Masters Degrees (Graduate School of Business and Leadership)

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The 360-degree emotional competency profiler as a predictor of leadership ability.
(2003) Peters, Wilma Luther.; Coldwell, David A. L.
Leadership has been defined as the competencies and processes required to enable and empower ordinary employees to do extraordinary things in the face of adversity, it has the added advantage of constantly delivering superior performance to the benefit of individual employees and the organisation, thereby improving returns on investment for shareholders. These behaviours include being skilled in emotional competencies. This study focused on the emotional intelligence factors considered characteristic of effective leaders. Forty-eight high potential leaders (HPl) that were selected as part of the companies talent management program were included in the study. Their ratings on the 360-degree Emotional Competency Profiler (ECP) where compared to a group of twenty-four employees that were excluded from this program. Qualitative and quantitative methods where used to explore the relationship between leadership and emotional intelligence. Focus groups were used as qualitative method to determine the relationship between emotional intelligence as measured using the Emotional Competency Profiler (ECP), leadership and the leadership requirements placed on leaders as documented within the talent management program. The results from these discussions indicated a positive relationship between, emotional intelligence, leadership theory and the leadership requirements of the company. Quantitative methods where used to compare the ratings of leaders with nonleaders. The gap identified between current EQ behaviour and the importance of the EO behaviour were used to indicate the leadership demands placed on the high potential leader and non-leader groups. The outcome of the study indicated the value and application of emotional intelligence (EO) as component of effective leadership. It is well known that emotionally intelligent leaders have the ability to engage the hearts, minds and imaginations of ordinary people. They inspire people to perform beyond their own expectations. These leaders create a sense of ownership, belonging, security and joint destiny in situations of uncertainty and change. The result is that employees trust these leaders and approach their jobs with greater commitment. The resulting teamwork, mutual support and co-operation create a work environment were employees become creative and innovative. Teams with emotionally intelligent leaders reach a level of synergy that lifts their performance to a level that is more than the sum total of the individual contributions.
A perception based audit of the Employment Equity Act 55/1998 : an organisational survey conducted on the staff of the Natal Sharks Board.
(2002) Tusi, Dorothy E. B.; Coldwell, David A. L.
The aims of the study were to determine if unfair discrimination in employment is being eliminated; to establish if a diverse workforce representative of the population is in the process of being achieved, and to find out if economic development and efficiency in the workplace is being promoted. The study made use of the organizational survey research method. Organizational surveys are powerful in: identification of opportunities for improvement, reality check, determining if a strategy is outdated and needs to change, measurement of performance improvements, changing mind-set of management, where necessary, increasing the commitment of people in the organization. The sample consisted of 166 participants. These participants comprised of 110 employees described as Crew Members and 56 employees described as Officers. All races were represented within the sample. In a population of 166 staff members at Natal Sharks Board, a sample of forty (40) participants was randomly selected. The sample was further subdivided into 20 Crew members and 20 Officers. The former 20 participants (Crew) were interviewed through medium of IsiZulu because most of them could not read or write. The latter 20 participants (Officers) were given questionnaires to fill-in. These questionnaires were in English. All 20 participants are competent English-speakers and could read and write. Data gathering took three weeks to complete. Collected data was analysed through quantitative and qualitative methods. The results and the findings of the study were presented according to the aims of the study. The findings according to aim number one, that is, to determine if unfair discrimination in employment is being eliminated; show that there is a change to eliminate discrimination at Sharks Board. The second aim, that is, to establish if a diverse workforce representative of the population is in the process of being achieved; show that there is a change in the diversity of the workforce. The last aim of the study, that is, to find out if economic development and efficiency in the workplace is being promoted at Sharks Board; shows that this process has began.
A study into prospective changes in consumer behaviour and buying patterns of graduate millennials due to COVID 19 in South Africa.
(2021) Lakman, Ushir.; Pelser, Theunis Gert.
