Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)

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Browsing Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs) by Author "Ahwireng-Obeng, Asabea"

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    Enhanced motor vehicle security in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Luthuli, Sabatha; Ahwireng-Obeng, Asabea
    This study was aimed at investigating enhanced motor vehicle security in South Africa. there has been an increase in car theft in South Africa as a result of dwindling motor vehicle security in the country. Therefore, it was important to investigate enhanced motor vehicle security solutions and how this gap in motor vehicle security can be filled by new investors. The study objectives were as follows to explore the views of potential motor vehicle security customers in South Africa, and to demonstrate business opportunity through a survey of potential motor vehicle security customers in South Africa. The quantitative research method was applied in order to achieve the research objectives of this study. The quantitative data used in this study was collected by means of an online questionnaire and there were 55 research respondents who are potential motor vehicle security customers in Gauteng, South Africa. The data collected was analysed using SPSS Statistics 28. According to the study, potential vehicle security customers in South Africa need additional security and with their current vehicle security. In addition, potential vehicle security customers in South Africa will buy a steering lock because they are concerned about security. Further, potential vehicle security customers in South Africa believe that this concept product is the best to protect their vehicle and they have a strong appeal for the product. The results also showed that some potential vehicle security customers in South Africa are willing to spend up to R1000 on vehicle security because are somewhat concerned about their parked cars that are left unattended for a long time. Furthermore, the results showed that potential vehicle security customers in South Africa are willing to purchase this concept product as a gift for someone. Based on this study, the government should encourage investment in motor vehicles and property security in the country, and investors should explore various innovative methods of providing motor vehicle security to potential customers. In addition, the government should encourage comprehensive insurance coverage for potential motor vehicle customers and should reinforce public security to reduce the current security risk for potential motor vehicle customers
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    Human Resource challenges in managing human capital at a mining organisation in Free State
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mofokeng, Lipuo; Ahwireng-Obeng, Asabea
    Orientation: There is a relationship between inefficient HR practices and the behaviour of employees as well as the performance of the organisation in terms of production and safety. Research purpose: The study aimed to explore the experience of Line Managers with HR practices towards employees and Line Managers themselves. The study also sought to assess the effectiveness of the HR practices of a mining company in the Free State. Motivation for the study: To assist the HR Department with feedback on the services they provide to their customers, which are Line Managers as well as employees in general; gaining deeper awareness and understanding of the influence they have on the morale of all employees, which translates to the performance of the organisation in terms of production and safety. Research strategy/design, procedure and method: The research was carried out through a qualitative approach. Data was collected through convenience, quota, purposive and inclusion criteria sample comprising four HR personnel (n = 4) and five Line Managers (n = 5). Structured, online (Microsoft teams) interviews were conducted and analysed using thematic analysis. Main findings: The findings of the study indicated that Line managers find HR department processes extremely slow, HR is not aligned to the core business of the organisation, no talent management, no talent retention strategies, long recruitment processes, HR's reluctant to resolve disputes and escalates almost everything to employee relations (ER). Inefficiencies in HR practices have a negative influence on employees’ behaviour. Inefficiencies in HR have an impact on production and safety and HR incentives/bonuses not linked to outputs of their functions. Contribution/value-add: This study adds to the body of knowledge by furthering research on excellent service delivery to all employees, valuing human capital, vi prioritising the development and well-being of employees, and recognising the important relationship between human resources service delivery and management
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    The impact of an institutionalised Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) system on accountability in the public sector
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mashigo, Grace; Ahwireng-Obeng, Asabea
    Purpose – The purpose of this research report is to investigate the effect of an institutionalised monitoring and evaluation system on accountability and whether it has made any difference in strengthening accountability and transparency in the public sector. The aim is to assist programme managers to develop and have in place proper M&E systems to influence performance improvement, ethical compliance, and accountability. Design/methodology/approach - The research study uses a quantitative research method using descriptive analysis on continuous variables measuring central tendency and measures of dispersion. The statistical concept of hypothesis testing is used. The research details five a priori hypothesis and subjects the hypothesis to empirical testing. This is a process of testing whether the research claims are using simple evidence. The research is to establish whether M&E influences accountability. Several propositions that relate to M&E and accountability objectives in relation to the research questions were formulated with each question being a statement of empirical testing. Findings – The analysis of the hypothesis indicated that the hypothesis was rejected on three of the hypothesis testing and accepted on two on the hypothesis testing. The three rejected are Measurement Objectives Developed (MOD), Formulation of Indicators (FOI) and Reporting (R) meant that there was not enough evidence to support the hypothesis. Research limitations/implications – Only the quantitative method was used which is limiting. The limitation is minimised by testing the validity and reliability of internal consistency. The sample size was based only on the Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and rural Development which poses as a limitation and might not provide a comprehensive spread of evidence to infare the results to the whole population. Convenience sampling was used, the disadvantage are that the available data can be misleading, there is limited specificity and difficult to replicate the findings. Originality/value - The institutionalisation of M&E is the first step in assisting managers to improve performance and accountability. This involves the development of sustainable functional M&E systems in the public sector where reliable information is collected and used constructively by managers and the M&E unit.
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    Women’s Career Advancement in the South African Mining Sector
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Letsoalo, Jelane; Ahwireng-Obeng, Asabea
    The number of women working in South Africa’s mining industry has increased dramatically over the last 15 years or so, with women now accounting for 12% of the industry's workforce. Although mining companies have improved in general, they continue to struggle to attract, advance, and retain women at all levels of employment, more especially in core positions. Mining companies, government and several organizations in South Africa made some efforts to increase the number of women working in the mining industry with the goal of attracting more women to the mining industry and keeping those who are already there to achieve a gender inclusive industry. The efforts made yielded minimal results mainly due to insufficient data on challenges that prevent women from advancing their careers in the industry. Such efforts are guided by data, therefore a survey was conducted to understand what interventions are required from the mining companies and government to assist in advancing women careers in this sector. The survey sought to uncover the strategies that are effective and sustainable in advancing women careers in the South African mining sector within the context of support systems opportunities at individual, companies and government perspectives. The study adopted qualitative research design with open ended questionnaires administered through online platforms. The responses were analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis. A total of 23 respondents were obtained with 13 females and 10 males. Results showed that effective and sustainable strategies to advance women’s careers in the South African mining sector are categorized into personal, corporate and governmental. Themes developed are: individual initiatives, education, support systems, experience, attitude, cultural management, acceptance in workplace, policies, regulations and rewards. Furthermore, effective support systems opportunities are training, mentorship, succession planning, women representation, audits and equity strategy. To ensure that effective support systems opportunities are implemented and sustained, sub-themes that emerged are education and training. 2 The study revealed that it is a collaborative effort, amongst individual, companies and government to advance women’s careers in the South African mining sector. However, personal initiatives (self-development, qualifications and awareness) were the main strategy that worked for many women to advance their careers in the South African mining sector.