqubo zokwenganyelwa kwezindlela zokusatshalaliswa kwempahla ngendlela ecabangela ingomuso. Imiphumela yaholela ekuthini kuphakanyiswe ukuthi izimboni emikhiqizweni yazo zisebenzise izinto ezingayicekeli phansi indalo nemvelo, nokulandela izindlela ezihlelembekile zempindakusebenzisa nokuhlakaza imikhiqizo. Okunye futhi ukuthi amabhizinisi akhiqizayo kumele asebenzisane nalabo abahlinzeka ngezimpahla ukuze kube nesiqiniseko sokuthi nabo bayazilandela izinqubo ezihlelembekile nezicabangela ingomuso nokuthi bathumela imisebenzi/nemikhiqizo esekela izinhloso ezisimamayo.
An assessment of the management of information sharing in the order processing system at Diplomat South Africa.
(2023) Dlamini, Nokukhanya Khayelihle.; Phiri, Maxwell Agabu.; Ncube, Eric Dumisani.
Supply chain management is essential in steering an enterprise to success through coordinated activities of the value chain partners. The achievement of fast-moving consumer goods business organisations (FMCGs) has a direct relationship with the overall performance of supply chains, which are their principal distribution channel. Although it is known that sharing information improves the overall performance of a supply chain, information such as pricing or promotional strategy is often kept proprietary for competitive reasons. The supply chain of Diplomat South Africa (DSA), a Sales and Distribution company, and the corresponding supply chains were studied to establish whether the internal relationships enhanced the response to the customers’ requirements. The study was grounded in collaboration and integration theory, and a qualitative research methodology was used. Non-probability sampling was used, and five senior managers from the Sales Department, Demand Planning, Operations, Masta Data, and Credit control/Finance Department were selected from the firm and were interviewed. The data collected were transcribed, coded, and thematically interpreted using content analysis. The aim of the study was to assess the management of information sharing in the order processing systems at DSA. Further, to determine whether they can appropriately use the information sharing tool and the level of transparency of information sharing amongst the departments involved in the order processing. The outcome of the study indicated that supply chain problems were department-specific, and it is recommended that information sharing and supply chain management be cohesive throughout each department at Diplomat South Africa. Employees’ collaboration in the information sharing of the FMCGs at Diplomat South Africa would enhance the response to the client’s requirements.
Beverages packaging and consumer buying behaviour : the case of University of KwaZulu-Natal students.
(2011) Bhengu, Mthokozisi Ralph.; Phiri, Maxwell Agabu.
Time and expense has been spent on developing the functional aspects of packaging to ensure food safety, while providing innovations such as plastic trays that can go in the oven, microwave and freezer. Now, consumers are being faced with increasing changes in the way that their favourite products look on the shelf, as companies undertake sometimes large operations to update packaging. The beverage industry is one among the front-liners where massive investments are being made for expansion and technological upgradation. The packaging of beverages both carbonated and non-carbonated, is a complex technological branch in the Food Processing /Packaging industry. The traditional returnable glass bottle has given way to newer plastic containers as well as cartons. The current trend is to improve the conventional containers, extend their share in the large market, extend the shelf-life of the products, provide greater consumer convenience and ultimately to produce economic packages. Due to increasing self-service and changing consumers’ lifestyle the interest in package as a tool of sales promotion and stimulator of impulsive buying behaviour is growing increasingly. So package performs an important role in marketing communications, especially in the point of sale and could be treated as one of the most important factors influencing consumer’s purchase decision. Literature analysis on question under investigation has shown that there is no agreement on classification of package elements as well as on research methods of package impact on consumer’s purchase decision. This dissertation reports on an investigation into the role of packaging and how it influences the consumer when buying their choice of beverages. The study was limited to University of KwaZulu-Natal students. Taking into consideration that package could be treated as a set of various elements communicating different messages to a consumer; the research model was developed and tested in order to reveal impact of visual and verbal package elements on consumer’s purchase decisions. Five research questions were developed to address the objectives and the aim of the study. The study concluded that the packaging plays a big role in attracting the consumer’s attention and influencing them when buying their choice of beverages.
