Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters/MBA)
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10539/37942
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Item Organisational Development Strategies to Mitigate Strike Action in Mining Companies in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Tanyanyiwa, Olivia Tashinga; Matshabaphala, Manamela; Nixon, OcharaThis study delves into the challenges faced by the mining sector in South Africa due to frequent strike actions and explores various organizational development strategies that can be implemented to mitigate these occurrences. The research highlights the significance of effective communication, employee engagement, conflict resolution mechanisms, and leadership development in fostering a positive work environment and reducing the likelihood of strikes. By drawing on relevant literature, case studies, and expert opinions, the study aims to provide valuable insights for mining companies operating in South Africa to proactively address labor disputes and promote sustainable industrial relations. Through the implementation of strategic organizational development initiatives, mining companies can create a culture of trust, collaboration, and mutual respect among employees and management, ultimately leading to improved productivity and stability within the sector.Item Fintech Application for Unbanked Minimum Wage Earners in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Swart, Wynand Petrus Hendrik Nicolaas; Mogotsi, KeratiloeWith the high unemployment rate in South Africa, the greatest proportion of the salary earning population earns minimum wages. This is especially true within the farming and agriculture community, as the agriculture sector constitutes one of the largest contributors to the South African GDP as one of the main employers in the country. The farming sector is required to adhere to the minimum wage regulation determined by the South African government, where farm workers struggle to survive on the income that they receive, which many in this precarious financial circumstance opt to receive in cash. This business venture proposal sought to identify a solution in the form of a mobile fintech application specifically designed for minimum wage earners to use instead of a traditional banking account. The objective of venture is to help minimum wage earners to opt for a cashless method to receive their wages, enabling them to manage their finances without incurring banking fees that diminish the already limited amount on which they survive. The cost of the application is designed to be borne by their employers, the workers themselves, among others, making the product affordable and attractive, and ensuring a heterogenous revenue stream for the owner of the platform. A qualitative research methodology was used to explore the venture to identify areas of interest, as well as factors affecting the viability of such a business venture. Twenty-five interviews and questionnaires were completed through in-depth interviews with farm workers and owners. The findings have shown that there is a definite need for cheaper banking systems in this economic climate. The findings also suggested that what the product was initially intended to do would need to change to suite customer needs better, however, the pivot point created as part of a lean start- up strategy followed by the business team allowed for moving in different directions to create a successful venture. This business venture proposal can benefit from some further research in the areas of technological adoption and implementation.Item Challenges and opportunities faced by social entrepreneurs in Sekhukhune District Municipality, Limpopo(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Moipane, Phasha PharaneBackground: Social entrepreneurship is increasingly recognised as a powerful means to address pressing societal issues. However, a substantial gap exists in the literature regarding the challenges and opportunities faced by social entrepreneurs in the Sekhukhune District Municipality (SDM) in Limpopo. This study aims to fill this gap by investigating the specific hurdles and prospects encountered by social entrepreneurs within this geographically isolated context. Significance: Social entrepreneurs play a pivotal role in mitigating socio-economic challenges and fostering community development. Their contributions are especially significant in underserved areas like the SDM. Population and Sample Framework: Data for this study was collected through interviews, articles, reports, and websites. Out of 50 social entrepreneurs approached, 26 accepted to be interviewed, constituting the study's sample. Method of Data Collection and Analysis: Qualitative research methods were employed to conduct interviews with the 26 social entrepreneurs operating in the SDM of Limpopo Province, South Africa. The data collected was analysed to uncover the challenges and opportunities faced by these social entrepreneurs. Highlights of Results: The study's findings underscore the substantial obstacles faced by social entrepreneurs in this region, which include insufficient funding, restricted access to networks, and inadequate training. These challenges hinder their project financing and sustainability efforts. Conclusions and Recommendations: This study recommends expanding local economic development and municipal procurement policies to provide interest-free grants to emerging entrepreneurs in the region. Furthermore, it suggests that social entrepreneurs can overcome some of these challenges by harnessing support from customers and leveraging tender opportunities provided by the SDM and other entitiesItem Perceived impact of reimbursement policies on accessibility to PCSK9 inhibitors in the South African private healthcare sector(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Ngobeni, Plossie; Totowa, JacquesThe South African private healthcare sector is confronted with the challenge of the limitation of adoption and access to proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (PCSK9i), a cholesterol-lowering medicine. At the heart of this is the complex nature of the reimbursement policies that are failing to yield favourable outcomes for patients, investors and practitioners alike. The long-term implications of these current medical reimbursement policies include resistance to medical cover, a decline in innovative drug adoption, a decline in optimal medical outcomes, decline in human capital development, loss in productivity, global drug companies pulling out of the South African market, and an extra financial burden to the patients. This study, employing a qualitative approach, aims to investigates barriers limiting adoption and access to PCSK9i in the South African private healthcare sector with a focal focus on reimbursement policies implemented by medical funders and insurances. The