Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters/MBA)

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Resolving Inter- and Extra-group Discord Between Forestry and Milling Industries Using Photo-optical Technology
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022-03) Bierman, Rohan; Penman, Neale
TWK Agri timber mills purchase significant volumes of timber from the forestry division of the group and external plantations. A process is followed when timber arrives at a mill to determine the volume of timber to pay in tons, and this process utilises a conversion factor to convert cubic meters to tons. This conversion factor, 1.37 m3/ton, has been in use for many years, although recently it has become apparent that timber suppliers are dissatisfied with this value as they believe it to be longer representative of the state of timber being supplied to the mills. Importantly, the conversion factor has a direct impact on the amount that suppliers are compensated. The implications of low trust relationships with disgruntled suppliers of a key raw material cannot be overstated: if suppliers withdraw from supply agreements, the timber mills will be unable to meet the demand of the mining industry and other markets. This consulting report is concerned with investigating whether the conversion factor is still representative or should be adjusted. The means of conducting this investigation is using a photo-optical mobile device application, Timbeter, which can determine the volume of timber on a truck through photographing every stack and inputting the length of the logs. The application can identify each log and size it accordingly to calculate volume. The implication is that it has greater accuracy than the current manual method to determine volume. Using volume data from the Timbeter application of trucks measured from February to October 2021, along with weighbridge data, the actual factors were statistically analysed in comparison with the current factor, as well as reviewing other variables of stack density for varying timber diameter classes, species, and season. It is shown that the current factor is no longer suitable and should be adjusted to 1.24 m3/ton. This will have a profound impact on suppliers in terms of additional revenue; using volume measurements from Timbeter with the new factor the timber mills would pay a minimum additional R7.2 – R7.8m to all suppliers combined. However, with better recovery from lower input volumes calculated, the timber mills can calculate lower cost prices for products, thereby increasing gross profit. It was also imperative to investigate the perceptions of key individuals employed at the timber mills in relation to technology and the implementation of Timbeter as a technological solution to calculate timber volume on trucks. This qualitative study was conducted through semi-structured interviews and identifying the main themes into which the response data could be grouped. Four main themes were identified, covering operational challenges, supplier treatment, training and implementation and acknowledging the issues that arise with new technology implementation. The main conclusions from the quantitative and qualitative components of the consulting project were presented. Finally, recommendations were made in respect of the conclusions from the quantitative and qualitative components.
A digital fraud strategy framework for banks and insurance companies in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022-08) Mahlangu, Cecilia Nonhlanhla Pretty; Oro, Oro Ufuo
South African banks and insurance companies have been focused on transforming and accelerating their digital strategies. There has been much focus for most organisations on providing products or services across various digital platforms. As a result, fraudsters are also finding new ways to commit fraud on the same digital platforms. Consequently, digital fraud numbers have increased, and banks and insurance companies should ensure that they implement suitable measures that will help them predict, prevent, detect, monitor, and respond to digital fraud in real time while protecting their customers' financial goals and improving customer experience. Existing studies have revealed components of combating digital fraud for the South African financial service providers, but no study on a holistic digital fraud strategy framework has been conducted. The aim of this research is therefore to evaluate a digital fraud strategy framework for South African banks and insurance companies, and to obtain a better understanding of how to combat digital fraud for South African banks and insurance companies. A mixed-methods approach was used in this study, in which participants in the banking and insurance industry were surveyed, and digital fraud subject matter experts were interviewed. Data analysis revealed that organisational structure, education and awareness, policies, big data, and analytics all have an impact on reducing digital fraud for South African banking and insurance institutions. The study also found that government legislation does not affect the reduction of digital fraud. South African banking and insurance institutions therefore need to implement appropriate measures that will help combat digital fraud. Keywords:
Challenges of hybrid working in the Sub-Saharan mining industry
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Dube, Miriam
The Covid-19 pandemic accelerated the shift to hybrid working models. Several industries especially in information technology had started implementing the different working models and post Covid-19 more and more industries started adopting the hybrid working models. Mining companies resorted back to the traditional on site in office working however this won’t be long as research indicates that more employees are opting for flexibility that comes with hybrid work models. The future of work theme is receiving a lot of attention because of how technologies through the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) will change how we work. To facilitate a smooth transition to hybrid working models mining companies in Sub Sahara Africa (SSA) must address challenges that impede hybrid working models. During Covid when employees worked remotely mining companies experienced challenges which include poor infrastructure that did not support working from home, employees failing to use the available technology and some social impacts related to work life balance. Existing research also indicates the challenges of hybrid working models; however, it only covers certain industries and continents. The challenges ultimately affected the productivity of the employees, and the mining companies were forced to revert to the traditional working model. As far as we know, no previous research has investigated the challenges for mining companies in SSA. The study seeks to determine the challenges of hybrid working models in the mining industry how the mining companies can navigate through these challenges as they prepare for the future of work. The study has significant benefits to the mining organisation and its managers as it will assist them in identifying challenges of hybrid working and formulating means of embracing this the future of work. The self-determination theory (SDT) and resource-based view theory (RBV) frameworks were used to link existing knowledge to this research. Qualitative research was used to collect, process, and analyse the data for this research. Through in-depth interviews of participants in Ghana, South Africa Tanzania and Guinea, the researcher formulated themes that enabled the analysis of the findings. The research revealed the challenges of hybrid working models in SSA mining industry and how management could navigate these. There is opportunity for further research, and all this is outlined in this research.
