Masters Degrees (Graduate School of Business and Leadership)
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Item The impact of coronavirus on strategic planning at eThekwini Municipal Libraries.(2022) Vezi, Ntombiyenkosi Evidence.; Mtembu, Vuyokazi Ntombikayise.The study is geared towards finding the impact of Coronavirus on Strategic planning in the eThekwini Municipality, such as to name a few Umgeni, Ntuzuma, Central reference and Don reference Libraries. Such rapid external changes have had immediate internal implications for organisations such as eThekwini Municipal Libraries and Heritage Department, leaving leaders in organisations in despair and with huge uncertainties. The turbulent era of coronavirus, commonly referred to as COVID-19, has agitated the world globally and locally; these shock waves of the virus have left businesses and organizations in despair due to the rapid changes that had to be adopted timeously. This disrupted the labour market as severe social proximity restrictions put economic activities on hold. This research adopted a qualitative methodology comprised of semi-structured interviews conducted with 8 managerial personnel within the Libraries Department. Respondents were selected purposively from management to conduct Microsoft teams interviews. The brief findings outline includes the exploring new library adaptation strategies that that can help the department stay relevant and maintain book services. The findings shared challenges experienced by eThekwini libraries, such as social-political and economic limitation factors. This influenced the way strategic planning had to be used in aligning eThekwini Municipal Libraries’ operations with such decisions, the impact of coronavirus on strategic planning and the available resources to mitigate widespread impact of coronavirus and future pandemic. The recommendations included that the eThekwini Municipal Management have a strategic planning that considers external factors such as socialpolitical and environmental ones as they have an impact on how the eThekwini Municipality Libraries address a situation such as the coronavirus pandemic.Item Exploring the conditions for the development and growth of the pharmaceutical industry in KwaZulu-Natal.(2023) Dlamini, Neliswa Witness.; Govender, Krishna Kistan.First and foremost, I am grateful for the multiplied grace of the Lord upon my life and for being with me throughout my studies. I wish to express my heartfelt gratitude to the following individuals who supported me throughout my studies: To my Supervisor, Prof. Krishana K Govender thank you for your thorough guidance, your prompt response, patience, and for giving me valuable feedback throughout my entire dissertation. It’s been a rocky ride, but we sailed through. To my little brothers, Siyabonga Dlamini, and Daniel Thwala thank you for being there, you kept me going, brought the laughter to break the stress, kept pushing me and helped throughout the entire dissertation. To my son Amile Dlamini, thank you; without your constant support, love, sacrifice, and encouragement, I would never have made it. So much of our precious family time was sacrificed during this time. Mom will make it up to you. I hope you have learned so much during this time that perseverance is the mother of success. To my mother, my sister, my entire family, and very close friends. Thank you for your prayers, your words of encouragement, your understanding of my occasional unavailability, and for all the unconditional support Ngiyabonga. I would also like to thank Trade and Investment for affording me time to finish this study, as well as all companies and my colleagues from EDTEA for participating in this study.Item The Strategic Leadership for Academic Resilience: A Case Study of Graduate School of Business & Leadership of the University of KwaZulu-Natal during Covid-19.(2024) Sindane, Nonhlanhla Lucia.; MacDonald, Kanyangale.This qualitative study aimed to explore how strategic leaders influenced the direction and activities of the Graduate School of Business & Leadership at the University of KwaZulu Natal in leading through disruptive times to ensure academic resilience during Covid-19. Using purposive sampling, academic leaders at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Graduate School of Business were selected as strategic leaders. Sample size of seven senior leaders was used to collect data using semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. The results reveal seven themes of how strategic leaders influenced the direction and operation of the school, namely strategic thinking, redesigning of teaching and learning to online platforms, resource allocation, building strategic commitment, strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, policy adaptation and facilitation of student support services. coping practices to build academic resilience in crises and adaptive changes are discussed, along with policies adapted for supporting university education during the crisis and post-crisis times, resulting in recommendations for enhancing strategic leadership capabilities and resilience. The study highlights that success in responding to an organisational crisis in a business school is a function of effective strategic leadership supported by tactical and operational leadership commitment. It also brings to the fore the critical role and support that internal and external stakeholders contribute to managing a crisis and ensuring the resilience of business schools during and after a crisis event. The limitations, areas for future research, and recommendations for study regarding strategic leadership, academic resilience, and continuity in the Graduate School of Business of the University of KwaZulu-Natal are highlighted in this study.Item The impact of training and development programmes on artisan's performance: a case study of Umngeni water.