Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)
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Item Dynamic capabilities in strategy formation and knowledge conversion in Zimbabwean organisations(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Kagondo, Brian Victor Tinashe; Carmichael, TeresaThis qualitative research study adopts a Strategy-As-Practice approach to theorise organisational strategy formation and knowledge conversion processes. Using the theoretical lenses of Contingency Theory and Institution-, Resource- and Knowledge- based views, the study explores the dynamics of the interactions between organisation systems and people activities in strategy formation. The research context is Zimbabwe, a developing country with high literacy levels but has traditionally been marred by poor institutions and high levels of regulation. The research adopted a generic qualitative research design with triangulated interviews, documents, and a review of records. Data was collected from 13 participants using semi-structured interviews. The participants were senior management and employee representatives who were purposively selected from large organisations from each agriculture and tourism sector, two industry institutions, and one consultant from each sector. This was supplemented with data from documents, records, and minutes of strategy meetings and organisational processes. The findings suggested that: a) While the strategy formation process is formalised, structured and well recorded, the praxis is instead to follow the expectations of tradition and of stakeholders, which produces aesthetically compliant blueprints which are archived; b) Organisations abide by tenets of Contingency Theory in their wish to establish the best fit between internal and external environments. However, they tend to achieve the fit through random and often chaotic systems that feed off the tacit capabilities of individuals or views of managers in positions of power and authority; c) While managers enlist strategy consultants, ‘politically correct’ institutions and specialist technical advisors in sensing the environment, it is the firm owners that direct the seizing and configuration decisions and determine the ideal culture and strategies; d) Tacit knowledge among shop-floor employees is a key but poorly tapped intelligence source, as management elects to preserve the privilege of strategising. Brian V T Kagondo, Stud No. 1316671, PhD Thesis - WBS Page | iii The study concluded that due to an overriding desire for perceived political and procedural correctness, there is fractured and inconsistent understanding and interpretation of the strategy formation processes and strategic outcomes. Strategy- making in Zimbabwe is not absolutely defined and, therefore, is positioned between deliberate and emergent. Organisations navigate the context through turbid harnessing of internal social dynamics, individuals’ tacit knowledge and a broader range of stakeholders. The study makes two theoretical contributions. In the Knowledge-Based View, the study proposes a review of the assumptions to include that tacit knowledge in its pure form is intrinsic and unshareable. Therefore, individuals may only transfer and share those skills they have conscious control of and voluntarily wish to impart to others. To the Institution Based View, the study proposes; the isolation and recognition of the owners or founders of organisations as a distinct Institution that falls in a realm between the external and the internal environments of the organisations. These founders or owners (and sometimes through their representatives, the Board of Directors) are not just advisors but are actually definers of the organisation's culture, mission and broader goals. Management are therefore mere implementers of the institutionalised practices. This challenges the traditional theory, definition and role of management to imply that they are not deciders, planners, organisers and controllers but are simply administrators.Item External Factors Influencing the Sustainability of Social Entrepreneurial Ventures in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2020) Govender, Ramona; Murimbika, McEdwardSocial entrepreneurship is increasingly seen as a solution in addressing some of the social ills in the world. However, in order for the social enterprises to be more effective there is a need for them to be sustainable, particularly in terms of financial sustainability. Social enterprises that are financially sustainable are usually better able to create social value. The study sought to investigate the contributing factors towards social enterprise (SE) venture sustainability in South Africa using Cape Town as a case study. In doing so, quantitative research was conducted, with data being collected from the sampled social enterprises using an online survey. In this research it was found that, while government assistance was important, it was not significant in determining a social enterprise’s performance. The research also found that high social innovation improves a social enterprise’s access to philanthropic venture capital. In this regard, high social innovation was also seen to have a positive effect on social enterprise performance. The research thus concludes that social innovation is an important contributor to the sustainability of a social enterprise. The study offers updated information and adds to the theory on social enterprises in South Africa which is useful to prospective social entrepreneurs seeking to structure such organizations. In addition to this, the new knowledge and new insights will help government and civil society policy makers to formulate policies that can encourage social entrepreneurship in the country, especially with regards to funding. The study also offers useful insights on social innovation and emphasises its importance within the social enterprise context.Item The Political Economy of Energy Regulation in the Coal Mining Industry of Emalahleni(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-06) Selebi, Elton Jimmy; Matshabaphala, ManamelaThis study explores the perspectives on the political economy of energy regulation in the coal mining industry of Emalahleni. It seeks to discuss whether there are adequate steps within the political and economic sphere that regulates the efficient supply of electricity. The goals of this study are to ascertain the extent of regulation and policy formulation in the coal mining business in Emalahleni, South Africa; examine the reasons for