Brand naming for black owned fast moving consumer goods-small medium and micro enterprises in the KZN province: grounded theory approach.
(2022) Kunene, Lindiwe Nqobile.; Phiri, Maxwell Agabu.; Mbhele, Thokozani Patmond.
Brand names influence consumers’ purchase decisions and the success of Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) depends on strong brand names. Black-owned Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa in the FMCG industry struggle to compete with established brands, partly due to inadequate brand name choices. In the province of KwaZulu-Natal, as in the rest of South Africa, SMMEs are at the heart of the economic development agenda and FMCG industries are a significant part of this strategy. It is argued that FMCG-SMMEs can accelerate economic growth as they provide essential goods, on-demand at all times, even during pandemics like COVID-19 and in the face of poverty. This study sought to identify the brand naming practices applied by black-owned FMCG-SMMEs without being influenced by the expectations of existing, usually Western brand naming theories. Exploratory qualitative research methods were employed and Grounded Theory (GT) was used to create theories to define brand naming by black-owned FMCG-SMMEs in KwaZulu-Natal. Saturation was employed to set the parameters for the sample size. Data was collected by means of open-ended interviews and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Data collection was guided by four objectives, namely, brand naming processes; strategies employed to select brand names; brand linguistic considerations including the use of African languages; and the socio-economic dimensions of the brand naming process. The study identified five steps in brand naming that are different from the Euro-American steps and similar to some East Asian steps. The seven strategies adopted by the FMCG-SMMEs included dimensions not commonly used in the West, including brand name motivation, promoting the family legacy in the form of selfnymic and childnymic practices, black economic consciousness and universality. Inrelation to linguistics, the study identified the use of the letter ‘d’ plosive, sound, semantics and fictitious words to define the role of language and brand naming by black-owned FMCG-SMMEs. In terms of socio-economic factors, it established that education and training programmes, as well as previous experience in a start-up business or as an employee influenced the brand naming practices of black-owned FMCG-SMMEs in KwaZulu-Natal.
Brand naming strategies by small medium and micro enterprises in the eThekwini Municipal area.
(2014) Kunene, Lindiwe Nqobile.; Phiri, Maxwell Agabu.;
Branding is a concept in Marketing that has become synonymous with success and defines the profitability possibilities and capabilities for organisations. Due to this, corporate organisations have been known to value the process of branding to the extent of attaching financial value to their brands. Given the significance of branding for organisations, the brand naming process is one of importance, as failure to brand organisations adequately could translate as reasons for failure for organisations. Corporate organisations have known this, as such, have developed techniques to brand name their organisations for success. It is not clear however, whether or not small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) attach similar value as corporates. As such, this study seeks to examine the brand naming processes implemented by SMMEs in the eThekwini Municipality area (SA), if any exist. To do this, the study, adopted descriptive-exploratory methods, as little was known about the brand naming processes applied. Definitions and dynamics of the actual processes could thus be identified and defined. Quantitative methodologies extracted information using an instrument informed by the theory framework and its variables as found in a US study on similar research for corporate organisations. To analyse the data collected, correlation methods were applied, where it was found that the known processes as applied by corporate organisations were not necessarily applied by the eThekwini Municipal SMMEs in their brand naming process. The current status of this pertinent process can be used to advise appropriate skills development for SMMEs in the area ensuring the success of SMMEs.
Building hisense brand equity through selected marketing programmes : a study on the relationship among brand equity, marketig mix elements and consumer response.
(2006) Li, Zhixiang.; Phiri, Maxwell Agabu.
The structural research framework of the effects of marketing mix elements on brand equity and customer response is defined with the existing theoretical findings. Research hypotheses are defined according to the identified structural research framework. A householder appliance brand, Hisense, is taken as a demonstrative brand. In order to test the defined structural research framework and research hypotheses empirical research was conducted on the sample of Hisense consumers in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) and the multiple regression statistical method with the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS 11.0) are used to analyze the data. Research results indicate that the structural research framework has an acceptable level of fit to the empirical data. Finally, implications of the research results for the theory and practice of brand management are analyzed and discussed.
