Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)

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Start date: 2020End date: 2024Subject: search.filters.subject.UCTDSubject: search.filters.subject.SDG-7: Affordable and clean energySubject: search.filters.subject.SDG-8: Decent work and economic growthHas files: Yes

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Now showing 1 - 7 of 7
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    Organisational Development Strategies to Mitigate Strike Action in Mining Companies in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Tanyanyiwa, Olivia Tashinga; Matshabaphala, Manamela; Nixon, Ochara
    This study delves into the challenges faced by the mining sector in South Africa due to frequent strike actions and explores various organizational development strategies that can be implemented to mitigate these occurrences. The research highlights the significance of effective communication, employee engagement, conflict resolution mechanisms, and leadership development in fostering a positive work environment and reducing the likelihood of strikes. By drawing on relevant literature, case studies, and expert opinions, the study aims to provide valuable insights for mining companies operating in South Africa to proactively address labor disputes and promote sustainable industrial relations. Through the implementation of strategic organizational development initiatives, mining companies can create a culture of trust, collaboration, and mutual respect among employees and management, ultimately leading to improved productivity and stability within the sector.
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    Exploring an optimal franchise agreement model for the fuel retail industry in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Sakoane, Motshidisi Mary-Anne
    This study explores the complex landscape of fuel retail franchise agreements in South Africa, highlighting the multifaceted challenges and strategic imperatives facing both franchisors and franchisees. The research underscores the importance of sustainable partnership models and adaptive business practices amidst a dynamic market environment. Key findings reveal a complex interplay of regulatory frameworks, market dynamics, and consumer trends, which significantly influence fuel retail franchise agreements. The study emphasises the need for franchise agreements that prioritise flexibility, clarity, and adaptability to ensure mutual benefit and long-term viability. The research contributes to understanding the complexities and challenges within the fuel retail industry, providing valuable guidance for stakeholders. It informs strategic decision-making and offers recommendations for improving franchise agreements, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of the market. The study also highlights limitations, including the specificity of the South African context and the dynamic nature of the industry, and suggests areas for future research, such as the impact of emerging technologies and consumer preferences on franchise operations.
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    Assessing the Contribution of Mining Companies to the Development of Entrepreneurs
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mathoma, Khuthalani Curtis
    This MBA thesis entitled “Assessing the Contribution of Mining Companies to the Development of Entrepreneurs” investigates the current state of entrepreneurship in South Africa, concentrating on the mining sector. The study analysed the extent to which mining companies have invested in entrepreneurship development in the areas where they operate, and the challenges that they face in promoting entrepreneurship in South Africa. A qualitative research approach and a case study design were employed, with data collected through face-to-face interviews with CSR and Enterprise and Supply Development representatives from gold and coal mining companies in Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces, as well as beneficiaries and participants of the mining companies' CSR and Enterprise and Supplier Development programs. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The study found that entrepreneurship in South Africa faces numerous challenges, including lack of access to finance, inadequate business skills, limited market opportunities, and regulatory challenges. However, mining companies have made significant investments in entrepreneurship development in the areas where they operate through corporate social responsibility initiatives and enterprise and supplier development programs. Mining companies provide financial and non-financial support for entrepreneurship development, including funding programs, loans, mentorship, and training programs. The study also found that mining companies face several challenges in promoting entrepreneurship in South Africa, among them is the absence of a culture of entrepreneurship in mining communities, limited access to finance and resources, and regulatory challenges. Despite these challenges, iv beneficiaries, and participants of mining companies' CSR and ESD initiatives generally perceived the programs as supportive of the development of their entrepreneurial ventures. Finally, the study recommended strategies that mining companies can adopt to enhance their contribution to the development of entrepreneurship in the country. Overall, this study offers insightful information about the function of mining companies in promoting entrepreneurship and highlights the importance of their continued investment in entrepreneurship development in South Africa.
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    Evaluating continuous improvement models to enhance organisational productivity in a diamond mining operation
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Chele, Motsi; Venter, Roberts
    Evaluating continuous improvement models to enhance organisational productivity in a diamond mining operation. The study used qualitative methods to establish an appropriate continuous improvement methodology that will assist to enhance organisational productivity. The application of continuous improvement technique to help the organisation bridge observed non-productivity was the research gap being addressed. The study identified factors that are important for organisational productivity. The study went in details to unpack organisational productivity, internal business processes and continuous improvement methodologies. This research established the model to support the business practice. The challenges observed during the research study required a systemic approach, strong leadership support, effective communication and a commitment to building a culture of continuous improvement within the organisation to deal with them and easy the workflow. The research study concluded that Theory of constraints was the relevant methodology to be adopted by the organisation to deal with lack of productivity which is currently the major challenge. It is envisaged that the nominated continuous improvement methodology would be implemented and tested to validate its capabilities to drive the organisation to an acceptable productivity level.
