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Browsing Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs) by School "WITS Business School"
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Item A comparative study on the Inflation-hedging properties of REITs and Common Stocks in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-06) Maratela, Tsholofelo Keletso; Godspower-Akpomiemie, EuphemiaThe aim of this paper is to examine the ability of South African REITs and common stock to hedge against inflation in the short run from 2014 to 2022. Given the volatile economic environment that South Africa operates in, this poses a risk to the financial market. One of the major risks relates to inflation as it erodes real returns on investments, and this drives the need of gaining clarity on the inflation-hedging characteristics of assets in the stock market. Studies evaluating the inflation-hedging abilities of real estate and common stock present mixed results and the literature on this comparison is vast but largely excludes African countries. Moreover, the introduction of the REIT regime in South Africa in 2013 has created a new opportunity for real estate investment, which may have different implications for inflation hedging than traditional real estate. This paper adopts the Fama and Schwert approach, which is based on the Fisher model, to analyse the relationship between inflation and asset returns. The paper considers both actual inflation, measured by CPI, and expected and unexpected inflation, estimated by an ARIMA model. Using CPI as a proxy for actual inflation, a negative relationship is found between equities and inflation, and a positive relationship between REITs and inflation. These relationships were consistent for both the actual and the unexpected components of inflation. However, both asset classes exhibited a negative relationship with expected inflation. None of these regression results were statistically significant. Findings imply that neither SA Equities nor REITs can serve as reliable inflation hedges. However, the findings also imply that the relationship between inflation and the returns of these assets is nuanced and may depend on the nature of inflation (actual, expected, or unexpected). The findings will assist investors in making investment decisions, especially on protecting their wealth from excessive inflation.Item A creative business venture to promote youth development in townships(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Ngidi, Tebogo Lorna; Venter, RobertFrom the apartheid era up until the current state, unemployment has been a challenge in South Africa, especially amongst the young people in underprivileged townships (Hodge, 2009). To try and redress this, profit and non-profit sectors have undertaken a mixture of commercialised and social tasks to respond to changes that occur within the economic and social contexts (Social Enterprise Alliance , 2021). Such tasks include start-up businesses, interactive technologies and constantly evolving demographics that try to reach different aspects of life (Social Enterprise Alliance , 2021). It is through such convergences that social entrepreneurships were established. This social entrepreneurship project investigates whether a more creative business venture can assist with regards to promoting youth development in townships. According to Venter and Urban (2015), government support on its own is not enough to meet societal demands. This is more especially with regards to wicked problems that tend to be more complex to tackle due to its interlocked nature with other issues. Even though social entrepreneurship operates in diverse realms within the community, for the context of this research paper, this project investigates the introduction of newer and more creative business ventures within the Southwest Townships (SOWETO), a township that accommodates close to half of the Gauteng population. The report draws on the findings from reviewed literature and interviews with various stakeholders; entrepreneurs (both new and established), community support institutions and the local government.Item A customer communication application for organisations(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Netangaheni, Shumani; Horvey, Sylvester SenyoThe aim of this study was to investigate the need for an integrated communication application dedicated to service communication for organizations as well as to determine factors that users consider important for the adoption of a new communication mobile application system. This study is important to the building of an application where resources are constrained and need to be traded off. The growth of social media has seen a rise in the need for consumers to instantly want access to information that is of importance to them. It is for this reason that communication has become a commodity that organizations invest in to build stronger relationships with their customers. However, it is not always easy for organizations to get it right as the communication methods they rely on may not be efficient or cost effective. It is for this reason that theoretical work was consulted to determine a need for a central communication application which various organizations can plug into to publish messages when they have service failure or recovery. The literature advised of a need but for a different problem. Primary data was collected from respondents using a survey where respondents were asked if they would use an integrated mobile application dedicated to communication when their service providers have service failure and when the service has recoveredItem A Digital Platform Car Wash Business(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ndlovu, CeboThe Car Wash Digital Platform (App) is a new business venture that addresses the problem of customers needing a convenient car wash service. This study was aimed at evaluating the viability of this new business venture. A customer discovery was conducted using an online survey to test if potential customers would be interested in such a service. The customer discovery was only made on the end user customer who would request the car wash service. The customer discovery for the service providers was not completed due to time limitations. This project's competitive advantages include the convenience it will provide to its clients in addition to fuel and mileage saved by not having to drive to a particular car wash facility. The time saved from driving to and from the car wash service provider is another competitive advantage of this business venture. The New Business Venture adopted the Lean Business Canvas as its business strategy model. The data from the online survey contributed to mapping the Lean Business Canvas. The marketing strategy was developed by using the marketing mix of customer segmentation, the 4 Ps of marketing, and Porter’s five forces model. The financial analyses indicated that the new business venture could break even in its first year of operation and generate an estimated Net Profit Margin of 40% by the fourth yearItem A meal preparation and delivery service business in Maseru(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Raphuthing, LomileThe purpose of this study was to assess consumer preference for an online meal ordering and payment service in the food industry in Maseru, Lesotho. This service would offer office bound workers delivery of a variety of light meal alternatives, even catering for specific dietary preferences such as Banting and vegetarian. Lesotho is a small landlocked country in Southern Africa, wholly encircled by South Africa, and one of 46 countries that falls into the United Nations category of Least Developed Countries (LDCs) (UN, 2019). With South Africa being a more developed country and with better facilities and services all round, Basotho people continuously import South African goods, services, and culture, including ways of eating (Rantšo, 2017). In many areas of urban South Africa, consumers take it for granted that they can access a variety of prepared meals and have them to their door. This experience companies likes Mr. Delivery and Uber eats have made ordinary. Conversely, very few delivery services currently exist in Lesotho. The research explored the preference of Maseru’s working-class towards a new meal preparation start-up offering a menu with freshly prepared healthy eating alternatives paired with the convenience of delivery to the office in time for their lunch break. The research question was answered by collecting data from 60 potential customers, being office bound workers, from both the private and public sectors in Maseru within the 24 to 50 year age range. Data was collected using an electronic survey and analysed using Microsoft Excel and a statistical programme called Jasp.014. Frequencies and related graphs were created in Microsoft Excel, while Jasp.014 was used for Chi-Square calculations.Item A series of experimental analyses into the Disposition Effect and its manifestations among South African investor teams(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Shandu, Philani; Alagidede, IhmotepIn behavioural finance literature, there is a significant amount of both empirical and experimental evidence to suggest that prior outcomes impact investment decisions through cognitive biases which most (if not all) human investors succumb to. Among the most pervasive of these biases is the disposition effect, which manifests as the tendency of the investor to sell winning stocks too soon and hold on to losing stocks for too long (Shefrin and Statman, 1985). Critically, the disposition effect is understood to lead to suboptimal portfolio returns (i.e., suboptimal levels of investor welfare). While there have been several studies in other emerging markets, studies remain few in Africa and do not address some of the important issues underpinning the intensity and nature of the disposition effect among African investors. This thesis responds to this gap by designing and analysing several field experiments which explore causal relationships between psycho-social, public health-related, and socio-political factors and the emergence, prevalence, and intensity of the disposition effect among South African university student investor teams participating in the 2019, 2020, and 2021 runs of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Investment Challenge. The thesis is organised into three experimental studies, each speaking to specific theme/s that form the research’s core objective while employing unique data and sound econometric techniques known to be relevant to experimental analysis in finance studies. The first study in Chapter 2 of the thesis endeavours to determine (i) whether the disposition effect exists among South African investor teams, (ii) whether it is causally intensified by a set of psycho-social factors, and (iii) whether the disposition effect causally reduces investor welfare. Among the study’s main findings are that South African investor teams are susceptible to the disposition effect, and that their susceptibility to the bias causally attenuates their investor welfare. Furthermore, low female representation in an investor team is found to causally intensify the disposition effect, subsequently leading to a decrease in investor welfare. Using ii evidence from real-world observation, the study contributes to the literature on team gender diversity and investment decision-making, and – using Hofstede’s (2001) cultural dimensions – it offers