study also explores the market access and commercial success of PCSK9i hindered by reimbursement policies. Through semi-structured interviews as the main method of primary data collection, and using a thematic analysis, the explores the barriers, challenges and burdens that impede market access and entry for the PCSK9i and how this affects the economy, commercial success and stakeholders involved. The findings of this study indicate that reimbursement policies can have far-reaching impacts on businesses and the economy, affecting everything from cost management and innovation to employee satisfaction and market dynamics. Businesses must carefully navigate these policies to optimize their operations and remain competitive in the marketplace. Finally, the study proposes evidence-based recommendations for broadening accessibility to PSCK9i. These include encouraging medical funders to adopt a “risk-sharing” concept, value-based healthcare, patient advocacy groups, and review single exit pricing regulations. The significance of these recommendations is their potential to aid policy makers and other important stakeholders in decision making and ensuring access to the most deserving hypercholesteremia population.Item Financial inclusion through WhatsApp banking in Johannesburg(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Miller, Jade Rowan; Balabanoff,GarthApproximately three billion people will use mobile banking by 2024. Mobile devices and widespread Internet access are helping to boost mobile banking's popularity. Retail banks can now offer their customers even more convenience with mobile banking applications like WhatsApp. Consumers and financial institutions have embraced advanced technologies, including mobile banking, in recent years. Social media, mobile banking and new ideas like WhatsApp banking have made it easier for people to do business. Mobile banking is now possible thanks to high smartphone penetration and technological advancements. The fourth industrial revolution will continue to exponentially transform the modern economy. Globalisation has forced banks to open new channels to remain competitive in today's market. Banks have had to cut costs and improve their financial position by introducing new products and services. Mobile banking has grown rapidly globally due to the rapid development of information technology. Due to multi-channel distribution, most banks now have a global presence with cross-border customers. A quantitative approach was taken to examine factors that may influence behavioural intention to use WhatsApp banking in the context of financial inclusion. A questionnaire was used as the primary data collection instrument. The survey was conducted using an online questionnaire distributed to people living in Johannesburg, South Africa. The study adds to the body of knowledge by identifying factors that influence WhatsApp banking adoption, particularly in developing countries. The Technology Acceptance Model by Davis (1985) was used to investigate behavioural intention to use WhatsApp banking. My findings show that perceived trust, banking inclusion, perceived usefulness and awareness all play a significant role in WhatsApp banking adoption. Managers in financial institutions should focus on increasing consumer trust across all age groups to increase customer comfort with non-traditional banking platforms in general and thus increase financial inclusion. This is crucial because ix WhatsApp banking has the potential to bank the unbanked and underbanked while also increasing financial inclusion.Item The nexus between the World Governance Indicators’ scores on corruption and the financial performance of SOEs in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Mdluli, Mthokozisi XolaniSouth Africa, according to Crompton et al. (2017), is dealing with a triple threat of poverty, inequality, and unemployment. As a result, the government is faced with the task of meeting all of these urgent demands while being hampered by a tight budget and weak economic growth. Procurement is a critical component of the government's service delivery system, and it has been utilised as a policy tool to achieve the government's socioeconomic goals (Badenhorst-Weiss, 2012). Government spending is required to be thoroughly thought out on this basis before any public funds are spent. As a result, government expenditure should be monitored and evaluated as part of the architecture of all government-led projects (Crompton et al., 2017). SOEs (State-owned entities), also known as public entities, are tasked with specific responsibilities by the country's constitution in order to assist the state in fulfilling its mandate (Ovens, 2013). In line with international trends, South Africa has implemented corporatisation, or the transfer of state assets or agencies into state-owned corporations, in a number of areas to encourage more effective and efficient service delivery. Increased public procurement is the result of this. Public procurement involves a large amount of money, which has attracted corruption because of the scale at which it is carried out (Crompton et al., 2017). According to the South African Department of Commerce and Industries, government purchasing power contributed between 15% and 25% of GDP in 2016 (Makube, 2016). Makube (2016) estimates that, between 2013 and 2016, public infrastructure investment in healthcare facilities, schools, water, sanitation, housing, and electrification totalled R827 billion. As a result, the SOEs have been subjected to outside intervention, as well 2 as possible wrongdoing and corruption. According to recent media reports, the country has unacceptably high levels of corruption (Mantzaris, 2016). Understanding how this corruption affects the workings of SOEs is important if the country wants to attempt to start addressing this scourge. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the relationship that exists between a known measure of governance in a country, namely the World Governance Indicators and the financial performance of SOEs in South AfricaItem The effect of privatisation of State- Owned Entities on public procurement practices in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mashamba, Ndamulelo; Ndlela, ThubelihleThis research project employed a desktop study methodology to investigate the effect of privatisation of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) on public procurement (PP) practices. As the global economic landscape continues to evolve, privatisation of SOEs has gained attention as a strategy for governments seeking to enhance efficiency and stimulate economic growth. However, the potential difficulties of privatisation on PP practices are multifaceted, which warrants a thorough examination which this study employed. Through a review of existing literature, reports, policies, and case studies, this research explained the