Department of Management and Entrepreneurship

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The adoption of electronic data interchange among small to medium enterprise suppliers to a large distribution center in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Naicker, Visvanathan; Pillay, Rubin; Mansfield, Glen; Dept. of Management; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) plays an important role in improving organizational competitiveness. Information technology has been instrumental in integrating functional areas within and outside firms. This research used empirical evidence to evaluate the state of EDI in the in the willingness of SME's to connect electronically to a large distribution centre in South Africa. Furthermore, it investigated the EDI adoption rate from the viewpoint of a small business. Many such businesses feel coerced by larger trade partners to adopt EDI or lose the customer.
An analysis of management's approach to occupational health and safety in the Western Cape chemical sector.
(University of the Western Cape, 2002) Le Roux, P.J; Hirschsohn, P
Employers in South Africa are keen to be referred to as being responsible when dealing with workplace health and safety. However, the poor health and safety record of South African companies generally and especially in the mining and fishing sectors is internationally known. Many observers comment that the picture at plant level does not reflect a commitment and willingness by management to even implement the minimum standards stipulated by legislation without pressure from external sources such as government enforcement agencies or export market pressure. It is well known that the lives of black labourers were worth little during the apartheid era as workers were simply replaced when injured, killed or unable to perform duties due to illness. This legacy still exists today under high unemployment rate in the country does not allow workers the freedom to turn down jobs in high-risk environments or to refuse unsafe tasks. The steady increase of work-related injuries and diseases reported under the Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act it came into effect in 1993, is sufficient proof of this sad state of affairs with 289 952 accidents and 3615 occupational diseases reported during the 199711998 financial year. The fatality rate reported in 1996 was 2 220 inclusive of all sectors in the economy. These figures illustrate the need for a new mental model that will value human life irrespective of colour or status in the economy.
An analysis of university policy responses in the Western Cape to government policy on the recognition of prior learning
(University of the Western Cape, 2005) Mobarak, Kaashiefa; Blackmur, Douglas; Dept. of Management; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
The South African government plays a direct and active role in facilitation the development of a skilled workforce. The effective mobilisation, development and utilisation of South Africa's human resource capacity are critical for the success of the economy, institution building and the transformation process. In this context, the development of a system of Recognition of Prior Learning is one of the government's significant initiatives. This research examined whether the policy documents of the universities in the Western Cape comply with the requirements of the National Government Recognition of Prior Learning policy.
The Application of Process Improvement Techniques at a Clothing Manufacturing Company in the Western Cape.
(University of the Western Cape, 2003) Ayeah, Ebenezer Nkwain; Grutter, Anton
This research project focuses on the application of process improvement techniques in a clothing manufacturer to address delay problems in workflow in the factory. The objective of the research is threefold; investigate delays at the beginning of production and make suggestions, show the usefulness of continuous improvement techniques in improving activities in a clothing manufacturer and demonstrate how action research can be used in doing research in production and operation management. Using tools such as flow charts, check sheets, pareto analysis, fishbone diagrams, interviews and the "ask why five times" tool, an investigation into delays led to a second investigation into sewing defects. This established that these sewing defects are caused mainly by time constraints, the malfunctioning of machines, the wrong handling of garments, and previous operations. After an investigation using the above tools it was established that these defects could be addressed by setting realistic targets, doing regular maintenance on machines, cautioning operators to be more careful during their operations, and encouraging regular checks on garments before the next operation. The action learning methodology led to the following lessons; selecting a correct measuring tool is important, that not all tools need to be used, and that it takes time to do a research project using this method.