(2021) Myeza, Nomagugu.; Mtembu, Vuyokazi Ntombikayise.Training is an ongoing method of enhancing employee excellence. A training programme is an employer's attempt to provide opportunities for workers to improve job-related talents, attitudes, and knowledge. The best combination of new technology used by skillful and talented people is required to resolve the increasingly competitive demands of the business market, update it and take it to the heights of global brilliance. This study was conducted at Umgeni Water sites in Durban. The main aim of the research was to ascertain whether Umgeni Water’s training and development policies and procedures of Umgeni Water are in line with the overall company strategy, to determine whether Umgeni Water’s artisan development programme is aligned with the overall company strategy, to identify challenges that artisans encounter with regards to training and development, and to recommend solutions for artisan training and development at Umgeni Water. The research used a positivist approach which favours a quantitative research technique. Research data were gathered using closed-ended research questionnaires, which consisted of 4 sections using a 5-point Likert scale. The research included a sample size of 110 artisans who all participated in the study. The collected data were compiled, presented, and analysed using the IBM Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 22. The study results show that training and development play a critical role in improving employee performance. Training enhances employees’ skills, attitudes, and knowledge. One of the recommendations that emerged from the research is that the organisation should establish a user-friendly artisan training quality assurance system and process in line with the National Artisan Moderations Body (NAMB) and the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations.Item Exploring how leadership of small, medium, and micro enterprises affect the volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity environment.(2023) Mdunyelwa, Mzukisi.; Chummun, Bibi Zaheenah.The purpose of this dissertation is to investigate how SMME leaders in KwaZulu-Natal can cultivate the agility and adaptability required to affect the challenges posed by an environment of volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. The report offers valuable insights into strategies that SMMEs might employ to address the complexities of modern business. This is achieved by examining the experiences of leaders in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. The study employed a qualitative research methodology and used a non-probability sampling approach, namely the purposive sampling technique. Ten Small, medium and micro enterprises located in the KwaZulu-Natal province were purposively sampled. The research used semi-structured interviews to collect data from the participants and thematic analysis to analyse the findings. The research uncovered key insights into the leadership approaches and practices that enable enterprises to flourish despite the VUCA environment. The findings highlighted the significance of fostering a culture of continuous learning within SMMEs. It was revealed that agile leaders in Kwa-Zulu Natal who actively pursued knowledge expansion and encouraged their teams to do the same were better equipped to anticipate market shifts and swiftly respond to changing environment. Furthermore, the study revealed that effective communication plays a pivotal role in enhancing agility. Leaders who were collaborative and encouraged dialogues within their organisations were able to harness collective intelligence and make informed decisions promptly. Moreover, the study underlined the significance of emotional intelligence in leadership. Leaders who displayed empathy and a keen understanding of their employees' needs were better poised to foster a resilient workforce, capable of navigating uncertainty. This human-centric approach not only nurtured loyalty but also empowered employees to contribute creatively to problem-solving efforts. The findings of this qualitative research emphasize the critical need for leadership flexibility and adaptation for SMME performance in a VUCA environment. These results add to the body of knowledge on successful leadership in a VUCA environment and have application for SMME executives who want to guide their companies toward sustainability and development.Item Information communication technology opportunities to promote effective remote working at Transnet within the Durban container terminal.(2024) Nyarugwe, Gibson.; Majola, Priscilla Xulu.The study sought to investigate Information Technology Communication opportunities to promote effective remote working in Transnet Port Terminals at Durban Container Terminal. This concept is meant to support business continuity through remote working, minimise disruptions in times of crisis. This study also sought to determine whether the adoption of Information Technology Communication and digital solutions is influenced by the availability of resources. Other objectives were to determine the support system available for remote workers and examine digital innovative management solutions for supervising and monitoring employees working offsite. The research used a qualitative methodology and interviewed a sample of managerial and nonmanagerial personnel including the employee-collective bargaining unit members from Durban Container Terminal. Thematic analysis was employed wherein the researcher searched for patterns in the data to understand themes. Emphasis was placed in attempting to identify, analyze, and interpret data patterns. The results of the study revealed that Transnet employees have a culture of hardworking, accountability, honesty and can be trusted with the organisations’ Information Technology Communication tools, computer equipment, and network in remote work and operational performance in the future, and in times of such pandemics, natural disasters and other events such as strikes service delivery protests, and industrial actions. The expected results was a positive change in the way the port operates by increasing collaboration amongst teams working remotely, utilising smart technology through automation and innovation. The research findings showed that funding and the availability of