The purpose this study is to determine the prospective changes in consumer behaviour and buying patterns of graduate millennials post COVID 19 in South Africa. To this end, a quantitative research project has been undertaken. Primary data was collected via a survey. Several theories were discussed such as consumer behaviour models, the buy decision process and dynamic consumer journey to gain a better understanding of the research that was conducted. Additionally, technology adoption models such as the TRA, TPB, TAM, ETAM and in particular MOCA is discusses as the study is seeking to determine behavioural movement toward online purchasing because of the pandemic. Research was conducted on the pandemic as well as the economy of South Africa as these are important consideration when conducting a study on consumer behaviour. This study seeks to contribute to the existing knowledge on technology adoption and consumer behaviour, particularly to determine whether the switch to online purchases during the pandemic is a permanent development or just as a result of consumers being forced to due to the pandemic. These findings may prove valuable to retailers and developers. It could provide a new lens with which to inform their marketing decision as well as development plans for the future.
A study into prospective changes in consumer behaviour and buying patterns of graduate millennials due to COVID-19 in South Africa.
(2021) Lakman, Ushir.; Pelser, Theunis Gert.
The purpose this study is to determine the prospective changes in consumer behaviour and buying patterns of graduate millennials post COVID 19 in South Africa. To this end, a quantitative research project has been undertaken. Primary data was collected via a survey. Several theories were discussed such as consumer behaviour models, the buy decision process and dynamic consumer journey to gain a better understanding of the research that was conducted. Additionally, technology adoption models such as the TRA, TPB, TAM, ETAM and in particular MOCA is discusses as the study is seeking to determine behavioural movement toward online purchasing because of the pandemic. Research was conducted on the pandemic as well as the economy of South Africa as these are important consideration when conducting a study on consumer behaviour. This study seeks to contribute to the existing knowledge on technology adoption and consumer behaviour, particularly to determine whether the switch to online purchases during the pandemic is a permanent development or just as a result of consumers being forced to due to the pandemic. These findings may prove valuable to retailers and developers. It could provide a new lens with which to inform their marketing decision as well as development plans for the future.
A study of the relationship between benchmarked factor improvements and employee satisfaction : an empirical study of Johannesburg water.
(2006) Van Tonder, Leon.; Coldwell, David A. L.
Companies are constantly searching for ways to enhance productivity and the bottom line. One of the assumptions is that increased job satisfaction can contribute in this regard with improvements in motivation and productivity. The organisation that is the subject for this study is a utility company formed by the City of Johannesburg to deliver a comprehensive water and sanitation service to the City. The creation of the company was preceded by a high level of unhappiness from organised labour and consequently many of the transferred employees. In order to give effect to its mandate of providing a cost effective and quality service to the citizens whilst protecting the environment, the company adopted a number of benchmark and other measurements across the board including the measurement of levels of employee satisfaction. The research focused on the employee perceptions of job satisfaction in the company based on the head office component with the previous survey results taken 18 months earlier serving as comparison. It was therefore possible to also evaluate the relevance of results obtained with the job satisfaction survey. The results of a benchmarking exercise in the Human Resources division conducted towards the end of 2003 was also available and served as a point of reference in comparing job satisfaction levels with the results of the benchmarks that were developed based on international best practice and compared the company to other organisations in the utility sector. The study examined the possibility of the development of strategies by the Human Resources function aimed at eliminating factors that cause dissatisfaction and improving or introducing those that led to increases in levels of satisfaction. The results indicate that it is not appropriate to concentrate only on the role of Human Resources in its efforts to influence job satisfaction and that high levels of job satisfaction or otherwise do not necessarily have a relationship to the perception of the efficiency of the Human Resources function when compared to the results of human resources benchmarks. Although the literature supports the importance of job satisfaction as a factor in productivity improvement, the findings point to the need to follow an integrated approach based on sound practice and measurement of metrics as well as the incorporation of strategies that ensure that job satisfaction is not negatively affected by striving for excellence in other areas. Even though the research provided support for the Herzberg theories on Hygiene (maintenance) factors and Motivators as predictors of job satisfaction it is the author's conclusion that the research points to the fact that results of Human Resources benchmarked factors are not the sole determinants of job satisfaction. It is, based on the research results, possible to conclude that even if the important satisfiers are not always adequately addressed, sound Human Resources practice can assist in ensuring that the levels of satisfaction do not become terminally low and cause high levels of attrition or detrimentally affect productivity with the resultant affect on benchmarked factors that compare poorly to that of the target organisations.
