Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters/MBA)

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The Impact of Employee Shareholding Option Plans on Company Performance in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2009-07) Motswenyane, Papillon; Ncube, Mthuli
Employee Share Option Plans (ESOPs) are widely applied in the South African context to disseminate wealth to Historically Disadvantaged South Africans (HDSAs). This opinion is affirmed by an increased application of the concept on a number of Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) transaction deals concluded recently. The research explored the impact of these schemes on company performance and also investigated the resultant economic impact on participating employees. Data was collected from JSE-listed companies that have implemented these schemes over an eight year period between the years 2000 and 2008. Tobin's Q ratios were constructed using data from various sources with annual reports as the primary source of data. An event analysis was undertaken by measuring Tobin's Q of the said companies before and after the implementation of the respective schemes. A secondary process collated data from a survey of employees participating in the schemes to measure their increased productivity and also to ascertain financial employee spin-offs from the schemes. The research found inconclusive evidence that ESOPs impact positively on company performance. However evidence of a strong correlation between potential productivity increases and the schemes was confirmed . Also, a relationship between an employee's level and term of participation to financial reward was established. This research will assist companies in structuring their ESOPs in relation to individual employee contribution to enhance company performance and will also provide guidance on ESOPs financial impact on employees.
Success Drivers for Independent Feature Filmmaking in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2011-06) Heatlie, Damon; Marcelle, Gillian
This qualitative research addresses the central research question ‐ why is the South African feature film industry uncompetitive, and what are the key drivers for producing profitable films in the South African context? The central conceptual framework used is value chain analysis. The study limits its scope to focusing specifically on the development and distribution stages of the independent feature film value chain. The study commences by investigating the historic poor performance of South African films, which typically were not able to recoup costs and move into profitability. The study interrogates the critical role of the independent film producer as a ‘creative entrepreneur’ and looks at examples of successful film industry development in other emerging economies. The research then examines what international research indicates as success factors at the development stage, followed by an exploration of the rapidly changing digital landscape of film distribution and its associated opportunities. The empirical research component comprises of the analysis of semi-‐structured expert interviews with 12 industry stakeholders – producers, distributors and funder‐investors involved in feature filmmaking in South Africa. The data analysis involved thematic encoding, a reduction of 10 open–ended questions to four key thematic domains that presented in the findings: ‘understanding the market’, ‘finding a business model’, ‘government support’ and ‘embracing distribution challenges’. Conclusions drawn from the findings were that producers have historically misunderstood audience needs and market volumes for their films, that profitability is achievable if one targets local markets modestly, that government support is critical but deficient in the South African environment, and that South African films need committed local distributors and exhibitors even before serious investment in Internet based distribution mechanisms. This study adds empirical data to an under researched field and contributes to understanding the nature of creative industries and their dynamics.
The effect of employee share ownership on company performance in South African mining
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2014-08) Khan, Shameegh
This study investigates the effects of Employee Share Ownership Plans (ESOP’s) on company profitability in the South African mining industry for companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The South African mining industry has been in the global spotlight since the Marikana miners’ strike of 2012 and the subsequent killing of 34 people on 16 August 2012. ESOP’s can be used to stabilize the sector by alleviating some of the tension that is present between workers, shareholders, management and government. This research uses the same measurement as Spiess and Affleck-Graves (1995), who measure share price performance as a cumulative average of returns (CAAR) over a five year period. Regression analysis is used to test for correlations and descriptive statistics is used to explain findings (Spiess & Affleck-Graves, 1995). The difference between companies that do not have ESOP’s in place is negative for (CAAR) compared to those who have an ESOP in place. This is consistent with the theory and findings of studies such as Robinson and Zhang (2005). It has been applied to the South African context within the JSE listed mining sector. The theory that ESOP’s will improve profitability of a company listed on the JSE within South African mining has been found to be statistically significant. ESOP’s can help improve cumulative profits and help transform the industry through share ownership of workers which will help decrease the gap between CEO’s remunerations and the lowest paid workers.