Factors influencing coupon redemption in direct marketing campaigns in the South African retail market
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Dlamini, Reagan Wonder; Qwaye, Emmanual
Coupons are discounts offered by businesses to drive consumers to buy specific products or services. Companies continue to invest in coupons as a marketing tool however, the redemption of these coupons remain extremely low at around 2% mainly due to little being known about the factors that influence coupon redemption. This study focuses on identifying factors influencing coupon redemption within the South African retail industry. Secondary data was collected from one of the South African retail companies. The data consisted of consumers that the retailer had targeted with a coupon campaign during the period June 2020 to June 2021. A Quantitative method was used where a set of independent variables from demographics, consumer behaviour and coupon design were identified and analysed to understand their influence on coupon redemption. The study finds that factors such as offering coupons that are redeemable in a wider range of products, targeting consumers that have shown previous redemption behaviour and offering a deeper discount increases coupon redemption. While, offering coupons on a product where a consumer has never spent or has low spending behaviour, framing coupons in percentages as well as sending more coupons to a consumer at the same time decreases coupon redemption.
Technological innovation, entrepreneurial orientation, and performance of micro, small, and medium enterprises in Ghana
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Abebrese, Rose; Dorson, Thomas
Technological innovation and entrepreneurial orientation are noted to be key ingredients for business success. Given that advanced economies enjoy the benefits of technological innovation and entrepreneurial orientation, emerging economies are rolling out programmes and projects to facilitate technological innovation and entrepreneurial orientation. However, empirical studies that bring forth the benefits of technological innovation and entrepreneurial orientation is scanty. With partial least square structural equation modelling, we explore the relationship between technological innovation, entrepreneurial orientation, and performance of MSMEs in Ghana. Specifically, the research examined the effect of technological innovation on entrepreneurial orientation in MSMEs in Ghana, assessed the effect of technological innovation on the performance of MSMEs in Ghana and analysed the combined effect of technological innovation and entrepreneurial orientation on the performance of MSMEs. Primary data was collected from using closed-ended structured questionnaire between the period of 31 March 2022 to 1 June 2022 and analysed with the Structural Equation Modelling based on Partial Least Squares. The analysis and discussion of the study utilized the Schumpeterian theory of innovation and the resource-based theory. The findings of this study confirm the positive and substantial influence of technological innovation and entrepreneurial orientation on performance, aligning with the foundational principles of resource-based theory, which highlights the pivotal role of resources in gaining competitive advantage. It is advised that managers of MSMEs instill organizational practices steeped in technological innovation and entrepreneurial orientation and anchored in knowledge. Additionally, these managers should foster an environment where innovative ideas and solutions from their employees are not only welcomed but encouraged. The study also underscores the significance of the policy recommendations derived from these results
Outage management planning and performance within a South African energy service provider
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Choche, Segomotso; Gobind, Jenika
The study was motivated by our nation's present energy crisis; the electrical energy supply company has been fighting to keep the lights on since 2008, and the research is based on outage management planning. The organization’s core function is to ascertain that the power plants are dependable, that planned maintenance and outage work is properly planned and that completion dates are met to produce electricity continuously. This research report focuses on outage planning in the energy supply industry, including the planning process, procedures, and tools used to ensure that when a unit is taken out of service for a planned outage, it will be put back into service on schedule, within the budget that has been set, and to the specified quality standard. The unit is expected to operate in accordance with the defined performance standard up to its next scheduled outage to deliver a dependable service. The study focuses on outage planning difficulties, optimum planning performance techniques, and planning process gaps. This is a qualitative research study which employs the thematic analysis approach of semi-structured interviews with staff members of the outage department at five power stations in the Eskom Generation division to explore the difficulties, gaps, and performance status and gather descriptive data. The research findings demonstrated that from the themes developed the challenges faced by the outage planning team are, the late release of funding, funding shortage, the scope of work that’s undefined, procurement challenges and lack of expertise. The outage planning process is not the issue, rather, it is the lack of commitment to it that makes it difficult to achieve the established outage planning standards The recommendations reached on reducing the inefficiencies are divided into five disciplines including the main challenges; Engineering for undefined scope of work, Finance for the late release of funds, Procurement to deal with delayed orders, Human resource for the lack of expertise, and Process for outage planning process shortcomings.
