Graduate School of Business and Leadership
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Item An investigation into supply chain challenges at Durban North liquor distributors in eThekwini Metro, KwaZulu-Natal(2022) Mavundla, Sandile.; Yalezo, Bhasela.The liquor industry plays an important role in the South African economy. It contributes greatly towards job creation as well as economic growth. The fragmented structure of the industry provides an opportunity for firms of different sizes to play a role in the liquor supply chain. The large companies act as suppliers and manufacturers, while medium-sized companies are involved mainly in wholesale distribution, and the smaller companies act as retailers who connect with the final consumers. Although the industry is a strategic player in the economy, it is not without challenges. Some of the challenges include high operating costs due to statutory controls, yet margins are low. As a result, the industry is highly competitive. The aim of this research was to investigate supply chain challenges within the liquor industry, with an intention to propose solutions to unlock the industry’s full potential. A qualitative research design was adopted in this study, in which the researcher interviewed customers to understand the liquor supply chain challenges from their perspective. A research sample was drawn from a list of targeted participants who deal with the distributor Durban North Liquor Distributors. A purposive sampling strategy was used to draw a sample of clients from different wards around eThekwini Municipality. According to the research findings, the distributor provides an impeccable customer service. However, the challenges identified include lack of and inconsistent communication around nonavailability of products and anticipated time of delivery. The respondents also highlighted that the prevalence of receiving incorrect products that were not part of the initial order was high, which points to the lack of quality controls at Durban North Liquor Distributors. Due to a centralised distribution strategy, the respondents also felt that the distributor should improve on delivery plans. Recommendations include that the distributor should standardise the ordering system by using e-commerce platforms, and immediately communicate non-available items to customers, before sending orders for picking. In addition, there is a need to conduct quality control before dispatching orders. Finally, to address the delivery constraints caused by centralised distribution, the distributor should complement their fleet by procuring the transport services of third-party transport service providers, so as to improve geographical coverage, within customers’ operating hours.Item Developing a competitive intelligence strategy model for South African life assurance industry=Ukuthuthukisa imodeli yesu lezobunhloli eliqhudelanayo lemboni yaseNingizimu Afrikha YokuQinisekisa Impilo.(2022) Maluleka, Mpho Lawrence.; Chummun, Bibi Zaheenah.Competitive Intelligence Embeddedness (CIE) and organisational performance studies have used various techniques and methods to explain the relationships between variables. To address this limitation in the body of knowledge, the objective of this study was to apply PLS-SEM and build a model that explained and identified the critical factors affecting CIE in the SA life insurance environment. This study was deductive and based on a non experimental research design. Quantitative research methods and descriptive design with the positivist research paradigm were employed. The researcher developed a cross-sectional quantitative approach using smart-PLS version 3.2.7. Data were collected from 276 respondents, and the response rate was 72%. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied to estimate the proposed theoretical model. This model was examined from an explanatory-predictive perspective and exhibited a high out-of-sample predictive power. Furthermore, this study’s measurement model was confirmed to be valid and reliable and acceptable. The findings of this study revealed that the R² value of the model was scored at 0.615, 0.506, and 0.735, which meant that the fourteen exogenous latent constructs collectively explained 61.5%, 50.60%, and 73.50% of the variance CIE, CS, and OP respectively. The model’s Goodness-of-Fit measured by SRMR and RMS_theta was 0.55 and 0.101 within the acceptable benchmark. The hypothesis validated that CIE was supported by employees, strategy, information usefulness, and information providers. Also, CIE, employee role clarity, and customer satisfaction aided organisational performance. This study showed that CIE is vital in SA life assurance companies because of its close association with customer satisfaction and organisational performance. Moreover, this study highlighted that the success of CIE in SA life assurance companies is influenced by the leadership style, technological readiness of the organisation, corporate culture and the accuracy, and use of information for strategic decision-making. Future research should consider a similar study in other African countries and globally to find similarities in embedding CI in organisations. The future investigation should also consider short-term insurance and other industries to test this study’s conceptual model. Iqoqa: Isiko lokusebenza ngokuzikhandla, phecelezi i-Competitive Intelligence Embeddedness (CIE) kanye nocwaningo ngokusebenza kwenhlangano kusebenzisa izindlela namasu ahlukene ukuchaza ubudlelwane bezinto ezahlukene ezithinta ukusebenza. Ukubhekana nalokhu kuntuleka kolwazi ocwaningweni olukhona, inhlosongqangi yalolu cwaningo bekuwukusebenzisa i-PLS-SEM kwakhiwe indlela echaza futhi ihlonze izinto ezibalulekile ezithinta i-CIE kwezemishwayilense lapha eNingizimu Afrikha. Lolu cwaningo beluhlola isimo ngendlela ejwayelekile kanti alulona ucwaningo lokuhlola ukuthi into ingenzeka yini. Lolu wucwaningo oluyikhwalithethivu kanti futhi oluchazayo, noluphinde lulandele ipharadayimu ye-positivist. Umcwaningi usebenzise indlela esasiphambano yocwaningo oluyikhwalithethivu esebenzisa indlela ye-smart-PLS version 3.2.7. Imininingo ikhiqizwe kubahlanganyeli abanga-276, kanti izimpendulo ezatholakala zakha amaphesenti angama-72. Indlela eyaziwa nge-Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) yasetshenziswa njengenjulalwazi ephakanyisiwe yalolu cwaningo. Le ndlela yacutshungulwa ngendlela yokuchaza sakuqagula kanti kwabonakala inamandla amakhulu okukwazi ukuqagula. Kanti futhi, indlela yalolu cwaningo yokukala yaqininsekiswa njengendlela eyiyo, ethembekile futhi eyemukelekile. Imiphumela yalolu cwaningo yaveza ukuthi izinga le-R² yale ndlela yaphumelela ngo-0.615, 0.506, no-0.735, okusho ukuthi imiphumela