The readiness of embracing the fourth industrial revolution disruptive innovations: a case for an automotive assembler in the Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Authors: Mbolekwa, Luvuyo
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52988 , vital:44866
- Description: Organisations and people find themselves in the era of what is known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Unlike the preceding revolutions, this revolution is characterised by technological advancements that lead to disruptive phenomena. These advancements are growing at an exponential rate. They have brought disruptive innovations that have either reshaped many industries, causing them to lose market share or exit altogether. Some organisations are keen to embrace disruptive innovation to ensure that they are sustainable into the future, while others are only inclined to use known technologies to leverage economies of scale. The 4IR has already been around for a while and is moving at a fast pace. The level of readiness for the automotive assembler, Isuzu Motors South Africa (IMSAf), to take advantage of such technological changes brought by the 4IR, has not yet been measured. The primary objective of this study is to investigate IMSAf’s perceptions and readiness to embrace technological changes brought by the 4IR. The perceptions and readiness are assessed based on the technology embracing organisational framework of efficiencies, innovation, skills and re-training. This study is grounded in the philosophy of positivism and the related method used is a quantitative study to test the research questions in an objective manner. A questionnaire was the sole method of collecting first-hand data from the selected sample. The population size consisted of 139 respondents working in various business units within IMSAf. These individuals are occupying various roles and they have in depth, tacit, and multi-disciplinary knowledge of processes and would be the first to experience technological changes brought by the 4IR. A quantitative analysis technique is applied, such as descriptive and inferential statistics, to analyse data. A literature review on the topic was conducted as well as an empirical study. The results from both the literature review and the empirical study found that with the implementation of 4IR emerging technologies within an organisation, there is a significant improvement on efficiencies, innovation and skills and re-training. Furthermore, the level of awareness and understanding about the benefits of embracing 4IR emerging technologies within IMSAf is significant. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The relationship between psychological capital and employee wellness in the retail sector in South Africa
- Authors: Mphinyana, Masindi
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53018 , vital:44870
- Description: Psychological Capital (PsyCap) and employee wellness. Moreover, the study investigated demographic differences in relation to the variables. The study employed a cross-sectional, correlational design to achieve the objectives. Additionally, a non-probability convenience sampling method was used. Data was collected from retail employees in Gauteng, Pretoria through a composite self-administered paper-and-pencil questionnaire which incorporated a biographical questionnaire, the PCQ-24 and the PWS. To determine whether a relationship exists between the constructs, Pearson’s product-moment correlations were used. To further determine demographical differences, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was utilised, and post-hoc Tukey HSD tests were used to determine where the differences lie. Results indicated that PsyCap was positively correlated with wellness; and significant differences in the means for both PsyCap and wellness were observed for demographic variables. The study further revealed that PsyCap is predictive of employee wellness. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resources, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The relationship between real exchange rate misalignment and economic growth in Namibia
- Authors: Shaduka, Mathilde Hishikomesho
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Namibia , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53024 , vital:44892
- Description: It has been recognised in academic and policy debates that a poorly managed exchange rate can have a devastating effect on a country’s economic growth rate. The current literature on the effect of real exchange rate misalignment on economic growth shows mixed and inconclusive results. The floating rate regime by South Africa to which Namibia’s exchange rate is fixed, contributes to exchange fluctuations that Namibia experiences. As exchange rate is one of the fundamental factors that affect economic growth, this study aims to evaluate the effect of real exchange rate misalignment on the Namibian economic growth over the period from 1990 to 2018. The study employs Equilibrium Real Exchange Rate (ERER) Model and Auto-Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) models as quantitative research methods approach for estimating the equilibrium exchange rate and establishing the relationship between real exchange rate misalignment and Namibia’s economic growth. The ERER model reveals that the Namibian currency was overvalued over the period under review. Furthermore, the ARDL results confirm that a significant relationship exists between real exchange rate misalignment and Namibia’s economic growth. The study further shows that real exchange rate misalignment (overvaluation) negatively affects Namibia’s growth domestic product (GDP). Consequently, consistent with current literature, the study supports the view that keeping the real exchange rate at levels close to its equilibrium level or slightly below its equilibrium level can promote economic growth in developing economies such as Namibia. The study, therefore, strongly recommends that the Namibian government should consider a currency undervaluation policy in order to promote economic activities and enhance Namibia’s GDP. it is thus crucial for policymakers to effectively manage real exchange rate regularly and ensure that it does not widely deviate from its equilibrium value. The study also recommends that Namibia should diversify its products and ease the trade barriers so as to promote exports that would boost economic activities. , Thesis (MPhil) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics Development and Tourism, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The relationship between the performance management development system and compensation: the case of the City of Cape Town Municipality
