Wits Business School (ETDs)

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    The factors affecting the growth of SMEs in the Polokwane municipality
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Letsoalo, Maite Evelyn; Mosenogi, Marumo
    Small and medium-sized businesses are an essential component of the national economy, as they have been regarded as the sector that determines the country's economic growth rate and contributes significantly to the structure of the gross national product. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a critical role in driving economic growth, particularly in regions like Polokwane Municipality, located in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The study began by outlining the backdrop of SMEs in the national and global economy, emphasising their pivotal role in job creation and GDP contribution. Despite their importance, SMEs faced various challenges hindering their growth and sustainability, particularly in South Africa. The research problem addressed the stagnation and decline of SMEs in South Africa, contrasting with the growth observed in other African nations. This study aimed to fill the gap in understanding the specific impact of SMEs on the South African economy, particularly within Polokwane Municipality. Through a series of research questions, the study aimed to identify key drivers of SMEs, analyse their impact on local economic development, assess the effectiveness of support mechanisms, and explore the influence of digital technologies on SME growth. The research adopted a qualitative approach, utilising interpretivism as the paradigm to understand the phenomena within the context of the local economy. An exploratory research design was employed to delve into the complexities of SME growth in Polokwane Municipality. The population of the study comprised managers and owners of SMEs within the municipality. Through data collection and analysis, the study provided insights into the diverse landscape of SMEs in the region, highlighting their contributions to job creation, economic resilience, and cultural preservation. The findings underscored the indispensable role of SMEs in driving inclusive and sustainable development. Despite facing challenges such as financial constraints and regulatory complexities, SMEs remained vital agents of change, shaping socio-economic landscapes and fostering resilient, inclusive communities. Overall, this research contributed to a deeper understanding of the impact of SMEs on local economic development, offering valuable insights for policymakers, stakeholders, and the academic community.
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    Factors which influence purchasing life insurance in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Chetty, Jurant
    In the context of an evolving and innovating financial sector globally, South Africa’s insurance market has shown resilient. However, its ability to maintain this resilience is a question that remains uncertain. in the face of growing innovations and products by big tech and fintech companies. This comparative advantage can be eroded especially with a dynamic consumer landscape. Based on the backdrop of the South African market, the study investigated the varying socio-demographic, social, economic and market motives to take up life insurance and/or cancel life insurance amongst various age groups with a focus on Gen Z consumers. Through an ANOVA analysis technique, the study finds that Gen Z consumers from the perspective of South Africa are motivated to use a product if the insurer demonstrates innovation and that the respective cohort is less sensitive price-sensitive than their counterparts. The result points to a need for insurance companies in South Africa to innovate their products and adequately use effective marketing techniques to attract these students
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    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
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    Employer brand activities for effective responses to gig economies in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Makhafola, Kelebogile; Roselyne, Koech
    This research paper aims to investigate employer brand activities that effectively respond to the engagement dynamics introduced into the working environment by gig economies. The focal points are elements which contribute to the sustenance of the organisations’ brand equity, brand reputation and competitive advantage. The paper uses two frameworks to guide the process of investigating the employer brand activities which influence employer brand attractiveness, employee value contribution, and the organisational culture amongst other research attributes and variables within this paper. The first framework used to approach the analysis is the employer brand experience framework and the second framework is the framework on Human Resource Management (HRM) and platform ecosystems in the gig economy. The study follows a qualita-tive research method, introducing the use of semi-structured interviews. Broadly, the findings communicate that effective employer branding that keeps the employees involved and valued will most likely enjoy a higher retention and productivity rate, further stimu- lating the organisational bottomline. Accessible research and material regarding employer brand effective in context to gig economies within South Africa is not popularly explored. Further- more, the investigation of employer brand activities and programmes are limited to the traditional organisational structures which exclude the attributes introduced by nuances in gig economies (roles, responsibilities, productivity, brand loyalty, the measurement of value contri- bution and innovation). The key findings further elaborate that the participating organisations (employer brands) and their employees aren’t confidently aware of the introduction of gig economies as a direct effect to their organisation. Through the findings, it further appears that they, the organisations, are not adequately prepared to embrace the new world of work in light of policies, Human Resource Management systems and work related structures