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    Manufacturers’ Perspectives: Overcoming barriers and unlocking solutions for battery manufacturing in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Shantikumar, Ravisha; Mathetsa, Steven
    The global energy sector is transitioning towards sustainable sources. South Africa, a country heavily reliant on coal for its energy needs, faces myriad challenges compounded by persistent electricity shortages. These shortages have widespread negative economic impacts, prompting the exploration of technological solutions such as battery energy storage systems (BESS). Adoption of BESS is on the rise in South Africa. However, the country is still heavily reliant on imports for battery storage systems. This study sought to explore the barriers and solutions for the manufacture of BESS in South Africa, thus contribute to the rapid implementation of these systems in the energy sector. A qualitative approach was employed, including collecting insights from key energy sector role players, among them, representatives of global battery cell manufacturers and local battery assembly companies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five participants from global electro-chemical battery manufacturers, two from BESS assembly companies operating in South Africa, and seven key local stakeholders such as policymakers, and representatives of research institutes, and a financial institution. Thematic analysis of these interviews revealed that, first, battery energy storage systems present substantial opportunities for South Africa. Second, localising battery manufacturing could enhance grid stability, renewable energy integration, job creation, and economic growth. The study identified key barriers to local battery manufacturing. These include market, financial, technology, and policy barriers, and a lack of skills and international partnerships specific to South Africa. To address these barriers, the study suggests fostering strong partnerships between government and battery manufacturers, sound policy development and implementation, manufacturing incentives, tariff reforms, and regional demand validation. Key considerations for battery manufacturers entering new markets like South Africa include market entry challenges, cost competitiveness, intellectual property protection, infrastructure improvements, access to raw materials, and government support. The study revealed that government leadership is crucial for developing the ii battery manufacturing industry in South Africa. Stimulating domestic demand for electric vehicles, developing mineral refining capabilities, and fostering government-industry partnerships are recommended to capitalise on market potential and industry growth. These findings complement existing literature and highlight factors unique to the South African context, as perceived by stakeholders within the battery industry
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    Developing our financial markets to finance the energy transition
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Madungandaba, Gcebile F.
    Developing a financial market is complex and tedious; therefore, the needs of various stakeholders must be considered, and market efficiency must be ensured to develop the renewable energy (RE) market effectively. This study offers valuable guidance on the effective allocation of capital resources in the renewable energy (RE) market to facilitate a smooth transition to renewable energy. To achieve this aim, panel data from 42 developing nations in Africa, Asia, and South America, spanning 1990-2019, are analysed. This study uses a panel fixed effects model to investigate the relationship between renewable energy production and credit, equity, and bond market development. The results of the empirical analysis suggest that all three dimensions of financial development, namely credit, equity, and bond, are positively associated with renewable energy production, albeit to varying degrees. This work also proposes a framework to promote renewable energy production in developing countries based on the empirical findings and existing literature. The framework highlights the leading renewable energy policy categories and specific policies most effectively promoting renewable energy production in emerging markets
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    Sources of brand equity in a government programme: a case of the renewable energy independent power producers programme (REIPPP) in South Africa
    (2020) Mojanaga, Nonesi Desiree
    Assessing the sources of brand equity in the government sector is an area of limited research. This research report applies the Brand Equity theoretical model developed by Aaker (1991a; 1991b) to determine the sources of brand equity in a public sector energy programme in South Africa. The Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers Programme (REIPPP) is a private-public partnership in the renewable energy sector, introduced in 2010. A brand is considered to be one of the most important intangible assets of any organisation, and therefore the determination of the sources of its value, or brand equity, is of great importance. A quantitative research approach was adopted to guide the study, using a structured survey questionnaire. Data was collected through an online survey from a sample of thirty-two respondents, most of whom have been extensively involved in the REIPPP and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical methods. The results of the research study highlighted the most important factors affecting brand equity in the REIPPP, which are brand awareness and perceived benefit. The findings show that Aaker’s (1991a; 1991b) Brand Equity model has relevance and applicability in the public sector. The contribution of this report is to enhance academic understanding of brand equity in the public sector and to explore the implications for management practice whilst providing marketers in the public sector with the tools for public sector marketing