Business challenges faced by apiculture SMMEs in Northern, Swaziland.
(2011) Masuku, Brenda Samkelisiwe.; Phiri, Maxwell Agabu.
Apiculture or beekeeping is a new initiative in Swaziland, aimed at improving livelihoods for rural people. There is a potential for growth in the industry, but the question is, “are the rural beekeepers gaining from this opportunity?” The aim of this study was to highlight business challenges that hinder rural beekeepers from exploiting the industry opportunities. In order to ascertain the challenges faced by the beekeepers, a sample of farmers from Northern Hhohho, Swaziland was studied. A probability sample of 41 rural beekeepers was drawn from a population size of 384 beekeepers. The sample composed of 58.5% females and 41.5% males, with a majority of them, 29.3% falling between the ages of 31 – 40 years. Results of the study show that 53.7% of the respondents relied solely on beekeeping as their source of income, or livelihood. Northern Hhohho was chosen because of its natural vegetation and climate, which makes the area conducive for beekeeping. It is also a predominantly rural area. Data was collected through a questionnaire, developed for this research and administered to the beekeepers in that area. The study revealed that lack of input resources and an unstructured industry are the reasons for failure of the business ventures. A salient point is the lack of entrepreneurial skills of the beekeepers. It is recommended that, improving entrepreneurial skills, for the SMME beekeepers and Swaziland government intervention in facilitating input resources could benefit the rural beekeepers, in terms of ensuring sustainability of their business. This would create value for both beekeepers and the Swaziland economy.
Business to business dimensions of relationship marketing in the South African cement manufacturing industry.
(2015) Mubango, Phineas.; Phiri, Maxwell Agabu.
The focus of this study was relationship marketing (RM) in the business-to-business (B2B) context in the cement manufacturing industry in South Africa. Literature reveals published research for the cement industry is limited, particularly in South Africa, regarding the dimensions of relationship marketing. Research in this field focuses primarily on other industries and no agreed dimensions of RM exist. One of the objectives of the study was to test satisfaction as a mediator between causes and outcomes, with the causes being supplier competencies, trust, commitment and communication and the outcomes being cooperation and loyalty. An additional objective of the study was to develop a framework of relationship marketing dimensions for the South African cement industry. Data was collected from 362 major cement customers throughout South Africa’s nine provinces using a face-to-face interview technique with self-administered questionnaires. The data collected in the empirical study was analysed using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). A framework of relationship marketing dimensions for the cement industry in South Africa was developed. It is anticipated this framework may contribute towards addressing the deficiencies in the implementation of relationship marketing strategies. The empirical results of this study suggested that a cement supplier should invest in methods of enhancing customer trust and communication in order to maintain customer satisfaction. The results also show that customer loyalty and cooperation could be maintained, by focusing on strategies for building relationships on the basis of customer satisfaction as well as surpassing customer needs and desires. One of the contributions of this study is the examination of the sequential logic of relationship marketing constructs in a business-to-business context for the cement industry. As a result, this study makes both theoretical and practical contributions to the field of relationship marketing. The outcome of the study developed a framework of RM dimensions, which could be used for the benefit of future researchers. It also presents findings of managerial interest such as the knowledge that satisfaction is a key factor between trust and communication. In addition, important outcomes of the relationship are cooperation and loyalty. The study offers practical contribution to the field of marketing by assisting cement companies to formulate profession-shielding mechanisms from competitors. The findings of this study also contribute by providing dimensions of RM, which may improve customer cooperation and loyalty within the cement and other business-to-business environments in related industries, which could lead to larger market share, higher customer retention and greater profitability. A limitation of the study is the use of a judgemental sample since the results may be interpreted to represent populations of those similar to the respondents only. Generalisation of results to the South African population and industries is therefore restricted. In light of this, it is recommended that the study is replicated for other South African industries.
Capital budgeting, the decision making proposal at maintenance management level.
(2006) Ramcharan, Calvin.; Phiri, Maxwell Agabu.