digital resources was a major challenge in the adoption of Information Technology Communication technological solutions. The research recommended alignment of organisational strategy and ICT policy, intensive automation of operations among other measures through Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to promote remote working. Increased adoption of Information Technology Communication enhances regional and global competitiveness as port operating organisations sought to survive in the marine sector. Limitation of the research, include Covid-19 restrictions, protests, industrial strike action, and low employee morale due to protracted wage negotiations. Direction of future studies should focus on quantitative research to include a larger population sample and wider geographical area including other ports under Transnet Port Terminals and review of port operational performance and funding model.Item Exploring the Skills Challenges of Robotics at Anglo American Platinum.(2023) Sesoko, Jill Carol.; Chummun, Bibi ZaheenahThe research focuses on investigating the skill challenges related to a people centric approach to adoption of advanced technologies in the mining industry, particularly a people centric robotics technology adoption. Given the reality that the South Africa idealises a people-centric approach to robotics technology adoption, the research investigates how Critical Systems Thinking (CST) can facilitate this people-centric adoption of robotics technology, ensuring alignment with responsible mining practices. The study aims to explore how the required skill sets for robotics adoption can be developed through an early talent development strategy using the Anglo-American Platinum Schools Project as a case study. The research provides important insights to influence policymaking that can ensure the successful adoption of robotics technologies in the mining industry. It primarily contributes insights into the theories concerned with the use of critical systems thinking in the adoption of emerging technologies. The research contribute to the need for expanding literature on how the mining industry can adopt robotics technologies in a relevant and responsible manner.Item An examination of the role of leadership in fostering employee engagement during times of crises: A case study of the commercial property sector in KwaZulu-Natal.(2023) Grant, Jacqueline.; Proches, Cecile Gerwel.The South African commercial property sector has experienced substantial hardship in the past few years. Significantly, the retail component of the sector is the second largest employer behind the government and is a significant contributor to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, subsequent lockdown, and restriction of trade caused financial distress and heightened levels of anxiety and uncertainty in an already turbulent economy. The civil unrest in July 2021 where mass destruction and looting of retail outlets and warehouses added pressure to an industry still attempting to recover from the pandemic. This took place primarily in KwaZulu-Natal, which, despite being the third smallest province, is the second highest contributor to the country’s GDP. Whilst embarking on repair and recovery efforts, the province experienced severe flooding in April 2022, which caused immense damage to infrastructure and buildings. Existing research advocates that employee engagement is a crucial factor of organisational success, with some scholars suggesting that workplace engagement is even more significant during times of crises for the survival of the business. Moreover, leadership is a critical driver of employee engagement. This lends itself to the overarching research question that this study seeks to address – the role of leadership in fostering employee engagement during times of crises in the commercial property sector in KwaZulu-Natal. To this end, a qualitative single case study of eleven leaders comprising of executive, senior and middle managers in a property management company in the province was carried out. Key findings that emanated from the thematic analysis of the data suggest several roles that leaders play in fostering employee engagement during times of crisis. The cornerstone of employee engagement is communication, and the quality of the employer/employee relationship is the foundation for employee engagement. Future research could explore changes needed in areas like leasing policies and office space usage to support the viability of this important industry. The study was limited by only obtaining the perspectives of property management company leaders. Future research could compare leader and subordinate viewpoints for a more holistic understanding. The effects of crises on leaders themselves is another potential area of study, as the participants experienced pressure and inadequate upper-level support. Though leaders must demonstrate resilience in crises, they too need compassion. This study will be of value to leaders in terms of how to better engage with employees in times of crisis.Item Exploring perceptions of service delivery in Umzumbe Local Municipality, South Africa.(2023) Ngcobo, Emmanuel Sibusiso.; Proches, Cecile Naomi.; Singh, Nikita.Post-1994, the current South African government shifted its efforts and policies toward development to address the country’s economic and social needs, such as job creation, poverty eradication and promotion of equality. Despite the several reforms initiated by the government, poor service delivery remains a critical challenge facing South Africa, leading to several protests. Therefore, this research explored the perceptions towards poor service delivery in South African local governments to identify possible solutions. The study adopted interpretivism as the research philosophy to explore the participants’ perceptions towards service delivery in Umzumbe Local Municipality, located within the Ugu District Municipality in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. A qualitative research method was used to gain an adequate understanding of the participant’s perceptions towards service