An assessment of Casino gambling on black economic empowerment: Western Cape as a case
(2010) Pilane, K.L.; Vries, L.E.R.De
The study has three objectives; firstly to assess the (manner of) implementation of black economic empowerment (BEE) principles by casino licence operators in the Western Cape, namely GrandWest, Casino Mykonos, and Caledon Casino & Spa, during the construction and initial operation phases; secondly, to discuss casino gambling from a marketing strategy theory perspective; and thirdly, to measure consumer behaviour theory as demonstrated by casino patrons. Government(s) and casino industry executives present casino gambling as a source of revenue and employment, and disregard the social costs incurred by society in the production of this revenue and employment sustenance.This study is an evaluability assessment study where reports from the Western Cape Gambling and Racing Board‟s social equity committee where used for the objective of the study. As a result, the sample of the study was formed by the three above-mentioned casinos that were operating in the Western Cape at the beginning of the project. The proposed government strategy on Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) was critiqued to try and understand the government‟s position relative to the initiative. The social equity committee monitoring reports where analysed to assess the performance of casino operators relative to their BEE undertakings in their licences. Data formed by reports and literature has been summarised and presented to try and help in clarifying the position of casino gambling on black economic empowerment and specifically the (economic) empowering of host communities and society at large.Recommendations where made with the view highlighting the need for a strategy towards greater empowerment of host communities. As a result, the researcher suggests that further research be conducted into the relationship between the profitability of a casino and proliferation of social problems attributed directly to the presence of a casino complex.
An assessment of management practices in Chinese family-owned SMEs in the Cape Metropolitan area
(University of the Western Cape, 2004) Ping, Yu; Visser, Kobus; Dept. of Management; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
China is a country built on traditions and one of its most respected traditions is a preference for the family unit. The closeness of the family unit is carried over into the economic life of the country. Family members not only live together, but also work together in the fields or in enterprises. The advantage of this is that families have a guaranteed labour force that is not only loyal and can also be trusted. The disadvantage however is that positioning within the business is not always based on merit and competence, or trustworthiness which can ultimately impede growth. This research was an examination of Chinese family-owned businesses that focused on their management practices. The purpose of the study was to explore the management characteristics of Chinese family-owned businesses by means of interview data collected from five Chinese businesses in the Cape Metropolitan area. The emphasis of the project concentrated on the establishment, expansion and growth, ownership and leadership, management structure, the impact of cultural factors and the strategy for the future as well as challenges in terms of competitors and environments.
Beyond legislation: A case study of Transformation in a South African higher education institution
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Corner, Laurence Benedict; Bayat, Abdullah
This research is about transformation in the Higher Education (HE) context with focus on a Higher Education Institution (HEI), the University of the Western Cape, officially labelled as a Historically Disadvantaged Institution (HDI) in Cape Town, Western Cape in South Africa. The researcher employs a Decoloniality lens to investigate the transformation of the UWC. The researcher first investigates a range of interviewees' lived experiences and then engages a small group of selected UWC participants in Participatory Learning Activities (PLA) to understand the participants' perceptions regarding transformation and to provide a platform for exploring transformation at UWC. The current approaches in the literature about transformation lean towards an intellectual discourse that offers many definitions of transformation which means that transformation in South African HEIs is whatever each HEI decides. This compounds the question of why HEIs are failing in their transformation approaches. The literature further critiques HEIs for failing to implement appropriate visionary and impactful transformation strategies and debates the merits of the dominant foundation of legislative compliance, specifically regarding the Employment Equity Act of South Africa.
A cointegration analysis of sectoral export performance and economic growth in South Africa
(2012) Cipamba, Paul Cipamba WA; Makaudze, Ephias
The objective of this study is to investigate the empirical relationship between exports and economic growth in order to ascertain whether the hypothesis of export-led growth is valid in the case of South Africa. This study has not only focused on sectoral exports for the period 1990-2011; but it has also examined total exports for the period extending from 1970 to 2011. Using quarterly data and time series econometric techniques of co-integration and Granger-causality tests over the two set of periods, the key findings of the study are as follows: (i) At the aggregate level (using total exports): the technique of co-integration suggests that total exports and GDP moved together in the long-run, though deviations from the steady state might happen in the short-run. Furthermore, Granger causality tests inferred from the Vector Error Correction model reveal that the direction of causality between export and GDP growth is bidirectional. (ii) At the sectoral level (using the main component of exports): export-growth link emerges as a long-run behavioural relationship since a co-integrating relation was found among output and agricultural, manufactured and mining exports. This relationship demonstrates that manufactured exports have the greatest positive impact on output growth. (iii) Sectoral level Granger-causality tests based on ECM reveal the existence of a long run causality running from manufactured exports to GDP; whereas the short-run causality runs from manufactured and mining exports to GDP. However, the Toda-Yamamoto Granger test confirms only short-run causality from manufactured exports to GDP. In both cases, there is evidence of a uni-directional causality from exports to GDP.The above results show that the hypothesis of export-led growth is valid for South Africa. This implies that exports, particularly manufactured and mining exports play a key role in driving economic growth. Hence, the key policy implication of these results is that, measures which aim at stimulating production for exports and shifting the content of exports will meaningfully contribute to the improvement of GDP growth and employment prospects in South Africa.
