3. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - All submissions

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Subject: search.filters.subject.Strategic planning--South Africa

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Now showing 1 - 9 of 9
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    A mixed method study of the role of middle managers’ affective organisational commitment and psychological empowerment in strategy execution among medium sized enterprises in Johannesburg, South Africa
    (2019) Ncube, Hardman
    Arguably, the ineffective execution of strategy is considered the predominant cause of failure of strategies and consequently, poor organisational performance. Particularly, middle management’s lack of commitment to strategy implementation is a significant contributor to the failure of strategies. While securing middle managers’ commitment to the implementation of strategy is essential for the successful delivery of an organisation’s strategy, few empirical studies shed light on the antecedent conditions for managerial commitment to the implementation of an organisation’s business strategy. Especially, the impact of psychological foundations of middle management’s behaviour is largely ignored. Drawing from self-determination theory, this study set out to test the general hypothesis that middle managers’ affective attachment to the organisation and perceived psychological empowerment will have a direct effect on their commitment to implement their organisation’s business strategy. Besides identifying the strategic roles that middle managers play in the implementation of business strategy, this study established a direct positive link between affective organisational commitment, psychological empowerment and the commitment to strategy implementation, thus addressing a gap identified in the extant literature. The support for the hypothesised positive relationships, and the corroboration of such relationships at a qualitative level (via the dialectical synthesis), suggest that both affective organisational commitment and psychological empowerment have a direct positive influence on the commitment to strategy implementation. In addition, the study uncovered the behavioural mechanisms underlying the direct positive influence of managerial psychological states on the commitment to strategy implementation. The strategy implementation-supportive behaviours deriving from the genuine affective attachment to the organisation and perceived psychological empowerment suggest the motivational prospects of these managerial psychological states. From a practical perspective, the outcome of this study enhances our understanding of the critical roles that middle managers play in the strategy implementation process, thus enabling senior organisational leaders to provide the required executive leadership support in influencing middle managers in the enactment of such roles. In addition, being aware of the motivational prospect of the affective attachment to the organisation and psychological empowerment, senior management should pay attention to influencing antecedent conditions that shape middle managers’ affective commitment to the organisation and perceived psychological empowerment.
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    The strategic planning process of GCIS (2012-2017)
    (2016) Matlou, Karabo Hannah
    The study examines the GCIS strategic planning process of 2012/13-2016/17 Strategic Plan that failed the requirements of the National Treasury Frameworks (NTF). This is in accordance with the 2012/13 AGSA report (Department of Government Communication and Information System, 2013). Although the strategic plan covers the period of five years, the financial years discussed are from 2012/13-2015/16 because the 2016/17 has not been implemented. A qualitative research approach was followed in identifying challenges in the GCIS strategic planning process; the purpose of the study is to offer recommendations to the GCIS management on improvement of the planning process. The South African public sector introduced an outcome-based planning approach in 2009, and developed the long-term plan which is the National Development Plan: Vision 2030 (NDP). In addition, NTF were drawn up and implemented to support the outcome-based approach. This approach to planning shifted the focus of government from outputs to outcomes and to the impact of service delivery on the lives of South Africans. The GCIS was mandated to ensure that there was a constant flow of information between the government and its citizens. The GCIS is responsible for providing strategic leadership in government communications within national, provincial and local government. In order to do this, it embarks on two planning processes, one to develop the National Communication Strategy and the other to develop the strategic plans of the GCIS. The NCS, in particular, guides communication within the government-wide communication system (GWCS). This study was conducted to answer the primary research question: (1) To what extent does the GCIS meet its strategic planning process? The literature review focuses on strategic planning processes in general and within the public sector in particular. The strategic planning process of the South African public sector gives context to the GCIS strategic planning process. A qualitative research design is followed, with in-depth interviews with the GCIS management, government communicators, members of the oversight bodies and a journalist. The findings from the research illustrate that the GCIS strategic planning process is not effective and does not meet the requirements of the NTF. It is not institutionalised as a management tool to improve the performance of the organisation. The challenges with the GCIS strategic planning process were identified as follows: (1) inadequate application of research to inform the strategic planning process, leading to poor formulation of strategies; (2) failure to set appropriate performance indicators and targets for the organisation as well as within the GWCS; (3) misalignment between the strategic plan and the National Communication Strategy (NCS), causing poor implementation of both documents; (4) prolonged acting leadership within the GCIS, which has caused instability in the organisation and unclear strategic direction; and (5) the need to identify planning approaches that are suited to addressing the dynamic and fluid communications environment. The study concludes with recommendations for the improvement of the GCIS strategic planning process to produce a credible strategic plan to meet the NTF requirements. The implementation of such a plan could enhance the efficient functioning of a GWCS.