yangaphandle esacashile eyishumi nane yonke yachaza amaphesenti angama-61.5, 50.60, nangama-73.50 yezinhlobo ze-CIE, i-CS, ne-OP ngokwehlukahlukana. Ukusebenza kwale ndlela kwaqinisekiswa nge-SRMR ne-RMS_Theta ka-0.55 no-0.101 ngokwesikalo esilindelekile uma kuqhathaniswa nezinye. Isihlawumbiselo siveza ukuthi i-CIE yayisekwa kakhulu ngabasebenzi, isu, ukusetshenziswa kolwazi, kanye nabahlinzeki bolwazi. Kanti futhi, i-CIE, ukucacisa ngeqhaza labasebenzi, kanye nokuneliseka kwabathengi, konke kuyasiza ekwenzeni kahle kwenkampani. Lolu cwaningo lukuvezile ukuthi i-CIE ibaluleke kakhulu ezinkampanini zemishwayilensi lapha eNingizimu Afrikha ngoba isondelene kakhulu nokuneliseka kwabathengi kanye nokusebenza kahle kwenhlangano. Ukwengeza kulokhu, lolu cwaningo lugqamisa ukuthi impumelelo ye-CIE ezinkampanini zemishwayilense ihambelana nendlela yokuphatha, ukuzimisela kwenkampani ukusebenzisa ezobuchwepheshe, isiko lokusebenza kwenkampani nokwenza umsebenzi kahle, kanye nokusebenzisa ulwazi ekuthatheni izinqumo. Ucwaningo lwangomuso kumele lwenze ucwaningo olufuze lolu emazweni ase-Afrika nasemhlabeni wonke jikelele ukuze izinhlangano zikwazi ukufaka i-CI kuzona. Ucwaningo lwangomuso kumele futhi luyibuke indaba yokunikeza imishwayilense yesikhashana nokusebenzisana nezinye izimboni ukubheka ukuthi le ndlela yokusebenza enconywe kulolu cwaningo ingabasebenzela yini.Item Developing an intelligence and security framework to counteract insurance fraud in the low income sector. The case of Zimbabwe=Ukwakha ubuhlakani nohlaka lwezokuphepha ukuze kuphikiswane nokukhwaniswa komshwayilense endaweni yabahola kancane. Ucwaningo luzokwenzelwa eZimbabwe .(2022) Nyangoni, Soul.; Chummun, Bibi Zaheenah.This study explores avenues to develop a security and intelligence framework to counteract insurance fraud in the low-income sector in Zimbabwe. Insurance fraud, a threat to both national security and performance of the micro insurance industry, offering insurance services to low-income earners in Zimbabwe. The examination stretches from the causes of micro-insurance fraud to measures that can be fused with security intelligence to combat micro-insurance fraud. The framework of this study was a quantitative study, following stratified random sampling of three hundred and twenty-six participants. A structured questionnaire was deployed to collect primary data and complemented by interviews, focus groups and document inspection. The association between causes of insurance fraud, organised criminal syndicates, and low-income earners were investigated using structural equation modelling. The primary objective was to identify factors that enhance insurance fraud and measure the significance and causal effect of the identified variables. The response postulated that there are internal and external factors amongst them poor internal controls, lack of investment in artificial intelligence and poor human capital management systems which are being explored by organised crime syndicates to peddle micro insurance fraud. The internal and external factors work as an integrated front and the absence of one factor may negatively affect the decision to continue with the crime. In that regard, this study recommended the CEPSI strategy. The acronym CEPSI abbreviates for Customers, Employees, Participation, Systems and Intelligence and this is meant to overhaul microinsurance service provider’s operating systems. Conclusions were reached after synchronisation of primary and secondary data with research objectives. The CEPSI approach provide insurance firms with capabilities to detect, prevent, sanction, investigate, and remediate insurance fraud in the low-income sector of Zimbabwe. The focus is to equip the micro-insurance service providers with proactive capabilities meant to detect and thwart insurance fraud amongst policyholders, employees and organised crime syndicates by designing internal security measures fused with artificial intelligence to detect insurance fraud, educating the general public with regards to threats and consequences of insurance fraud and also working in liaison with security intelligence apparatus. Iqoqo Lolu cwaningo luzohlola imigudu yokwakha uhlaka lobuhlakani kanye nezokuphepha ukuze kuphikiswane nokukhwabaniswa kwemishwayilense endaweni yabahola kancane eZimbabwe. Ukukhwabaniswa komshwalense, ukusabisa kukho kokubili ezokuphepha kuzwelonke kanye nokusebenza kwemboni zomshwalense esencane, ukunikezela komsebenzi womshwalense kulabo abahola kancane eZimbabwe. Ukuhlola kuyodlulela nasezimbangeleni zokukhwabaniswa komshwalense okuncane kuye ezilinganisweni ezingahlanganiswa nobuhlakani bezokuphepha ukuze kuqedwe ukukhwabaniswa komshwalense omncane. Uhlaka lwalolu cwaningo kwakungolocwaningozinombolo, lulandela ukuqoka ngokohlelomkhakha okungahlelekile kwababambiqhaza abangamakhulu amathathu namashumi amabili nesithupha. Kwasetshenziswa uhlu lwemibuzo oluhleliwe ukuqoqa imininingo yokuqala kwahlanganiswa nezimposambuzo, amaqoqo azocwaningwa kanye nokuhlola imibhalo. Ukuhlobana phakathi kwezimbangela zokukhwabaniswa komshwalense, izinhlangano zobugebengu obuhleliwe kanye nabahola imali encane baphenywa kusetshenziswa imodelingi yesibalokulingana sesakhiwo. Inhlosongqangi yocwaningo kwakungukuhlonza izimo ezinokuthuthukisa ukukhwabaniswa komshwalense kanye nesilinganisi esimqoka nomphumela wamavariyebuli ahlonziwe. Impendulo yabeka ngokuyiqiniso ukuthi kunezimo zangaphandle nezangaphakathi phakathi kwezilawuli zangaphakathi ezimbi, ukungabibikho kophenyo kubuhlakani obungaziveleli kanye nezihlelo zokuphathwa kwengqalabhizinisi yabantu abaswele yahlolwa izinhlangano zobugebengu ezihlelelwe ukuthengisa ngokukhwabaniswa komshwalense osemncane. Izimo zangaphakathi nezangaphandle zibonakala zisebenza ngokuhlanganyela kodwa ngokungabibikho kwesimo esisodwa kungasiphazamisa kakhulu izinqumo sokuqhubeka nobugebengu. Ngaleyo ndlela, lolu cwaningo lwancoma isu iCEPSI. Isifinyezo iCEPSI sifinyeza Abathengi, Izisebenzi, Ukubamba iqhaza, Izinhlelo noBuhlakanikanti lokhu kwenzelwe ukulungisa kabusha izinhlelo zokusebenza kwabanikeza umsebenzi wemishwalense emincane. Kwafinyelelwa esiphethweni ngemuva kokuvumelanisa umniningo wokuqala nowesibili kanye nezinhloso zocwaningo. Indlela iCEPSI yanikezela ngamafemu omshwalense anokukwazi ukuthola, ukugwema, isijeziso, ukuphenya kanye nokulungisa ukukhwabaniswa komshwayilense endaweni yabahola kancane eZimbabwe. Okwakugxilwe kukho ukuhlomisa abancane abanikezela ngomsebenzi wokukhwabanisa umshwalense abanokukwazi ukuthola kanye nokuvimba ukukhwabaniswa komshwalense phakathi kwabanikazi benqubomgomo, izisebenzi kanye nezinhlangano zobugebengu obuhleliwe ngokuthi kusungulwe izinyathelo zokuphepha zangaphakathi zihlanganiswe nezobuhlakani obenziwe ukuze kutholwe ukukhwabaniswa komshwalense, ukufundiswa komphakathi owejwayelekile mayelana nokwesabisa kanye nemiphumela yokukhwabaniswa komshwalense kanye nokusebenza ngokuxhumana nezinsizakusebenza zezobuhlakani bezokuphepha.Item Development of an inter-generational business sustainability framework for family-owned passenger bus companies in Zimbabwe.