Magister Commercii - Mcom (Management and Entrepreneurship)

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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.
Investigating the impact of service quality and customer satisfaction on customer loyalty in life insurance in South Africa
(University of the Western Cape, 2017) Carelse, Bradford Marcus; Herbst, Frederick
Service quality and satisfaction are very important concepts that companies must understand to remain competitive and grow (Angelova & Zekiri, 2011:232). Satisfied customers form the foundation of any successful business as customer satisfaction leads to repeat purchase, brand loyalty and positive word of mouth (Tsoukatos & Rand, 2006:501). The quality of service and the achievement of customer satisfaction and loyalty are fundamental for the survival of insurers (Taylor, 2001:30). Insurance companies are seeking to increase customer satisfaction and loyalty through improved service quality (Siddiqui & Sharma, 2010:171). The aim of this study is to examine the concepts of service quality, customer satisfaction and customer loyalty and their relationships with the goal of establishing greater clarity on the path of the relationship flow at Metropolitan in the life insurance industry in South Africa. 398 Metropolitan customers from the Customer Walk-in-Centres completed a structured questionnaire through computer assisted telephonic interviews (CATI). The analysis revealed that customer satisfaction mediates the relationship between perceived service quality and customer loyalty for customers from the Customer Walk-in-Centres of Metropolitan in South Africa. The results and findings provide extra information concerning customer's needs, wants and satisfaction for Metropolitan.
Monitoring good governance in South African local government and its implications for institutional development and service delivery. A case study of the sub-councills and councillor support department.
(University of the Western Cape, 2015) Maloba, Dieudonne Musenge; Ile, Isioma. Uregu
The empowering of local governments in South Africa as engines of national development has been plagued with problems and imbalance related to the ethic and the functioning of the local government machinery itself. The said imbalances are being reinforced by a lack of understanding and consensus as to what democracy is and how it should work. The consequences are widespread corruption and distortions of government priorities; both of which undermine the ability of governments to improve broad-based economic growth and social well-being. The central problem addressed in this study investigates the extent to what the City of Cape Town’s accountability mechanism support good governance and develop institutional development and service deliver. The researcher is of the opinion that municipalities in their daily endeavours should now be at the sustainable phase which would mean that all policies, systems and procedures are in place for good governance. The researcher further assumes that municipalities should be at this stage capacitated and therefore, are able to fulfil basic institutional mandate of providing basic services and facilitating economic development. This is a wide subject that different researchers will undertake and provide potential solutions. But for the purpose of this research the following are posited to prevent some developmental issues: Firstly, a wall-to-wall local government, i.e., a constitutional guarantee that there shall be local government through the jurisdiction of the country. This suggestion has waken up the importance to emphasize the distinction and independence of each local government. The only challenge within and between local government, is seen by a politico-administration dichotomy which historically has always been an issue in public administration. As a matter of facts, there is interpenetration between the role of political and the one of administrative leadership as one can’t separate them in practice since officials also play important role in policy development. The effectiveness of Ward Committees for institutional development in reflecting on the best practice at the operational level rests on the need to capacitate the said formed ward committees in terms of skills equipping to maintain a world class service standard. The author posits that, this will do away with incompetence at local level and will promote efficiency and effectiveness in the fulfillment of daily tasks. Furthermore the following should be considered: 1.There should be a provision of adequate resources; this will enable officials to perform their tasks. 2. There should be a display of less politics or noninterference from politicians in the administration; this will avoid encroachment and mismanagement while enhancing proper accountability principles. Secondly, local government should maintain democratic elections, i.e., an electoral system that mixes proportional representation with ward representation as the best basis for local government councils. A wide array of information collected on this level from respondents posited that local government should only have ward representation although full time councillors found it difficult to perform both functions because of high demand from the community and from their job. This should maybe be rated at 90% to 10% rather than 50%.Finally, emphasis should be on financial decision-making power i.e., municipalities should be creatures of the Constitution rather than creatures of statue. The formal local government only entrusted service delivery powers to local government. Municipalities were not developmental in nature. However, the current local government is expected to be developmental. This turns its focus on top of its daily routine, to economic development. It is only then that one can maintain that local government powers are relevant to the development mandate.
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.
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.
Perceptions of diversity management in a public sector organization /government institution within the Western Cape
(2013) Veldsman, Dehlia Melissa; Heslop, Karl
In modern organisations, diversity management is seen as an important factor for success. If diversity is not managed correctly, it could impact how and if organisations meet their goals. The purpose of diversity management is to get to a point of utilisation of skills of individuals. Research (Erasmus, 2007) suggests that diversity management success is highly dependent on perceptions of employees. The main intent of the current research was to gain an insight into employee perceptions around workforce diversity. These perceptions were evaluated using the Workplace Diversity Survey with a sample of public sector employees to ascertain whether there are statistically significant differences in employee perceptions based on age, gender, population group and directorate. Informed consent was sought from the HR manager in the public service department where the research was undertaken. A cross sectional study was conducted and based on a convenience sample of 200 voluntary participants within the public sector. Data was captured and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. The results indicate that there are statistically significant differences with respect to gender, age, population group and , respectively, and perceptions of diversity. These findings suggest, that, despite 20 years of democracy within South Africa, on-going training and development of employees is required, along with frequent surveys to determine how individuals react to a heterogeneous workforce.
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.

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