The Role of Consultants in Ensuring Compliance to Engineering Standards in Steel Fabrication Projects
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Khumalo, Buhlebezwe; Owusu Junio, Peterson
This research paper investigates the role played by engineering consultants on steel fabrication projects to provide compliance to engineering standards. Complying to all engineering standards increases chances of considering the project as successful. With significant number of engineering project that have failed, it was important to investigate the client’s satisfaction on the work conducted by engineering consultants. Criteria such as importance of engineering consultant, value added by engineering consultants and the percentage amount to be paid consultants were used to investigate clients’ satisfaction on the work done by engineering consultants on steel fabrication projects. Literature review revealed that engineering consultants need to keep up with latest technology to be able to comply with the engineering standards. Sharing of information was one the emphasis put by literature on the mandate for engineering consultants to assist the steel fabrication industry to grow. Results from the chosen sample indicated that 95% of clients involved in steel fabrication projects feels engineering consultants are important and should be remunerated between 10% and 20% of the total project cost. Engineering consultants were praised for assisting on compliance to standards. Clients indicated that engineering consultants do add value on steel fabrication projects. It is recommended as future research to investigate how satisfied engineering consultants are on steel fabrication projects. It is recommended to further investigate the engineering consultants’ satisfaction to conclude the study on the performance of the whole steel fabrication industry. Engineering consultants also need to indicate how working with clients have been to ensure the required delivery. They could indicate the challenges experience and factors that have contributed to their success. They could also indicate the gaps that will need to be closed to make the steel fabrication industry a highly successful sector. All these opinions could be integrated with those obtained from this report to ensure that a complete view of the industry is obtained.
Exploring the impact of compliance with legislation on service delivery in Municipalities
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Kamati, Solomon Solly; Kepadisa, ebogang Violet
The National government has promulgated laws that dictate how Municipalities govern their affairs. The annual Auditor-General audit outcomes show whether Municipalities are complying with these laws. The study explored the impact of compliance to legislation on service delivery in Municipalities by doing a comparative study of two Municipalities being Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality and Midvaal Local Municipality. The study further explored the challenges faced by the Municipalities in implementing the laws and how they deal with these challenges. Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality has been getting adverse audit outcomes while Midvaal Local Municipality has been getting clean audits for the past five years. The study has shown that just having the required policies and structures is not enough. The institution must implement these policies and there has to be consequence management where same are not complied with. That is the case with Midvaal. The study further showed that political interference in the administration and political instability lead to poor compliance and consequently poor service delivery. It is recommended that government, through the security services and the Auditor-General, enforce compliance with the Local government legal framework. This will do away with political interference and actions will be taken against those that transgress the law
Assessing seaport operational efficiency: the case of South African seaports
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Gong, Hao; Saruchera, Fanny
Along with the economic globalization development, the volume of international trade has increased tremendously. The seaport is vital in coordinating and integrating global trade activities and supply chains. This study sought to assess the efficiency of the four major South African seaports from 2016 to 2021. Along with the influencing factors and challenges analysis, appropriate recommendations were given to policymakers and port users to enhance seaport efficiency. In this study, a three-stage approach was undertaken. Firstly, the relative efficiency among the selected South African seaports was observed based on the output-oriented Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) approach. Secondly, the Malmquist Productive Index (MPI) was used to indicate the efficiency changes from 2016 to 2021. Thirdly, a combined analysis of the survey and Tobit regression was performed to analyse the factors that influence the seaport efficiency of South Africa. Both secondary data and primary data were collected and analysed. In other words, a mixed method of qualitative and quantitative analysis was adapted in this study. Among all the four seaports, the port of Cape Town turned out to be a relatively more efficient seaport during the studied period. The trend of the efficiency changes of all the selected seaports was first increasing, then decreasing and then increasing, among which Port Elizabeth reached optimal efficiency in 2019. The decline in seaport efficiency was mainly concentrated between 2019 and 2020, apparently due to the impact of COVID-19. The Port of Cape Town was deemed the most efficient seaport, followed by the Port of Ngqura and Port Elizabeth, while the Port of Durban was deemed the least efficient. The scale of the seaport and advanced technology impacted the four ports differently. The Port of Durban is in relatively high demand for upgraded technology. Education level, registered capital, shipping routes, designed capacity, throughput and the economy of the port city positively affect seaport efficiency, while the population of the port city affects seaport efficiency negatively. It emerged that South African seaports' main challenges are coastal congestion, sustainability development, and balancing investment and revenue. Technical development and external competition also challenge improving seaport efficiency. One of the areas of further research could be how technology improves a specific South African seaport efficiency