A systems approach to the design of an idealized student enrolment support system for the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2008) Van Soelen, Anita.; Bodhanya, Shamim Ahmed.
In the research we considered the viability of the current student enrolment support system at the University of KwaZuku-Natal. The system relied on the coordination and integration of activities across campuses and reporting lines. Its success was dependent on the successful interactions between a variety of sub-systems and individuals. A soft systems approach was required for the investigation, which allowed us to deal with both the complexity of the system and the variety of perceptions participants brought into the situation. A theoretical framework for Soft Systems Thinking was provided in Chapter 2 with reference to General Systems Theory, Living Systems Theory and metaphors of organisation. In Chapter 3 different types of problem contexts were discussed, grouped and linked to preferred research methodologies. This framework assisted us to select Idealised Planning (IP) as research methodology. The boundaries and structure of the research process were described in Chapter 4. In this Chapter we also provided information on the selection and briefing of participants. IP philosophy supported participative planning; a seeking of consensus which generated learning and the striving towards an ideal. Our aim was to reach consensus on the transformations required within our system. Information on the application of IP in our situation and the learning generated during the process were recorded in Chapter 5. As much information as possible was collected and the transformations required for improvements were identified. We developed a mental construct of an ideal system and defined the properties such a system should have. An unconstrained design, not constrained by the current environment, was prepared as well as a constrained design in which our current limitations were recognized. The two designs were compared and the boundaries of the constrained design were pushed out as far as possible to incorporate as many of the ideal properties as possible. A detailed plan was developed for the implementation of the chosen design. In Chapter 6 we reflected on the suitability of IP in our problem context, the learning generated and the degree to which the research objectives were met. The project enabled us to consider our key processes and to prepare detailed procedures. We identified the problem areas in our system and the transformations to be introduced for the system to remain viable and able to cope with future demands.
ABSA clients' perceptions of the service quality provided by ABSA Longmarket Street branch in Pietermaritzburg.
(2005) Madikane, Nomagugu.; Ellis, Deborah Ann.
The financial service industry has experienced massive change since the early 1980s. In the past, banks and building societies used to serve their customers' needs differently, but with the removal of many barriers in terms of pricing and various products which the banks and building societies sold their customers, these institutions have brought about changes concerning the expansion of the products and service which they offer to their customers. Today, many financial services encompass the philosophy of implementing marketing programmes which are aimed at looking after their customers and maximizing their satisfaction with the service. The main aim of this study was to investigate customers' perceptions vis-a-vis the service that is provided by ABSA Longmarket Street Branch, in terms of customer satisfaction. More specifically, the objectives were: • To identify customers' expectations in terms of financial services. • To ascertain the perceptions of ABSA customers towards the service ABSA Longmarket Street Branch provides them with. • To measure the gaps between the perceptions and expectations of the service that ABSA provides its customers, using the Servqual Score. • To calculate and measure the score for the five Servqual dimensions. Using the Servqual model to measure expectations in terms of service, i.e. what is expected compared with perceptions of service received, the study focused on ABSA customers who use the Longmarket Street Branch in Pietermaritzburg. Customers felt that brochures would be better when an information is printed in all languages and important messages be displayed on the Automated Teller Machine (ATM) screen and be advertised more often on television. Another concern was that customers felt that it is important for the staff to show sincere interest when solving the customers' problems. This can be achieved by keeping the customer informed with the progress of hislher query. It is of the utmost importance to provide the right service at the right time. Another concern raised was that customers need to be reassured that the problem will be solved and dealt with in a professional manner. Customers felt more secure doing their transactions at the branch rather than at the ATMs. They felt more comfortable to talk to people, as this builds long-lasting relationships. The majority of the respondents felt that management must encourage staff to share product knowledge that will help them to deliver a better quality of work. The study shows that there is a lack of individual attention when the staff deals with customers. Giving the customer undivided attention, being patient and calling them by their names, to make them feel welcome and acknowledged, can improve this. There is a necessity for the branch to extend working hours to accommodate everyone. The branch has to consider offering facilities such as the Internet and telephone banking, to make banking simple and convenient to everyone at home.
