Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)

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    Success Drivers for Independent Feature Filmmaking in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2011-06) Heatlie, Damon; Marcelle, Gillian
    This qualitative research addresses the central research question ­‐ why is the South African feature film industry uncompetitive, and what are the key drivers for producing profitable films in the South African context? The central conceptual framework used is value chain analysis. The study limits its scope to focusing specifically on the development and distribution stages of the independent feature film value chain. The study commences by investigating the historic poor performance of South African films, which typically were not able to recoup costs and move into profitability. The study interrogates the critical role of the independent film producer as a ‘creative entrepreneur’ and looks at examples of successful film industry development in other emerging economies. The research then examines what international research indicates as success factors at the development stage, followed by an exploration of the rapidly changing digital landscape of film distribution and its associated opportunities. The empirical research component comprises of the analysis of semi-­‐structured expert interviews with 12 industry stakeholders – producers, distributors and funder­‐investors involved in feature filmmaking in South Africa. The data analysis involved thematic encoding, a reduction of 10 open–ended questions to four key thematic domains that presented in the findings: ‘understanding the market’, ‘finding a business model’, ‘government support’ and ‘embracing distribution challenges’. Conclusions drawn from the findings were that producers have historically misunderstood audience needs and market volumes for their films, that profitability is achievable if one targets local markets modestly, that government support is critical but deficient in the South African environment, and that South African films need committed local distributors and exhibitors even before serious investment in Internet based distribution mechanisms. This study adds empirical data to an under researched field and contributes to understanding the nature of creative industries and their dynamics.
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    The Impact of Employee Shareholding Option Plans on Company Performance in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2009-07) Motswenyane, Papillon; Ncube, Mthuli
    Employee Share Option Plans (ESOPs) are widely applied in the South African context to disseminate wealth to Historically Disadvantaged South Africans (HDSAs). This opinion is affirmed by an increased application of the concept on a number of Broad Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) transaction deals concluded recently. The research explored the impact of these schemes on company performance and also investigated the resultant economic impact on participating employees. Data was collected from JSE-listed companies that have implemented these schemes over an eight year period between the years 2000 and 2008. Tobin's Q ratios were constructed using data from various sources with annual reports as the primary source of data. An event analysis was undertaken by measuring Tobin's Q of the said companies before and after the implementation of the respective schemes. A secondary process collated data from a survey of employees participating in the schemes to measure their increased productivity and also to ascertain financial employee spin-offs from the schemes. The research found inconclusive evidence that ESOPs impact positively on company performance. However evidence of a strong correlation between potential productivity increases and the schemes was confirmed . Also, a relationship between an employee's level and term of participation to financial reward was established. This research will assist companies in structuring their ESOPs in relation to individual employee contribution to enhance company performance and will also provide guidance on ESOPs financial impact on employees.
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    The effect of employee share ownership on company performance in South African mining
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2014-08) 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.
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    The Development of Social Capital in the Judiciary through mentorship
    (2011-04-06) Engelbrecht, Naomi Annette
    This study analyses the concept of mentoring as used in the South African Judiciary. Mentoring has been adopted by the South African judiciary in order to enhance the potential of acting Regional Magistrates to address their often repeated grievances regarding capacity building. The research attempts a quick evaluation of the process so far.