decision-makers’ inaction in promoting a sustainable energy transition in Emalahleni, South Africa, and to identify political channels and platforms that can garner public and/or political support to speed the region's transition to sustainable energy. This research draws upon theoretical discussions centred on the following: The Agency Theory, Classical Political Economy, Keynesian Economics, and the Political Theory of Governance. Informed by an interpretivist paradigm, the qualitative research approach will be employed to explore the political economy of energy regulation within the study area. A non-probability sampling approach through the use of judgemental sampling was used to select the research participants, and the research method utilised interviews through the distribution of a questionnaire. A sample size of 20 comprised individuals from mining organisations in Emalahleni, Department of Mineral Resources and Energy Officials, CGS, Petroleum Agency SA, COSATU, and the Department of Trade Industry and Competition. The study noted that the political system has an impact on the energy and coal regulation markets at Emalahleni. It is recommended that an efficient energy resource policy and local governance are required to address the challenges of increased energy demand and pollution in South Africa.Item Sustainability Financing and Investment in Integrated Waste Management: Implications for the Circular Economy in Ghana(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Agyapong, Daniel; Tweneboah,GeorgeThe transition to a circular economy has been a major global developmental agenda, as reflected in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030). In line with this, Ghana has adopted the practice of integrating circularity into its development objectives to promote sustainability, particularly in the waste management sector, which has gained attention for its potential in efficient resource mobilization and access to secondary raw materials. However, despite policymakers integrating sustainability into the development framework, financing and investments in circular economy activities remain underexplored. Adequate financing and investments can transform waste streams into profitable projects and useful goods, such as recycling waste into secondary raw resources for further processing, recovering valuable resources like energy and precious metals, or converting waste into fuel or electricity through biological or thermal treatment. The study examined sustainability financing and investment and implications for sustainable development in Ghana. The overarching aim of the thesis is to investigate the factors influencing circular economy financing and investment, the impact of such financing on circular economy practices, and the broader implications for the waste management sector in Ghana. The study is structured into three self-contained empirical chapters, each addressing specific objectives through distinct analyses. Chapter Three examined the determinants of circular economy financing and investment supply, emphasizing the moderating role of the financial environment. Chapter Four assessed the effect of circular economy finance and investment supply on the adoption of circular economy practices in the waste management sector. Chapter Five examined the implications of circular economy practices on the performance of firms in the integrated waste sector.Item Enablers and barriers to effective strategy implementation in a South African financial institution(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Zikalala, ZaneleStrategy implementation forms part of the broader concept and critical aspect of strategic management which is practiced across many organisations in South Africa. However, it has been found through the abundance of literature that most organisations put more emphasis, focus on strategy formulation, and neglect strategy implementation. The number of existing strategy formulation frameworks supports this view, while scholars have not reached a consensus on the most effective frameworks for strategy implementation. Based on the high failure rate on strategy implementation, ranging between 60% and 90%, this exploratory study will seek to understand factors impacting effective strategy implementation in a South African context for a financial institution. Qualitative research was undertaken to further explore this study, wherein data was collected through an electronic survey from employees within the financial institution who specifically work in the Strategy Enablement Office. The data analysis yielded findings that identified five key factors impacting strategy implementation: leadership and culture, strategy implementation, employee understanding, regular feedback, and organisational performance. Out of these factors, the findings indicated that regular feedback and employee understanding were considered significantly important to strategy implementation. Leadership and culture and organisational performance had a positive impact but were not significant, according to the data collected for a specific financial institution. The study confirmed the importance of strategy implementation and the key factors that lie under it; however, the study also revealed that the organisation will need to put more effort into senior leadership involvement and provide regular feedback to employees during strategy implementation. Therefore, some recommendations put forward are to ensure senior leadership’s greater involvement during strategy implementation and to be provided with training interventions in this regard to mitigate the risk of nonchalant behaviour by senior management during the implementation phase. The study contributes to helping teams working in strategy enablement across the organisation, to gain insights on which factors to focus on and which ones are potential blind spots during strategy implementation to improve organisational performance.Item Digital transformation strategies in the South African banking sector(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Sibeko, Simphiwe Annita; Godspower-Akpomiemie, EuphemiaThe emergence of digital solutions has created unexpected players in the banking sector as the market slowly grows to defy boundaries. New entrants in the market are challenging the traditional players who have dominated the South African banking sector by introducing digital solutions and low-cost operating models. To compete in this rapidly changing and evolving market, traditional banks should prioritise digital