The acceleration of quality education in rural schools through systemic curriculum management : a practitioner researcher perspective.
(2011) Sambo, Dlelwane John.; Hardman, Stanley George.
I used Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), a practitioner research methodology to foster organisational learning in poor performing schools. School Management Teams (SMTs) have a role to play in accelerating the delivery of quality education through sound management of curriculum. A closer analysis of learner performance, departmental conference discussions and school visit reports in poor performing schools in Sabie and White Hazy Circuits highlighted some of the crucial issues that informed this study. Ten schools from the two circuits were identified for the study and curriculum management discussions were held with individual and groups of SMT members in their respective schools. The participative nature of SSM provided the opportunity to initiate further debates and discussions that enabled SMT members to understand the nature of management problems and developed intervention strategies that included SMT conferences, circuit-based SMT workshops and SMT functionality support visits. The SMT functionality visits were ongoing programmes in the two circuits. The purpose of these programmes was to identify and propose solutions to poor performance challenges resulting from dysfunctional and ineffective SMT members. The intervention sessions provided a platform for the sharing of good practices regarding instructional leadership and curriculum management to provide quality learning. Using SSM in the intervention sessions enabled SMT members to put in place curriculum management systems, develop monitoring programmes and account for learner performance. During SMT support visits programmes to support SMT members in adhering to their annual management plans, effective use of curriculum management tools, quality reporting and implementing school-based teacher development programmes would be monitored. Monthly reporting developed by consolidating reports by individual education specialists served as indicators about the state of management of curricula in the schools.
Acceptability of Radiofrequency Animal Identification in Rural KwaZulu-Natal.
(2017) Mahlangu, Isaiah Mahloloni.; Hoque, Muhammad.
The outbreak of animal diseases occurring in the past decades resulted in food incidents affecting animal products across the world. The subsequent decline in consumer confidence and profit losses forced the beef and dairy industries to improve production management. A ―farm-to-fork‖ traceability system in the form of Radiofrequency Identification (RFID) was adopted by many global markets as a solution. Invented to monitor military aircrafts during the World War II, RFID has transformed the traditional animal identification methods first practiced some 3 800 years ago. Other industries have also adopted RFID to improve efficiency in the supply chain. In beef production, RFID also has the potential to deter stock theft. There is insufficient evidence of how this technology is accepted by the emerging markets, particularly among rural livestock farmers. This study was motivated by the plan of the Department of Agriculture Rural Development to introduce RFID animal identification in rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. The aim of the study was to test acceptability of RIFD by livestock farmers in rural areas of KZN. A quantitative approach was used to conduct a descriptive survey among the livestock farmers at Msinga, a Local Municipality in the Umzinyathi District of KZN. Data was collected from 170 randomly selected participants from a population of 1 000 livestock farmers. The study revealed that animal identification at Msinga is based on the use of skin colour, naming of animals, unauthorised random brand marks and authorised systematic brand marks. This approach seeks to enhance animal identification and ownership. The literature review showed that in spite of the evidence that countries without traceability systems fail to gain access into lucrative international meat markets, South Africa has not adopted RFID. Based on the Chi-Square test, the study fails to accept the null hypothesis suggesting that livestock farmers will not accept RFID. At 95% level of significance, the study concludes that there is sufficient evidence suggesting that livestock farmers at Msinga will accept RFID. As the beef industry migrates towards traceability to achieve product differentiation, gain consumer confidence and competitive advantage, it is recommended that South Africa consider a legislative framework to enable the adoption of RFID by livestock farmers, and that the government support the introduction of this technology into communal farmers in rural areas.