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    Utilisation of evaluation information in the Gauteng Department of Health
    (2017) Sidzumo, Sibulele
    The evaluation information has a critical role in informing decision making relating to implementation of the development interventions. This study is underpinned by the fact that the worth of evaluation information is determined by the extent of its influence on decision making. It is premised from the fact that there is limited utilisation of the evaluation information for decision making in the Gauteng Department of Health. Thus, the study is aimed at establishing the underlying institutional features and evaluation characteristics that serve as facilitators and/or barriers for the use of evaluation information. Past studies are reviewed to identify the knowledge gap and develop a conceptual framework to inform the research enquiry. Based on the purpose of the study and the conceptual framework, a qualitative research strategy with interpretive case study design and a purposive sample are applied to obtain in-depth description of the factors pertaining to the use of evaluation information. In addition, three research theories are employed simultaneously to understand the subject phenomenon and inform interpretation of the research findings, based on their unique concepts. The triangulation method is applied in data collection and analysis to ensure reliability and validity of the research results, with one-on-one semi-structured interviews conducted through an interview guide. The findings reveal that there are no systematic processes and procedures for identification of the users and uses of the evaluation information prior to implementation of the evaluation process. The emphasis on alignment of the evaluations to the institutional context is minimalistic in its orientation since there is little focus on the broader development agenda. There is no demonstration of facilitating inculcation of information use during the evaluation process. In general, the evaluation systems are fragmented, with no formal reward system for encouraging effective utility. The adoption and use of the evaluation findings hinges on the type of recommendations versus the institutional development agenda and capacity. There are no formal information dissemination strategies and procedures for confirming implementation of the adopted evaluation recommendations. The role of the evaluation champions is limited and thus manifested by low awareness and application of the evaluation policy framework and limited institutionalisation of the evaluation function. Last, the findings highlight key institutional features and evaluation characteristics that influence use and/or non-use of the evaluation information, which should be considered in-line with the proposed recommendations.
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    Technological opportunism and firm performance: moderating and mediating contexts of strategic entrepreneurship
    (2017) Maphumulo, Mandlenkosi W
    The underlying problem of the empirical study is with the perceived influential relationship between technological opportunism and firm performance in a context of the banking institution in South Africa. The study combines the resource based view theory and dynamic capabilities perspective to investigate the mediating and moderating roles of strategic entrepreneurship in the influence of technological opportunism on firm performance. Quantitative data for the research was collected from the employees of the banking institution through an online research survey. The researcher adopted multiple regression models to study the data of 347 respondents. The study demonstrates that the banking institution is perceived to hold a positive relationship between technological opportunism and firm performance through mediating and moderating effects of strategic entrepreneurship. However, the higher levels of strategic entrepreneurship weaken the relationship between technological opportunism and firm performance. Firm performance was measured based on a collective indicators of new product success rates, return on investment (RoI), revenue growth rates, market share and profitability. Overall, the research provides fresh theoretical and practical insights. Firstly, the study is fundamental to academic research advancement and refinement of existing theories in technology, strategic management and entrepreneurship in a context of an emerging economy. Secondly, the development of technology sensing and responding resources and capabilities to leverage technological opportunities has to be viewed as a strategic enabler to organizational business performance, competitive advantage and this bodes well for the objectives of national economic developments. Thirdly, the study of an interdependence of strategic management and entrepreneurial orientation to technological opportunism is imperative to understanding how could these innovative practices be leveraged within an existing organizational ecosystem.
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    Dealing with uncertainty : a South African industrial perspective
    (1992) Daya, Kishor Bhowan
    The primary purpose of this research was to determine if South African industrial companies have structured themselves appropriately to be able to deal with the increasing environmental uncertainty [Abbreviated Abstract. Open document to view full version]
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    Strategy implementation insights from the Competition Commission South Africa
    (2016) Burke, Mark
    Knowledge on strategy implementation in the public sector is limited. A deeper understanding of how public sector economic regulators such as competition agencies implement strategies is required to ensure that these organisations are able to reap the benefits of strategy-making and implementation. The purpose of this research was to explore how competition agencies with the mandate to regulate competition implement their strategies by examining the Competition Commission South Africa (CCSA). The research aimed to uncover how the organisation’s processes and practices enable the implementation of its prioritisation strategy and how this contributes to the development of dynamic capabilities. The study identified six organisational processes associated with prioritisation that enable three categories of actions. Firstly, the governance, strategic and business planning, and scoping processes support priority setting in the organisation. Secondly, the resource allocation and case management processes support the marshalling of resources towards assembling the resources required for accomplishing organisational priorities. Thirdly, performance monitoring and evaluation processes are evaluative in that they structure actions that assess progress and account for performance, while making adjustments where required. In the analysis of the four organisational practices associated with prioritisation, it was revealed that each practice constitutes a specific mode of action and promotes specific values. The practice of managing cases from ‘cradle-to-grave’ is an approach that encourages ownership of investigations and cases. The practice of constituting interdivisional teams is a specific form of organisation that promotes joint responsibility and shared accountability. The mid-term review is a mode of alignment as it provides an opportunity to calibrate organisational alignment to priorities in a structured and periodic fashion. The practice of colour-coding the business plan according to organisational priorities is a mode of communication that supports the implementation of priorities. Finally, the research demonstrates how the capabilities built up in the organisation’s priority setting processes, sector expertise, and fledgling project management capacity enable the identification of opportunities and re-configuration of the CCSA resource base to take advantage of those opportunities The study concludes that the implementation of the prioritisation strategy has strengthened the internal capabilities of the CCSA, but that external factors should also be taken into account when evaluating effective regulatory governance.