(2023) Chipere, Tawanda Finias.; Mutambara, Emmanuel.; Chikandiwa, Christopher Tarisayi.Abstract Family businesses being the predominant form of business organization, and estimated in the range of 60-98% of all firms worldwide, contribute immensely to world economies. It is however deplorable that throughout the world they are victims of intergenerational demise, failing to sustain themselves over multiple generations, emanating from a plethora of challenges that seed them into total collapse. Their very low survival rates are a matter of concern. Zimbabwe’s passenger transport sector is typical, with glaringly overwhelming cases of failure. Evidence abound in Zimbabwe of family-owned passenger bus companies (FOPBCs) that have folded, following the passing on of their founders. The sibling and consortium generations succeeding the founders have plunged the businesses into extinction. Despite a tremendous surge in family business research due to their global importance, the totality of studies focused on Africa is small. Notwithstanding their prevalence there exists absence of in-depth knowledge on their operations, including in Zimbabwe. Accordingly, this study focussed on investigating the determinants for business sustainability of FOPBCs in Zimbabwe. Drawing from various business theories, models and literature, the research utilized a pragmatic paradigm that adopted the exploratory sequential mixed method design (Qual – Quan research) to investigate the factors influencing the survival of Zimbabwe’s FOPBCs. The qualitative research component undertook ten (10) interviews based on nonprobability sampling techniques, to derive relevant themes based on NVivo 2020, that were then employed to design a questionnaire. The follow-up questionnaire was deployed on a census of one hundred and fifty-three (153) FOPBCs in Zimbabwe as the study population. The resultant quantitative data was analysed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA) through the application of principal components analysis (PCA), to determine the factors influencing the survival of Zimbabwe’s FOPBCs. The key outputs are methodological, contextual and intergenerational business sustainability framework contributions. The study revealed that succession planning, leadership, total capital, management, family entrepreneurship, strategy, governance, and external environmental factors bear strongly on cross generational sustainability. These factors form the intergenerational business sustainability framework for the FOPBCs. Imperatively, leaders of such companies, policy makers and scholars must pay devout attention to addressing the challenges in logistics and passenger transport management. Iqoqa Ibhizinisi lomndeni okuyilona elibonakala lithandwa kakhulu emkhakheni wezambhizinisi, kanti futhi okubanakala lihamba phambili ngamaphesenti angama-60 kuye kwangama-98 umhlaba wonke, yilona elibambe iqhaza elikhulu emnothweni womhlaba. Nokho kuyadabukisa ukubona ukuthi emhlabeni wonke jikelele ibhizinisi lomndeni ligcina lifadalala ezandleni zezizukulwane, ngenxa yokuhluleka ukuzilawula ngokushintshana kwezizukulwane, ngezizathu eziningi nezenza ligcine lifa lelo bhizinisi. Amathuba angathembisi okuphumelela kwamabhizinisi omndeni aletha ukukhathazeka okukhulu. Ibhizinisi lezokuthutha eZimbabwe liyisibonelo salokhu, elibonakala lifadalala ngendlela eyisimangaliso. Buningi ubufakazi eZimbabwe bamabhizinisi omndeni amabhasi, ifamily-owned passenger bus companies (FOPBCs) afadalala kulandela ukushona kwalabo abawasungula. Uzalo kanye nesizukulwane esalandela abasunguli bala mabhizinisi bahluleka ukuwalawula agcine ngokuwa. Ngale kokwanda kocwaningo emhlabeni ngamabhizinisi omndeni ngenxa yokubaluleka kwawo emhlabeni jikelele, luncane ucwaningo olugxile e-Afrika. Ngale kokwanda kwalawa mabhizinisi, luncane ulwazi olukhona ngokusebenza kwawo, kufaka phakathi neZimbabwe. Lolu cwaningo lwabheka izinto ezingenza ukuqhubeka kwe-FOPBCs eZimbabwe. Ngokulawulwa izinjulalwazi ezahlukene zamabhizinisi, izindlela zocwaningo nemibhalo yocwaningo, lolu cwaningo lulandela ipharadaymu yobuqiniso esebenzisa inhlanganisela yobunjalo bocwaningo (okuyikhwalithethivu nekhwantithethivu) ukucwaninga ngezinto ezingaletha ukuqhubeka kwe-FOPBCs eZimbabwe. Ingxenye yekhwalithethivu yasebenzisa inhlolovo eyishumi (10) kubahlanganyeli abaqokwe ngokwenhloso, ukuthola izindikimba ezinohlonze kwasetshenziswa i-NVivo 2020, ukwakha uhlakasikwele lwemibuzo. Uhlakasikwele lwemibuzo elandelisayo yona yenza izibalo eziyikhulu namashumi ayisihlanu nantathu (153) e-FOPBCs eZimbabwe njengabahlangayeli bocwaningo. Imininingo yekhwantithethivu yona yahlaziywa kusetshenziswa indlela esakuhlola, i-exploratory factor analysis (EFA) kusetshenziswa i-application of principal components analysis (PCA), ukubheka izinto ezingasimamisa i-FOPBCs eZimbabwe. Imiphumela ebalulekile ibheka izindlela zokucwaninga, isimo kanye nokuxhumana kwezizukulwane ekulawulweni kwebhizinisi lomndeni. Lolu cwaningo luveze ukuthi ukushintshana kwezandla, ubuholi, imali, ukuphatha, ulwazi lwebhizinisi emndenini, imibono, ukulawula, kanye nezimo zangaphandle komndeni, konke kunomthelela othize ekuphumeleleni kwebhizinisi. Zonke lezi zinto ziwumgogodla wokuphumelela kwebhizinisi lomndeni isizukulwane ngesizukulwane enkampanini yamabhasi. Okubalulekile ukuthi, abaholi bezinkampani, ababhali bezinqubomgomo kanye nezifundiswa kumele bazinikeze isikhathi bacubungule izinselelo ezibhekene nebhizinisi lezokuthutha nokuthuthwa kwempahla.Item Exploring the financial knowledge culture and behaviour of millennial and generation Z’s: a case study of employees at Astel Systems (Pty) Ltd.