Accountable marketing : assessing the extent to which Pietermaritzburg based companies understand and have implemented this concept.
(2002) Stewart, Malcolm William Thompson.; Ellis, Deborah Ann.
This report constitutes an exploratory study into the concept of accountable marketing in order to investigate the extent to which it is understood and has been implemented by members of a local business association. Accountable Marketing is a further natural development in the total marketingnconcept beginning with the traditional marketing concept and then developing through the addition of tested assumptions over time. The societal marketing concept is based on three implicit assumptions namely: - consumers' wishes do not always coincide with their long term interests or those of society. - consumers prefer organisations that show real concern for their satisfaction and well-being as well as the collective well-being. - the most important task of the organisation is to adapt itself to the target market in such a way as to generate not only satisfaction, but also individual and collective well-being, in order to attract and keep customers. Two key issues distinguish the societal marketing concept from the classical marketing concept and these are: - marketing must be concerned with the well-being of customers and not simply with the satisfaction of their short-term needs and; - a firm must consider the side-effects of its economic and industrial activity to ensure the long term well-being of society as a whole. Accountable marketing is a natural development from the concept of societal marketing. It can be viewed as the marketing concept practised in such a way that it enhances the total well being of society. The consumerist and environmentalist movements have forced some marketing theoreticians to widen their classical marketing concept, putting the emphasis on the necessity to develop increased consciousness of the socio-cultural side-effects of the economic and marketing activities. Broadly speaking, accountable marketing differs from societal marketing through the addition of the following two elements: Corporate ethical behaviour. o Consideration of the environment and related issues. The research consists of surveys done amongst the members of a local business association. It was found that whilst members of the association stated that they had implemented the accountable marketing concept, they had in effect implemented societal marketing. The increasing effects of globalisation continue to put pressure on South African companies to conduct business or produce products to the same high standards (including health and safety) as that of the rest of the world. South African businesses are faced with the dilemma of whether to be pro-active with regard to these latest developments in marketing or whether to become reactive and only move forward as and when any pressure is applied. It is felt that the benefits of being pro-active far out-weight any negative aspects and can eventually result in a firm becoming the acknowledged leader in its field and being recognized accordingly.
Accounting firms’ use of social media platforms.
(2017) Dundraj, Rashika.; Singh, Anesh Maniraj.
Social media can be described as a phenomenon that has completely transformed the world on both professional and personal levels. It has considerably improved relations, encouraged new affiliations and created entirely new avenues and approaches to business. The constant growth of social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn serve as an indication of the potential reach that an organisation can obtain by strategically and methodically utilising these platforms. Research has proven that despite the wide array of social media platforms available, social media is not very widely utilised by accountants. This has raised the question, “Can social media be beneficial to the accounting profession?” This study aimed to explore the current social media trends and with the aid of interviews, determine if social media is a viable and effective solution for accountants in terms of engagement with stakeholders, marketing as well as for general collaboration. Due to the nature of the study, the qualitative approach was adopted. A –semi-structured interview schedule was constructed and participants were asked a series of 16 questions. All participants held senior positions and were the most suitable to assist with the study. Six companies were approached and selected to fulfil the objectives of the study. The data collected led to the conclusion that whilst social media has been implemented in accounting firms, there is no distinct social media plan in existence, nor has social media been prioritised. Furthermore, the participants did not have any expectations from social media, it was merely employed to create awareness with the hope of attracting new clientele. These findings culminated in a number of recommendations being documented in order to assist and encourage accounting firms to implement social media. It is recommended that accounting firms create social teams, who will serve to keep clients abreast of latest developments as well as counteract negative publicity. Further, accounting firms should identify their target audience and aim to maximise their coverage. They can also exploit the most popular social media platforms, and aim to expand their range as widely as possible.