Contemporary leadership behavior enabling leadership effectiveness in a public university
(University of the Western Cape, 2021) Jansen van Vuuren, Carel Daniel; Visser, Dirk; Du Plessis, Marieta
The purpose of the present study is to enrich academic knowledge, the understanding of management theory, and professional management practice for leaders in a South African Higher Education Institution (HEI) under volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) conditions. Due to increased globalisation and rapid changes in the technological, social, economic, and political spheres, the environment in which organisations function has become increasingly VUCA. These factors create a unique set of challenges for the leaders of these organisations. Traditionally tested and proven methods of leading organisations no longer guarantee high performance. The dynamic environment is challenging leaders to find new ways to be successful. To further complicate matters, the speed, frequency, and intensity with which the organisational environment is changing are ascending in nature. The field of Higher Education in South Africa demonstrates the challenges and opportunities VUCA imposes on organisational leadership.
Crisis management competencies: a university stakeholder perspective
(John Wiley and Sons Inc, 2024) Pharaoh, Courtley D.; Visser, Dirk
South African universities faced an unforeseen crisis in the form of the #FeesMustFall (#FMF) movement. The executive management of the affected universities was criticized for how the crisis was handled. Due to the significant cost (over R1 billion) to the higher education sector, not just in fiscal losses, but the loss of life, the investment into crisis management would be justified. Crisis management is a business action that includes planning and organising to prepare for and to respond to threats to business activities. Reviewing the literature identified a void regarding the crisis management competencies needed by the Executive Management as perceived by stakeholders. This exploratory study made use of a mixed methodology research design. A self-administered questionnaire incorporating open-ended questions was used to identify and explore the competencies perceived by the stakeholders as important during times of crisis. Simple descriptive statistics were used to identify the top management competencies needed in a time of crisis as perceived by the stakeholders. This was compared with the findings in the literature. The study identified 10 management competencies perceived by stakeholders of which eight competencies are consistent with crisis management competencies found in the literature.
Crisis management competencies: perspectives from executive management of selected universities of technology
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Pharaoh, Courtley Darryll; Visser, DJ
The start of the 2021 academic year saw a new wave of student protests erupt all over the South African Higher Education sector. Furthermore, the Covid-19 Pandemic reach its climax forcing the closure of all higher education institutions. The aim of this study was to identify the crisis management and management competencies needed to effectively manage a university of technology within South Africa from the executive management viewpoint. In this exploratory research study, the analysis of current literature on general management competencies, crisis management competencies plus qualitative interviews of executive management members, the researcher identified crisis management and management competencies necessary to effectively manage a university of technology within South Africa in non-crisis times as well as in times of crisis. This study identified the crisis management and management competencies needed by executive management members of universities of technology to manage these organisations within South Africa during a time of crisis and provided verbatim explanations for the importance of these crisis management and management competencies.