a comprehensive account for how differences in culture may lead to differences in gender-related disposition effects across different nationalities. The study also introduces to the literature experimental evidence from the field that clearly demonstrates that – among South African investor teams – a causal relationship exists (i) between female representation and the disposition effect, and (ii) between the disposition effect and investor welfare.Item A theoretical analysis of how the enhancement of social media utilization can improve customer experience in South African retail banks(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2020) Rapitsi, LebohangPurpose: The banking industry has seen a rapid shift with the emergence of digital banks and non-direct competitors, as a result banks have responded with increased focus on the use of technology in efforts to defend market share. There is currently a lack of empirical evidence which relates to how the enhancement of social media usage by South African retail banks can improve customer experience. The purpose of this study is to examine empirical evidence to support the predictor effects of customer perception, service quality, customer satisfaction, with the aim of enhancing customer experience in retail banks by utilizing social media platforms. Design/Methodology/ Approach: The empirical study was of a quantitative nature, whereby factors pertaining to customer perceptions, service quality, customer satisfaction and customer experience were assessed accordingly. The sample consisted of 62 respondents from the various retail banks in South African. Various statistical tests were initiated in order to understand the relationships between the abovementioned variables. Findings: The results from the study indicate a positive relationship between customer satisfaction as a predictor of customer experience on social media platforms. The findings also suggest although there may be associations between service quality and customer perceptions with customer experience, they are however not significant. Implications: It is critical for retail banks to continue to seek innovative ways to improve customer experience. The benefit of utilizing social media platforms is that it allows for banks to establish valuable interactions with customers whilst leveraging information in order to understand the needs of their customersItem Access to finance by black-owned small and medium enterprises operating in the South African agro- processing sector(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Tjabadi, Jazzino; Mazonde, NomusaSmall and medium enterprises (SMEs) make a meaningful contribution to economic growth, job creation and poverty alleviation. Despite this, there is a low creation and high failure rate of new small businesses in South Africa. Access to finance is considered the main contributing factor, particularly amongst black-owned SMEs. South Africa has identified agro-processing industry as a sector with high potential to spur growth and create jobs because of strong linkage with primary agriculture. Against this background, this study sought to investigate the factors that hinder access to finance by black-owned SMEs operating in the agro-processing sector in South Africa and explore other key factors that threaten their long-term survival. This research contributes to solutions aimed at addressing the root causes attributable to SMEs’ inability to access funding from the formal financial institutions and government agencies. Using qualitative research method, data was collected from black SME entrepreneurs through semi-structured, in-depth interviews and analysed using content analysis. Purposeful sampling was used to identify and select the participants. The insights gained from the research highlights that black-owned SMEs are severely impacted by funding and market access issues, amongst others. The findings revealed that black SME entrepreneurs prefer to use own capital and/or funds from family and friends to start and grow their businesses. Complex processes, unsuitable financial products, high interest rates, unfavourable repayment terms and favouritism in government schemes were found to be amongst the key factors that discourage SMEs from applying for formal institutional finance. Other factors such as limited access to information about available funding sources and access to market opportunities significantly influence the long-term success of black- owned SMEs. To develop a sustainable, long-term financing model for SMEs, it is recommended that government, in partnership with the private financial institutions, establish a small business financing institution for SMEs in the agro-processing industry. To avoid the major deficiencies plaguing the existing government schemes, this should be a private, stand-alone entity funded by the government and private financial sector. The new institution should introduce new, innovative financing solutions that are tailored for start-up and early-stage SMEs.Item Adoption of embedded subscriber identity module (ESIM) technology services by South African smartphone users for international roaming(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Singh, SharonThe objective of this study was to investigate the factors that influence the intention to adopt ESIM (embedded SIM) technology for international roaming services by South African smartphone users. Currently, the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) is a physical hardware with an integrated chipset that is inserted into mobile handsets. Physical SIM cards allow a single profile to be provisioned for users. The next evolution in SIM card technology, ESIM, have the capability to support multiple user profiles. The development of