Magister Commercii - Mcom (Management and Entrepreneurship)

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Implications of financial literacy on financial wellness: a case study from a selected University in Cape Town, South Africa
(Universty of the Western Cape, 2025) Johnson, Ian Lyndon
This study examined the implications of financial literacy on the financial wellness of students at a selected university in Cape Town, South Africa. Given the increasing financial pressures on students, the research focused on four constructs of financial literacy as identified in the literature. This included financial knowledge, financial attitudes, financial behaviours, and financial self-efficacy. The study followed a post-positivist paradigm and employed a quantitative survey approach. A non-probability convenience sampling method was used to select participants. Following ethical clearance from the university, data were collected via a structured online questionnaire designed to measure students’ financial literacy. The target population comprised 11,771 commerce students at the selected university out of a total of 35,541 registered students at the time, with 163 completing the survey in full. Although the response rate was relatively low, the data provided valuable insights into respondents’ financial literacy. Descriptive and inferential statistics, which included ANOVA and correlation analysis, were used to examine relationships between financial literacy and financial wellness outcomes. Participation was voluntary, and ethical protocols of anonymity, confidentiality, and informed consent were strictly followed.
Leadership competencies to address the Fourth Industrial Revolution: case studies of the preparedness of owners and senior executives of South African SMEs.
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Totten, Terence Martin
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is transforming industries by integrating digital, biological, and physical technologies. Leaders must continuously enhance their skills to effectively manage these emerging technologies and address upcoming challenges. This study examines the leadership competencies and readiness for the 4IR among South African SME owners and senior managers. Using a targeted literature review, the study assesses the validity of the six key leadership capabilities from the Molecular Leadership Competency Model: Intelligence Quotient (IQ), Emotional Quotient (EQ), Digital Quotient (DQ), Agility and Adaptability Quotient (AAQ), Socio-Cultural Quotient (SCQ), and Creativity and Innovation Quotient (CIQ) by empirically examining the links between leadership style, traits, intelligence, and effective 4IR leadership against South African SME owners and senior executives. The study qualitatively explores leadership capabilities, focusing on how awareness and cognition impact leaders' intentions to develop these skills and tackle 4IR challenges, using an exploratory methodology. This research used a qualitative approach. Purposive data was collected through open-ended, semi-structured interviews (face-to-face, telephone, and video) with eight South African SME owners and senior managers. The qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. Results indicate that owners
Towards a competitive convention bureau: a case of the Kwazulu-Natal Convention Bureau
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Khumalo, Londokuhle
The study sought to ascertain the relationship between the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Convention Bureau's organisational strategy and its performance, as it has been losing market share in the South African business events market. The KZN Convention Bureau is an important player in South Africa's competitive business tourism industry as convention bureaus globally play a vital role in attracting business events that assist local and national economies to generate revenue, create jobs, and enhance destination visibility both locally and globally. However, from 2016 onwards, the KZN Convention Bureau's market share has decreased, indicating possible strategic and operational flaws that may have jeopardised its competitiveness. This case study investigates strategic management areas critical for enhancing the competitive position of the KZN Convention Bureau, drawing on established firm competitiveness literature. An expanded resource-based conceptual framework was employed to study both macro- and micro-environmental factors impacting the bureau's performance. The research utilised the Miles and Snow typologies alongside the PESTLE framework to provide a comprehensive understanding of the strategic gaps of the bureau. Purposive document sampling was used in this study which reviews over 25 relevant documents from 2009-2023. A qualitative document analysis was conducted using official documents from the KZN Convention Bureau and relevant organisations. A thematic analysis was conducted on the data allowing for a discussion on themes aligned to the research objectives. The study revealed an overall misalignment between the KZN Convention Bureau's strategic objectives, available resources, and organisational structure that affected its market performance and negatively impacted its overall competitiveness.