Digital banking penetration in underserved communities in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Mdluli, Ntokozo; Totowa, Jacques
This purpose of this research paper is to investigate the impact that the closing of bank branches and the influence of digital banking as an alternative has on the banking population in underserved communities. For the purposes of the study, these communities are those that face barriers and challenges in gaining access to and using resources. Access to electricity, problems with broadband infrastructure or internet connectivity, employment, language, and literacy are just a few of the issues. With the rapid rate of bank branch closures globally and in South Africa, which are due to a variety of factors such as operational cost savings for banking institutions, looting unrest that resulted in property destruction, and the rate of digitalization, underserved communities are at risk of becoming financially excluded. The study sought to answer four research questions. Understanding the factors that influence underserved communities' banking activities, investigating the impact of traditional banking channel closures such as bank branches on underserved communities, determining whether the traditional banking channel closures result in financial exclusion of underserved communities, and making recommendations to banking institutions on how to lessen the impact of traditional banking channel closures. As part of the study, the researcher used a quantitative research approach, distributing a questionnaire to 179 members of underserved communities across South Africa. The key findings of the research showed that the results for two out of four hypotheses were statistically significant. We were able to show that the closure of bank branches increases the use of digital banking in underserved communities and may result in financial exclusion of people in underserved communities. In contrast to the literature review findings, we discovered that bank branches have no influence or impact on the community in underserved areas, and that issues with electricity and internet connectivity, a lack of digital literacy, and security concerns do not prevent underserved communities from using digital banking
The impact of barriers to Inter-Company Innovation flows and Corporate Entrepreneurship at a Financial Services Organisation in Johannesburg
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Maseko, Buyisile; Matshabaphala, Manamela
Background: Increasing stability and improving the quality of services are the main challenges facing the financial industry since the 2008 fiscal crisis. In this paper, we explored the barriers within large financial services firms that influence the effectiveness of disruptive and radical innovation. Providing quality services to customers is one of the pillars of financial services companies. It is imperative that they continuously innovate their services in order to sustain their revenue streams in tough macroeconomic times and amid rapid technological growth. Research Purpose: This paper investigated the barriers that impact the inter-company innovation flow in the financial service sector and corporate entrepreneurship. In simple terms, we examined the link between corporate entrepreneurship and financial innovation and how barriers to these flows can impact inter-company innovation. As part of this study, we examined the factors that predict service innovation in the financial services sector such as management support, work discretion, rewards and reinforcement, and organisational boundaries. Setting: A survey questionnaire was conducted with employees within a Financial Services Organisation in South Africa - across various designations. Research Method and Approach: In order to gather responses from all levels of employees within one of the country's leading banks, a case study approach was adopted. To gather quantitative data, an online survey was conducted using scales for corporate entrepreneurship and service innovation. The inferential statistics were based on multiple linear regressions and factor analysis. Main Findings: Several major barriers to innovation and change were identified in the emerging findings, including bureaucracy, poor communication, lack of engagement by employees, management challenges and risk aversion. Based on the study's findings, corporate entrepreneurship predicted certain dimensions of service innovation. There was a significant (p 0.05) correlation between rewards and recognition, management support, and time availability on the basis of service innovation. Service innovation was not significantly influenced by work discretion or organisational boundaries. Using employee perceptions of barriers to innovation and change, this study provides managers and practitioners with insight into how to improve the organizational conditions to support innovation and change. Based on the results of this study, further research can be conducted in this field. Value of Research: The insights gained from this study can help companies improve commercial services and build competitive advantage through corporate entrepreneurship and address inter-company innovation barriers. According to the results, the financial services industry is unable to innovate in response to society's demand for radical change. Identifying the internal barriers to potential disruptions and radical innovations in large financial services firms are the purpose of this study