(2023) Chetty, Thalia Fae.; Ngwenya, Tony.Millennials are currently the largest generational cohort in many countries, and Generation Z are fast approaching. The financial wellbeing of these cohorts is imperative to global financial success and wellbeing. This study was conducted with the aim of exploring the financial habits and knowledge of two generational cohorts by assessing the personal savings and investment behaviours. Further, the study aimed to analyse the spending habits and financial goals of millennials and GenZ. Lastly, the study was implored to determine what strategy could be undertaken to improve the spending and savings habits, and the financial knowledge possessed by these two generations. The most appropriate research methodology to adopt was a qualitative approach, and employed 12 respondents, split equally between the two generational cohorts. Semi structured interviews were conducted with each respondent. By using a thematic approach to the study, significant themes presented themselves, aiding to meet the research objectives. Prevalent themes that emerged included saving patterns and budgeting, investment views and practices, the influence of financial technology and digitisation on saving behaviour, spending habits, financial well- being aspirations and the influences on financial acumen. The findings have found that both cohorts exercise savings habits at either the beginning or the end of the month, however more millennials have a strict savings plan as compared to GenZ. The responses also highlighted that both generational cohorts place emphasis on home ownership in affluent areas. 83% of respondents are risk adverse and choose to hold safer rather risky investments. The study also concluded that millennials are more financially committed than GenZ and have accumulated debt at a younger age in terms of a bond or vehicle finance. Several recommendations were made, including make use of a strict monthly budget, diversifying investment portfolios with the assistance of financial advisors, and Government intervention to reduce interest rates and offer housing subsidies to younger generational cohorts that wish to purchase homes.Item Investigating the role of leadership in managing change at Riskflow Group: a case of Riskflow Group.(2018) Musaigwa, Misheck.; Hoque, Muhammad Ehsanul.Organisational change is a sophisticated and challenging process and as a result, many organisations that embark on change initiatives fail to achieve their intended goals, and sometimes change also lead to significant costs which undermine its benefits. However, despite these challenges, it is becoming increasingly important for organisations to embrace change for their survival and success owing to the dynamic and rapidly changing business environment. The aim of this research is to investigate the role of leadership in managing change at Riskflow Group. The study deployed a qualitative approach and drew a sample of 10 participants who are department managers, and these candidates perform managerial and leadership responsibilities. The study deployed a purposive sampling and used a thematic analysis to analyse the data. Change management has received a significant attention in the past and similarly, leadership concept has also been extensively studied in various disciplines, but there is little empirical evidence that discusses the tasks or the role of leadership in managing change. In addition, most of the research on change management has focused more on employee resistance to change, employee reaction to change and the psychological effect and emotions caused by change. This study is therefore attempting to respond to the leadership aspect in change management which has not received much attention. The study further seeks to determine the effect of leadership in the change management process and further examine how leadership can effectively implement change initiatives. To provide a deeper understanding, the research discusses different change models that have been advocated for and that are also widely used both by other researchers and by many organisations. Additionally, this research evaluate the different leadership styles which include among others transformational leadership, servant leadership and transactional leadership. The findings of the study suggested that leadership plays a fundamental role in change management and the leadership roles that were established includes, motivating employees, creating a vision for change, communicating change, planning for change, creating a conducive environment for change, getting employee’s buy-in and leading by example as role models. The study recommended that to address the challenges of managing change in organisations in the new economy authentic leadership is an alternative approach.Item Leadership coaching in a multigenerational workforce – a case in the engineering sector.(2023) Strickland, Michelle Eunice.; Martins, Ana Maria De Azevedo.In the current volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous environment, the case in this study, an engineering consulting organisation based in KwaZulu-Natal, has found itself navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, the Fifth Industrial Revolution, and a multigenerational workforce. Faced with these dynamic shifts, leadership has needed to cope with the various impacts. Intrinsically, leaders have needed to be aware of themselves, of their strengths, opportunities, and challenges that could be associated with these different contextual shifts. Furthermore, the leadership team has been required to cultivate a robust pipeline of future leaders from a multigenerational team. The purpose of the study was to explore leadership coaching readiness to harness new leadership skills, which would enable leaders to improve on their emotional intelligence skills in order to bridge generational gaps. The research was underpinned by a qualitative exploratory research methodology using participatory action research. The strategy was to use a case study with a phenomenological philosophy. Through purposive sampling and use of primary data collection methods, namely, interviews, focus groups, and observations, the objectives were met. Desktop research was conducted to review the extant literature. The thematic analysis tool, NVivo, was used and triangulation of the data sets was implemented. A specific leadership coaching model, crafted for the organisation being studied, included an emotional intelligence element, which resulted in an innovative approach to accelerate the development of future leadership in a multigenerational workforce and which also contributes to the existing body of knowledge. The study highlighted that the expression and appraisal of emotions, use of emotions in decision-making, knowledge of emotions, and management of moods or emotions are critical aspects of emotional intelligence, and, if brought into a coaching intervention, can benefit the leadership and organisation. The recommendations are: the addition of a mentoring element; team coaching interventions to bring the multigenerational workforce together in order to build on relationships; and developing an understanding of the learning gained to ensure the transference of skills to the younger generation, thereby enabling them to work toward professional registration. These recommendations would enhance employee engagement and retention.Item Repurposing entrepreneurial recovery strategies employed by small, medium, and micro enterprises during the covid19 pandemic within eThekwini municipality.