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    The development of a strategic framework for South African explosives companies expanding business activities into sub-Saharan countries
    (2016-08-25) Kaninda, Bernard
    The pressure on the current mining sector in South Africa has forced South African explosives companies to expand their activities into Sub-Saharan countries in order to sustain and grow their sales and profits. The purpose of the research was to assess the efficiency of the existing strategic frameworks presented by the literature and deployed by the explosives companies expanding operations in Sub-Sahara and to understand if and how they need to be adapted to suit the explosives market. The research was thus guided by the following research questions: How effective are actual strategic frameworks for the development of an African strategy for South African explosives companies willing to expand operations in Africa? Why aspects of current strategic frameworks do not apply to the commercial explosives business in Africa? Why would it be necessary to include other key variables in existing strategic frameworks to develop an effective strategy for the explosives business? How do other non-manageable variables such as politics, legal, cultural and administrative barriers impact on the shaping of the final strategy for South African explosives companies willing to expand their operations into Africa? The research method followed was a single case study research approach leading to the conclusion that, despite developing different strategies by existing explosives suppliers, they performed well and showed growth in sales and profits. Notwithstanding their success, the investigation revealed that some challenges and specific aspects of the explosives market were not addressed by either the explosives companies’ strategies or the main strategic frameworks described in the literature. Furthermore, the analysis identified external factors, such as commodity prices, which contributed more to the success of explosives companies than the strategies they implemented. The results of the analysis described above led to the development of a strategic framework which included the elements of strategies used by explosives companies, relevant model elements from existing strategic frameworks, external factors (rival explanation) such as commodity prices and variables which take into account the challenges encountered by explosives companies in Sub-Saharan Africa as well as specific aspects of the explosives market. It is believed that the strategic framework developed in the last section of the present research takes into account the particular aspects of the explosives market and empowers South African explosives companies with a framework which addresses the specific aspects of the explosives markets to develop successful businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa.
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    Strategic options for professional firms
    (2016-08-17) Botha, Faith Elizabeth
    The purpose of this thesis were to investigate the effective strategic options aVailable to professional service orgtanizations in the face of the challenging and changing south African environment. Since these organizations are viewed as integrated archetypes of organizational form, strategy and the personal Characteristics, perceptions and values of their top management, they were researched from this perspective. The professions are also viewed as progressing along a continuum of industrialzation, as theoretically defined, and the progress of the organizations along this route was examined to establish their position as a predictor of possible future trends.A model of the effectiveness of professtional service organizations in the face of the environmental challenges is also tested. The research was conducted with the assistance of the partners and clients of 56 prominent organizations from six professions in south Africa, covering three different industrial sectors, the commercial sector, the building and construction sector and the health care sector. Theory indicated certaint possible adaptive options aVailable to organizations in general, but due to the lack of speCific theoretically researched models for professional organizations, an inductive approach was taken to the research problem. In this way, the research findings would dictate the eventual correspondence to the theory. Multiple operationalism was used as a research approach in different stages of the research process, as was triangulation of research methods to arrive at the research results. The findings indicate that there are five groups of professional organizations representing different configurations of adaptation to the South African environmental circumstances. Using the model developed in the research to measure organizational effectiveness, it was found that three of these groups appear to be effective, while the other two are less effective. Some of the attributes of these five groups were contingent on the type of industry and the type of profession. The profiles of the partners provided a particularly fertile area of theory development and a number of propositions were generated which can be tested in future research. It was concluded that an integrated typology Of five groups of strategy, organization and the profile of the top management team did exist and that three of the options proved to be more effective that the other two. Further guidelines for the management of professional organizations, included the examination of the consequences of co-operative strategies, particularly in the light of a possible increase in consolidation within the industries, are given.
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    An exploratory study to improving project success through contractor-project manager planning in South Africa: a collaborative approach
    (2016-07-13) Egwuonwu, Ginika
    One of the causes of projects failing to meet their budget and schedule expectations is poor contractor performance. Small-medium sized contractors in the South African construction industry are faced with challenges such as poor management of cash flows, poor access to credit, not having enough capital to drive the project from their own coffers, challenges in obtaining finance, poor planning, challenges with getting competent staff, poor administrative capabilities, lack of experience and poor education, lack of management skills in general and the influence of the client such as imposing unrealistic deadlines. The competencies of the construction project manager are imperative to achieving project success in terms of meeting budget and time expectations. The specific competency of the construction project manager for handling small-medium sized contractors in South Africa are critical analysis, judgement, resource management, engaging communication and motivation. This study explores the need for a collaborative planning framework between small medium sized contractors and the construction project manager in South Africa, to address poor technical and managerial skills of small-medium sized contractors
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