Employee-owned companies: A potential solution to minimising industrial action in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2016-03) Sebesho, Bonga; Horne, Renee
The purpose of this research was to assess the employee-owned company model as a potential solution to minimise industrial action in South Africa. Employee ownership, positioned as a key pillar of broad-based black economic empowerment (BBBEE) (Mosai & Reynolds, 2003), is linked to increased employee participation and ultimately to improved industrial relations as a result of increased engagement between employers and employees. Research was undertaken through a study of the multiple methods in which employee ownership is implemented across various industries in South Africa taking into account the reasons for the implementation of employee ownership. This research attempted to cover a wide spectrum of employee ownership models ranging from once-off employee share ownership schemes (ESOPs) to closed employee ownership schemes. Qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews, utilising the Delphi technique, with a sample of 11 respondents who have been involved in the implementation of employee ownership schemes. The data was content-analysed and the findings suggested that employee ownership has the ability to engender increased participation. The findings of the study suggest that the successful implementation of employee ownership in South Africa has been severely impacted by historical issues relating to financial preparedness from employees and the deep entrenchment of the shareholder value as well as the compliance burden from a business perspective. The study concludes that employee ownership can play a role in engendering meaningful economic participation and consequently reduce the incidence of industrial action. However, in order to achieve its desired objective the government will need to put in place effective incentives as well as powerful disincentives to encourage implementation of long term ownership schemes. This study may provide guidance to South African companies, government and other stakeholders seeking to find broad-based and inclusive models in order to increase employee representation and participation in corporate decision making. The research findings may assist these organisations to find new ways to create a more inclusive economic environment through leveraging the benefits of employee ownership to decrease the incidence of industrial action and ultimately improve output.
Impact of oil price shocks on stock returns: evidence from selected Southeast Asian economies
(2017) Siddiqui, Ammar Ahmed
This paper investigates the impact of oil price shocks on stock market returns in selected Southeast Asian countries. We selected five countries, those are Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia Thailand and Philippine. We employ autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) and VECM model in the analysis. We model both positive oil price shock and negative oil price shock. We find that the real Brent price is positively correlated with all the stock markets in the selected countries. The results of ARDL model indicate that positive oil price shock exhibits a negative impact on the stock market returns while lag one negative oil price shock exhibits a positive impact on the stock market returns in the short run. However, only Indonesia and Singapore exhibit a significant response to positive and negative oil shocks in the ARDL model. The cointegration analysis indicates a long run causal relationship from oil price to stock market returns for Malaysia and Singapore. This result is confirmed by the error correction model with significant and negative but low speed of adjustment.
International stock market linkages: the case of Zimbabwe and South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2017) Manungo, Rusununguko Conwell; Kodongo, Odongo
The aim of this paper is twofold. First, it aims to investigate whether or not there are both short run and long run bilateral linkages between the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange (ZSE) and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) markets. Secondly, it aims to find out whether or not the extent of linkages between the two markets has been changing over time. The results of the study can be stated simply: - correlation coefficients calculated for the two sub-periods 1980(1)–1990(12) (apartheid in South Africa and independence in Zimbabwe, but still some controls on the economy) and 1991(1)–1999(12) (death of apartheid in South Africa and financial liberalization in Zimbabwe) show that they were not constant overtime. The extent of the linkage has been increasing overtime. Bivariate co-integration tests indicate that there is a common trend linking the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange stock price indices in the period 1991–1999, but none was found for the period 1980-1990. The results suggest that the interrelations between the two markets have increased overtime. They are in line with macroeconomic trends that have taken place since 1991, which were sufficient to strengthen the linkages between the markets, including capital market liberalization, securitization of national markets and a significant increase in cross - listing of stocks of multinational and national companies.This paper thus provides new empirical evidence on international stock market linkages between the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange
The influence of social media on purchase intention, brand awareness, and brand loyalty: a focus on customers’ engagement with brands on the platforms
(2018) Nyatlo, Mmasetena Rahab