Achieving effective communication : the impact of defensive and supportive traits of supervisors.
(2003) Samuel, Linda.; Brijball, Parumasur Sanjana.
Communication is regarded as the lifeblood of any organisation. It plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth functioning of all organisational activities. Communication enables individuals and departments to work together harmoniously to achieve a common goal. It allows leaders to inform, influence and motivate employees towards goal attainment. The survival and profitability of the protection services department studied depends on their leaders ability to effectively communicate with its workforce. Effective communication should be an ongoing process in this organisation. The purpose of this dissertation was to investigate the effectiveness of communication amongst supervisors at the protection services department. The key dimensions that were explored in this study are the defensive scores dimension (namely, evaluation, neutrality, control, superiority, strategy and certainty) and the supportive scores dimension (namely, provisionalism, spontaneity, empathy, problem orientation, equality, and description). The research was conducted at the protection services department in Marianhill, Durban. Cluster sampling was used in this study. Various statistical techniques were used to test the six hypotheses. The results were analysed and a presentation and discussion of the respondents perceptions were presented. From this study, it is evident that there is an immediate need for development in the two key dimensions, namely, the defensive scores dimension (evaluation, neutrality, control, superiority, strategy and certainty) and the supportive scores dimension (provisionalism, spontaneity, empathy, problem orientation, equality and description). The limitations of the study and suggestions for further research are also outlined. Furthermore, a discussion of the possible causes for the findings are included, along with recommendations to improve the effectiveness of communication amongst supervisors in the organisation.
Adopting price-earnings and enterprise multiples to beat the Johannesburg Stock Exchange All Share Index.
(2009) Allison, Dylan Mayne.; Geach, Walter Dayson.
The theory behind the efficient market hypothesis exerts that it is not possible to consistently outperform the overall stock market by using stock picking and market timing strategies. The argument holds that, in an efficient market, all stock prices are appropriately priced and there is no over- or undervalued stocks to be found. Nevertheless, deviations from true stock prices can occur according to the hypothesis, although these deviations are mostly random occurrences. Thus, the only way an investor can outperform the overall stock market is by luck alone. However, the efficient market hypothesis is a controversial topic where it is often discussed within modern financial circles where academic theory has strong arguments both for and against the theory. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate whether it is feasible to outperform the overall stock market through investing in stocks that appear undervalued according to enterprise multiple (EV/EBITDA) and the price-earnings ratio.
The African renaissance : what can be done to improve trading between South Africa and Africa.
(2006) Baijnath, Kavita.; Challenor, Robin Martin.
The fundamental aim of this study has been to analyze the experiences of fifteen small South African companies that are currently trading with Africa. The sample included Durban based businessmen who frequently travelled to the respective countries in Africa. Their responses were analyzed against the major documented challenges that are faced when trading in Africa. A wide range of literature has been consulted in order to familiarize the researcher with current business strategies practiced in South Africa, the bodies that have been set up to assist free trade between Africa and South Africa and business practices that are inherent to Africa. The recommendations conclude that the small businessman battles with on-the-ground trading, and even though much has been done by the South African government to "get his foot through the door", the smaller businessman battles with the day to day intricacies of trading in African countries. These problems have to be addressed, as it is the private sector, which is the engine for growth in Africa.
Agriculture and local economic development : a case study of the uMshwathi Local Municipality.
(2013) Ariatti, Claudia Ada.; Chasomeris, Mihalis Georgiou.
