Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)
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Item Organisational innovation in the public sector: the case of the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC)(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Zulu, BhekiThe project seeks to determine, in the South African context, whether or not public/government agencies have a systematic way of managing of innovation, and if so, to find out if they have method of learning and building innovation capabilities. It highlights possible problems that remain within public sector agencies, the CIPC in particular, with respect to learning and capability building, thereby laying the foundation for a more detailed study to be carried out in the future. The current study further aims to meaningfully contribute to the necessary core skills and teachings in the field of innovation management by trying to improve the understanding of how public sector organisations or government agencies build their internal learning and innovation capabilities. Therefore, the study will make use of two relevant theoretical frameworks, one of which is mostly used to analyse the private sector, that is, dynamic capabilities (DCs), while the other, the Smart Intellectual Property Office Framework (SIPO), is more widespread in the public sector. During the execution of its mandate, the CIPC makes use of technologies and ought to establish its process to optimise its administration and service delivery to the public for both local and international stakeholders. The responsibility of CIPC inter alia, is to administer, regulate and protect Intellectual Property assets and companies in line with requirements derived from a number of legislations/laws that have been in existence for a number of decades. This suggests that the CIPC ought to have the innovation capabilities to deal with issues regarding the technologies it uses and services it provides in executing its mandate. It is also recognised that public sector innovation has a substantial and varied impact on performance with regard to private sector, such as the services provided by CIPC, which include the registration of companies and intellectual property. This study adopted a qualitative approach in analysing the CIPC as a case study. In general, qualitative research methods are quite effective in gathering information that deals with matters that are intangible such as the experiences of the population of interest. In this case, the perspectives of participants provided informed conclusions regarding organisational innovation and its management in the public sector, particularly government agencies. The study was executed using both interviews and the analysis of official documents. iii In conclusion, it was revealed that public organisations that do not nurture learning and the building of coordinative/integrative capabilities risk losing relevance. This is because coordinative/integrative capabilities reflect the ability of an organisation to properly make use of its resources to support the sustainability and constant renewal of the organisation.Item Senior Managers’ perception of their role in facilitating digital transformation in the public sector – South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mosia, Emanuel Mmuelli; Craffert, LeonaDigital transformation is a new phenomenon in the public sector. Previous studies have also found that public sector is performing poorly compared to private sector in their endeavours to transform. The study was intended to establish how senior managers perceive their role in facilitating digital transformation of the Department, excluding the actual assessment of digital maturity. The study drew guidance from Unified Model of Digital Maturity and Dynamic Capabilities Framework which both demonstrate the role of senior managers in the rapid changing environment due to technological disruptions. The study used semi- structured interviews to collect data from the population of 386 senior managers, where 15 senior managers were interviewed either face-to-face or virtually. The study finds that senior managers understanding of their role in facilitating digital transformation is fair to average. Their understanding of digital transformation is a simple switch from paper to paperless. Additionally, silo approach was found to be one of the impeders of digital transformation in the Department. The Department should be developing digital transformation strategy to guide the senior managers, coalesce all the efforts and be intentional in investing in digital transformation of the Department.Item Incumbent response strategies to disruptive innovation in the South African banking industry(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ishwarlaal, Nikhilia; Omotoso, PelayoIn the South African banking industry, five major banks have collectively maintained a 90% market share across retail and wholesale banking; however, new entrants are emerging with disruptive innovations that threaten the incumbents’ dominance. The purpose of this study is to explore how these established firms perceive the threat of disruption and respond with their own strategies. It also aims to discover what factors influence these strategies, to understand why one strategy may take priority over another. The study investigates the problem statement posed by disruptive innovation theory, which is the potential failure of incumbent firms to respond appropriately to disruptive innovation. Findings have been assessed against a framework combining two theories and their extensions: disruptive innovation theory and response strategy theory. From the population of incumbent banks in South Africa, the top five in terms of assets held were included in the sample. To ensure informed insights, purposive sampling was used to identify four participants from each firm who could comment authoritatively on the topics under consideration. The study employed a qualitative methodology, leveraging semi-structured interviews to gather