The internet has transformed the way people communicate, it has allowed people and brands to communicate beyond geographic and time restrictions. The internet has introduced with it social media, which is a new way that brands and customers communicate, share ideas and exchange information. These interactions have a weighty effect on marketing strategies, therefore social media marketing has become critical for businesses. Through these interactions brands can gauge customer’s attitudes towards the brand’s different offerings. Understanding customer attitudes is an important part to knowing the customers’ buying decision process. Currently new businesses in South Africa mostly fail within a few years of operating. Some of the reasons leading to failure include access to markets, poor marketing, and lack of funding. Social media is a channel which businesses can use to access markets and market their offering as these platforms boast large number of potential customers. These customers are every business’ most important asset and revenue source which assist SMEs in their growth. Therefore, SMEs need to understand how their engagement with customers influences their attitudes towards them as this contributes towards their growth. The purpose of this research is to evaluate customers’ attitudes by understanding how customer engagement with SMEs on social media influences brand loyalty, purchase intention, and brand awareness which will aid in venture growth and in turn economic growth. The study followed a quantitative and positivist method. A survey was distributed through email and social media platforms to existing and potential customers who have a presence on the platforms to collect data, and the study achieved a 38% response rate. The study revealed positive customer’s attitudes towards SMEs that operate on social media platforms. These findings contribute towards the knowledge of SME growth and social media
Experiences of positive psychology coaching for women’s success in workplace
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2018) Mokwele, Mapaseka
The findings of the study revealed that positive psychology coaching assists the coachees in their ability to develop positive thinking; it helps to improve confidence and resilience, enhances self-awareness and interpersonal skills, enhances learning and knowledge and also enhances decision making skills. Despite this, there were challenges that were highlighted during the use of positive psychology coaching. There were three core challenges that were revealed by the findings, which were the personal coachee challenges, environmental challenges, as well as the PPC tools and methodology challenges. The findings show there were overall benefits which entailed higher level of self-awareness and control where the coachees were able to tap into their strengths, increased their energy, eliminated negative thoughts and felt empowered in so far as being able to achieve all their desires. It is evident that positive psychology coaching is a vital tool for women in leadership as it enhances their ability to go for what they want and believe in themselves, thereby reaching their optimum psychological aspects resulting in success in the workplace
An application of goal programming model to a bank balance sheet management
(2019) Chiwandire, Denise D M
The research presented the application of a goal programming model to the balance sheet management of South African Banks in segmented markets based on multiple goals such as asset accumulation, total liability, shareholders wealth, profitability, earnings and total goal achievement. The significance of the study can measure the effectiveness of policy decisions and plan future investments effectively. The model determined the optimal structure of the balance sheet based on the fulfilment of strategic objectives. Data collected from annual financial reports covered the period 2011 to 2019. The solutions showed the achievement of all goals and possible improvements in target values for optimization.
Assessing digital transformation within a South African mining firm
(2019) Benzane, Mahene Patrice
South Africa is still one of the top global producers of various mineral commodities, including gold, coal, platinum, palladium, manganese, titanium, and uranium. The mining industry contributes about 8% to the GDP of South Africa, and it used to be a dominant sector in the past. This industry is known to be a labour-intensive sector with little application of the digital technologies which many industries that were born after the boom of mining in South Africa are currently using. The recent example is the increasing depth of gold which tends to require technology interventions to access these resources where it is not feasible for physical humankind intervention, and this shows the need to transform the mines digitally. The effects of various digital technologies in the mining industry due to the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) phenomenon means that mining organisations can mine smarter, improve safety, reduce cost, develop new insights from their current operation, and contribute towards the sustainable economic and social development of the country. However, the required level of digital maturity, the applicable digital transformation model in terms of what to digitally transform within the mining value chain, as well as understanding the mechanism required to drive maximum adoption and successful implementation of these digital technologies across all levels of the organisation remains unclear and challenging. In a quest to address these, a qualitative research strategy was selected as a means of getting to understand what needs to be digitally transformed in the mining value chain, this would then help identify an applicable Digital Transformation Framework for a mining firm willing to embark on this transformation journey. This qualitative approach is further used in the research to unpack the effective ways to engage various stakeholders within the organisation to help enable successful implementation and adoption of these digital technology initiatives. To do this, a single case study method was utilised and Company X was identified as an ideal mining company in which to conduct the study. Company X has embarked on a digital transformation journey which they run through an internal initiative called Digital@Comapany X, and they have been making a buzz across the South African mining industry as the pioneers in adopting and embracing digitisation in mining, hence they were selected for this study. Based on the reviewed literature, the research made several propositions. One of the propositions indicated that the digital transformation of the internal processes within the mining value chain is the key area of focus for a South African mining firm. The key findings from this case showed that 100% of the interviewed executives, junior managers, middle managers, and senior managers believe that the introduction of the digital technologies within Company X will lead to worker enablement through digitised processes that will eventually improve decision making by using the power of visualised data. Therefore, according to the first proposition made, it is evident from the research that digitalisation of the internal process within the mining value chain is an important area of focus. In summary, the findings showed the following areas as what the digital transformation initiative aims to transform: Digital Capability, Human Resources, Worker Enablement, Culture, Customer Experience, Process Digitisation, Unified Data, and Performance Management. 