Local economic development (LED) is a process encompassing the mobilisation of resources for competitive advantage by locally-owned or managed courses of action, identified through participation and social dialogue, in a strategically defined territory. Local economic development based on sound economic and business principles can contribute to economic growth, job creation and poverty alleviation. Government policy has accorded prominence to agriculture. LED in South Africa is mandated to local municipalities and a challenge is to identify LED strategies that combine a pro-growth (market-led), with a pro-poor (market-critical) dimension. The present study reviews the literature on local economic development and analyses mainly secondary data in the case study on the Local Municipality of uMshwathi (District Municipality of uMgungundlovu, KwaZulu-Natal). Theories are applied and tested in the case study and the research objectives focus on the development, implementation and growth of all-inclusive job creation LED strategies in uMshwathi, using local resources and skills, able to generate partnerships and respond to changing circumstances. uMshwathi residents suffer from unemployment, poor functional literacy and poverty. The potential role of agriculture in the acceleration of local economic development in uMshwathi is confirmed. A grand strategy and functional strategies are proposed. Agricultural land is of a high potential and smallholder and organic farming are practicable. Findings show the presence of locational development-inducing factors. LED suffers from the Municipality‘s lack of capacity and there is uncertainty between social and economic policy objectives. There is no provincial strategy in place to use the Dube TradePort Corporation as a platform for targeted economic development of the agricultural sector. The Ingonyama Trust and associated land issues need to be urgently addressed. Horizontal and vertical cooperation and coordination between stakeholders is essential. Professional LED practitioners should be employed in all LED Units. The establishment of an Agricultural Forum in uMshwathi, and an LED Agency in the uMgungundlovu District, is recommended. Networks must be established with Agricultural Unions and significant stakeholders. The implementation of a strategy for agriculture development with a focus on exporting through the Dube TradePort Corporation is deemed necessary.
Aligning learning and development to business strategy in Nedbank Integrated Channels.
(2014) Edgar, Jacquline.; Kader, Abdulla Dawood.
In a tough economic climate with unrelenting pressure on training budgets, L&D professionals are constantly challenged to demonstrate the value, ROI and business impact of training initiatives. The way to increase the value and return of training is to design it in a way that is clearly aligned with corporate strategy – i.e. to increase the relevance of training to the business need. By leveraging the business strategy as the framework for people development – in terms of program objectives, solution design and content – organizations will deliver powerful and practical development of their leaders and key talent that is directly aligned with key business goals and imperatives. A strategy-based program design delivered via engaging experiential learning methodologies, such as live, interactive leadership simulations and action learning business projects involving real business issues, enables participants to readily connect the dots between ‘training’ and their real lives at work. This approach produces a double win – the L&D win and the business impact win, as participants continue to apply new skills and behaviors in their work for improved alignment, collaboration and execution.
Alignment of a company's policies and programmees to respond to the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
(2003) Seetal, Niresh.; Thomson, Elza.
The HIV/AIDS epidemic affects everyone, every individual, every family, every social institution, every organisation and indeed every business, big or small. Although there are indications that HIV infection may be spreading faster among the underprivileged sectors of the population (poor, marginalised, uneducated, etc.), so far the toll among the urban young adult population has been higher. In South Africa it is estimated that as many as 1 000 people, mostly young people, are infected every day. The HIV/AIDS epidemic poses one of the greatest challenges to business development in Africa. The epidemic claims some of the best business leaders, managers and a great number of workers at all levels of the production system. HIV-related absenteeism, loss of productivity and the cost of replacing workers lost to AIDS threaten the survival of a number of businesses and industrial sectors in the increasingly competitive world market. HIV/AIDS does not affect only workers. By claiming a large part of the urban population with disposable income and by impoverishing families and communities, it also effects the market base of African business. It is clear that no one sector alone can make a significant inroad in the fight against the epidemic. A true partnership involving the government, the private sector and the community is essential to face the problem. The business community is realising that its very survival depends on how effectively it joins forces with other partners, how well it understands the legal issues, current statistics and economic impact of HIV/AIDS to face the problem. The workplace provides an excellent environment to implement a comprehensive HIV/AIDS programme and policy reform.
An analysis of late shipments from South African vendors to EU buyers.
(2006) Muller, Craig Ross.; Poulter, Mike.