Digital transformation : The case of Cape Town based SMEs in the manufacturing sector
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Tyali, Alutha Thandolwethu; Sibindi, Ntandoyenkosi
The era of digitisation is accelerating the pace of digital transformation in manufacturing SMEs. Research has demonstrated that various challenges originate from within and outside the SME business level such as, among many, company culture and strategy, business processes, financial resources, and government support continue to hinder the way manufacturing SMEs adopt digital transformation. The underpinning research problem is the understanding of how these challenges impact the digital transformation adoption in the established context with limited research to practically address them by jointly engaging scholarship and recent field data. Through the application of a multiple case study method, it is established that manufacturing SMEs in Cape town are digitally transforming. The study is qualitative in nature and used the interpretive methodology which allowed the researcher to apply the DREAMY model, capture the subjective SME experiences as outlined in the conceptual framework and aligns with the importance of the research through the determined research questions.
Diversified mentoring relationships in the South African context: an exploratory framework
(University of the Western Cape, 2006) Smith, Yusuf; Hirschsohn, hillip; Dept. of Management; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
The role that mentor and protégé play in transforming South African society in general and the business environment in particular, is important and lends new meaning to “leveling of the playing fields”. Fundamental to the success of any mentorship programme is the relationship between the mentor and the protégé. Since mentors play a key role in shaping the protégé they have to employ strategies that offer practical and emotional support to the protégé while understanding the implications of mentoring in a particular social and political context. The mentor is also an intermediary between the protégé and the organization. Diversified mentoring relationships, involving experienced ‘white’ mentors and protégés from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, pose particular challenges in the South African context. Despite the importance of mentoring there is a dearth of local literature on diversified mentoring relationships in the South African context. Drawing on the international literature, this research report develops an exploratory analytical framework to understand mentoring relationships, with particular reference to the South African regulatory context and the internal organizational factors that impact mentoring relationships, and the effect on affirmative action in South African organizations.
Driving entrepreneurship through gender-moderated entrepreneurialmindset among tertiary students
(Taylor and Francis Ltd., 2024) Makudza, Forbes; Sibanda, Lucky; Makwara, Tendai
Amid an influx of unemployed graduates who are offloaded by tertiary institutions annually, this study sought to promote job creation through entrepreneurial practices. The study criticises the notion that only tertiary education is enough for economic prosperity for both male and female tertiary students. A framework of the determinants of entrepreneurial mindset development was examined in which four determinants were analysed, namely entrepreneurial education, culture, individual and facilitating conditions. The moderating effect of gender on entrepreneurial mindset development was also tested whilst the direct link between entrepreneurial mindset and entrepreneurship was analysed. Data were collected from 378 students from universities in Zimbabwe using a structured questionnaire. A causal research design was applied in testing the interlinks. Data for the study were analysed using the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) technique whilst the moderating effect of gender was analysed using the Hayes Process Macro procedure. The study validated that employment creation is attainable through entrepreneurship, which is driven by an entrepreneurial mindset. However, only entrepreneurial education, culture and individual determinants recorded significant effects on the entrepreneurial mindset. Consequently, the study found that gender stereotype is still rife within the entrepreneurship arena and cultural determinants and gender roles influence females’ uptake of entrepreneurial roles. Thus, a cultural, psychological and education shift was recommended towards employment creation.
Economic and non-economic satisfaction as interlocking constructs in B2B sales relationships
(AOSIS (pty) Ltd, 2024) Ferro-Soto, Carlos; Roberts-Lombard, Mornay; Padin, Carmen
Purpose: This study tests a research model that reflects the nomological relationship between satisfaction as a two-dimensional construct and continuity, coordination, and cooperation in business-to-business (B2B) sales relationships. Design/methodology/approach: The study sample comprised small- and medium-sized companies across industries in Spain. In total, 237 satisfactorily completed questionnaires were obtained for data analysis. Structural equation modelling was applied to secure the development of the study’s results. Findings/results: The results revealed that sales managers should reach agreements with their partners to put in place appropriate coordination mechanisms that contribute to improving efficiency and achieving expected long-term goals. Practical implications: The study guides B2B sales managers on how to establish good interpersonal relationships with partners, foster an atmosphere in which favourable impressions are generated between the parties, treat each other with respect and promote open sharing of information that avoids distrust and fear of the appearance of opportunistic behaviour. Originality/value: This study provides an extended foundation of the structural properties with intermediary constructs between economic satisfaction and non-economic satisfaction based on a seller’s perspective. This is significant, seeing that most extant studies have explored the constructs proposed from a buyer’s perspective.
