Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters/MBA)

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Browsing Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters/MBA) by Author "Ameyibor, Leeford"

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    Investigating the reasons for the differences in the accessibility of renal replacement therapy in the public and private healthcare sectors in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Asmal, Zubair Mahomed; Ameyibor, Leeford
    The number of patients with kidney failure is increasing. This increase is secondary to an increase in the risk factors resulting in kidney disease, and will result in an increase in the number of patients requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT). South Africa has a two-tiered healthcare system, a public and a private sector. At present, there is a significant disparity in the number of patients receiving RRT in the two sectors with more in the private sector. This disparity has been attributed anecdotally to a lack of resources in the public sector and specific legislation, although no research have been done to confirm this. Health disparity in general is complex and involves an interplay between multiple factors, including historical, political, economic, legislative and environmental factors. The hypothesis is that the disparity in RRT is complex, based on multiple factors, and cannot be ascribed to only two factors. To test the hypothesis, we interviewed the stakeholders in the RRT industry regarding their perspectives of the causative factors. In total, 33 interviews were conducted, recorded, transcribed and analysed using the grounded theory from a constructivist angle. The objective of the analysis was to determine which factors contributed to t he number of patients receiving RRT in the public sector, compared with the private sector. As the renal transplantation programme is managed collectively by the two sectors, it was considered separately. Based on the interviews, five themes were extracted to explain the disparity. These themes follow the journey of a kidney failure patient from the factors that contributed to the condition, to being diagnosed and ultimately treated. The themes are the prevalence of kidney disease in the two populations, the decision-making process of who receives RRT, the accessibility of receiving RRT, the resources available for RRT and the impact of the transplantation. Each theme has subthemes and combined they form a holistic explanation to account for the disparity. This study identified possible causative mechanisms to explain the disparity. It is hoped that by uncovering these mechanisms, corrective Page 5 of 15 measures can be implemented, a more equitable and just healthcare service can be offered to all citizens and in the process save a multitude of lives
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    Small Medium Enterprise (SME)’s Competitiveness within a volatile regulatory environment in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Shai, Gift; Wotela, Kambidima; Ameyibor, Leeford
    SMEs have been established as the driving force for developing the South African economy and the main source of competitive advantage. They are recognized as agents of industrial change and innovation; they are also seen as an important vehicle for employment creation and economic development. On the other hand, we have a regulatory environment that is volatile and, as a result, poses challenges to the competitiveness of the SMEs in South Africa. This study is an attempt to determine the level of competitiveness of the SME within the emerging markets as well as how SMEs can monitor their external environment. In addition to that, this study establishes the coping mechanisms of the SMEs and suggests ways to enhance their competitiveness. A case study qualitative strategy was adopted for this study which allowed research to get in-depth understanding about the case. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in which 8 formal SMEs with more than 3 years in existence were targeted. The findings reveal that SMEs need to have research and development measures in place which will enable their organisation to know what is happening around them, which coupled with information technology, can enable them to plan for all anticipated changes. This, in consequence, will help them build their capabilities in a way that it will give them a competitive advantage. It is also of paramount importance for SME to have a Quality Management System consisting of policies and procedures in place that will guide the crafted strategies. Strategies coupled with information gathered from research and development and relevant training initiatives can be put in place. Adaptation to change mechanisms can also be forged that will make the SME sustainable and perform better even under volatile environmental conditions. Lastly, governance within the SME plays a vital role in enhancing competitiveness. Good governance creates an organizational culture that keeps employees motivated, reduces workforce fluctuations and increases value for all the stakeholders, both internal and external.