services and new business models enabled through ESIM technology is dependent on the willingness of users to adopt these services. A theoretical model was developed using TAM as a basis with the additional constructs of trust and risk to test the intention to adopt international roaming services. A cross-sectional, quantitative study using an online survey instrument was employed. A sample size of 142 was collected. The sampling method used was a non-probability, convenience sampling technique and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was performed to examine the reliability and validity of the measures and the main conceptual model was tested using structural equation modelling (SEM). Perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness were identified as the most significant factors that influence the intention to adopt ESIM roaming services. Perceived usefulness was identified as significant mediating variable between perceived ease of use and intention to adopt. Perceived risk presented as statistically significant, direct influences on intention to adopt. The trust factor had an insignificant influence of the intention to adopt. The study’s findings form a basis for future research on ESIM enabled services. These findings are relevant to mobile operators, technology platform owners and developers of services for ESIM enabled devices (smartphones, wearables and internet of things devices) with the intent to understand factors that drive users’ intention to adopt serviceItem An analysis of the execution of digital transformation strategy in a large petrochemical organisation in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Billett, Leelind Timothy; Fanny, SarucheraThis research paper explored the implementation of digital transformation strategies in a South African petrochemical organization, focusing on the challenges, facilitators, and best practices for successful execution. The study sought to identify common pitfalls in digital transformation success, and solutions to overcome such. The methodology used in this study, which involved qualitative interviews with relevant stakeholders, was deemed appropriate for exploring the subjective experiences and perspectives of the interviewees on strategy execution. A sample population of 12 interview candidates were identified for their expertise and experience in digital transformation and digitisation implementations. The specific population of senior management and digital consultants responsible for interpreting digital transformation strategies was considered relevant and provides a targeted focus for the research objectives. A qualitative analysis tool Atlas. ti (Version 22) was used to analyse the data and derive codes and themes, which formed the basis of the findings and recommendations made in the research paper. The study revealed the importance of strategy execution in the petrochemical industry and identified key barriers and facilitative factors, which included end-user buy-in, resource allocation and executive support factors. The findings of this study reiterated the need for tailored strategies and approaches to implementation, as well as the importance of end-user buy-in and change management. Building on the insights gathered from the research, this paper proposed a framework for successful digital transformation execution, consisting of six interrelated factors: organisational approach, end-user buy-in, tailormade solutions, innovation, experimentation, and change management. The framework could guide organisations in executing their digital transformation goals more efficiently and effectively, taking into account the unique context and challenges faced by the petrochemical industry in South Africa. Overall, this paper highlights the importance of effective strategy execution in digital transformation initiatives, particularly in the petrochemical industry in South Africa. The proposed framework offers a practical guide for organizations seeking to achieve their digital transformation goals while contributing to the broader conversation around digital transformation strategy and executionItem An assessment of the intention to adopt blockchain technology (BCT) in SMEs: A South African Analysis(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Anderson, BrainThis study examines the factors influencing the intention to adopt blockchain technology (BCT) among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa. Despite the potential benefits of BCT, such as increased transparency, security, and efficiency, its adoption among businesses, especially SMEs in South Africa, is still relatively low. To address this gap, the study proposes a conceptual framework that extends the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) by including both internal and external variables. The study hypothesizes that these variables influence SMEs' perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use of BCT, which, in turn, influences their intention to adopt the technology. The internal variables in the framework include innovativeness, self-efficacy, and perceived system complexity, while the external variables include strategic orientation and social influence. To test the hypotheses, the study collects data from a survey of SMEs in South Africa, using a structured questionnaire. The survey includes questions on the SMEs' familiarity with BCT, their perceptions of its benefits and drawbacks, and their intentions to adopt the technology. The data is analysed using structural equation modelling to test the relationships between the variables. The findings of the study suggest that SMEs' intentions to adopt BCT are influenced by their perceptions of the technology's usefulness and ease of use, as well as their