50% of the executives indicated the importance of customer experience in their digital transformation journey. 65 % of the respondents indicated the importance of unified data by having integrated operations centres, whereas 36% mentioned performance management as the key area of focus, and only 14% of the respondents mentioned IT infrastructure to enhance digital capability as another focus area for the internal digital transformation journey. According to the reviewed literature, it was further proposed that the Digital Piano framework is the most appropriate or relevant transformation model to be used by Company X, and can be further tested by mining firms intending to embark on a digital transformation journey. The aim was to test this proposition by comparing what to transform in practice according to Digital@Company X roadmap to what other various theoretical and conceptual frameworks focus on in terms of the digital transformation process. The findings were not entirely in agreement with the proposition made. Based on what is currently done at Company X, the combination of these following frameworks in the context of the mining firm proves to be more appropriate than using a specific model: Digital Piano framework, Digital Orchestra Framework, Six Keys to Success Framework, Digital Enterprise Integrative Management Framework, Digital Transformation Framework, by Corver and Elkhuizen, The Digital Reinvention Framework, and the Digital Innovation Strategy Framework. Therefore, choosing a single framework from the literature to apply to the mine as a relevant digital transformation strategy may have a dire digital transformation process or journey that leads to poor implementation, lack of adoption and wastage of resources with no realisation of intended digital benefits if it does not holistically cover various aspects of the mine or organisation as a whole. The researcher named the combination of these frameworks an Integrated Digital Transformation Framework for Mining (IDTFM). The last proposition made in this research was that to embark on the digital transformation journey in the mining sector in the 4IR era requires the co-operation and participation of all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation and adoption of digital technology initiatives. According to the findings, the following themes in terms of what may or may not lead to success emerged: Poor Change Management, Unclear Vision, Value Realisation, Stakeholder Involvement, and Ease of Use and Adoption. According to the findings gathered from the 14 respondents, it is evident that there is a clear understanding of what could lead to the failure of digital technology interventions within Company X. Respondents further echoed the importance of change management, vision, stakeholder engagement, the value brought by these technologies as well as the importance of Ease of use to drive adoption. The managers have a strong interest in the practicality of any IT system implemented to drive productivity and efficiency, and the ease of use of the system is an important factor for them as key stakeholders that need to drive these initiatives at the operations. 80% of all the respondents emphasised on the ease of use. 57% indicated the importance of stakeholder involvement, and further findings showed the significance of good change management is one of the driving factors for successful implementation and adoption. In addition to these findings, one of the two executives interviewed highlighted the importance of everyone understanding the vision of the company. Therefore, the third proposition is validated through the research findings and literature that any lack of effective stakeholder engagement when pursuing a digital transformation roadmap or efforts within a mining firm will lead to a lack of adoption and ineffective implementation. To link some of the findings to the literature, the Diffusion of Innovations Theory developed by E.M. Rogers in 1962, states that Innovation, communication channels, time, and social system are the four key components of the diffusion of innovations, and when promoting innovation to a target population, it is important to understand the characteristics of the target population that will help or hinder the adoption of the innovation. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) theoretical framework helps explain the usage of technology within a specific context, and the usage could either be the ease of use or the usefulness of that specific technology as perceived by the users (Venkatesh and Bala, 2008). Therefore, based on the 80% of the respondents believing that the ease of use of these technologies and the perceived usefulness in terms of practical application will lead to easier adoption indicates that TAM is accurate in the case of Company X. Therefore, the research further recommends the use and applications of these theories when embarking on the digital transformation journey of a mine. Further to these findings, the Diffusion of Innovations Theory has been used successfully in many industries including communication, agriculture, public health, criminal justice, social work, and marketing, therefore it can also be applied in a case of a mining firm to ensure adoption of innovations brought in the form of digital technology implementations. TAM is also applicable in the context of a mining firm and must be utilised. With the support of literature and the findings of the research, It is further recommended that the leadership team in a mining firm must create and follow an integrated digital transformation compass (Westerman, Bonnet & McAfee, 2014).