primary data from participants. Supplementary secondary data was used to support findings where required. Findings of this research include that disruption is occurring within this industry and to a high enough degree that incumbents have acknowledged disruptors and the threat of disruption. It is specifically found to be in the middle stage of the process of disruption, whereby the disruptive innovations are no longer insignificant, and are growing in performance and in presence across the industry; however, they are not considered to have penetrated incumbents’ mainstream market yet. In response to this, incumbents have prioritised at least one, and a maximum of two, response strategies out of a possible five that are dominant in this industry. The research also identified 16 factors that fall into two categories, motivation and ability to respond, which influence the prioritisation of response strategies. These insights may be used to inform theory around incumbent responses to disruptive innovation, with extensions towards the banking industry. It also has the potential to support incumbents in understanding and modifying their strategies to maximise their response to disruptionItem Public procurement of innovation in the valve manufacturing sector in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Bosoga, Morongwa; Soumonni, DiranPublic procurement, in addition to its primary role of obtaining goods and services to fulfil public service functions, has been used by many economies to accomplish various socio-economic and developmental objectives. Moreover, public procurement is suggested to have played a big role in stimulating the establishment of manufacturing sectors in existence today. For many developing economies, manufacturing remains critical to creating large scale employment opportunities to reduce the high-rate unemployment and poverty. Against the budgetary constraints and tough economic climate, the past decades witnessed a renewed interest in the utilisation of public procurement of innovation (PPI) as either a stand-alone policy or as part of general innovation or procurement policy tool to stimulate innovation amongst the existing sectors or creation of new sectors. In South Africa, public procurement accounts for a significant share of economic activity with many domestic industries reliant on government contracts for their commercial activities. However, in comparison to other developed economies where PPI has become popular, it has been suggested that developing economies are not taking full advantage of the immense potential of PPI as tool to advance innovation capabilities and to strengthen the competitiveness of domestic firms. The purpose of the study is to explore the potential of PPI as tool to facilitate innovation in South Africa, utilising the valve manufacturing sector as case study. The study employed qualitative methods to gather and analyse data. The study used primary data as well as policy document analysis. Primary data was gathered through semi-structured one on one interviews with government officials, Eskom official as well as local valve manufacturers to determine the suitability of PPI to the South African environment. Policy documents and government report were used as secondary data. The key finding of the study PPI is a complex tool and there are many factors involved its implementation. Its successful implementation is reliant on certain conditions being in place. The complexities and weaknesses inherent within the South African regulatory, organisational, and institutional landscape may present iii major difficulties in the successful implementation of PPI as an explicit tool for government.Item The internal factors that influence incremental technological innovation in a South African organisation(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Gobind, Dhiyaksha; Magida, AyandaIn today’s fast-changing digital world, technological innovation is necessary for organisations to ensure long-term sustainability and market success. In large, complex organisations, numerous factors influence the success or failure of innovation. These factors can be categorised as technological, organisational, and environmental. This study explored the internal factors that influence incremental technological innovation in an organisation. Organisation X forms part of a federated business model and, as a result, has a shared technology platform. The study applied qualitative research methods with an interpretive paradigm that helped to evaluate the human experience and the understanding they attach to it. A purposive sampling method was applied using the researcher’s professional network to interview 12 participants at various management levels in the organisation. While there was a predetermined interview guide, the instrument format offered flexibility to explore the topics. The primary data collection method was in the form of online interviews on a cloud-based collaboration software. The data was analysed using the thematic analysis approach, and the results highlighted an interplay of the themes as they were interdependent. After applying the factors explored by the study within the technological, organisational, and environmental contexts, the research findings revealed significant areas that required focus and optimisation. The results indicated that organisational culture, processes, and leadership styles significantly influence technological innovation. The research provides practical recommendations to solve for the gaps and inefficiencies revealed by the study. These valuable recommendations include setting up Centres of Excellence, defining Proof of Concept strategies and reconfiguring project teams working on the latest technology innovationsItem The role of digital technology in SME funding by Commercial Banks in South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Chili, Philani; Manessah, AlagbaosoSMEs are the backbone of developing economies, playing an integral role in GDP growth and job creation. South Africa, inclusive of