(2021) Bassia, Papadit.; Ngwenya, Tony Charles Simphiwe.The purpose of this study was to examine and evaluate SMMEs’ entrepreneurial recovery, and strategies they could adopt to sustain themselves during this COVID-19 pandemic crisis. The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused a major shock in the world economy. Control measures to limit the spread of the virus have substantially weakened the economic systems in many countries, including South Africa. This pandemic has resulted in ‘lockdowns’, which have paralyzed entire sectors (travel, tourism, retail, production, and distribution chains) and global economic systems, leading to an economic crisis affecting millions of people and thousands of businesses (UNDP 2020). Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) appear to be the most affected. Some analysts are predicting that around 60% of SMMEs may close before the crisis is over. The methodology chosen for this study was qualitative-oriented, and the associated research design acted as the research blueprint for data collection and strategy. The study selected different small businesses in the eThekwini municipality area in the province of KwaZulu-Natal. Participating firms were small businesses that have experienced a significant impact from the current COVID-19 outbreak and measures. The sample size consisted of 15 participants selected from registered business entities. To avoid face-to-face contact and follow COVID-19 protocol and regulations, the research was mostly conducted with the business owner or management representative. The aim of this research is to identify the key findings for the situation of SMMEs, and their recovery strategies during this socioeconomic shock. The research findings highlight that majority of respondents in this study, had difficulties financing their companies, the monthly loss was experienced, and a huge drop was observed the respondents. The decline in their business activity and operation was also due to the regulatory closure of establishments, as a result of the Disaster Management Act. The research found that most SMMES have managed to put in place recovery strategies to survive and resist the economic downturn, but others also had to close their business – often permanently. The research also highlights the recommendations for further research.Item Strategies to reduce the emigration of engineering professionals in the South African petroleum refining industry=Amasu okunciphisa ukufuduka koNjiniyela embonini yokuColisisa iPhethroliyamu eNingizimu Afrika.(2023) Ngonyoza, Ntsikelelo Sipho.; Pelser, Theuns.; Chummun, Bibi Zaheenah.The South African refining companies have been losing experienced engineers, due to emigration, which has negatively impacted the refinery Operations. This study aimed to explore the factors that affect the emigration of engineers working in the South African petroleum refining industry. The study used a mixed method approach combining qualitative and quantitative research techniques using structured, in-depth interviews and an electronic survey questionnaire. The study participants were refinery engineers with a formal engineering diploma or degree from a recognized University or University of Technology. The findings revealed that more than half of the engineers had a positive emigration potential and were actively applying for jobs overseas (56% for interviews and 52% for the surveys). The preferred emigration destinations were the Middle East and Europe for a duration of 5 years. The engineers were Millennials, aged between 31-36 years with 5-15 years’ work experience. The emigration drivers were a rapidly deteriorating macroeconomic climate resulting in a higher cost of living and unhappiness at work due to poor career advancement, poor work-life balance, and a perceived inaccurate and unreliable performance appraisal system where promotions and recognition awards were affected by manager bias. Some recommendations were to have clear career progression paths incorporating job redesign strategies, reduce appraiser bias in the performance appraisal process, incorporate appraisee feedback, and review company benefits to ensure they meet the work-life balance needs of a changing workforce. The study has contributed to the body knowledge by developing a method to measure the emigration potential of petrochemical refining engineers and plot it on an emigration potential matrix. As well as to better understand the critical factors that lead to a positive emigration potential and propose strategies to reduce it by implementing the developed emigration potential reduction framework. Iqoqa Izinkampani zokucolisisa eNingizimu Afrika zilahlekelwa onjiniyela abanohlonze ngenxa yokufuduka, okunomthelela omubi ezimbonini zokucolisisa. Lolu cwaningo lwaluhlose ukubhekisisa izinto ezithinta ukufuduka konjiniyela abasebenza ezimbonini zokucolisisa uwoyela eNingizimu Afrika. Ucwaningo lwasebenzisa indlelakwenza engxube ebandakanya amasu ocwaningo lobunjalonto nenanikubala kusetshenziswa inhlwayalwazi ehlelekile kanye nohlumibuzo oluyisaveyi lwezobuchwepheshe. Ababambiqhaza kwaba onjiniyela kwezokucolisisa abanediploma noma iziqu zedegree zasenyuvesi noma enyuvesi yezobuchwepheshe.6 Imiphumela yocwaningo yaveza ukuthi bangaphezulu kukahhafu onjiniyela okungenzeka bafuduke kanti basembhidlangweni wokufaka izicelo zokuyosebenza phesheya kwezilwandle (56% abenhlwayalwazi kanye nama-52% abesaveyi). Izindawo zokufudukela ezithandwayo yiMiddle East kanye neYurophu lapho besebenza khona iminyaka emihlanu. Onjiniyela laba baphakathi kweminyaka engama-31 kuya ema-36 kanti banolwazi lomsebenzi lweminyaka ephakathi kwemi-5 kuya kweyi-15. Okuyimbangela yofuduko yisimo somnotho esiya ngokuya sintengantenga esidala impilo ibize kakhulu, ukungajabuli emsebenzini ngenxa yokuncipha kwamathuba okukhushulwa, ukungazinzi phakathi kwempilo nomsebenzi, uhlelo lokubheka ukuthi umuntu usebenze kanjani olunganembi futhi olungathembekile kanye nokuklonyeliswa kokwenza kahle emsebenzini okuncike ekuchemeni kwezimenenja. Ezinye zezincomo zibandakanya ukuqinisekisa ukuba khona kwendlela ecacile yokuqhubekela phambili emsebenzini ezobandakanya amasu okuhlela kabusha umsebenzi, ukuncipha kokuchema uma kuhlolwa ukuthi abantu basebenze kanjani, ukufaka nokuthi angathuthuka kanjani okade ehlolwa, nokubhekisisa izinzuzo enkampanini ukuqinisekisa ukuthi ziyahambisana nezidingo zabasebenzi abashintshashintshayo. Lolu cwaningo lunikelile emthamweni wolwazi ngokuqhamuka nendlela yokukala umuzwa wokufuduka konjiniyela embonini yokucolisisa uwoyela nokuyibumba ihambisane nesimo somnyombo wokufuduka. Ucwaningo luphinde lwanikela ngokuqondisiseka kabanzi kwezinto ezibalulekile eziholela ekufiseni ukufuduka kanti luphinde lwaphakamisa namasu angasetshenziswa ekunciphiseni lokhu ngokusebenzisa uhlaka lokunciphisa ukufuduka osekubunjiwe.Item The effectiveness of the operation pay on time initiative on KwaZulu-Natal provincial departments.