delivery. The study involved fourteen participants (ward committee chairpersons and officials) from Umzumbe Local Municipality. The data was collected through focus group discussions. The collected data was transcribed and analysed using NVivo (Version 14). Thematic analysis was conducted to identify, organise and report both the main themes and sub-themes identified from the dataset. The findings revealed that the stakeholders’ (ward councillors, ward committee and municipal managers) roles in service delivery included ensuring accountability, managing resources, monitoring and evaluating municipal and service providers’ performance, meeting quality standards, supplying raw materials and observing service delivery protests. Also, the findings revealed that the community expected the municipality to provide accessible, affordable, sustainable, and quality services. Furthermore, the study identified the challenges that hampered service delivery in the municipality, including funding, capacity/staff shortages, lack of accountability, corruption, political deployment and political coalitions. Based on the findings, recommendations were proposed to increase the quality of service delivery in the municipality, including the appointment of competent staff, the introduction of a good customer-care system, close monitoring of municipal service delivery and performance, encouraging of teamwork, renewal of political will to fight corruption, employee training, effective communication, and avoidance of political interference. Overall, the findings provided in-depth knowledge of the stakeholders’ (i.e., ward councillors, ward committees and municipal senior managers) perceptions toward service delivery in the Umzumbe Local MunicipalityItem Examining emotional intelligence and self-efficacy to business management at a state-owned entity in South Africa.(2023) Ndimande, Philani Emmanuel.; Mashau, Pfano.The recent past has been challenging for the state-owned company because of mismanagement and abuse of leadership power. The devasting effects of weakening leadership, in critical business processes have resulted in a breach of business processes and the contravention of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA). The organisation has also suffured a devasting lost of critical skills due to the impact of COVID-19. All these issues are largely linked with the emotions of individuals, the calibre of leaders in this organisation and the overall approach to business management. The contamporary environment requires leaders that are able to work with others, lead and be prepared to be led, and ensure collaboration amongst stakeholders. This requires emotional intelligence and positive self-efficacy. It is necessary to examine the contribution of Emotional Intelligence and Self-efficacy in managing the state-owned entity. The study used a quantitative research approach to examine the relationships between variables. A census method of sampling was employed, and the entire population (n = 130) of management was studied through the distribution of the questionnaire made up of four tests; demographical questionnaire, GEIQ adopted questionnaire, GSE adopted questionnaire and BMT self-created questionnaire. Reliability, validity, and ethics were considered. The study findings revealed that demographics such as race, age, gender, and education had no statistical significance on EI and SE at this organisation. The correlation analysis revealed that there is correlation and statistical significance between the managers’ EI, SE, and business management in organisation. Recommendations from the study are such that all management levels and divisions, or departments of the organisation should be studied, and probability sampling should be considered to comprehensively study the variable. The methodology should be mixed-method approach gain full insight of managers’ emotions. The organisations can improve performance by giving continuous support to employees, this will create confidence in their capabilities and create a positive work environment. The emotional transitions in the organisation caused by COVID-19 and the repositioning strategy requires an effective change management process and transparency to be driven by top management. This study contributed to the sustainability of SOEs under the era of ethical leadership.Item Perceptions of teachers and school management teams on their participation in school-based professional development and its Impact on their teaching practice.(2023) Malope, Nosipho.; Chikandiwa, Christopher Tarisayi.The present study aims to investigate the viewpoints of educators concerning their participation in professional development initiatives within educational institutions. One facet of the research investigates the levels of participation and satisfaction among teachers and School Management Teams (SMTs). On the other hand, the other component focuses on the function of Subject Specialists as Departmental Heads (DH) in strategising and facilitating professional growth initiatives for educators at the institutional level. This study is grounded on the Continuing Professional Development (CPTD) policy, which mandates educators to amass 150 professional development points within three years. Professional development points can be obtained through diverse activities such as self-initiated, school-initiated, and externally initiated programmes. The research places particular emphasis on teacher development that educational institutions initiate. The study's results indicate that educators and School Management Teams (SMTs) were actively engaged in a diverse array of teacher development initiatives conducted within the school setting. The activities above hold significant value because they can furnish efficacious strategies that augment classroom practices. Nevertheless, the findings suggest that the SMTs were remiss in their obligation to report school-initiated activities to the South African Council for Educators (SACE), a crucial element in overseeing and promoting the professional growth of teachers. The present study employs a quantitative