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    Small Medium Enterprise (SME)’s Competitiveness within a volatile regulatory environment in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Shai, Gift; Wotela, Kambidima; Ameyibor, Leeford
    SMEs have been established as the driving force for developing the South African economy and the main source of competitive advantage. They are recognized as agents of industrial change and innovation; they are also seen as an important vehicle for employment creation and economic development. On the other hand, we have a regulatory environment that is volatile and, as a result, poses challenges to the competitiveness of the SMEs in South Africa. This study is an attempt to determine the level of competitiveness of the SME within the emerging markets as well as how SMEs can monitor their external environment. In addition to that, this study establishes the coping mechanisms of the SMEs and suggests ways to enhance their competitiveness. A case study qualitative strategy was adopted for this study which allowed research to get in-depth understanding about the case. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in which 8 formal SMEs with more than 3 years in existence were targeted. The findings reveal that SMEs need to have research and development measures in place which will enable their organisation to know what is happening around them, which coupled with information technology, can enable them to plan for all anticipated changes. This, in consequence, will help them build their capabilities in a way that it will give them a competitive advantage. It is also of paramount importance for SME to have a Quality Management System consisting of policies and procedures in place that will guide the crafted strategies. Strategies coupled with information gathered from research and development and relevant training initiatives can be put in place. Adaptation to change mechanisms can also be forged that will make the SME sustainable and perform better even under volatile environmental conditions. Lastly, governance within the SME plays a vital role in enhancing competitiveness. Good governance creates an organizational culture that keeps employees motivated, reduces workforce fluctuations and increases value for all the stakeholders, both internal and external.
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    The Use of Data Analytics in Strategic Decision-Making in a South African Pay-TV Company
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Reddy, Prebashni; Chidzungu, Thandiwe
    The extent to which data and analytics inform decision-making in the Pay-TV industry in South Africa is not known. Netflix used data to achieve a competitive advantage and became a leading player in the streaming services arena. Blockbusters no longer exist because they did not change with the times and listen to what their customers wanted. Companies must use the data that they collect to make decisions and remain relevant in a continually evolving business environment. This research aims to evaluate the extent to which senior management use data and analytics to make decisions. The study measured the relationship of each of the following 3 constructs: data literacy, data accessibility, and data usage with data-driven decision making. The researcher carried out an exploratory study employing a quantitative and observational design approach. Adopting a cross- sectional methodology and drawing on a purposive nonprobability sample of senior managers from a South African Pay-TV company. An online structured interview survey was used to collect data from a population of 294 senior managers who were assumed to be decision-makers. The findings of the study were that data usage, data literacy, and data accessibility each have a positive relationship with data-driven decision-making. The research identified opportunities for the South African Pay-TV company to improve the use of data in decision-making for better- informed decisions and better business performance through a 3-step programme which was recommended should form part of their data strategy. To improve data literacy amongst senior management and other decision-makers a continuous programme of training in the skills to interpret and understand data and analytics is recommended as the first step and arguably most important step. Crafting and implementing an accessibility strategy is the next step and driving usage of that data and analytics is the last and crucial step in the programme. The findings of this study supported by previous research indicate that this company will improve performance and outperform its competitors with the use of data in decision making.
