MBA & MM Theses

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An assessment of the effectiveness of the governance arrangements of the Thusong Service Centres.
(2010) Wenhold, Marece.
The problem which this thesis addresses concerns the effectiveness of the governance arrangements of the Thusong service centres, which are intended to provide integrated services to communities. This research on Thusong conducted an empirical analysis using a field survey approach to determine what factors impact on Thusong’s effectiveness. This research is conducted by means of qualitative and quantitative research methods. The constituent parts of the thesis jointly contribute to an assessment of the effectiveness of the governance arrangements of Thusong as an integrated services centre. In other words, how effective are Thusong’s governance arrangements to promote these centres as integrated services centres? The first chapter contextualizes the problem statement of this research. The second chapter frames integrated services centres in terms of theory. The third chapter provides a literature review of the governance arrangements of Thusong, based on the theoretical framework on integrated services centres. The fourth chapter explains the research methodology of this research. The fifth chapter presents the findings of the research on Thusong, whilst the last two chapters constitute an analysis of the findings and a summary of the answers to the research questions. Primarily, the research findings recognize that the measures of effectiveness used for this research reflect that Thusong’s governance arrangements are not effective to promote it as an integrated services centre. Secondly, the research indicates that Thusong can do more to enhance the capacity of its service providers to solve problems and serve clients. Lastly, there is not enough evidence in order to conclude that the institutional arrangements of Thusong contribute to the efficient and effective delivery of services as a collective.
Mobile operator strategies to reach low-income communities in South Africa
(2014) Arendse, Brian David
The purpose of this research is to identify specific strategies adopted by mobile telecommunications operators in South Africa to reach low income communities in a profitable and sustainable manner. The first sub-problem is to identify specific strategies adopted by mobile telecommunications operators in South Africa. The second sub-problem is to justify the appropriateness of specific strategies adopted by mobile telecommunications operators in South Africa to reach low income communities in a profitable and sustainable manner. Mobile Operator Strategy in South Africa has focused on subscriber acquisition, growing and maintaining market share, revenue growth and operational efficiency. End-user success factors focusing on innovative end-user services have been the biggest factors enabling financial success for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in South Africa. Supporting success factors for example regulatory compliance and corporate social responsibility have played a role in supporting the financial success factors for South African MNOs. The research includes a study of the Mobile Operators strategy up to present and considers alternative MNO strategies, considering future industry developments including future new revenue streams like M-Commerce and Media and threat of substitutes in the form of over-the-top players. Key findings in this research are that both MNOs studied have proved to have similar strategies to reach low-income communities, focussing on innovative end-user offerings that generate revenues. Future developments in the telecommunications industry where over-the-top service providers like Google, Facebook and Apple are emerging will need operators to rethink their approach to the market in order to maintain the potential industry revenue growth.
Non-bank trade finance as a viable alternative to traditional bank funding for internationally trading small and medium enterprises in South Africa
(2014) Kwint, Menso
This study was conducted to evaluate whether trade finance offered by non-bank financial institutions was a better funding mechanism for internationally trading small and medium enterprises (SME’s) than traditional, and more commonly utilised commercial bank finance. While the two products are similar, non-bank trade finance specifically funds the trade of goods and bank finance incorporates a host of other financial products as well. The topic was deemed relevant at this time for both demand and supply side reasons. From a demand perspective, internationally trading SME’s operating in South Africa list access to enough of the correct type of finance as one of their biggest obstacles to doing business. On the other hand, certain market and structural aspects – affecting both non-bank and bank providers – seem to limit the supply of working capital credit to internationally trading SME’s. A qualitative research methodology was chosen to allow as yet unknown information to possibly come to light. Semi-structured, open-ended interviews were employed to gather data from two sample sets – namely internationally trading SME’s and the providers of trade finance or working capital debt in South Africa. Thereafter, a technique of inductive content analysis was engaged to identify and rank pertinent factors. These factors were then analysed to directly address the topic of the research. What materialised, is that non-bank trade finance is not necessarily a better form of working capital funding for internationally trading SME’s. Traditional bank finance does have its uses and advantages in many respects. However, it was found that non-bank trade finance may be more effectively utilised to raise much needed credit when either bank lending is tight or a business requires additional capital in times of growth. Non-bank trade finance is also often better suited to fund the extended cash flow cycle of an international trade transaction. Therefore, non-bank trade finance should not replace bank finance, but rather be used as a complimentary product in conjunction with bank lending.