- Authors: Ramaru, Murendeni Praise
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/54836 , vital:47926
- Description: This research was directed towards the current state of the relationship between the Performance Management Development System and compensation in the City of Cape Town Municipality. The research approach adopted in this study was a qualitative method. Desktop analysis and case study design were used as secondary data collection tools. Since the democratization of South Africa in 1994, the focus has been directed towards the maximising of economic growth and development. The road to development has been challenging since the inception of democracy. Organisations are operating in a dynamic and highly competitive environment which requires adjustments and development of strategies to remain relevant. Compensation is one of the ways different organisations have adopted as a strategy for attracting and retaining suitable employees as well as maintaining performance management. The essence of a well-functioning performance management development system has played a critical role in providing an effective system in the public service. The main objective of compensation is to ensure an organisation has the right resources necessary to motivate employees’ performance needed to achieve the organisational strategy. The study found that a compensation strategy leads to increased employees’ performance. The findings indicated that there is a positive connection between the compensation strategy and the performance of the employees. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Governmental and Social Sciences, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The relationship between workplace well-being and authentic leadership
- Authors: Vezile, Sindile
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52971 , vital:44900
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between authentic leadership and employee well-being. Data was collected from an online questionnaire survey sent to 141 Special Economic Zone employees who worked as non-managerial employees. Ninety-four employees responded. The collected data was analysed using statistical tools from SPSS 20. Subsequently, descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviations and correlations were used to summarise information for demographic variables, authentic leadership and well-being. In addition, ANOVA was used to determine sub-group differences. First, it has been shown that project managers were seen by their subordinates as trustworthy leaders. Second, there was a connection between authentic leadership and well-being in the workplace. Third, it was discovered that all aspects of ethical leadership, apart from Work Intrusion (IoW), had a relationship with organisational well-being. Fourth, it has shown that males and females experience different levels of job satisfaction and feel differently about respect for the organisation. Keywords: Well- , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resources, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The role of strategic leadership in strategy implementation: a case of the Eastern Cape Department of Health
- Authors: Nkosi, Nonhlanhla
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53021 , vital:44882
- Description: The goal of this research was to evaluate the role of strategic leadership in improving strategy implementation in the Eastern Cape Department of Health (ECDOH). According to literature, the strategic leadership actions, namely: determining strategic direction; managing the organisation’s resource portfolio; sustaining an effective organisational culture; emphasising ethical practices; and establishing balanced organisational controls, positively contribute to successful implementation of strategy. The research methodology used in this study was a quantitative research approach. The study used an online survey questionnaire to gather information on the respondents’ perceptions on the role of the strategic leadership actions in strategy implementation in the ECDOH. The survey also gathered respondents’ perceptions on the role of environmental complexity factors in moderating the relationship between the strategic leadership actions and strategy implementation in the ECDOH. The study revealed that determining strategic direction and establishing balanced organisational controls were positively related to strategy implementation in the ECDOH. Managing the organisation’s resource portfolio, sustaining an effective organisational culture as well as emphasising ethical practices were not positively related to strategy implementation in the ECDOH. The study also found that four out of the five environmental complexity factors measured, moderate the relationship between strategic leadership actions and strategy implementation in the ECDOH. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the ECDOH management apply all the strategic leadership actions in improving strategy implementation in the ECDOH and provides detailed recommendations per strategic leadership action. The study also recommends that the ECDOH management take note of the environmental complexity factors that moderate the relationship between the role of strategic leadership actions in the implementation of strategy in the ECDOH and develop plans to mitigate against the risk of these environmental complexity factors. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in economic development in the O.R. Tambo Distric Municipality
- Authors: Dandala, Malibongwe
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Technical education -- Economic aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Economic development -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/52413 , vital:43639