Entrepreneurial orientation of the City of Johannesburg
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2019) Malakoane, Jones
The notion of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) is important because it contributes to the fundamental apprehension of entrepreneurship. Increasingly, attention is being paid by scholars and policy makers to the concept of entrepreneurial ecosystems (EE) as incubators of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship. Though the concept is still in its embryonic phase, well performing entrepreneurial ecosystems such as the Silicon Valley in California are the envy of many governments striving for economic success, through promotion of entrepreneurship. The primary objective of this study was to explore the relationship between the perceived entrepreneurial orientation of the City of Johannesburg Department of Economic Development (CoJ-DeD) and the perceived City of Johannesburg’s (CoJ) local EE performance. EO of an organisation, for the purpose of this study, is reflected in the organisation’s innovativeness, proactiveness and risk-taking abilities while EE was measured by the three variables, opportunity exploitation (OE), opportunity recognition (OR) and entrepreneurial activity (EA). The data relating to the perceived city’s EE performance was from 109 usable questionnaires collected from a target sample size of 150, the sample’s population was comprised of nascent entrepreneurs, early start-up and established business owners in the CoJ. The data concerning perceived EO of CoJ-DeD officials was from 46 usable questionnaires, this sample was collected from a population of 50 CoJ-DeD officials, comprised of middle and senior managers. The measuring instruments construct validity was evaluated by means of Cronbach alpha coefficients and principal component exploratory factor analysis. The Welch’s t-test was utilized to assess the study’s conceptual framework model. The results showed that EO of the CoJ-DeD officials is defined by proactiveness, innovativeness and risk-taking and the city’s local EE perceived performance is defined only by opportunity exploitation and opportunity recognition. The results also showed a positive relationship between innovation and opportunity recognition, proactiveness and opportunity recognition and between risk-taking and opportunity recognition. It is vi recommended that entrepreneurship becomes the dominant strategic thinking in the CoJ to help unlock opportunities and new sources of value, services and innovation.
Early-stage entrepreneurs’ marketing activity in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2019) Botha, Jamie-Lee Ann; Mazonde, Nomusa
Purpose: This paper explored the unique characteristics of the marketing function of early-stage entrepreneurs operating in South Africa. Methodology/approach: A qualitative study was done. The data was collected by doing unstructured face-to-face interviews to conceptualise the unique marketing activities of early-stage entrepreneurs operating in the South African market. Findings: The study indicated that entrepreneurs do digital marketing; however, the primary marketing activity is the ‘on the ground’ marketing. Entrepreneurs still execute old fashioned, cold calling and relationship building with the customer at the centre of the business. Entrepreneurs boasted of their agility to adopt new technology and offer personalised service and product packages to meet the customer’s needs. Value: This paper uncovered the marketing activities of early-stage entrepreneurs and highlighted the marketing areas that need improvement. The results will assist entrepreneurs in the early business development stages with their marketing endeavours and enhance the business performance. The research contributed to the domain of entrepreneurial marketing
Shared Mobility and Private Vehicle Ownership: A South African Perspective
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2019) Radebe, Valela Napthtal; Ndaba, Zanele
When former and late President Nelson Mandela arrived in Soweto after his release from prison in 1990, he was surprised to see the high number of private vehicles that were there since his imprisonment in the early 1960’s. The improved living standards (in spite of Apartheid) and poor public transport services had led to an increase in private vehicle ownership by Sowetans. Unlike in other more affluent areas, the majority of vehicles leaving Soweto on any given weekday have at least three occupants and some may even be overloaded. Owing to the high cost of owning and maintaining private vehicles, owners thereof have had to organise lift clubs to share costs with commuters for trips of similar origins and destinations. This form of shared mobility has also been very popular in other parts of South Africa. The lack of viable mass-transit public transport services in both poor and affluent areas has placed more reliance on private vehicles. Outdated public transport services in cities like Johannesburg are still clustered around old economic nodes like the Johannesburg Central. Rail lines built in the 1960’s and 1970’s are still based on transporting daily commuters to these central business districts. However, new economic hubs have since mushroomed in commercial districts in the north of Johannesburg in areas like Sandton, Fourways and Rosebank. The relocation in the late 1990’s of the Johannesburg Securities Exchange from Johannesburg Central to Sandton proved to be a catalyst to this business migration. Owing to the inflexibility of traditional public transport, mini-bus taxis have had to fill this void for poorer communities
