Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters/MBA)

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    Corruption and the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises in Gauteng
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Chetty, Melanie; Venter, Rob
    In most countries SMEs are vital to economic advancement and sustainability of small businesses are critical to a nation`s socioeconomic stability; otherwise, the country faces stagnation in its economy. Corruption is a global challenge which threatens sustainable economic development and adherence to good governance creates an environment where corruption struggle to flourish. this study examine the impact of corruption on SMEs in Gauteng using a quantitative research methodology whereby 77 respondent were located in Gauteng.
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    The impact of ethics on the organisational culture of a government department in South Africa
    (niversity of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Perumal, Gonasagrie Munsami; Wotela, Kambidima; Mokhohlane, Daniel
    South Africa has witnessed an increase in corruption in recent years, despite the President’s commitment to “building an ethical state in which there is no place for corruption”. This study sought to determine the factors that contribute to unethical behaviour, the attitudes and behaviours to unethical behaviour, and the impact thereof on the organisational culture. The research paper deliberated on whether leadership encouraged ethical behaviour. The study was carried out in the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic). A sample of 12 respondents who have worked at the dtic for longer than a year was selected using a cross-sectional selection sample. A qualitative research methodology was employed, using semi- structured interviews to obtain the information, and thematic analysis was used to analyse the information. The main study findings were that there were many opportunities for unethical behaviour, exacerbated by lack of trust in leadership and inconsistent, irrational and sometimes non-transparent decision-making. Attitudes and behaviour of leadership to unethical behaviour and consequences for unethical behaviours applied only to junior staff and not management, creating an environment of distrust. Leadership generally did not encourage ethical behaviour, the mechanisms were insufficient to prevent unethical behaviour, and such unethical behaviours impacted on the culture of the organisation, hence ethics and mainly unethical behaviour has a direct impact on the organisational culture.
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    An exploratory study on digital payments on B2B vehicle fleet expenses: A South African perspective
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Thomas, Justin Nicholas
    Managing 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 solution