(2022) Mlamula, Nomzamo Ladyfair.; Tefera, Orthodox.SMMEs are continuously faced with the dilemma of late and non-payment of invoices with these delays becoming increasingly detrimental to the country's economy. The Provincial Government Departments are the major culprits of this unwelcome practice as they work against the Country's Economic Growth Strategy stipulated in the National Development Plan 2030 (NDP). Despite all procedures and efforts employed to assist departments in complying and making payments on time, the struggle continues for SMMEs. The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Departments (KZNPDs) are dedicated to paying their service providers within the 30days payment interval and following the full terms of a contractual agreement. The KZN Department of Treasury developed an initiative called "Operation Pay on Time (OPOT)". The initiative is aimed to assist all KZNPDs to ensure payments are made on time to service providers. This is a case study research based on the KZN Department of Treasury’s initiative “OPOT”. Accordingly, the research study endeavoured to establish the effectiveness of the assistance provided to curb the issue of late or non-payment. The objective is to firstly establish the underlying factors of late or non-payment and evaluate the effectiveness of the OPOT initiative on the identified factors to stimulate efficiency in KZNPDs. The investigation comprised a mixed-method approach where information was gathered using a means of survey and interview sessions with descriptive and inferential statistics being utilized. Additionally, explanatory and thematic analyses were also used to describe and dissect subject information. The study participants comprised 10 senior managers and 60 finance officials in KZNPDs. Using a convenient sampling strategy, key informants and survey respondents were selected. The total number of observations (n) and proportion (%) in a variable was computed using the “tab” command of Stata 11. The graph box displaying the median and distribution of observations was created using the “graph box” command of Stata 11. Relationships between two categorical variables were investigated using Chi-Square analysis and results were reported with three parameters i.e., number of observations (n) Chi, and P-value. Examination of data disclosed that KZNPDs are struggling to ensure payments are made on time as a result of unresolved petty issues. The study revealed that the OPOT initiative is effective, however exhibiting some shortfalls of no proper systems or elements of controls in place. Furthermore, the study divulged that the OPOT initiative would be more effective when the factors of late or non-payment of invoices are filtered into any initiative or assistance provided and are post-effect rather than an after-effect initiative.Item The impact of agricultural skills training programmes delivered by Shukela Training Centre (Pty) Ltd.(2022) Madlala, Nolwazi Protasia.; Chummun, Bibi Zaheenah.This study is necessary to gain perspective on the impact of training offered by Shukela Training Centre (Pty) Ltd to its clients by analysing its credibility, effectiveness, and relevancy to the sugar industry members. Through all the factors, mentioned above, the quality, impact and relevance of training will be improved. The South African Sugar Industry stakeholders showed scepticism during the Development Committee Meeting held in 2022 with regards to supporting the approval of the Grant Development Account funds. The Grant Development Funds are funds held for transformation of small-scale and land reform growers’ association under the South African Sugar Association. The reason behind the fear is the belief that the funds are not utilised constructively with regards to the credibility of the meaning and content of the training. Based on the concerns from the committee there has been a request for a study to be pursued. The training must be driven more by the client's requirements to be more relevant. The quality, content, and relevance of the training will be focused on. This would result in the department supporting its financial expenses and making a profit in a long run. The important function of doing this study is to answer objectives such as establishing whether the respondents have attended the Agricultural Training at Shukela Training Centre (Pty) Ltd, to determine whether the training met the learners’ expectations, to explore ways in which the agricultural training offerings can be improved or enhanced at Shukela Training Centre (Pty) Ltd (STC) and to find an indication whether the credit-bearing courses are preferable to learners versus the current skills courses. The population for this study was done for all the sugarcane growers in the database, which is inclusive of the commercial, land reform inclusive of restitution projects namely trusts and CPAs, and small-scale growers. There would also be sugarcane stakeholders which are namely the millers such as Tongaat Hulett Sugar, Umfolozi Sugar Mill, Gledhow Sugar Company, RCL Sugar, UCL, Illovo Sugar and grower associations such as South African Cane Growers association and South African Farmers Development Association and the Department of Agriculture Land Reform and Rural Development. Microsoft forms were used to create the survey in order to be able to collect the customers or growers’ feedback. A total of twenty-eight surveys were collected from grower participants along with sugar industry stakeholders. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentages was utilized to analyze all the data retrieved from the study. The coded results were first imputed on an Excel spreadsheet and then further transferred to the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) for analysis and all results were presented with the aid of frequency and percentage distribution tables. It was recommended that STC must provide innovative training based on and the -world agricultural situations. The course must be customized to meet the needs of the client and must be delivered by the client’s premises or by the training centre. The programmes must be designed with subject matter expertise. The training must include gamification and innovative techniques which must be applied to all the training uptakes being part of monitoring and the evaluation process. STC must also include community development as part of its portfolio so that the community can be assisted to start a small business and look for employment opportunities. This will assist in promoting self-sufficiency creating a future that is sustainable for the community. The study shows that the training programmes have a positive impact on the sugarcane grower performance and livelihood. However, it is suggested that a further cost benefit analysis can be done to further reveal the magnitude of the impact of these training skills training programmes offered by STC.Item The impact of leadership styles on employee performance: a case of Umgeni Water.