Changes in consumer behaviour of urban black emerging middle-class consumers in South Africa, as a result of rural to urban migration
(2019-03) Malesa, Nnaniki
Multinational Corporations (MNCs) are facing the scenario that established markets are becoming saturated. They have consequently identified that pursuing entry in emerging markets will contribute to the growth of their respective brands. In turn, the development of emerging market strategies adapted to reflect understanding and localisation of the consumer behaviour habits found within these emerging markets, has become a priority for them. It is within this context that this research study was undertaken. The purpose of this research study was to investigate the changes in consumer behaviour of black emerging class consumers when they migrate from rural areas within SA to urban areas of Gauteng. A qualitative research methodology was pursued with three focus groups to understand the changes in their consumer behaviour across four key themes, namely: Circular Migrators and Remittance providers to rural dwellers; dietary consumption habits; purchase decision making and shopping habits; as well as appreciation for high-value products. Findings from this research study highlighted that black emerging middle-class consumers who migrated from rural areas of South Africa to urban areas of Gauteng remain circular migrators and do not see Gauteng as a permanent establishment for them. In addition, upon migrating to urban areas of Gauteng, these consumers continued to keep in contact with their rural-based relatives. These urban-based participants confirmed that they remitted groceries, money as well as furniture to their rural-based relatives. Lastly, the research findings confirmed that, upon migrating from rural areas to urban areas of Gauteng, the consumer behaviour habits of these participants changed. Their dietary consumption habits, their decision-making shopping habits, as well as their grocery shopping purchase habits reflected changes in their consumer behaviour patterns. In addition, it was identified in this study that the dietary consumption behaviour, decisionmaking shopping habits, as well as grocery shopping purchase habits of the rural-based relatives also changed. This was as a result of being influenced by the changing consumer behaviour habits of the urban-based participants who remitted contributions to them regularly. The findings of this research report have practical implications when pursuing strategies in emerging markets such as South Africa. In ensuring that the strategies deployed have factored an understanding of the local market and placing the consumers’ interests at heart, three key areas are proposed for consideration when developing emerging market strategies in this rural-urban context. Firstly, the decreasing rural-urban gap eminent in the changes to dietary consumption habits and grocery purchases that are similar between the two areas needs consideration. Secondly, the increasing “urban poverty”, contributed to by the limited access of basic services to the peri-urban communities, must be recognized. Lastly, the role aspiration plays in driving desire and subsequent acquisition of high-valued products by emerging middle-class consumers, is important.
The impact of sovereign ratings on research & development in developing countries
(2020) Tsunyane, Makhala
Sovereign credit ratings are considered imperative in assessing the value and worth of a nation's economy, modern theory stresses the accumulation of knowledge as one of the critical factors for economic growth and productivity. One aspect of accumulating knowledge is through Research and Development (R&D). The aim of this paper is to analyse if credit ratings are robust determinants of R&D and various economic variables that have been suggested in the literature as influencing R&D, such as the number of researchers, tertiary school enrolment, financial development, the rule of law, and foreign direct investment as robust determinants of R&D performed in developing countries. Through the use of an Extreme Bounds Analysis (EBA), the study covers 30 middle-income countries from 2002 to 2017. The study’s estimations provide evidence that credit ratings, the number of researchers, tertiary school enrolment, financial development, the rule of law, and foreign direct investment, are robust determinants of R&D. However, the results demonstrated trade openness to be fragile in determining R&D. When it comes to ratings, the study reveals that a change in the credit rating is asymmetric, because a downgrade was robust and had a significant impact on R&D, while an upgrade found to be fragile and insignificant.