The effect of internal brand management on brand commitment and brand trust
(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Mouton, Estelle; Herbst, Frederick
The focus of branding is often externally focused, yet it is the employees through their direct interaction with the brand, that can make or break the brand promise. Despite the important role of employees in building the brand, they are often overlooked in brand building strategies. The purpose of the study was to test the effect of internal brand management on brand commitment and brand trust in a government organisation. Front-line employees of the South African Post Office, a state-owned organisation in South Africa was selected to collect the data using convenience sampling. Cronbach Alpha and content validity was used to test the reliability and validity of the measurement instrument. The data was not normally distributed and non-parametric tests were performed during data analysis. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the basic characteristics of the respondents and the correlation coefficient (Rho) was used to test the relationships between variables. All three hypotheses were accepted. The results are consistent with previous research, however, new developments are emerging. For front-line employees to commit to the brand, they must trust the brand, which in turn is created through brand identity. Negative external communication influences the ability of front-line employees to deliver the expected brand promise. Importantly, the role of top management in fostering internal brand management cannot be overlooked.
Employing developmental mentorship to enhance the livelihoods and entrepreneurial capabilities of waste pickers
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Sambo, Mogamat Adeel; Bayat, Abdullah
Waste pickers are individuals who collect waste from household and commercial bins as well as at landfills. The vast majority are unskilled with a low-level of education. Waste pickers find themselves in poverty for various reasons associated with the South African economy and their life trajectories, including a lack of skills. The consequence of this is that these individuals are unable to find secure employment in the formal economy. The income they obtain is from the recyclable items that they collect, which are then sold to buy back centres or parties who are interested in buying their valorised items.
Employment practices in the transition to lean production: worker perspectives in a South African auto components firm
(University of the Western Cape, 2008) Jordaan, Anita; Hirschsohn, P.; Dept. of Management; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
Proponents of lean production (LP) argue that successful implementation is dependent on creating an organisational climate that complements the adoption and implementation of innovation. Transformation of the organisational climate, from a culture of adversarialism (management versus workers) and worker exclusion (in terms of decision making) toward a culture of co-operation and worker participation, is thus a necessary complement to LP. Successful implementation of LP, and associated practices, thus requires the commitment of all stakeholders. This study explores worker attitudes towards transition to LP within a chosen company in the South African auto components sector. The study focuses on understanding worker perceptions of shifts in Human Resource and Industrial Relations practices which are associated with the transition to LP. The research reports on two surveys of workers to better understand their perceptions of the changes to the relationships among workers, and between workers and management.
Entrepreneurial learning, experience, motivation and business innovation: Life stories of Western Cape SME owners
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Hassiem, Washied; Hirschsohn, Philip
The South African economy is in desperate need of entrepreneurs to create job opportunities and boost economic growth. This thesis seeks to develop a deeper understanding of the entrepreneurship process, to understand why people become entrepreneurs, how they ventured into their existing businesses and the factors that affected their entrepreneurial learning and business growth. A qualitative approach using the method of indepth semi-structured interviews with entrepreneurs who have demonstrated entrepreneurial attainment in managing their business ventures for more than ten years. Life story interviews explored their experience during their careers and business ventures.
Entrepreneurship and the impact of entrepreneurial orientation training on SMMEs in the South African context: A longitudinal approach
(University of the Western Cape, 2004) Solomon, Goosain; Friedrich, Christian; Dept. of Management; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
This thesis formed part of a existing longitudinal study. The overall study is an outcome of research done to understand success and failure issues in Africa, which is an attempt to understand the impact of a short entrepreneurial training programme on the performance of small scale enterprises over time. The study is unique in the South African context in that it is the first short term, 3 days, entrepreneurial training programme that is assessed by means of a longitudinal method incorporating a control group.

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