In researching Capital Budgeting, special emphasis is employed to the Decision Making proposal presented by Maintenance Management. This study attempts to reveal the Capital Budgeting Techniques used by Toyota South Africa's Maintenance Departments. It interrogates if these techniques are correctly administered, and whether or not an appropriate decision is made. An indepth study of Capital Budgeting theory is done where among others, the following topics are discussed: The Capital Budgeting Process; The Techniques used in Capital Budgeting; Types of Projects; Funding and Risk. The detail of the theory is intended to be as an educator to those oblivious to the standards set out by scholars on these relevant topics. A questionnaire type survey was conducted, where the respondents answered pertinent questions, that adds value to this study. The unique feature of this study is that the sample size of thirty-five, is equivalent to the population of respondents within the company. A holistic picture of only the relevant information is gathered and interpreted, where both graphical and tabular representation is used to explain the findings. What is evident from the survey is that there is a lack of knowledge in the Maintenance Departments with regards to the usage of Capital Budgeting Techniques. The results prove that much guesswork goes into the proposal, as Gut-Feel and Discretion are key components of the decision. This anomaly is due to the finding that the Maintenance Management has not received relevant type training for this facet of their jobs. The recommendation to Management is that training and education be made available to these relevant people. Furthermore, it is proposed that the human resource department maps out the future career path opportunity and expectations that the employer has from the employee. In doing this type of succession planning, the company is assured of the best quality management at all times.
Causes of bank failure in the post democratic South Africa.
(2006) Makhubela, Sipho.; Phiri, Maxwell Agabu.
This dissertation explores and explains the reason why banks generally fail and more specifically why banks have failed since South Africa realized democracy in 1994. Bank failures are a global phenomenon and come at a high cost to the depositors , the fiscus and can lead to economic instability should the failure be systematic. There are several causes of bank failures and theoretically, these include credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk, capital requirements , bank regulation, inefficient management and external economic factors. The banks that failed during the period commencing from 1994 to date include Prima Bank, Sechold Bank, African Bank, Community Bank, Islamic Bank, FBC Fidelity Bank, New Republic Bank, Regal Treasury , Saambou and BoE. Detailed analysis of the nine banks referred to above is done in Chapter Four wherein, in respect to each bank, the background of the institution , the analysis of the financial statement, where available or the banking returns lodged with the South African Reserve Bank, reasons for the failure of the bank as well as the resultant outcome of the failure has been examined. The causes of failure, the symptoms of failure and the recommendations for prevention of failure are finally considered and discussed in Chapter Five.
The challenges and implications of corporate re-branding : a case study of amalgamated beverage industries (ABI).
(2006) Phiri, Maxwell Agabu.; Poovalingam, Kasthuri.
This thesis aims to address the issues of corporate re-branding in the context of marketing strategy and general strategic management. The research for the thesis was conducted in Pietermaritzburg and the surrounding areas where the Amalgamated Beverage Industries (ABI) depot distributes the Coca-Cola brands and other alternative beverages. ABI distributes non-alcoholic beverages that are produced under the trademark of Coca-Cola to the wholesalers and retailers in the Pietermaritzburg Central Business District (CBD) and the surrounding townships and settlements. ABI embarked on a re-branding campaign that resulted in the redesigning of the company logo. From a strategic management point of view, new business strategies that are formulated aim at finding ways that will keep a company trading profitably for a long time. The re-branding process of ABI has resulted in a change of attitudes of both employees and management towards its customers. The overall aim of the thesis was to investigate the impact of re-branding on the profitability of the company ABI. The results of the thesis reveal that other variables play a role in promoting the profitability of a company. The investigation, through a comprehensive field and secondary survey, used both qualitative and qantitative methods in its data collection. Finally, the thesis has examined the implications of re-branding on the purchasing trends of ABI' s customers after having been exposed to the new ABI image and new culture of conducting business. It has been established after analysing both the primary and secondary data that it is not demonstrably obvious that when a company re-brands its logo or image, that customers will purchase more products, hence increasing the financial value of the company. It is the final conclusion and recommendation of this thesis that before engaging in a costly re-branding exercise, senior management should conduct proper market research as to whether the exercise will add financial value to the company.