innovativeness, self-efficacy, and perceptions of system complexity. The study also finds that external factors, such as strategic orientation and social influence, play a significant role in influencing SMEs' intentions to adopt BCT. Overall, the study contributes to the literature on BCT adoption by extending the TAM with internal and external variables that are specific to the South African context. The study's findings have practical implications for SMEs in South Africa that are considering adopting BCT, as it can help them understand the factors that influence their intentions to adopt the technology. The study also provides recommendations for researchers who are interested in promoting the adoption of BCT among SMEs in South Africa.Item An Employee Perspective of Digital Adoption in a South African Bank(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Benjamin ,Jeremiah Joseph; Gobind, JenikaThis qualitative study aims to explore the factors influencing the adoption of digital technology by employees at a South African Bank. Traditional banks are being compelled to transform their ageing technology infrastructure and ways of working in order to remain competitive in the modern economy. This requires significant investment in the development and implementation of digital technology to be used by their employees. The adoption of technology by employees is necessary for banks to achieve their operational efficiency, customer experience, and performance growth objectivesItem An evaluation of the needs of the targeted public for the growth of Intravenous Vitamin Therapy Business in East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Aphane, AkhonaThe Intravenous Vitamin (IV) Emporium is a medical spa that offers a range of IV and mineral infusion therapy. Each IV drip, packed with a combination of vitamins, minerals anti-oxidants and electrolytes, and is specifically formulated to maximise overall health, performance and general well-being. In East London, there seems to be a lack of adequate resources and management for the proper administration of IV therapy and it is observed that there is no development plan in place for the integration of IV therapy in the healthcare. All these factors provokes the need for IV therapy to be implemented for the promotion of efficient intake of vitamins for the public and patients who are unable to take the nutrients orally or for their health and lifestyle needs. It is therefore against this background that this business venture proposal aims to develop and expand on the concept of the IV therapy business in East London to ensure accessibility to an alternative of oral ingestion of vitamins. Using an inductive approach, qualitative data was collected from the recent and relevant primary research articles. The business venture proposal utilised the medium of the secondary qualitative research design, to extract substantial amounts of data from various prevailing sources. The study forwarded that benefits of Vitamin therapies are huge if compared to their costs and effort of preparation. Vast literature have also proved the importance of the vitamin therapy business in East London and the Eastern Cape. However, the amount and dose of administration of Vitamin therapy should be carefully evaluated depending on the age, medical history and medical condition of the patient. The study recommended that health practitioners should work along with researchers and nutritionists to design the vitamin therapy regimes for the local population to elevate the general public health standards and reduce the deficiency of vitamins in the local population of East London and Eastern CapeItem An exploratory study on digital payments on B2B vehicle fleet expenses: A South African perspective(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Thomas, Justin NicholasManaging vehicle fleet expenses is crucial for businesses worldwide, as they significantly impact profitability. In this research study, we investigate the realm of digital fleet payments, covering aspects of fleet management and digital payment adoption. Our findings shed light on the prevailing practices and provide valuable insights to enhance existing research. Fleet expenses, including fuel, tolls, and repairs, rank among the top costs for companies, often comprising up to 60% of operational expenditure. Effective fleet management is vital to control costs and maximise profitability. While transport-focused businesses typically have dedicated fleet management resources, non-transport-focused companies often rely on outsourcing fleet solutions. These solutions encompass various services beyond telematics devices, assisting in cost control, driver management, and vehicle performance optimisation. Key players in the industry include banking institutions, insurance companies, telematics providers, vehicle manufacturers, oil companies, and data analytics firms. Fuel and repair costs alone constitute 35% of the total cost of owning a vehicle fleet, making cost management a crucial aspect of remaining competitive. For many businesses, fleet-related expenses, such as fuel, tolls, and maintenance, account for approximately 50% of operational costs. Ensuring comprehensive cost visibility and appropriate management has become an imperative business goal. To conduct this research, we conducted a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with a sample group of eight participants, consisting of CEOs, executives, senior managers, and industry experts in digital fleet payments in South Africa. Our findings revealed that fleet cards, still utilising magstripe technology, are the primary digital payment mechanism businesses in South Africa employ. However, the market is evolving with the emergence of safer options, such as contactless