- Description: The study aims to understand the practical effects that technical and vocational education and training (TVET) can have on the economic development of OR Tambo District Municipality. The district is situated in an area endowed with numerous natural resources, including fertile land for agricultural augmentation, dairy farming and beef production. This district municipality has a history as the starting point for the liberation of South Africa, where heroes such as the late OR Tambo, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, (the first democratic president of South Africa), Walter Sisulu and numerous others were born. The district is situated in the OR Tambo region of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. More than five TVET campuses offering training in a variety of skills, such as Engineering and Design, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Public Management, Human Recourses Management, Office Practice, Hospitality and Educare are spread across the OR Tambo District. This district also has a burden of high unemployment among the youth, resulting in a high crime rate. A mixed research method was adopted while conducting this study. The study findings found that TVET colleges have a significant role towards economic development of O.R Tambo. TVET colleges are able to supply suitably qualified employable students who have practical knowledge compared to other students from other academic institutions. The students are skilled and semi-skilled can contribute towards socio-economic activities thus contribute towards economic development in O.R Tambo Municipality. , Thesis (MPA) -- Faculty of Humanities, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
The value of incubation to SMME in the financial services industry : the case of the infinitum initiative
- Authors: Mboniswa, Unathi Sindisiwe
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53027 , vital:44862
- Description: Small, micro and medium businesses are regarded as the engine for achieving economic growth and reducing unemployment through unlocking the potential of young entrepreneurs. However, 80% of such young entrepreneurs operating SMMEs fail in their first years of existence. To respond to this challenge, Business Incubators (BI’s) have been established to nurture SMMEs to succeed. Numerous BI’s, such as Godisa, have been established in South Africa with many supported by the Department of Trade and Industry. However, there are still many potential entrepreneurs in need of such help. In this regard, Old Mutual initiated a programme similar to Godisa, called the Infinitum Incubation Programme (IIP). The IIP seeks to groom young, willing and educated entrepreneurs from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, with business skills to help them establish sustainable businesses. Their focus is on Financial Advisors and the programme has been running for two years offering all the support needed by young businesses. Against this background, this study endeavoured to assess whether the initiative has had the intended impact on the Incubatees. Using a qualitative and Interpretivism research approach and a sample of six incubatees, this study addressed its objectives. Questionnaires were sent out to all incubators and incubatees involved in the IIP and a response rate 60% was achieved. These responses were analysed through descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. The results show that the IIP has been successful in identifying suitable incubatees and stakeholders. It also found that the IIP has been successful in equipping incubatees with theoretical business management skills. However, in terms of skills transfer, the programme was not successful. Both incubatees and stakeholders rated the programme poorly. Further, both stakeholders and incubatees perceive the programme to be a very good idea and see potential for success; however, they feel that would be achieved only after significant improvement. The study recommends that the programme improve on the following: gender balance, management and coordination of the programme, improved skills transfer, balance between practice, theory, and providing post-programme mentorship. The study ends by describing limitations and areas for further research. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Science, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04
Understanding the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on SMEs in South Africa
- Authors: Ogunniyi, Vuyokazi
- Date: 2021-04
- Subjects: Gqeberha (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53039 , vital:44883
- Description: The current research dissertation is on the topic- Understanding the impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution on SMEs in South Africa. It aims to analyse the strategies of SMEs to make positive results from the Fourth Industrial Revolution in South Africa. The research mainly concentrates on the concepts and techniques of technology implementation, customer relationship and advanced technology in SME Enterprises of South Africa. These techniques are needed to validate the importance of the Fourth Industrial Revolution in the enhancement of SMEs in South Africa. In this entire process of research, the researcher evaluates current condition of SMEs in South Africa and the issues that are faced by these enterprises. The changes that are needed by these enterprises and their impact on organisational structure is also discussed. In addition to this, the researcher has also undertaken secondary research on the existing literature in this current topic and related topics. Therefore, the researcher was able to gain a clear insight into the study area. As SMEs are facing problems related to marketing and marking their position in the global market, useful recommendations are given to eliminate these problems. The researcher found out that SMEs need to improve policies to implement technological innovations to secure a market position for SMEs. In order to carry out the research, the researcher applied interpretivism and a deductive approach. Along with this, the qualitative research/methodology was chosen for carrying out the investigation. Qualitative data and non-probability sampling helped in collecting data. Analysis of this data was done by explaining transcripts of the interviews with the sample of entrepreneurs of South African SMEs. The researcher used a total of ten entrepreneurs from different industries in the country. Most of these entrepreneurs interviewed are from previously disadvantaged backgrounds with university degrees. The researcher made an effort to select candidates from different cities across South Africa. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, NMU Business School, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-04