This dissertation set out to ascertain that a South African vendor, on-time delivery to EU buyers, was unreliable. Late deliveries from South African vendors to EU buyers have led to Kingfisher Sourcing Africa (Pty) Ltd being a volatile sourcing office for the Kingfisher Group. Kingfisher Sourcing Africa (Pty) Ltd need to take considerable measures in determining which South African vendors they source products from in order to determine their success or failure. This research has highlighted the following problem: i. South African vendors are unreliable suppliers. Recommendations derived from this research include: ii. The need to clarify terms and conditions of trade, iii. To ensure Kingfisher Sourcing Africa (Pty) Ltd has a contract in place with South African vendors, iv. To periodically and systematically evaluate South African vendor's : Financial capabilities, Supply chain capacity, Management structure, Product offering mix,
An assessment of the impact of HIV/AIDS on the business sector in South Africa and an analysis of HIV/AIDS workplace programmes.
(2003) Makanjee, Prashila.; Coldwell, David A. L.
HIV / AIDS in the South African present context remains fraught with obstacles and challenges. The previous regime's willingness to turn a blind eye to the problem, combined with the present government's confused response has accelerated the disease and it's devastating impact to pandemic proportions. This has placed additional pressure on other sectors to respond. While civil society challenges government's delaying tactics and seeks to ease the plight of those living with HIV, the business sector is being called upon to act, in the interests of the stability of the national economy and it's own survival. Business is identified, locally and abroad, as the most relevant environment for intervention because of it's unique capacity to impact on both the workforce and the consumer market simultaneously. Business however exists for the purpose of making a profit. This is in itself an area of study that requires investigation: how does business meet the pressure to 'do the right thing' and protect its own best interests? This study will consider how some businesses have shifted the burden of AIDS, while others have prepared to meet the costs associated with implementing any interventions. The primary objective of this study is to investigate the impact of HIV / AIDS on the business sector with an assessment of the risk faced by business in the immediate and long-term. It further seeks to analyse business's current response in the context of international best practice standards. Case studies of Workplace HIV / AIDS Programmes are used to identify and analyse successful interventions that may be utilised in the South African context. While there are a few outstanding examples of workplace interventions being implemented in South Africa, there is some concern that too many companies are processing HIV / AIDS as a paper exercise without the commitment and care required for change. The impact of the disease on a physical level is compounded by stigmatization and fear. Issues of discrimination and intolerance permeate the environment in which employers are required to implement programmes that shift knowledge, attitudes and behaviour around HIV / AIDS. The secondary objective of this study is to test the emerging hypothesis that the face-to-face or one-on-one intervention is the most effective in successfully changing knowledge and attitudes about HIV / AIDS and can therefore influence a long-term change in behaviour. This study seeks to provide guidelines and recommendation for companies willing to implement HIV / AIDS workplace interventions by presenting an overview of the options available and indicating where best to invest limited resources. While the nature and scope of the study is by no means conclusive and remains open to ongoing social and medical research, it remains relevant in that it is placed in the context of timeless best practice.
An empirical study of the effectiveness of a performance management system for academics at Technikon Southern Africa.
(2003) Narayadu, J.; Coldwell, David A. L.
It has come to the attention of the researcher while being involved in the tertiary education industry, that the current performance management system for academics is considered ineffective because it: • Does not provide meaningful, timely feedback • Is impossible to administer in an equitable manner • Is driven by numbers • Is focused too closely on rewards The impact of this performance management system is as follows: • It generates low moral • It discourages teamwork • It does not foster trust • It generates avoidance of assessment • It has an adverse effect on productivity • It discourages risk taking • It encourages quest for higher visibility • It produces feelings of being judged rather than being appreciated The study focussed on the question of: • How the performance management system at TSA affects employee attitudes? • How employee attitudes towards the performance management system affects their performance? The objectives of the study are to: • Determine the attitudes of the academics at TSA towards the performance management system • Determine how service delivery might be transformed by implementing an effective PMS • Determine the supporting/preventing factors of the existing PMS at TSA • Identify areas for improvement and produce recommendations for future performance management practice at TSA.

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