relationship between SOEs, privatisation and PP. The study analysed key indicators such as changes in competition levels, transparency, cost-effectiveness, and innovation in procurement processes following the privatisation of SOEs. Additionally, the research explores the role of regulatory frameworks and institutional activities that shape the outcomes of PP objectives post-privatisation. By synthesising data gathered from diverse sources through document analysis, the study offers an understanding of the impact of SOE privatisation on PP practices. The findings are intended to inform policymakers, public administrators, and academics about the potential challenges and opportunities associated with privatisation in the context of procurement. Furthermore, this research seeks to identify best practices and lessons learned, providing valuable insights for SOEs, and entities contemplating or undergoing privatisation. SOEs need to focus on improving PP processes and promoting responsible and effective governance by strengthening accountability mechanisms. Although there are some challenges, the impact of privatisation on procurement practices is evident and the alignment with market dynamics brings about increased competition and innovation. To increase best practice, there needs to be efforts of collaboration. The findings in this study are not uniform across all entities, emphasising the importance of further studiesItem The adoption of efficient technology in emerging markets within State Owned Bank in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Malatji , Jaftha Sechube; Dladla, PholileThis study aims to explore the adoption of efficient technologies in a South African state-owned enterprise (SOE) or state-owned bank (SOB), specifically investigating the factors that affect how efficient technologies are adopted, the challenges that come during the adoption phase, and the advantages that result from successfully adopting efficient technologies. The research study applied a qualitative research design and used interviews with open-ended questions to collect data. The findings reveal a complex landscape influenced by various elements such as communication, leadership, organisational culture, and operational efficiency. The study highlights the importance of technology adoption within an SOE or SOB. Based on the findings, recommendations were formulated that can be used to enhance how the South African State-Owned Bank can manage the adoption of new technologies efficiently while reducing the risks connected with technology adoption. Despite certain limitations, the study provides valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of new technology adoption in a traditionally oriented country like South Africa.Item Analysing Management Strategies and Models Applied by Amateur Sporting Federations in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Letsholo, Kabelo Johannes; Mati, JacobThis mixed methods research study was conducted to analyse management strategies and models applied by amateur sporting federations in South Africa. Since the advent of a democratic South Africa, only rugby, soccer, cricket and to some degree netball, golf and motorsport, have managed to maintain and/or increase their value proposition and thus attracted several stakeholders. The sports television coverage landscape has also largely remained the skewed only towards these federations. This is despite the fact that some amateur sporting federations have consistently and regularly participated in their respective sporting codes’ world championships and even Olympics games. Media coverage of these amateur federations’ participation in these events is scarce and covered nor the general South African population never gets to hear about them. Business entities have also been reluctant to partner with the amateur federations. This research therefore seeks to identify and understand practices that hinder amateur sporting federations from achieving their objectives to highlight and recommend practices that these federations specifically and other amateur sporting federations in general can adopt to enable them to reach their strategic objective. The study was conducted through interviews with three amateur sports federations in South Africa. The initial primary research data was collected using structured interviews and an online survey. Analysis of this data found that there is evidence to infer a correlation between constructs such as an organisational sport framework, governance, sport value creation, sports consumer behaviour/needs and organisational performance at the national level. It is hoped that this study will assist the sports fraternity in South Africa to appreciate that constructs such as sports value framework, good governance prescripts, sport value creation and offering value that sport consumers want, if implemented and/or adopted, can help elevate amateur sporting federations.Item Exploring youth preparedness for Agricultural employment to solve unemployment in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Kgafela, Nthabiseng; Oro, Oro UfuoSouth Africa is currently facing a challenge of high youth unemployment as reported by Statistics South Africa. 45.5% of youth aged 15 -34 years were reported as unemployed in quarter 1 of 2024 (Statistics South Africa, 2024). This number is quite concerning given the number of initiatives that government have launched such as noted in Chipfupa et al. (2021) and Mokgomo et al. (2022). One would automatically think that government’s effort in launching programs to alleviate youth unemployment are effective however challenges continue to remain prevalent. In this study, interviews were conducted with unemployed youth from Gauteng and Mpumalanga being regions with highest GDP by province for the former and an agricultural intensive region being the third highest contributor to agriculture in South Africa for the latter (Statistics, 2023). The objective of the research was to explore the preparedness of unemployed youth to take up agriculture as employment. The research methodology was qualitative where 11 participants aged between 18 – 35 years were interviewed. Open – ended questions were asked with follow up questions to gain a broad understanding of Reponses provided. The interviews coupled with the three research questions lead to three themes being identified through the coding. These themes were further unpacked and discussed through the sub – themes, leading to the research questions being answered. The findings noted were assessed against the literature review where it was uncovered that youth in the regions interviewed were prepared to be employed in agriculture due to challenges experienced in finding employment, unlike those interviewed in another study reviewed in the literature. Clarity was obtained on why government initiatives to reduce unemployment were not effective