An investigation into the perceived impact of artificial intelligence on recruitment and selection practices of HR professionals within the retail sector in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Daniels, Lauren Nicole
The evolution of digital technology has a significant impact on every individual. One of these digital technologies that is currently changing the landscape in various industries is Artificial Intelligence (AI). AI can assist systems to act and think like rational human beings, resulting in more efficient work processes with half the effort. Despite this, there are still many fears, misconceptions and uncertainties about AI, and organisations may not be doing enough to educate staff on the introduction of advanced technologies within the workplace. The integration of AI into Human Resources Management has rendered traditional methods of recruiting and selecting skilled employees obsolete. The developments in AI also have significant implications for Human Resources (HR) professionals as they have to work alongside advanced technologies such as AI. The overarching objective of the study is to explore the perceived impact of AI on recruitment and selection practices within the retail sector in the Western Cape, as perceived by HR professionals. Primary data was collected using a qualitative approach wherein 9 participants were selected using the purposive sampling method. The research data was collected using semi-structured interviews and the interview guide developed by the researcher served as the research instrument. The findings revealed that the HR professionals demonstrated a solid understanding of AI, having experienced it either on a personal or professional level. The impact of AI on recruitment and selection was perceived to be mostly beneficial, particularly in the screening stage of the process and the automation of simple tasks that allow for efficiency and time management. The findings further revealed the generational differences of applicants and access to technology and resources as being factors impacting the level of preparedness and adoption for the use of AI within recruitment and selection. Another aspect the study sought to explore is the perceived resistance to AI adoption in human resources within companies in South Africa. The findings highlight the emergence of two factors contributing to AI resistance namely the perceived high costs associated with AI technology and the lack of education and awareness about AI. Furthermore, training and development, change management and education and awareness was found to be some of the perceived measures for increasing AI preparedness and adoption within organisations.
A critical assessment of transformational leadership and organisational commitment in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences in the U Diversity of the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2011) Ketchiwou Gaelle
Leadership has been proven to be important in every sector and setting. Investigations on leadership in recent years identify transformational leadership style as one of the most prominent leadership style to bring about change. This research seeks to answer two main questions: Is transformational leadership linked to the different dimensions of commitment in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences; and which leadership style is the most appropriate in enhancing organisational commitment in employees of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences? Research has shown that there is an increasing instability of employees in the workplace, which is attributed to the fact that employees' interests are not met. This results in a lack of organisational commitment of employees. This is blamed on the leadership style adopted by leaders in these organisations. This study therefore assesses transformational leadership and organisational commitment in the EMS, UWC. The research uses a quantitative method to collect and analyse data. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) and the Three-Component Model (TCM) employee commitment survey were administered to employees of the Faculty of EMS who were selected using a stratified random sampling method. Results show that transformational leadership significantly influences employees' organisational commitment. From the evidence gathered, the research concluded that transformational leadership is distinguished as the most appropriate leadership style for EMS.
The impact of action strategies on the success of sme's in a South African context
(University of the Western Cape, 2003) Basardien Fawzy
The focus of this mini-thesis is on the exploration of the connection between two dimensions of action strategies namely planning strategies and entrepreneurial orientation on the success according to the GiessenAmsterdan1 Model of Entrepreneurial Success. It is argued that although the traditional factors ( example, access to capital and markets) relating to failure are taken into account, this approach offers another perspective.
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.
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.
Strategic responses in the Covid-19 period: A study of selected small and meduim enterprises in the Western Cape
(University of the Western Cape, 2023) Chiruka, Fungai; Nyandoro, Zivanayi; Grosch, Renier
The COVID-19 pandemic devastated businesses globally, leading to significant economic and social challenges. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have been particularly vulnerable, and their survival and resilience have become critical factors in the national economic recovery of countries globally. This study examines the strategic responses adopted by SMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic and the impact of the strategies on the survival and resilience of SMEs in Cape Town, Western Cape. A qualitative research approach was used in this study to examine a purposive sample of ten (10) SMEs drawn from different sub-sectors. The researcher made use of a semi-structured interview schedule to collect data. The key findings indicate that SMEs adopted strategic and operational turnaround strategies to mitigate the financial and cashflow problems, temporary business closures, and loss of markets and clients. This further indicates strong organisational capabilities in adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic environment disruptions changes. The main study conclusions are that SMES improved their chances of survival during the pandemic by adopting a combination of strategic and turnaround strategies through agility and resilience in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic environment. The study recommendations include the need for SMEs to enhance their capacity and competence in continuous monitoring of alignment of strategies with changes in the environment, government and stakeholders support investing in technology, training and development that fosters innovation, creativity, and adaptive organisation cultures that enhance resilience and survival during challenging times.
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.
A review of Principal training and development to determine preparedness as managers of organisations in the South African context.
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Gabier, Muaath; Hirschsohn, Philip
Globally, public education systems are understood to be critical to the development of societies and provides an essential service for the public benefit. In order to do so effectively, there has been acceptance that effective schools need effective school leadership. In many school systems, this leadership rests on the shoulders of school principals, which raises the questions of whether school principals are indeed effective leaders, and how do we ensure that they are? Education is constantly evolving along several streams over time. Access to technology, diversification of societies, growing populations all contribute to the dynamism of education, which affects the way education is delivered, and how schools are led. The role of the principals is highly complex, and comes with several key responsibilities that needs to be delivered upon. In recognition that schools are organisations, and therefore require leadership and management in line with those organisational needs, then in order for schools to function effectively, they need effective leaders.