methodology, and the data were obtained through two survey instruments that the researcher developed. The questionnaires comprise several segments encompassing diverse topics. The Post Level 1 questionnaire for teachers comprises 25 questions, whereas the SMT questionnaire encompasses 31 questions. The themes that are covered in this study comprise various aspects such as engagement in teacher development initiatives, significance and influence of such activities, provision of resources to facilitate teacher development, duties and obligations of teachers, incentives for participation, guidance and assistance from School Management Teams (SMTs) (about SMT questionnaire solely), and allocation of time for teacher development. The adequacy of the sample size of 87 participants in this study should be emphasised, as it facilitated a thorough investigation of the research topic and yielded significant insights into the perspectives and encounters of educators and school administrators. The research was carried out within the Ehlanzeni district in Mpumalanga province, with a specific emphasis on a designated subset of educators and School Management Teams (SMTs) from the White Hazy1 Circuit, encompassing both primary and secondary schools. The statistical software package utilised for data analysis was SPSS version 27.0. The collected quantitative data is analysed using descriptive statistics, including graphs, cross-tabulations, and other figures, to present the results. The study utilised inferential methods, specifically correlations and chi-square tests, to analyse the data. The p-values determined the statistical significance of the results. A statistical significance was attributed to a significance level lower than 0.05. The study's results have significant policy implications that warrant consideration. The initial step is for the School Management Teams (SMTs) to ensure appropriate planning and allocation of time for teacher development within the school premises following the policy guidelines. Subsequently, Subject Matter Teachers (SMTs) must give precedence to their involvement in and documentation of Continuing Professional Teacher Development (CPTD) endeavours, as it is a compulsory obligation stipulated by the SACE Act No.31 of 2008. Notably, the present study did not investigate the effects of teacher development programmes implemented within school settings on students' academic achievement. Therefore, it is recommended that additional research be conducted to explore this aspect.Item Analysing the perceived leadership skills and competencies required by project managers in KwaZulu-Natal Sappi Saiccor.(2024) Muthwa, Nkosinathi Clive.; Mkhize, Msizi Vitalis.Leadership is described as the procedure by which a person seeks to persuade other group members to achieve collective goals. Leadership is also considered as a procedure by which individuals bring out the greatest qualities in themselves and others. The aim of the research was to analyse the leadership skills and competencies required for managing projects in KwaZulu-Natal Sappi Saiccor. A quantitative method was done to achieve the research's aims. Convenience sampling method was used to collect data by distributing questionnaires to 72 Sappi Saiccor employees who are working within targeted selected departments. Out of the 72 employees, 55 of them participated on this study. This translated to 76% participance response rate which is regarded to be high enough for validity and reliability of the results. The data received were examined utilising statistical software. The first objective was to determine managers perceptions and the leadership competencies required by project managers in KZN Sappi Saiccor. The research found that there is a statistically significant difference among managers perceptions and leadership competencies required by project managers at KZN Sappi Saiccor. The second objective was to examine managers perceptions and leadership skills required by project managers in KZN Sappi Saiccor. The study found that there is a statistically significant difference among managers perceptions and leadership skills required by project managers in KZN Sappi Saiccor. The third objective was to examine different leadership styles and their effect on successful execution of project in KZN Sappi Saiccor. The study found that there is a statistically significant difference among leadership styles and their effect on successful execution of projects in KZN Sappi Saiccor. The fourth objective was to examine the relationship between leadership skills and competencies and demographic variable. These outcomes demonstrate that just the characteristics of managers’ perceptions (cognitive activation and personalised attention) clarify variations in leadership competencies, alongside cognitive activation being of greater importance. Research suggests that national culture significantly impacts the efficiency of leadership. According to the literature, a leader's skills have a significant impact on worker competencies. Leadership skills influence competencies to varied degrees. Research suggests that leadership skills lead to greater competencies. Research keywords: Leadership skills, competencies, leadership styles, projects management, managers perception.Item Investigating impact of coronavirus lockdown regulations on public transport operations recovery of eThekwini Municipality.(2024) Dube, Nkosinathi Blessing.; Ngwenya, Tony Charles Simphiwe.The COVID-19 pandemic prompted worldwide lockdown measures, significantly impacting public transportation systems. This study examines the effects of lockdown regulations on public transport operations in eThekwini Municipality, South Africa, and assesses potential solutions. Using a quantitative approach, a survey was conducted with 50 randomly selected residents of eThekwini Municipality. The results reveal that awareness and preparedness are the primary factors influencing the impact of COVID-19 lockdown regulations on public transport activities. Additionally, demographic factors such as age, ethnicity, and years of experience were found to influence attitudes, preparedness, awareness, and responsibility towards public transportation during the lockdown. The study recommends enhancing staff training and developing capabilities to handle pandemic-related impacts in the transport sector. This research contributes valuable insights to assist decision-makers in eThekwini Municipality in making informed choices regarding transportation service delivery in the context of public health crises.Item Framework for sustainable facilities management practices in eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality.(2024) Maluleke, Nkhensani.; Dubihlela, Jobo.Sustainable Facilities Management is crucial in managing facility infrastructure and equipment. The eThekwini municipality suffers from an ageing infrastructure and poor urban management. The steady supply of Facilities Management services is important to reduce the downtime of employees and for the organization’s image as well as to ensure successful service delivery to the public. Sustainable Facility Management practices foster a culture of continuous improvement, drive innovation, adopt new technologies, and contribute to facilities' resilience and risk management. The study investigates current sustainable facilities management practices and examines existing challenges. The case study uses exploratory design and interpretivism paradigms to construct and generate meaning. The study adopted a qualitative research method to generate a new perspective on sustainable facilities management through in-depth Interviews. The target population comprises eThekwini Municipality employees who contribute to the sustainability of facilities management. The sample was selected through a judgemental sampling method. The study adopted thematic analysis and the findings categorized into themes. The findings project standard operating procedure “SOP” as a dominant theme in answering research questions. Findings show that sustainability practices emerge within the SOP and management strategies. The study uncovers benefits identification methods and key factors that drive SFM. Lack of awareness is a dominant barrier that influences the availability of funds, departmental coordination as well as the implementation of sustainability initiatives. eThekwini centralized building services to one department, however, the findings suggest prioritization of facility management structures throughout the units to improve coordination within the departments. The study recommends using computer systems to streamline the municipality's inventory tracking, budgeting, and asset management. The study encountered limitations in governance and ethical concerns.Item An assessment of employee perception on the procurement process of a Southern African sugar company.(2024) Gopal, Naveshan.; Chasomeris, Mihalis Georgiou.In today's business landscape, competition is fierce, and procurement is a critical component of any organisation's success. Efficient and cost-effective procurement of goods and services, along with streamlined procurement processes, are crucial in helping businesses gain a competitive edge. However, the success of any procurement process depends not only on its technical aspects but also on how the people involved perceive and experience the process. Therefore, to gain valuable insights into the procurement practices of a Southern African sugar company, this study aims to explore the perceptions of its employees regarding its procurement process. To achieve the aim the researcher conducted a comprehensive literature review and used a mixed-methods research approach. This approach was deemed most suitable for the study. Considering the research design an online survey consisting of both open-ended and closed-ended questions was designed and disseminated to participants recruited for the study. To ensure that the study covered all aspects of the procurement process, the survey tested the perceptions of four departments, namely agricultural, engineering, operational support, and procurement. Each department was divided into three groups of employees, including line managers, middle managers, and senior managers. Participants were from three geographical locations, namely local, foreign, and the head office. Furthermore, participant data was evaluated according to years of work experience, specifically up to five years, five to ten years, ten to fifteen years, and greater than fifteen years. The online survey was designed using the principles of a mixed-method research approach. The survey questions were categorised according to the following themes: planning, supplier selection, specific management and contract management. The close-ended questions used a 5-point Likert scale, analysed quantitatively and used Factor Analysis. The open-ended questions were designed and analysed using NVivo version 14. The study recommends regular feedback and updates to bridge communication gaps, tailored training programmes to enhance planning skills, evaluating, and enhancing procurement systems, addressing skills gaps, enhancing awareness of procurement function, better communication between departments, and regular performance evaluations.Item Perceptions for the effectiveness of the hybrid model for software developers at LexisNexis (Pty) Ltd.(2023) Gwejana, Luyanda.; Majola, Priscilla Xoliswa.Abstract available in PDF.Item Impact of the coronavirus pandemic on wellbeing of healthcare workers in a haemodialysis facility, KwaZulu-Natal.(2022) Ramnarain, Rakhee.; Proches, Cecile Naomi Gerwel.Abstract available in PDF.Item An exploration of the potential to host Formula One in South Africa.(2024) Singh, Yashika.; Chasomeris, Mihalis Georgiou.Abstract available in PDF.Item Exploring succession planning in the technical laboratories at a multinational organisation, South Africa.(2023) Maharaj, Saroja.; Proches, Cecile Naomi Gerwel.Abstract available in PDF.Item The causes and consequences of cost and time overrun on KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission funded projects.(2023) Gigaba, Sithembiso Promise.; Chikandiwa, Christopher Tarisayi.Abstract available in PDF.