(2021) Ngcobo, Hlengiwe Balindile.; Mtembu, Vuyokazi Ntombikayise.The impact of leadership styles on employee performance was evaluated at Umgeni Water. The study was essential to gain insight into leadership and draw conclusions and recommendations to achieve optimal performance levels. The study will likely provide Umgeni Water leaders insight into leadership styles' impact on employee performance. The study also aimed to discover the most preferred leadership styles to effectively build optimal attitudes and behaviour towards achieving organisational goals, allowing leaders to introspect and improve. In addition, the study provided the basis for aspiring leaders and managers to improve their leadership skills. The study was designed as a quantitative research study employing statistical modelling at a descriptive and inferential level to assess the relationship between leadership styles and employee performance. The questionnaire was administered electronically using QuestionPro software. The results presented in this study were computed using the Stata version 17 software for data analysis. The target sample size proposed using sample size guidelines proposed by Krejcie and Morgan (1970) was 200 cases selected from a pool of 1039 employees randomly selected to participate in the online survey. The results analysis has shown that employee performance varies among employees based on their age groups, gender, and educational status. The study found that the democratic leadership style is the most preferred leadership style among employees. However, it was observed that, generally, leadership styles do not influence the constructs of employee performance, with a very low correlation observed between constructs of employee performance and leadership styles. Using regression analysis, it was observed that other constructs are generally non-significant on employee performance except for the influence of democratic leadership on job design. In contrast, most studies found the autocratic leadership style ineffective. This study discovered that the preference for autocratic leadership depends on the age cohort and educational level. In the analysis of dominant leadership styles at Umgeni Water, it was observed that while the democratic leadership style was predominant, there was an observed preference for autocratic leadership style among employees across all gender and racial categories. The study concluded that organisations could be strengthened by establishing democratic leadership styles that foster optimal employee performance.Item The impact of the coronavirus on electronic commerce among small and medium enterprises in Gauteng=Umthelela wobhubhane lwecorona ekuhwebeni ngobuchwepheshe mayelana namabhizinisi asafufusa eGauteng.(2023) Ramsern, Atlanta.; Govender, Krishna Kistan.During the Covid-19 pandemic, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have had to shift business operations to online, due to government restrictions. The urgency to change to a digital model caused many SMEs to be challenged by one or more of the four e-commerce resources to complete an e-commerce transaction, namely usage of reliable broadband, e-shop of products, digital payment, and logistics to the consumer. The literature revealed that SMEs lacked the infrastructure to support the digital transformation into a successful business model and had to close their businesses. This mixed-methods study addressed this gap by using constructs in the resource-based theory and dynamic capabilities theory. A conceptual model was developed which depicted the relationship between the e-commerce resources and e-commerce growth which was moderated by dynamic capabilities. Several hypotheses were postulated in the conceptual framework and data was collected from the SME owners in Gauteng Province, South Africa. The simple random sampling technique was used to survey 307 retail SMEs in Edenvale, Gauteng. The survey was distributed via email to the SMEs that were alluded in the study. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis was used to analyse the data that was collected through the survey, using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences and tested using Structural Equation Modelling. Purposive sampling was used for the qualitative study and the semistructured interviews were conducted with 13 SME owners, to gain an in-depth understanding of the factors that impacted their e-commerce growth. Thematic analysis, via Microsoft excel, was used to analyse the transcripts by focusing on identifying and arranging the codes and patterns. The findings revealed that digital payments and logistics were significant predictors of e-commerce growth during the pandemic and dynamic skill capabilities moderated the relationship between digital payments and e-commerce growth. However, the usage of broadband and e-shop features were not significant in predicting the growth of e-commerce. It was ascertained through the interviews, that there is a favourable impact on the growth of e-commerce among SMEs that invested in unique resources and capabilities, since only those SMEs that had the resources and capabilities managed to survive during the pandemic. Iqoqa Ngesikhathi sobhubhane lweCovid-19, amabhizinisi amancane naphakathi nendawo azithola eseshintsha ukusebenza kwebhizinisi ngokulifaka kubuchwepheshe ngenxa yezivimbelo zikahulumeni. Isigubhukane sama-SME ukushintshela esifanekisweni sobuchwepheshe ukwenza uhwebo, kuphenduke inselelo enkulu. Ama-SME amaningi aphonselwa inselelo eyodwa noma ngaphezulu kwezinsiza ezine ze-e-commerce ukuze aqedele umsebenzi we-e-commerce, okuwukuthi ukusetshenziswa kwe-broadband, i-e-shop yemikhiqizo namasevisi, ukukhokha kwedijithali, kanye nokuphathwa kwempahla kumthengi. Imibhalo iveza ukuthi ama-SMEs antula ingqalasizinda ukusekela impumelelo yoguquko lobuchwepheshe. Ngakho-ke, lolu cwaningo luphenya izinselelo ezahaqa ama-SMEs ngesikhathi kusetshenziswa izizinda zobuchwepheshe bebhizinisi ngesikhathi sobhubhane lwe-Covid-19. Yize sekukhulunyiwe ngezinto ezithinta uhwebo ngobuchwepheshe, imibhalo ayikwazanga ukukulungisa okumayelana nokusetshenziswa kwenjulalwazi yohwebo