Factors influencing employee retention in the South African manufacturing industry
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Masangwana, Asanda; Venter, Robert
This research project was to look at the relationship between employee development, remuneration, workplace environment and employee retention. In South Africa, many younger workers are willing to change jobs and move on with their careers, and this could be exacerbated by the changing workplace environment. Therefore, it is important to investigate the relationship between employee development, remuneration, workplace environment and employee retention. The key research goals of this study were to see whether there was a link between employee development and retention, to see if there was a link between workplace environment and retention, and to see if there was a link between remuneration and employee retention. The quantitative research method was applied to achieve the research objectives of this study. The quantitative data used in this study was collected by means of an online survey and there were 187 research respondents who are employees in the manufacturing industry in South Africa. The data collected was analysed using SPSS Statistics 28. The study's findings indicate a favourable association between employee development and employee retention in South Africa's manufacturing industry. This result is statistically significant at a 5% level (p-value < 0.001). Further, in South Africa's manufacturing industry, there is also a positive correlation between the workplace environment and employee retention. This result is also statistically significant at a 5% level (p-value < 0.001). In addition, there is a positive relationship between remuneration and employee retention in the manufacturing sector in South Africa. However, this outcome lacks statistical significance at a 5% level (p-value = 0.372). The study recommends promotion of openness in terms information access and reward system for all employees, provision of career development opportunities, performance-based promotions, competitive bonuses and other incentives, and reward of outstanding performance of all employees.
The role of data analytics in formulating a business model in the South African metals manufacturing sector
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2020) Maimela, Kelebogile; Munkuli, Bongani
Technological advancements are a contributing factor to the success of any business, especially with globalisation mandating flexibility within businesses. The survival of the metals manufacturing companies is dependent on many variables, but the focus will be placed on the role of data analytics in business models. A quantitative approach was used to collect the data utilising Qualtrics software and data were recorded on Excel before being coded and then loaded onto the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software system. All employees in the metals manufacturing companies in South Africa made up the population for this study. The results revealed a relationship between data analytics and business insight involved in developing a business model. In the absence of data, the level of success in decision making is compromised. Over 80 percent of respondents emphasised the importance of data required in making decisions. The ability to make informed decisions gives companies a competitive edge, but a dynamic capability is evidenced through people’s experience in data analysis. The data collected were analysed using quantitative data analysis tools such as chi-squared tests and Cramer’s phi tests, which indicated that data play a pivotal role in developing business models
Social and Labour Plans and wellbeing of South African mining communities
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Letsoalo, Katlego; Pooe, T.K
The mining industry in South Africa has been instrumental to the developed of the economy however legacy issues were inherited by the Republic as a result of apartheid policy that existed and were key to the mining sector. A number of policies aimed at ensuring that the broader society and mining host communities benefit from mining activity were introduced by government. Despite the policies and initiatives implemented by mining companies and local government, these communities continue to protest due to lack of basic needs in these areas. This raises the question of whether development initiatives these communities are effective. The relationship between mining companies, communities and local government is captured in the MPRDA with a focus on Social and Labour plans (SLP). This relationship is explored using Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which apply to all countries and reflect universal goals and targets that define the global community's desire and opportunity towards a sustainable future. They study will using SDGs to optimal evaluate whether mining companies and local government have really improved the standard of living in these communities and the overall well-being
The alignment of sub-cultures and performance within different operational units
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Lemekoana, Anna; Stacey, Anthony