Constraints and enabling factors in the implementation of an HIV/AIDS policy in a South African retail company
(2014) Pitse, Winston Lebogang
There is increasing awareness of the need to maximise the welfare of HIV positive employees in the workplace. This comes from a recognition that no business is immune from the direct effects of HIV/ AIDS. The private sector is, however, in a unique position to more effectively respond to this epidemic and mitigate the associated social and commercial risks as a result of the nature of its contact with its employees. In the fight against HIV/ AIDS, firms have a moral and commercial obligation to act in order to preserve their human capital – their most valuable asset. The study has its origins in a deceptively simple research question: What are the prevailing factors that impede and enable the effective implementation of HIV/ AIDS policy in a South African retail company? The study will enable the company to identify the obstacles and enablers that exist when transforming HIV/ AIDS policy into practice. Semi structured interviews were conducted with twelve store employees across four stores in order to identify these perceived constraints and enabling factors. A themed content analysis was conducted on the responses and information gathered from these interviews. The first finding of this study was that the major hindrance to the effective implementation of an HIV/ AIDS policy within the company was confidentiality, stigma and discrimination, inadequate communication and culture. The second finding was that factors facilitating the effective implementation of an HIV/ AIDS policy in the workplace were a high degree of organisational commitment, a bottom up approach that encouraged staff involvement, a performing programme that delivers results and interventions that are sustainable; continuing to deliver desired outcomes in the medium to long term. Any successful HIV/ AIDS intervention strategy in the workplace must therefore take these constraints and enabling factors fully into account.
A comparison of conflict management styles of male and female managers in a bank in South Africa
(2014) Muchenje, Aaron Farai
ABSTRACT A comparison of conflict management styles of male and female managers in a bank in South Africa Aaron Farai Muchenje University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg The study was conducted as a case study within a bank in South Africa. The research, by using gender as a construct to study conflict management styles, sought to determine whether there were significant differences between male and female managers’ prevalent conflict management styles in a bank in South Africa by administering an already developed and tested questionnaire called the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument (TKI) which, through plotting the responses from the administered questionnaires, determined the prevalent conflict management styles of respondents. The instrument was used to assess and categorize the conflict management styles of 45 male managers and 45 female managers in a major bank in South Africa. The key findings were that there is no significant difference in the prevalent conflict management styles of the two gender groups and in fact the results mirrored one another showing great homogeneity as a group of managers rather than within the respective gender groups. The key indication from the research was that gender does not act as a strong determinant toward the prevalence of conflict management styles. This finding contributed to the understanding of the dynamics of gender conflict management styles, specifically as an example of a bank studied in South Africa.
Electricity interdependence of memebers of the Southern African Development Community.
(2010) Mokhethi, Keketso E
The SADC region has been experiencing power shortages since 2007 and this has been more pronounced in South Africa, the biggest generator and consumer of electrical energy in the region. The power shortages have been primarily blamed on SADC governments‟ failure to invest in new power stations. In 2008 Eskom was forced to request its key customers (including those beyond the borders) to reduce their consumption by 10% in an effort to reduce electricity demand. Load shedding was also introduced as a way of Demand Side Management (DSM). Eskom is a major contributor in terms of supplying other countries with electricity in the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP). Therefore, any supply challenges it is facing will inadvertently affect the SAPP community. The SAPP is considering establishing a competitive cross-border electricity market where a buyer will have the freedom to purchase electricity from a supplier of their choice at a spot market rate. The study examines the extent to which SADC countries depend on each other for their electricity needs and the potential for a competitive cross-border electricity market given the current supply situation. A qualitative research methodology was used. Data collection was based on a questionnaire with the same questions asked to each respondent. The study found that SADC countries that participate in the SAPP depend on each other quite extensively for their electricity needs. The research also revealed that Eskom is the main player in the region as it trades electricity with many countries some of which depend on the South African utility for more than 50% of their domestic electricity needs. Another revelation of the study is that the SAPP utilities need to invest in generation and transmission capacity before a successful competitive cross-border electricity market can be operational. Security of supply and a reliable transmission network are crucial to the success of any power pool.
The effect of employee share ownership on company performance in South African mining
(2014-12-12) Khan, Shameegh
This study investigates the effects of Employee Share Ownership Plans (ESOP’s) on company profitability in the South African mining industry for companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The South African mining industry has been in the global spotlight since the Marikana miners’ strike of 2012 and the subsequent killing of 34 people on 16 August 2012. ESOP’s can be used to stabilize the sector by alleviating some of the tension that is present between workers, shareholders, management and government. This research uses the same measurement as Spiess and Affleck-Graves (1995), who measure share price performance as a cumulative average of returns (CAAR) over a five year period. Regression analysis is used to test for correlations and descriptive statistics is used to explain findings (Spiess & Affleck-Graves, 1995). The difference between companies that do not have ESOP’s in place is negative for (CAAR) compared to those who have an ESOP in place. This is consistent with the theory and findings of studies such as Robinson and Zhang (2005). It has been applied to the South African context within the JSE listed mining sector. The theory that ESOP’s will improve profitability of a company listed on the JSE within South African mining has been found to be statistically significant. ESOP’s can help improve cumulative profits and help transform the industry through share ownership of workers which will help decrease the gap between CEO’s remunerations and the lowest paid workers.
