Masters Degrees (Graduate School of Business and Leadership)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10413/7378

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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

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Browsing Masters Degrees (Graduate School of Business and Leadership) by SDG "SDG8"