This study investigates the alignment of subculture with performance in different units that forms an operation within a firm. Subcultures form when there is alteration in organizational structures, mainly due to outsourcing of specialized skills in the form of contractors. According to McLaughlin (2021), subculture emerges because of physical separation, departmental skill specialization, functional specialty, tenure, and identity. These subcultures can either promote or impede the performance of sub-units within a single operation and ultimately affect the overall performance of the operation. The objective of this study is to assess the existing subcultures in different operational units of New Vaal surface plant; explore the relationship between subculture and performance, and lastly to determine the ideal culture that supports good performance. The research design is quantitative in nature. A survey instrument was used to assess the existing cultures in the seven sub-units that collectively forms New Vaal surface plant operation. The survey questionnaires were mainly informed by the literature, but some were adopted from the OCAI (organizational culture assessment instrument) model which is highly recommended for cultural assessment (Cameron & Quinn, 1999). The SPSS programme was used to undertake the statistical analysis in this study. The result of this study shows that hierarchy is the most dominant culture that exists in 4 of the 7 subunits that forms New Vaal surface plant. Market culture is the second dominant existing in two of the seven subunits while clan culture was found to be dominant in only one of the seven subunits. Although adhocracy culture was found to be existing in some of the subunits, it was not dominant. Looking at the relationship between performance and the existing dominant cultures, it was found that, a) a positive but weak relationship between clan culture and organizational performance exist; b) there is no relationship between adhocracy culture and organizational performance, c) there is a positive and negative relationship between hierarchy culture and organizational performance, and d) there is no relationship between market culture and organizational performance.
Examining the technologies and practices that can help SA mining industries meet carbon blueprint reductions
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Lakhna, Adheesh; Oro, Ufuo Oro
Mining has always been regarded as a black sheep due to its legacies of environmental accidents, pollution, and safety incidents. However, for economies to grow, they need energy and energy requires metals to generate, transmit and store power. These metals are mostly sourced from mining and so as the world changes to cleaner and greener energy options, it is only fitting that mining equipment also becomes more environmentally friendly and keep up with the times. Heavy mining equipment such as ultra class dumptrucks and face shovels have 2-3MW diesel engines which can easily burn hundreds of litres of diesel per hour (Komatsu, 2022). Diesel has been the fuel of choice for many years due to its developed supply chains, ease of storage, high energy density and reliable engines. High fuel consumptions coupled with increasing fuel prices and deepening mines means that in addition to increasing expenses and pressure from environmental organisations, South African mines are becoming more and more carbon intensive. In December of 2015, at the 21st Conference of the Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Paris, an international treaty on climate change was adopted by 195 parties. This treaty also known as the Paris agreement was a landmark agreement since this was the first legally binding treaty aimed at fighting climate change (United Nations Climate Change, 2015). The Paris agreement covered many items but these are some of the most crucial ones; Long-term temperature goals with the aim of restricting global temperature increases to below 2 degrees Celsius or even further to 1.5 degrees Celsius; National Adaptation Plans which outlines plans and actions for different nations based on their needs and priorities; Finance, technology and capacity-building support that addresses developed countries providing financial assistance to less endowed countries for adaption and accelerating technology development
The moderating effect of gender on the relationship between microfinance and the business growth of SMMEs in Gauteng
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Msomi, Ncebakazi; Msimango-Galawe, Jabulile
In a country rife with inequalities and joblessness, Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) have become an alternative means of survival and viable business opportunity for a vast number of South Africans. In order for these SMMEs to operate well, they require capital, which will typically come in the form of microfinance, if at all. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of the use and cost of microfinance loans on the growth of SMMEs. Furthermore, it was to assess how differently microfinance impacts SMME growth for women compared to when utilised by men. A quantitative research approach was followed to collect the data using an online survey questionnaire. A total of 197 questionnaires were completed butthe analysis was ultimately done on 138 of these, with the exclusion of those with missing values. Data was analysed through the use of Partial Least Squares - Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The study found that the costs of microfinance have a significant and negative impact on the growth potential of SMMEs. More specifically, it found that microfinance costs have a more deterring effect on the SMME growth of male owned SMMEs than female owned ones. This study avails a tool and basis for the cost versus benefit analysis that SMMEs must conduct before taking microfinance loans. With women owned SMMEs exhibiting better growth than their male counterparts when using microfinance, an exchange of valuable learnings can occur to improve the country’s SMME success rate. The study proposes innovative systems calibrations and finance product provisions that may benefit both the microfinance institutions and the SMMEs.