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    An aftermarket parts framework for capital mining equipment in South Africa: An OEM Perspective
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Ganasram, Amith
    The purpose of this research study is to create an aftermarket framework for capital mining equipment in South Africa, which can be applied in organizations that currently are OEM Manufacturers for mining equipment. The background literature that was reviewed for this study focused on aspects of SPM, SCM, inventory management, parts pricing methodologies, processes, purchasing, CRM and maintenance management. These topics were reviewed in detail, the definitions of these concepts and their respective components were identified and acknowledged during the learning journey. Models were touched on in this research study followed by a theoretical framework which was defined making use of the sourced academic literature. To achieve the objectives set out in this study, there was a case study research conducted on an OEM, which was utilised for the full duration of the research. The case company used in the research is a Global OEM that manufactures mining equipment for the various stages of mining. It is projected that there will be a combination of 12 semi-structured and 10 structured interviews that will be conducted where the semi structured will focus on the customer and the structured will focus on the internal employees of the case company. All interviews will be conducted personally by the researcher to ensure that all information is treated in the strictest of confidence. The data collected from the interviews will be transcribed from their recordings and will be qualitatively analysed. Research aims and objectives of this research study is: To systematically review previous work on aftermarket parts supply and aftermarket support. To identify aftermarket parts issues that are not supported by sourced literature which relates to my research topic, and which my research will be able to reveal or provide additional insight from a a mining OEM perspective. To study aspects with respect to CRM, aftermarket strategy, pricing and aspects related logistics. To identify an appropriate aftermarket framework for aftermarket parts of aging and new capital mining equipment Key results or arguments - To be completed in the Empirical Research Conclusion – To be completed at the end of the research
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    International Fisher Effect and Purchasing Power Parity: The case of the South African Rand and US Dollar
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) De beer, Ricardo; Nattoh, Dina; Wotela, Kambidima
    This study aims to investigate the presence of the International Fisher Effect (IFE) and Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) in the case of the South Africa Rand (ZAR) and the United States Dollar (USD) using monthly data that span from January 2014 to December 2019. The study adopted an ordinary least square (OLS) model and the Granger causality econometric technique to achieve the stated objectives. Based on the IFE and PPP assumptions, the OLS results indicate an insignificant positive relationship between the inflation differentials in South Africa and the United States of America. The model revealed that a 1% increase in the inflation differential between the two countries will trigger an increase in the South African interest rate which will furthermore cause an appreciation of the exchange rate in the long run. The model revealed the presence of the IFE and PPP between the ZAR and the USD. The pass-through effect of the IFE and PPP adjustment is incomplete in the analysis due to the peculiarities of the South African economy (reliance on community and its volatile effect on the country’s foreign earnings, corruption, civil unrest, concern around political instability, etc.). In light of the above, the study recommended policy measures that focus on diversifying the foreign earning source of the country and policies that enhance the level of political stability in the country to further increase the level of confidence foreign investors have in the stability and monetary policy of the country
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    An evaluation of the effectiveness of financial inclusion programs in the South African financial sector
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Korte, Maude; Pamacheche, Rukudzo
    Empirical literature argues that FI has a positive bearing on socio-economic aspects for developing economies, evidence of this is found in Sarma and Paris (2011), Ramakrishna and Trivedi (2018) and World Bank (2020). Accepting the positive impact, the correlation between FI and expected social benefits one needs to understand in the context of the society in which it exists for benefit maximisation. Amidži et al.(2014) explain that understanding the correlation in its societal context is critically important, as these supply and demand-side factors have significant impacts on FI's efficacy. The SA FI tactics to date have resulted in 80% of the population having access to bank accounts, however, dormancy on these accounts are estimated to be as high as 30% - 40% (FinMark, 2019). The central thought around a bank account led theory is that once a consumer has access to a bank account, the consumer is likely to use additional products and services (called secondary products in this context). How much of these secondary products and services have been taken up under the current tactic is unclear, as results are not published regularly. What is clear is that the shape of the FI landscape for SA has changed from many consumers being involuntary excluded (National Treasury Report, 2015) to many consumers volunteering exclusion. This can be seen in the dormancy ratio, a definitive indication of voluntary exclusion. Despite the landscape changes and the reported mismatch in supply and demand, SA FI strategy has remained unchanged since 2002. This paper interrogates the viability of the current FI strategy and argues for a new perspective of FI; it finds that SA will need to pivot from a supply-led focussed plan to a demand-led focused plan achieve the last mile of FI.
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    Challenges faced by women in obtaining leadership roles in South African Higher Learning Institutions
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Qwelane, Nomsa; Koech, Roselyn
    The role of women in leadership positions in the South African Higher Learning Institutions (HLI) is crucial. It is inclusive to women from different ethnic groups, ages, abilities, socioeconomic status, and various other women who face marginalization due to their different walks of life. South Africa is formed of diverse societies; hence, HLI should enrol women from diverse backgrounds; however, the policy is not inclusive of women’s leadership roles. This has a negative impact on their work performance. Therefore, this study is inquisitive to understand whether the barriers are identifiable in policies of HLI. This study aimed to identify and characterise opportunities for growth for women in higher education institutions. Eleven adult females in senior administrative positions between the ages of 25 and 65 participated in the study. A phenomenological approach, including The Glass Cliff Theory, was used to ground the study. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data and further analysed thematically. Results showed that the executive management had played a pivotal role in implementing diversity policy, such as removing these barriers. However, the participants have noted the fundamental challenge of the policies was not its framework but rather the speed at which it was implemented.