payments and EMV (encrypted chip and pin). Digital fleet payment solutions offer numerous advantages, including simplicity, spending control, billing consolidation, and fuel and maintenance information access. However, obstacles like the outdated three-party paradigm, limited international transaction utility, and credit restrictions for Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) hinder the adoption of digital fleet management systems. Security concerns, including fraud and fuel theft, also pose iii challenges. Despite these obstacles, digital fleet payments have shown the potential to enhance B2B fleet management through improved efficiency, cost reduction, and innovative solutionItem An implementation framework for BYOD in a selected state-owned enterprise(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2020) Mokoena, Elliot; Pellissier, ReneThis study will explore the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) phenomenon in South African State-Owned Enterprise, Transnet. The concept has become significant during the global pandemic lockdown and the resultant slowing of the economy forcing state-owned enterprises to review their cost saving measures. The objective is to identify critical factors influencing BYOD implementation with the purpose of understanding how these factors shape the actions of the information technology portfolio at Transnet. The Perceived e-Readiness Model (PERM) is adopted to identify contextual BYOD adoption factors. There are several studies conducted on the corporate adoption of BYOD, but few have investigated the phenomenon from state-owned enterprise (SOE) perspective in South Africa specifically. The study highlights the importance of technological and organisational readiness in the adoption of BYOD. Due to the complexities in cyber security, the study further highlights the importance of IT security to ensure correct adoption of BYOD as a response to continued work from home response during the Covid-19 pandemic, securing both the user’s privacy and confidentiality as well as the organisational goals of productivity.Item An institutional and stakeholder perspective of governance, ethics and trust in State Operated Enterprises(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Manda, More IcksonState-Operated Enterprises (SOEs) in South Africa continue to face significant challenges impacting their performance. Governance and other ethical concerns have been identified as factors that have impacted the performance of SOEs. Consequently, trust in SOEs among stakeholders such as the state, business, civil society, and citizens has been eroded. This study explores corporate governance in SOEs using an institutional and stakeholder perspective to examine the relationship between trust, corporate governance, and ethics in institutions. The study is a quantitative study that uses a survey as its primary method of collecting data. Findings were triangulated with evidence from documents and literature. The study was conducted in South Africa, a middle-income developing country and young democracy confronted by many challenges, such as corruption, decreasing public trust and investor and businessconfidence. This has spotlighted theoretical and practical issues such as corporate governance. The study proposed a framework for strengthening trust and corporate governance to restore legitimacy in institutions, an essential factor in building strong, responsible, and capable institutions that deliver value to shareholders and stakeholders. The study also made practical recommendations for strengthening ethics, governance, and trustItem Analysing key factors considered by consumers before adopting 5G- enabled services in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Du Plessis, Jacobus Hercules; Sony, MichaelWith the mainstream deployment of new 5G mobile data technologies and the growing pressures of social influence, linked with the widespread impact Fake news, it is concerning what effect the before mentioned factors have on consumer adoption of 5G-enabled services has been a growing concern. The main objective of this study was to analyse key factors that consumers consider before adopting 5G-enabled services in South Africa. Value-based adoption model (VAM) was extended to develop a correlational model by adding factors, Social influence, Fake news knowledge to the existing model. The research model was tested by analysing the results from 140 online respondents by employing structural equation modelling (SEM) technique. The result from the study shows the weak but negative impact that consumer sacrifice has on consumer’s perception of value and ultimately consumer adoption. The impact of social influence was also explored but it found not to be significant. Furthermore the results from the study illustrate the significant relationship between Perceived Value which further influences consumer's intentions to adopt 5G enabled services. The last part of the study explores the impact that Fake News has on consumer adoption, and the results prove that the higher the consumer's knowledge of the identification of Fake News is, the less effect it has in dampening the positive effect that social influence had on consumer adoption. Results from this study are also contrasted against the results from previous studies, and the impact of the study on practitioners and researchers is discussedItem Analysing the state of trade union membership in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Orelowitz, Menachem Mendel; Sibanda, TonderaiThe purpose of the research is to understand the reason for the decline in trade union density in South Africa. Trade unions worldwide have seen a huge decline in their membership density. South Africa is no different. There