A review of principal training and development to determine preparedness as managers of organisations in the South African context
(University of the Western Cape, 2022) Gabier, Muaath; Hirschsohn, Philip
Globally, public education systems are understood to be critical to the development of societies and provides an essential service for the public benefit. In order to do so effectively, there has been acceptance that effective schools need effective school leadership. In many school systems, this leadership rests on the shoulders of school principals, which raises the questions of whether school principals are indeed effective leaders, and how do we ensure that they are? Education is constantly evolving along several streams over time. Access to technology, diversification of societies, growing populations all contribute to the dynamism of education, which affects the way education is delivered, and how schools are led.
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.
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.
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.
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.
South African automotive industry: Globalisation, re-structuring and world-class manufacture.
(University of the Western Cape, 2002) van der Horst, Frank A.; Hirschsohn, Philip
Political and economic sanctions between 1970 and 1994 isolated the inward-oriented economy of South Africa from global trends. A variety of factors, such as a challenging new global competitive environment, production overcapacity, falling protectionist tariff barriers in a period of liberalisation, world-class manufacture and globalisation, are contributing to the reform of the economy and the automotive industry. The South African automotive industry therefore faces a major reform in trade policy. The South African government introduced the Motor Industry Development Plan (MIDP) in 1995, to create the necessary levels of competitiveness, promote worldclass manufacture practices, increase levels of investments and exports that would consequently lead to the successful reconstruction and development of this sector of the South African economy. Subsequent research has shown that the successful adoption of world-class manufacture (or lean production) processes in the South African automotive industry is necessary not only for survival, but also for increased competitiveness of the industry and the improved economic performance of automotive firms. However, complicated links exist between the adoption of world-class manufacture for improved levels of operational competitiveness. for firm-level success, on the one hand, and long-term sustainability of the industry, on the other hand. Combined firm level economic success and long-term sustainability of the industry depend on factors such as international trends, connectivity to global value chains, modern technological capabilities, lean production and enterprise systems, substantial investments, increased exports, world-wide quality standards, as well as customer satisfaction, human resource development, advanced education, skills development, worker participation, government policy and institutional support. This is borne out by a recent study of the auto component sector, utilising a lean , production 'market driver' toolkit. The study found that although component manufacturers significantly improved their operational competitiveness, they have not necessarily experienced improved economic performance levels. More important is connectedness and integration into global value chains, via intermediaries, mergers and acquisitions. The changing political economy of automotive value chains is also important in shaping fum-level operational success and industry sustainability.
South African automotive industry: globalisation, re-structuring and world-class manufacture.
(University of the Western Cape, 2002) Van der Horst, Frank; Hirschsohn, Philip
Political and economic sanctions between 1970 and 1994 isolated the inward-oriented economy of South Africa from global trends. A variety of factors, such as a challenging new global competitive environment, production overcapacity, falling protectionist tariff barriers in a period of liberalisation, world-class manufacture and globalisation, are contributing to the reform of the economy and the automotive industry. The South African automotive industry therefore faces a major reform in trade policy. The South African government introduced the Motor Industry Development Plan (MIDP) in 1995, to create the necessary levels of competitiveness, promote world class manufacture practices, increase levels of investments and exports that would consequently lead to the successful reconstruction and development of this sector of the South African economy. Subsequent research has shown that the successful adoption of world-class manufacture (or lean production) processes in the South African automotive industry is necessary not only for survival, but also for increased competitiveness of the industry and the improved economic performance of automotive firms. However, complicated links exist between the adoption of world-class manufacture for improved levels of operational competitiveness. for firm-level success, on the one hand, and long-term sustainability of the industry, on the other hand. Combined firm level economic success and long-term sustainability of the industry depend on factors such as international trends, connectivity to global value chains, modern technological capabilities, lean production and enterprise systems, substantial investments, increased exports, world-wide quality standards, as well as customer satisfaction, human resource development, advanced education, skills development, worker participation, government policy and institutional support. This is borne out by a recent study of the auto component sector, utilising a lean , production 'market driver' toolkit. The study found that although component manufacturers significantly improved their operational competitiveness, they have not necessarily experienced improved economic performance levels. More important is connectedness and integration into global value chains, via intermediaries, mergers and acquisitions. The changing political economy of automotive value chains is also important in shaping fum-level operational success and industry sustainability. In this research paper, we review global automotive industry trends which influenced the introduction of the government's visionary MIDP. We then discuss their impact on the performance of the South African assembly and component sectors at industry and finn level. This leads to a series of recommendations for improved performance to world-class manufacture, world-wide quality standards and global competitiveness
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.
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.

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