An insurance business for the uninsured in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Tshamano, Victor; Stacey, Anthony
Insurance can be defined as a method by which interested members of a society band together and collect funds to pay potential losses that could suffered later by members of the group (Reavis, 2012). The main objective of this study was to determine the feasibility of an insurance scheme for the underprivileged. Following the example of previously conducted research studies in this field, the researcher adopted the mixed methods research approach and employed the case study research design for the purposes of the study. This research targeted a select geographical area, Kriel Town in Mpumalanga, wherein the employees of three ESKOM power stations located in the area were selected to be the population of the study. Questionnaires and interviews were used as data collection instruments for this purpose. Of the interviewed respondents who were contracted, there was a common challenge of not having permanent contracts, and with the risk of losing their job at any moment, they are not able to make stable decisions regarding their health insurance. Related, the permanently employed individuals noted that they did not earn enough money to allow them the luxury of having enough to join mainstream medical aids. Some common worries that came up centered on the poor services received from public health care centers On the basis of the findings of this study, the researcher can conclude that the proposed venture, AE Insurance has a good market for penetration, and that its value proposition is good enough to warrant the initiation of such a scheme. While the initial target of the venture would be the low-earning contracted workers of the power industry in Mpumalanga, this can be expanded upon first establishment and make ground towards the rest of South Africa, as this customer profile is prevalent through all provinces and the needs of the people are likely similar across the nation
Effects of remote working on leadership effectiveness at Linde Material Handling (Pty) Limited
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Sibanda, Dadirai Patricia; Manamela, Doctor
This study sought to investigate the effects of remote working on leadership effectiveness at Linde Material Handling South Africa (Pty) Limited. The study focused on understanding leadership experiences and behaviour toward remote working. In turn, examined the leadership theories to gain insight into how best to improve and attain effective leadership. The data of the study was collected using Phenomenology Theory Methodology. This study was exploratory in nature, as it allowed the flexibility of the researcher to probe for more responses. Interviews were conducted with eight participants from Linde Material Handling, and a thematic analysis was performed. The key findings from the research show that most managers at Linde Material Handling have accepted the norm of virtual working, which has improved their effectiveness. However, challenges with virtual work are still prevalent, and managers still need to overcome them. The research findings also show that effective leadership is supported by different elements of leadership theories and not only isolated to a particular leadership theory. To exploit the full potential of remote working, there should be a balance between enabling employees to operate autonomously and offering interventional help as may be required. Leaders can create a collaborative and supportive work environment that helps employees to thrive in a remote work situation by applying a customized approach to management
Digital consumer behaviour and ecommerce trends since the Covid-19 pandemic
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ramugondo, Nozipho; Chalomba, Nakuze
The advent of the Covid-19 pandemic resulted in many modifications to human behaviours. Most of these changes were visible in how people around the globe began to prioritise different things in their lives, including avoiding human contact. Given the unprecedented uncertainty that arose across most aspects of life, one of the biggest effects of the pandemic was on the global economy; businesses were forced to be agile and invest in digital transformation, while consumers had to adapt to that transformation. This study examines the shopping challenges faced by consumers during the pandemic, as well as the opportunities presented to retailers to employ new strategies to maintain their livelihoods and ultimately enhance user capability in internet shopping. The researcher thus aimed to investigate consumers’ attitudes towards digital adaptation and ecommerce trends during and post the pandemic. Consumers constantly change their attitudes towards shopping, with most changes being driven by technology and e-commerce digital enhancement. This study aimed to address the identified gaps regarding which factors influence consumers to shop online and utilise ecommerce shopping. A quantitative research methodology was used to answer the principal questions of the study, with data being collected through an online distributed survey to gather answers to the research questions. The findings of the study show that consumers spend more time shopping online now than they did prior to the pandemic.

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