Magister Commercii - Mcom (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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Entrepreneurship education at tertiary institutions in Rwanda: a situation analysis
(University of the Western Cape, 2005) Niyonkuru, Richard; Visser, Kobus; Dept. of Management; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
This study explored the provision of entrepreneurship education at higher education institutions in Rwanda with special reference to the levels of provision, support mechanisms, course objectives, contents, teaching and assessment methods to ascertain whether they are appropriately developed to prepare students for entrepreneurship as a career option.
Evaluation of employment creation by African immigrant entrepreneurs for unemployed South Africans in Cape Town
(University of the Western Cape, 2007) Kalitanyi, Vivence; Visser, D.J.; Dept. of Management; Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences
There has been a lot of comment and reaction to the presence of immigrants in South Africa, and most of it has been very negative. In light of the negative reaction, one can ask whether immigrants do in fact add any value to the well being of the host countries, given their education, experience and high involvement in small businesses. Several studies have noted that the relatively highr level of education and skills of migrants is at the same level as those of the host populations. This research is aimed at contributing to the debate of the perception that immigrants are taking up jobs that are supposed to belong to South Africans.
Exploring characteristics of farming systems in former labour tenant communities: the case of Ncunjane and Nkaseni in Msinga
(University of the Western Cape, 2013) Mthembu, Nonhlanzeko Nonkumbulo; Cousins, Ben B.
In this mini-thesis I explore the key characteristics of the farming household and the livelihood strategies they employ with particular reference to their farming systems. The study sought to determined the contribution made by agriculture to the total household income, as a means to justify for promoting booth subsistence and smallholder production as a policy direction. I established that rural households who are former labour tenants engage in both on and off farm income generating activities as a response to capital and labour accessibility. A fairly moderate contribution was made from cash cropping; however, I argue that the value could be much higher if considering high proportion of produce is for home consumption. There is a pattern where subsistence production intensifies to smallholder production with accessibility to water, high potential land and markets. I also found cattle herd sizes to be highly variable amongst households and goat production being correlated with a pattern of feminisation in agriculture. I give evidence that calls into doubt common claims of land degradation and instead call for more clearly defined communal range land management research. I then argue that farming systems are driven and adapted to farmer‟s non-static objectives and subsequent opportunistic strategies employed. This mini thesis concludes that with realistic comprehensive support to small scale agriculture there is potential for petty commodity production which will stimulate rural economies.
Exploring entrepreneurs’ responses to the Covid-19 crisis
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Hendricks, Mogammad Rifat; Bayat, Abdullah
The study investigates the entrepreneurial responses of a wide range of entrepreneurs in Cape Town who faced economic adversity during the Covid-19 pandemic. There is limited research with a paucity in the knowledge on how entrepreneurs deal with external threats. My research is an attempt to address this by focusing on entrepreneurs in Cape Town and understanding their responses. My theoretical approach combines insights from prosocial interactive theory, effectuation thinking and the debates on opportunity identification and creation. The framework allows me to investigate the iterative processes between the entrepreneur and her environment using effectuation thinking to discover or create opportunities.
Exploring ways to deepen undergraduate students understanding of financial literacy
(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Kondlo, Ayanda; Bayat, Abdullah
This thesis reports on my investigation into undergraduate students' knowledge of financial literacy (FL) and explores ways of improving their FL by using and experimenting with alternative Financial Literacy Education (FLE) methods and techniques. In attempting this, I report on the educational interventions that I attempted. These are critical literacy approaches that included drama teaching techniques that formed part of a praxis approach to FLE. Low levels of financial literacy are of great concern in South Africa because South Africans have high rates of debt which the researcher asserts are an indication of misconceptions, misunderstanding, and also a lack of financial literacy. South Africa needs to have undergraduate students that are financially literate who apply critical reasoning to make critical financial decisions.
Factors affecting the adoption of momconnect mobile application for pregnant women at the retreat community health centre
(Universty of the Western Cape, 2021) Mutangadura, Tendayi; Jantjies, Mmaki
The core purpose of this study was to examine the factors affecting the adoption of momConnect mobile application for pregnant women, at the Retreat Community Health Centre (RCHC) in Cape Town South Africa. The specific objectives of the study were to identify the factors affecting the use of momConnect intervention at the RCHC and to understand the perceptions of pregnant women towards momConnect intervention. Also, the study sought to identify the barriers of momConnect use by pregnant women at the RCHC and to provide recommendations on the effective use of momConnect intervention for pregnant women. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Technology Readiness Model (TRM) guided the study, which were the anchor theories in the study. Based on the interpretivism paradigm, the study followed a qualitative research approach as the case study research design as the research methodology of the study.
HIV patients’ perceptions of mobile technology support in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape
(University of Western Cape, 2021) Mofokeng, Dalene; Van Wyk, Brian
South Africa has one of the largest HIV and AIDS burdens in the world, with an estimated7.52 million people living with HIV in 2018. The antiretroviral therapy (ART) programme is the biggest and most costly programme in the country, with 3.7 million people enrolled as of 2017. The success of antiretroviral therapy is dependent on adherence to medication and long-term retention in care. It has been reported that support groups can improve the treatment adherence of patients and their retention in care. However, enrolment in adherence support groups is voluntary, and the abovementioned success thereof is dependent on the commitment of the patient to active participation in the group. It is estimated that about 80% of adults and young people own at least one mobile phone, which makes this technology suitable to improve communication and enhance interaction amongst support group members.

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