Challenges of transporting retail goods into a landlocked country: the case of importing into Zimbabwe.
(2015) Sithole, Thabani Tembani.; Phiri, Maxwell Agabu.
Landlocked countries over the world are presented with vast challenges in the import market. Importing goods, especially business-to-consumer goods come with a list of matters such as, transport costs, fluctuating exchange rates and fixed procedures and regulations that make the process complex, strenuous and slow. The main purpose of this study was to examine the challenges of transporting retail goods into landlocked countries with special attention to logistical activities involved in transporting into Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe depends on its neighboring countries to receive its merchandise. This dependency involves a lot of regulations, procedures, costs and several other factors that make it a challenge to be a landlocked country. This study reveals all the requirements, and the major challenges that Zimbabwe faces to receive foreign merchandise. Most of the literature that has been conducted on this study focuses on the general challenges of being landlocked. Every landlocked country faces different challenges and therefore the literature in this study was closely related to the country of study. Due to the nature of the topic that was studied, data was collected using qualitative methods. This was done in the form of personal and online interviews, field notes and visual diaries. Data was collected from both South Africa and Zimbabwe, and this resulted in a lengthy period in data collection process. From the findings of the study, it was clearly evident that Zimbabwe faces many challenges in receiving foreign merchandise. The issue of delays due to border complications, insufficient trucks to manage the delivery of merchandise as well as expenses that have to be incurred as a result of each of the complications to mention a few were some of the challenges outlined in the research. The study focused on the issues surrounding the transportation of retail goods into Zimbabwe, a landlocked country. The research objectives were achieved as the results reflected that indeed landlocked countries are disadvantaged compared to maritime countries when it comes to easily accessing world markets. The study finally recommended that cross border trading regulations need to altered so that they can be more lenient towards landlocked countries.
Cognition of advertisements, peer endorsement and tweens' propensity to consume.
(2013) Wright, Andrew Trevor.; Phiri, Maxwell Agabu.
Tweens are a new cohort of children who are not considered children, but have not developed into fully autonomous teenagers (Hulan, 2007: 31). Tweens are regarded as the “richest generation of children” (Lindstrom, 2004: 175). Their high disposable income and ability to influence consumption through endorsement makes tweens a potentially profitable niche market. In order to formulate an effective marketing campaign, marketing managers need to be aware of children’s advertising literacy, as well as the effect which peer endorsement has on consumption. Consequently, to determine the impact of these variables, a questionnaire was administered to 574 respondents and an empirical correlation experiment was conducted involving 202 participants. The primary research objective was to determine tweens advertising literacy at different ages and the concurrent affect which it had on their propensity to consume; advertising literacy is described by Priya, Baisya and Sharma (2010: 154) as the extent to which children are aware that advertisements have a selling intent, are persuasive, and are intrinsically biased. The effect which endorsement had on consumption was also assessed. Data was analysed utilising SPSS (Statistics Package for Social Sciences). Key findings were graphically represented, and compared to literature with a focus on Piaget’s Hierarchy of Cognitive development and Roedder’s information processing model (Roedder, 1981: 145; Piaget, 1960: 135). The research established that there was a strong positive correlation between advertising literacy and age. The research showed that this cognizance had a concurrent negative effect on tweens propensity to consume and consequently advertising literacy had a negative correlation with propensity to consume. The research also determined the extent which endorsement influenced consumption. In accordance with Childers and Rao (1993: 464) the degree of conspicuousness during consumption was assessed. The research established that respondents were more inclined to consume an endorsed product which had higher conspicuousness during consumption (i.e. a public good) than a good with lower consumption conspicuousness (i.e. a private good). Similarly, endorsed luxury goods exhibited a higher consumption propensity than necessity goods. The research also determined that the reference group construct affected the extent to which endorsement influenced consumption; familial endorsement had a stronger effect on consumption than peer endorsement. From these key findings, recommendations for South African managers were provided. The report culminated with recommendations for future research.