Business development services training and entrepreneurial self-efficacy: comparing necessity and opportunity-driven entrepreneurs in South Africa
(2020) Eister, Tshegofatso
Small businesses in South Africa struggle to make it to the established business phase, while the high unemployment rate, as well as the many retrenchments that the country has been facing, continue to bring a surge of entrepreneurs who find themselves going into business as it is their only means of making a living. Business Development Services (BDS) have been targeted to improve the performance of firms, one of their service categories being skills training proves to develop entrepreneurial self-efficacy. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of BDS training on the entrepreneurial self-efficacy of necessity- and opportunity-driven entrepreneurs, and whether that impact would be more positive in opportunity-driven rather than necessity-driven entrepreneurs. This was a quantitative study which collected primary data from 519 entrepreneurs of which 97 were necessity-driven and 422 were opportunitydriven. First, statistical analysis were conducted using correlation analysis and multiple linear regression to test the impact of training on the ESE of necessity and opportunity-driven entrepreneurs, while removing the impact of confounding variables: gender, education, management experience, industry experience, and partnerships. Second, independent sample T-test was performed to compare the entrepreneurial self-efficacy levels of necessity- and opportunity-driven entrepreneurs after training. The empirical evidence from this study found that general entrepreneurial training is more effective in increasing the entrepreneurial self-efficacy of opportunitydriven entrepreneurs, whereas task-specific training was better suited for increasing the entrepreneurial self-efficacy of necessity-driven entrepreneurs. The study also found that the ESE levels of necessity- and opportunity-driven entrepreneurs were similar after training, thus indicating that training in entrepreneurial self-efficacy plays a developmental role, giving entrepreneurs, whether necessity or opportunity-driven, the confidence to execute entrepreneurial tasks and thus assisting them to run sustainable businesses; rather than a transformational role of converting entrepreneurs from necessitydriven into opportunity-driven. The implications and recommendations of this study are thus that policy makers design general entrepreneurial training programmes targeted at opportunitydriven entrepreneurs, and task-specific training programmes targeted at necessity driven entrepreneurs; these types of training would best increase the entrepreneurial self-efficacy of necessity- and opportunity-driven entrepreneurs and will enable these entrepreneurs to run sustainable businesses that contribute positively to the sustainability rate of businesses.
The gamification of inventory management in South African petrochemical refineries
(2020) Mashinini, Melisizwe
Supply chain inventory is a major source of cost, which is why inventory management is a critical focus area for companies. Lean inventory management is the combination of lean and inventory management practices to optimise between inventory cost and customer value. Lean inventory management is enabled by an engaged and empowered workforce. Gamification is the use of game design elements in non-game contexts as a means to improving human engagement and productivity. Combining gamification with lean inventory management is proposed as a method to improve the inventory performance of a company, by improving workforce engagement and productivity. This quantitative research examined the gamification of supply chain inventory management in lean South African (SA) located petrochemical companies. A model linking the quantifiable barriers which can impact the adoption and implementation of gamified lean inventory management was conceptualised. Applying this conceptual model, an online survey was developed and e-mailed to gather data from 62 respondents representing 5 major SA located petrochemical companies to enable formal hypothesis testing. The results suggest that lean management is a prerequisite for successful gamification and that inventory performance is improved by the adoption and implementation of gamified lean inventory management. Training of employees is recommended as a key intervention to overcome the main barrier to adoption and implementation. This research contributes to knowledge by generating practice insights into lean inventory management and gamification. Furthermore, the study advances the theoretical agenda of determining the pre-determinants of gamification success and whether lean management is a prerequisite for adopting digital tools. In future, it is recommended that research considers the effect of the external environment and individual player types on adoption and implementation.