has been a lot of research regarding the effectiveness of trade union towards the economy and the country. The importance in understanding the reasons for this decline allow for measures to be put in place by the trade unions in order to reverse this. Trade unions have been around for decades and have given their members a huge number of benefits in the work place. The research was conducted through interviews with members of trade unions as well as leadership members within these trade unions. These participants were chosen at random but had to be a current or past member. This research was qualitative in nature which allowed for more in-depth research. Trade union membership make up currently for 25% of the work force. The majority of members have had some disappointing experience from the trade union due to a lack of service delivery. Even though members acknowledged that they lacked proper service delivery from trade unions, members still would not want to represent themselves against their employer. Members need trade unions for security. The increased knowledge and results against the employer, the trade unions bring, is still creating some benefits for their members. Members are the core and backbone of trade unions. They need to be treated as paying customers, that require the best service from trade union continuously throughout their membership. Trade unions need members in order to gain strength through numbers. The ability for trade union to acknowledge this and focus on not just giving the minimum to their members will allow for a turnaround in the decline of trade union densityItem Antecedents and consequences of brand preference in the cement industry(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Pitso, Goitumetswe; Ligaraba, NeoThe study investigates the antecedents and outcomes of brand preference in the South African Cement Industry. The theoretical groundings of the study are the Theory of Brand Equity and the Theory of Planned Behaviour. The constructs examined include brand image, perceived quality, price, the influence of others, sales promotions, packaging, brand preference, word-of-mouth, and purchase intention. Design/Methodology A self-administered questionnaire was employed and obtained 260 valid responses. Structural Equation Modelling was used to test the proposed conceptual model and CFA was used to measure the relationship between the variables using SPSS v28 and AMOS. Findings The findings of the study revealed that perceived quality, brand image, price and the influence of others positively impact brand preference. Furthermore, the study found brand preference positively influences word-of-mouth and purchase intentions. The study revealed that sales promotion and packaging do not play significant roles as antecedents of brand preference in the cement industry. Originality/Value This study explored the choice of cement brand from a business-to-business point of view and from a retail to consumer point of view. As far as the author knows, this is first study to investigate brand preference in the South African Cement IndustryItem Antecedents and consequences of online customer brand engagement in business-to-business in an emerging market(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Sibanda, Tonderai Gilbert; Yvonne Kabeya , SainiThe purpose of the research is to study the antecedents and consequences of online CBE in the context of emerging markets and B2B. The role of mediators between CBE and its consequences is yet to be fully explored. CBE has not been studied much in the B2B context in emerging markets. Data was collected from ICT decision makers in South African and Kenya through an online survey on Qualtrics. In total, four studies were done, namely, a pilot study in South Africa, two main studies in South Africa using different samples and the last one in Kenya. A PLS structural equation modelling (SEM) was performed to test the hypothesis using SmartPLS4. A mediation analysis was done to check the effect on mediators between online CBE and its consequences. The research shows that involvement, brand equity, participation and brand love are antecedents of online CBE. Relationship quality amplifies the effect of online CBE on its consequences, namely loyalty, brand advocacy, brand preference and purchase intention. This research provides business and brand managers with ideas on how to approach online CBE in B2B. It shows that a multidimensional approach to online CBE is better because each of the online CBE components are affected by the antecedents differently and each one has a different effect on the consequences. Mediators amplify the effect of online CBE on its consequences. This thesis makes a contribution in four ways: a) It makes an incremental scholarly contribution by bringing together constructs from various cognate theories and study areas relating to relationship management; and investigates how the predictors of customer brand engagement and how customer brand engagement predicts the outcome variables, b) It makes a practical contribution in the sense that it adds to our understanding of the factors that influence customer brand engagement and the expected outcomes of customer brand engagement in practice, c) It also makes a contribution relating to the study of emerging market contexts by drawing data from more than one emerging market country, namely, South Africa and Kenya d) The thesis delves into highly significant and relevant topics, with a notable focus on introducing the construct (CBE) in the B2B context, ii incorporating data from emerging markets. This pioneering inclusion of CBE in a new context highlights the thesis's exceptional contribution, as well as originality, bridging a research gap and expanding knowledge in the field.