Perceived factors motivating healthcare workers in the South African NGO sector
(2014-12-12) Rech, Dino
Understanding what motivates employees has been the focus of much research and is a key question in organisations. This is particularly true within the healthcare sector in developing countries since health sector performance, and therefore health outcomes, have been found to be dependent upon worker motivation. Healthcare worker motivation is vital in addressing various health challenges in South Africa, such as the high HIV burden and meeting the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) and is therefore an important area of study. This study assessed the importance of five motivational factors (namely financial reward, career and personal development, facility infrastructure and resources, leadership and management, and recognition and appreciation) on the motivation levels of healthcare workers in the South African NGO sector using conjoint analysis. A questionnaire consisting of 24 job scenarios containing various levels of the five motivational factors was developed and administered to 93 healthcare workers belonging to various healthcare cadres in two HIV-focused NGOs in Gauteng, namely the Centre for HIV/AIDS Prevention Studies (CHAPS) and Right to Care (R2C). Financial reward (24.2%) and career and personal development (21.8%) were found to be two of the most important motivational factors, with facility infrastructure and resources (19.6%) and leadership and management (19.5%) following closely, while recognition and appreciation (14.8%) was found to be least important to NGO healthcare worker motivation levels. These findings are important for decision makers and managers in the NGO healthcare sector, and should be used to tailor interventions for staff when attempting to maximise their motivation and thus improve organizational functioning and outputs, and therefore overall health outcomes.
Critical factors of a capital markets internal audit function within the South African banking sector
(2014-12-12) Ndwandwe, Nomusa
The success of the South African economy is dependent on the performance of the financial services sector. This sector contributes approximately 10,5% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP) with assets worth over R6 trillion, over 50% of which are owned by the banking sector. Several factors linked to the 2007-2009 global financial crisis threatened the profitability of this sector. A review of the 2007-2009 global financial crisis is pivotal to this study because South Africa is not immune to global conditions as it relies on foreign trade to supplement its economy. Capital markets are a key driver of the economy and even though the crisis did not directly impact the domestic markets, it is important to remain vigilant of any threats that may destabilise the system. Changes in the financial services sector that were triggered by the financial crisis and other financial disasters have led to an increased focus on the internal audit function. This function is relied upon by the board and audit committee to ensure that the internal controls of an organisation are robust enough to withstand any adverse effects. As a result, knowing what the key success criteria are for this function is crucial. With this in mind, the purpose of this study was to identify the key success factors of performing internal audit reviews of capital markets business areas within South African banks. Specifically, capital markets business units within the ‘big four’ South African banks were selected based on their profitability and the diversity of trading products they offer compared to other local banks. In-depth interviews were conducted with internal auditors, risk managers and traders. The responses were assessed based on the key success factors generated from the literature review. Although the study focused on capital markets, the results can set a precedent for other areas within a bank and the recommendations can also be adopted by interested parties from non-financial institutions.
Assessing the relationship between corporate governance scores and company performance on JSE
(2014-12-12) Sebone, Daphney Sebone
This study examines the relationship between corporate governance and share returns of those companies listed on the JSE. Additionally this study examines whether companies which score higher in corporate governance perform better than those with lower scores. A sample of 31 Top 40 listed company on the Top 40 index from 2008 to 2012 (a total of 155 firm year observations) was reviewed. Corporate governance data was collected from the selected companies through a corporate governance questionnaire (CGQ). The share prices and other financial data were obtained from McGregor BFA. Different from the previous studies, this study obtained corporate governance data directly from the companies rather than relying on secondary annual integrated reports. The results indicate that the levels of corporate governance in the JSE listed companies are high but substantial differences still exists. The corporate governance scores (CGX) ranged from a minimum of 58% to 91%. The results based on the multiple regression shows that there is a significant positive relationship between corporate governance and share returns. Also, the results of the independent sample T-test indicate that companies with a higher CGX have better share returns than those with Low CGX. These findings could mean that market perceives corporate governance as a good practice to reduce the agency problem. Three of the control variables included were found to have a significant negative effect on the share returns. These include Book to market value (BM), Company risk (STDDEV), and Dividend Yield (DY). The results conclusively indicate that corporate governance has an effect on share returns.

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