ngobuchwepheshe ngesikhathi sobhubhane. Le ndlela exubile yocwaningo isingatha lesi sikhala ngokusebenzisa okwakhiwe ngokwenjulalwazi ngokwamasu kanye nenjulalwazi yamandla obukhono. Isifanekiso somqondo sathuthukiswa esibhula ubudlelwano phakathi kwamasu ohwebo ngobuchwepheshe kanye nokukhula kohwebo ngobuchwepheshe okwalungiswa ngokwamandla obukhono. Isigejana semicabango engafakazelwanga kwathathwa njenento ekhona ohlakeni lomqondo kanye nokuqoqwa kolwazi kubanikazi bamabhizinisi esifundazweni saseGauteng eNingizimu Afrikha. Okubizwa nge-random sampling kwasetshenziswa ukwaba imibuzo kusetshenziswa ama-email enanini elinga-307 lwama-SMEs e-Edenvale, Gauteng. Uhlaziyo oluqondiswayo ngezinombolo, ngesifanekiso sohlaka ngezinombolo kwasetshenziswa ukuhlaziya ulwazi olwaqoqwa ngokomklamo. Isampula eliqondiwe lasetshenziswa ngokwekhwalithethivu, neziphathimandla eziyi-13 zabuzwa ukuthola ingqikithi yezizathu ezinomthelela ekukhuleni kohwebo ngobuchwepheshe. Uhlaziyo ngokwegqikithi lwasetshenziswa ukuhlaziya okubhaliwe kanye nokugqolozela izifanekiso. Okutholiwe kuveza ukuthi ukukhokha ngobuchwepheshe kanye nezokuthutha kwabaluleka ngesikhathi sobhubhane kanye nobukhono obusabalele ukulungisa ubudlelwane phakathi kokukhokha ngobuchwepheshe kanye nokukhula kohwebo ngobuchwepheshe. Yize kunjalo ukusetshenziswa kwamakhonokhono kanye nezimpawu zobuchwepheshe besitolo akuzange kubaluleke okuqaguleni ukukhula kohwebo ngobuchwepheshe. Kwaqinisekisa ngokwezingxoxombuzo, ukuthi kunesimo esicindezela ukukhula kohwebo ngokubuchwepheshe phakathi kwama-SMEs kulabo abatshale ngamasu angandile kanye nobukhono, njengoba lawo ma-SMEs abenamacebo kanye nobukhono bakwazi ukuphila ngezikhathi ezinzima.Item Towards a customer engagement framework to enhance organisational change communication and customer satisfaction at Absa bank in the greater Durban area.(2023) Chitamba, Anos.; Mutambara, Emmanuel.Events that have unfolded in the past decade — the ease of new entrants into the banking sector, uncertain economic outlook, the 2008 global financial crisis, competition within the South African banking sector, have changed the banking sector in South Africa. Retail banks are under tremendous pressure to realign their business models to meet these challenges and changes. Conforming to the mounting pressure in the South African banking sector, Barclays bank PLC a major shareholder in Barclays Africa Group announced its departure from Barclays Africa Group. A move that will make Barclays Africa Group lose its strategic partner with over 100 years of experience working in Africa. The departure was received mixed reactions in the banking sector including Absa customers. In the South African banking sector context with reference to Absa bank, research on customer engagement is still in its infancy and a model that can be adopted during organisational change did not exist. To address this research gap, this study developed a customer engagement framework that is linked to organisational change communication and customer satisfaction. The research design adopted was the quantitative paradigm with a pre-coded structured closed ended questionnaire comprising the 5 Point Likert Scale that was used to administer the instrument to the selected sample respondents. The questionnaire comprised of 4 Sections, each under a specific main theme. The target population comprised of 650 000 Absa bank customers in the greater Durban area. Sekaran statistical table was used to for the sample selection. The sample of 384 customers was selected using convenience sampling a non-probability sampling technique. The analysis of the data involved the use of robust parametric and non-parametric tests for the empirical analyses using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25 for Windows. A variety of non-parametric tests were also used to test hypotheses formulated for the various sections and components of the study. Some significant findings emerged from the comprehensive statistical analyses which were also corroborated by national and international studies conducted by various researchers who also showed their concordance or discordance with the current findings and were referenced accordingly.Item Transformation challenges faced by black South Africans in the construction sector within the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport.(2021) Mngomezulu, Simangele Nozipho.; Yalezo, Bhasela.In 2017, the KwaZulu Department of Transport conducted a spend analysis by population, using racial groups in the construction sector and the following was the conclusion; for the budget of R4 Billion the beneficiaries were 18% black Africans, 28% Indians, 15% white, 5% coloured, 8% other and 26% with no detail. Meanwhile population demographics indicates the Black South African population dominates KwaZulu-Natal by 87%, followed by the Indian/Asian population who are at 7,9%, white people account for 3,9% of the population, whereas coloured people account for only 1,2% (Statssa 2016). The data above is a clear indication of the lack of transformation in the construction sector specifically for the previously disadvantaged individuals which are Black South African. The KwaZulu Natal Department of Transport core functions are construction, upgrading, maintenance and control of the provincial road network. The research methodology used is mixed method, which encompasses both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The qualitative methodology used the purposive sampling and the quantitative used the probability sampling methods. The main findings of the research clearly indicated that there is lack transformation in the construction sector to support the previously disadvantaged individuals mainly Black South Africans, there is lack of adequate skills to perform in the sector, lack of financial resources and financial support from the financial institution, poor and lack of clear policy with regards to driving the agenda of economic transformation and lack of measurable contractor development programmes. The research recommendation is mainly the implementation of the transformation programmes with various interventions that will act as a nerve centre in bridging the gap in the transformation with clear targets which must be monitored and evaluated, supported by policies which will encompass all the stakeholders such as Construction Industry Development Board, National Treasury and all the institutions within the Built Environment. Mainly the purpose of the study is to to underpin the areas of improvement necessary in order for the KZN Department of Transport to bridge transformation gaps while attaining inclusive participation in the construction sector specifically for black South Africans.