transformation. To drive innovation and long-term solutions, organisations should seek change and transformation. The concept of digitally transforming corporate, operational, and functional strategies of an organisation underpins the focus of this research article. The fundamental objective of this research is to enhance comprehension of the current advancements in the discipline of digital transformation strategies. This study aimed to contribute to not only the assessment of strategy maturity and effectiveness, but to provide context to the South African banking sector. The objectives were achieved through qualitative comparative analysis of audited integrated annual reports and surveys on customer experience to calculate Net Promoter Scores in the industry. Analysis was conducted by applying a conceptual framework constructed by leveraging existing theories in literature, to identify and scrutinise the relationship between digital transformation strategy designs, learning and growth initiatives, and customer experience on the overall performance and market leadership. The framework provided structured analysis and standardised data to test strategy effectiveness between the four sample banks. Overall, the study argues the need of standardised attributes pertaining to digital transformation strategy design and initiatives, which will drive accurate reporting on strategy maturity. Data reported is decentralised as there are not governing frameworks to align reporting. Aligning key attributes will provide decision makers with better insights and equip incumbents to respond less tactically to the evolving world of banking.Item The Impact of Enterprise and Supplier Development Programmes on the Growth of SMMEs in Gauteng, South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Ramokgopa, Lebogang; Mlothswa, SamukeleWhile various studies have investigated the challenges that Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) face and many of them outline the support that is required by SMMEs, there have been limited studies that look into the effectiveness of government support interventions that are implemented through the public and private sectors. The effectiveness of Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment Commission (B-BBEE) and Enterprise and Supply Development (ESD) support programmes and their impact on SMME growth have not been extensively interrogated through research. This knowledge is particularly important to investigate because SMMEs play a significant role in improving economic growth and reducing unemployment and equality levels. As such, this study sought to assess the impact of B-BBEE ESD programme support on the growth of SMMEs. The study employed qualitative methods and thematic analysis was used to analyse data. The sample size included 10 beneficiaries of B-BBEE ESD in Gauteng province, obtaining their views on participation experience. The findings suggest that ESD initiatives assist SMMEs in both financial and nonfinancial ways. However, participants usually believed that the benefits were limited and that partnerships may provide more value. Further, findings from the study highlighted the presence of constraints that impede ESD's capacity to provide an optimal service offering to SMMEs, resulting in restricted visibility for small enterprises. Some internal and external difficulties in delivering services to SMMEs were outlined based on the experience of beneficiaries. As such, it was recommended that enterprise and supplier development programs should avoid attempting to be all things to all people. The emphasis should be on an area in which they excel and on providing that service to SMMEs. This allows them to impart their specialized knowledge to small enterprises. To be effective, this focus should be sector or industry specificItem 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 The impact of digital ecosystems on customer loyalty in South African life insurance companies: A customer’s perspective(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Muthama, Georginah M.; Nyamajiwa, Michael T.The concept of life insurance has been in existence for thousands of years, with a business model that has remained relatively the same. Persistency or customer retention in South African life insurance companies is an ongoing concern. Advancement in technology has provided new opportunities to life insurance companies, such as online sales, improvement in service offering, and the increase in brand awareness. The literature indicates that digital ecosystems offer a new value proposition for life insurance companies to create loyal customers. This study was motivated by the high number of policy cancellations, unmet premiums and lapsed policies experienced across the insurance industry in South Africa. The study proposed that customer loyalty can be increased with the implementation of digital ecosystems, specifically in terms of the value propositions related to ease of doing business, loyalty programs and digital platforms. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the value proposition provided by digital ecosystems can create loyal customers. A quantitative research approach was used in this study. Data was collected using surveys whereby the respondents gave their responses on a structured-self-completion questionnaire that were distributed via email and WhatsApp. A random sample of n=57 was achieved. The Cronbach’s Alpha test showed there was good internal consistency reliability for the independent variables, but the dependent variable has poor internal consistency. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted and the factor loadings higher than 0.40 indicate that the constructs were valid. Multiple regression was applied to test the four research hypotheses. The results indicate that there is a statistically significant relationship between digital ecosystems and customer loyalty. Regarding individual value proposition items of digital ecosystems, ease of doing business does not have a significant relationship with customer loyalty, nor does digital platforms. Loyalty iv programs has a significant relationship with customer loyalty. The final conclusion of this research is thus that digital ecosystems do provide a value proposition which can increase customer loyalty. When a digital ecosystem consists of different value propositions, in this case, ease of doing business, loyalty programs and digital platforms, loyal customers can be created.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.