Corporate social responsibility practices in small to medium enterprises in Zimbabwe.
(2016) Manuere, Faitira.; Phiri, Maxwell Agabu.
The corporate social responsibility (CSR) movement has become a strategic issue in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Zimbabwe. However CSR practices by SMEs in Zimbabwe are currently unknown. It is against this background that this study investigated corporate social responsibility practices in small to medium enterprises in Zimbabwe. This study sought to (a) gain an understanding of the meaning attached to CSR by SMEs in Zimbabwe, (b) have an insight into the impact of CSR practices on the operations of SMEs in Zimbabwe, (c) establish the legal, economic and ethical factors that motivate SMEs to engage in CSR practices, (d) highlight the legal, economic and ethical CSR activities undertaken by SMEs in Zimbabwe and (e) examine the legal, economic and ethical barriers to CSR practices by SMEs in Zimbabwe. The literature on CSR showed that the following areas have not been explored: 1) the meaning attached to CSR by SMEs in Zimbabwe is currently unknown,2) the impact of CSR on SMEs is currently unknown,3) the legal, economic and ethical factors that motivate SMEs to engage in CSR are currently unknown,4)the legal, economic and ethical activities of SMEs are currently unknown, and 5) the legal, economic and ethical barriers to CSR are currently unknown. Data was collected through 274 questionnaires and six semi-structured and open-ended interviews with owner-managers of SMEs in the Harare Region of Zimbabwe. The systematic random sampling method was used to select respondents for quantitative research while the purposive method was used to select respondents for qualitative research. The SPSS (version 20.0) was used to analyse quantitative data while the reduction method was used for qualitative data. Findings reveal that there is no standard meaning for CSR in Zimbabwe. SMEs consider CSR as having no quantifiable benefits. Legal, economic and ethical factors motivate SMEs to engage in CSR. SMEs in Zimbabwe engage in legal, economic and ethical CSR activities. Money, weak legislation and managerial attitudes are major barriers to CSR practice by SMEs in Zimbabwe.
Customer relationship management within the local government : a case study of eThekwini Municipality.
(2010) Chetty, Sarasvathy.; Phiri, Maxwell Agabu.
The Batho Pele principles (enshrined in our Constitution) redefined the relations between the users of municipal goods and services and municipalities. It compels local municipalities to comply with certain requirements such as providing tools and mechanisms to encourage citizens to participate in its decision making processes as well as improving relations with its customers. eThekwini Municipality created two business units namely the Community Participation Unit and the Regional Centres Unit. The Community Participation Unit is responsible for mobilizing the local rural and urban communities to participate in local government elections. The Regional Centres Unit is responsible for improving relations between the users of municipal goods and services and the municipality by providing access to local government services at the doorstep of citizens, improving customer relationships, identifying and implementing initiatives to enable customers to interact with the municipality when they want to, where they want to and how they want to. Citizens and municipal customers are a captive market. Municipal goods and services in the main can only be sourced from the municipality. The perceptions of municipal customers towards the municipality were mostly negative. There were no precedents that could be learnt from and this was a paradigm shift from government to governance. eThekwini Municipality looked to private sector practices for models, philosophies and practices that could be useful for achieving change as well as compliance with legislation. Companies in the private sector have to compete for customers and whilst price may be a differentiating factor, it is not sustainable to compete on pricing alone. To remain competitive and survive, companies are dependent on strategies that provide them with a competitive edge such as CRM. CRM initially was used describe software that collected and analysed data on customers assisting companies to become agile in responding to their clients, to enable them to reward their loyal customers and to be able to predict and pre-empt changes in buying behavior and preferences of their customers. It evolved into a philosophy on customer service focused on providing customers with a satisfying experience in every interaction with the company. It is used to identify improvements in the business operating model to improve delivery to the customer and to the market. This study is based on a case study of the experiences of the eThekwini Municipality in implementing CRM initiatives and the impact on relations with municipal customers. The study is based on test sampling, review of documentation and interviews with senior management in eThekwini Municipality. The results of the study are discussed with recommendations.