The impact of Internal branding on employees’ brand supporting behaviour in South Africa
(2020) Taku, Basetsana
The rapid shift in the financial services industry, triggered by the continuous changes in customer behaviour, has brought so much competition for both loyal customers and employees. In order to understad the specific needs of the customer, businesses have to invest in training and educating their employees about their brands. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between internal branding and brand supporting behaviour of financial services employees in South Africa. The study investigated the relationship between internal branding and brand identification, brand commitment, brand awareness within the financial services sector in a South African context, and how these ultimately influences employee brand supporting behaviour. The research methodology employed was a quantitative study, with respondents from one of the 5 major banks in South Africa. Study participants were selected through a combination of purposive and random (convenience) sampling. A structured questionnaire was the primary data collection method. A total of 241 responses were received and analysed using the Structural Equation modelling technique and Correlation analysis with descriptive statistics. The correlations between the latent and exogenous variables were recorded as high suggesting strong relationships between the tested variables. The findings of the study supported all the six hypotheses formulated, showing a positive and significant relationship between Internal Branding and Brand Identification, Brand Commitment and Brand awareness. The study also concluded that from the relationship between Brand Identification, Brand Commitment, Brand awareness and Brand supporting behaviour is significant and positive. The relationship between the demographic variable, gender and Brand Supporting Behaviour was also tested using the independent-samples ttest which indicated that the group means between male and female participants are not statistically different on all the variables under study
Does the development of mobile financial services have an impact on financial inclusion in Lesotho?: the case of M-Pesa and eco-cash
(2020) Jonathan, Mantai Mamello Florence
The purpose of this study is to assess the effect that the growth of mobile financial services hashad on financial inclusion in Lesotho. The research focused on the two leading mobile network operators (MNOs), Econet Lesotho and Vodacom Lesotho, who launched the country's two Mobile Money services. Over the years, Mobile Money services have increased rapidly, largely replacing the traditional way of banking in the everyday lives of Basotho people. The study aimed at examining the reasons for this transition and how this new development has affected Lesotho in general. The report contains arguments that Mobile Money was indeed an invention that most people welcomed. The study found that most individuals prefer the use of mobile financial services to that of banks for various reasons: some indicated that bank charges are too costly for them; many who reside in rural areas do not have access to bank branches as they are usually located in the city; many also complained about the extensive documentation required to open a bank account. Although the government of Lesotho has implemented various means and strategies in the past in an attempt to increase financial inclusion in Lesotho, this has not been successful. The study used quantitative methods to examine the effect of mobile financial services on financial inclusion. Primary data was collected through the distribution of self-administered structured questionnaires on a sampled population of 114 individuals. For rigorous empirical testing of the data, secondary data was used to unravel the extent of the impact of mobile financial services on financial inclusion. However, both primary and secondary data were essential for reaching the final conclusions and findings of the study. Therefore, after all the analyses and evaluations, it was concluded that, despite its challenges, Mobile Money has improved the financial inclusivity of the many unbanked residents of Lesotho.
The effect of fixed and mobile broadband usage on entrepreneurial competencies and intentions among individuals within Gauteng
(2020) Hudson, Brett
Broadband internet is one of the most important information and communication technologies available today, with the capability of providing a fertile environment for entrepreneurship to flourish in South Africa. International literature suggests that broadband can enhance entrepreneurial activities within developed economies, but little research has been conducted on this topic in a South African context. There has been a distinct lack of empirical evidence concerning broadband internet in South Africa and more specifically the differences between the type of broadband (mobile or fixed) used. The purpose of this study was to identify the relationship between the type of broadband people use, and their entrepreneurial competencies and intentions, within the province of Gauteng. Entrepreneurial competencies included in this study were entrepreneurial self-efficacy, creative problem-solving ability, and networking ability. Data was collected using an electronically distributed survey to people within the province of Gauteng. A final number of 150 respondents were used as the sample for the quantitative analysis. The findings from the study reveal that the type of broadband people use has no relationship to their entrepreneurial competencies or intentions. The exploratory analysis, however, identified that the amount of broadband people have access to positively correlates to their entrepreneurial intentions. This suggests that broadband internet can positively impact on entrepreneurship in Gauteng. Key words: Broadband internet, Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial competencies, Entrepreneurial self-efficacy, Creative problem-solving ability, Networking ability, Entrepreneurial intentions, Gauteng.

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