an informal sector, presents a wider SME market, which through adequate support, can contribute significantly to the economy. With the future growth of the economy and improved employment prospects majorly dependent on the contributions of the SME sector as avowed by the South African Government, the success of these constrained businesses is most important. SMEs in South Africa have an average age of five years, with lack of access to financing noted as one of the key inhibiting factors. Although the advent of technology has introduced new financial intermediation players, offering innovative products necessary to drive accessibility to financial services, optimising traditional banks’ larger resources could yield mass benefit. Unlocking the full funding potential of banks through modern technology is therefore critical to support the survive and thrive prospects of SMEs. This study endeavoured to understand existing relationships and the extent to which digital technology can be exploited to improve accessibility to bank funding by SMEs, using literature insights pertaining to information opacity and innovation challenges which stifle progressive SME lending. The study was underpinned by the Disruption Innovation Theory and Information Asymmetry Theory. Following a quantitative approach, structured survey questionnaire data collected from SMEs in South Africa was statistically analysed. SMEs that attempted (whether successfully or not) to obtain funding from traditional banks were of particular interest. Although innovation and technology adoption seemed to drive accessibility to bank funding whilst lack of engagement with innovation activities hindered it, both showed weak correlations and had no statistical significance. Intriguingly, ‘age of business’ showed a statistically significant correlation with accessibility to bank funding, a result that is pertinent to the survival factors of SMEs and warrants further exploration. Whilst SMEs provide a reliable proxy to improved SME lending by banks, it is imperative that perspectives of the banks are included in such a study to make a meaningful contribution to academic research aimed at unearthing relationships that start to edge closer to an optimal SME lending model. In the meantime, the onus lies with SMEs to minimise information opacity and improve fundability through technology as they navigate a somewhat rigid traditional bank system.Item Product innovation strategies that support an organisation’s reset business strategy(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Maithufi, Marang Norah; Mupfawa, ShunguLiterature reveals that many organisations do not have well-communicated innovation strategies, or rarely articulate their innovation efforts to align with business strategies. In addition, research further emphasises that without innovation strategies, different parts of an organisation can find themselves pursuing conflicting priorities even in the existence of a clear business strategy. Organisation A, the case under study, has recently accounced its new refresh business strategy; in order to align itself with the changing business and consumer landscapes. The new business strategy focusses on value delivery through customer-centricity and market-focused businesses. The aim of this study is to ascertain product innovation strategies that can support Organisation A’s new business ambitions. Organisation A produces and markets a wide range of products, including chemicals; both commodity as well specialty chemicals. The products identifed for the study are polymers products, selected due to the unique challenges the products currently face; which include being commodity products at the mature stage of their product lifecycle. Parallel to this, these products have recently endured substantial environmental scrutiny relating to the increasing (polymers) plastics waste footprint in the environment and other externalities, with consumers thus demanding more environmentally sustainable product solutions. For a richer discovery, as well as uncovering perceptions which may influence how innovation is conducted at Organisation A, a qualitative single case study research strategy was pursued, via semi-structured interview schedules with Organisation A’ employees involved in and associated with the development, production, marketing, sales and support of polymers products under study. The study revealed that although innovation is widely acknowledged as important, the perceptions held within the business were that polymers product innovation was not a forefront imperative. This, according to the study participants, manifested as an environment that was unsupportive of product innovation endevours, a business that was overly risk-averse, internally focussed, and considered other categories of innovation such as manufacturing process innovations as more value creating than polymers product innovation efforts. Consequently, only incremental and sustaining product innovation activities that were perceived to not disrupt the business were embraced. Three strategies or opportunity areas are proposed, that Organisation A can explore for its polymers product innovation efforts to support the new business strategyItem Open innovation culture and product development in a South African telecommunications operator(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Shonhiwa, PrinceTo increase the rate of innovation during product development, telecommunications organizations are increasingly adopting open innovation strategies. Open innovation is viewed as an important business and national strategy in developing nations like South Africa to overcoming structural barriers and resource limitations. A supportive organizational culture that encourages the bi-directional flow of knowledge inside and outside the organization is necessary for open innovation to endure. The aim of the study is to understand how South African telecommunications companies can develop organizational cultures that support open innovation during the development of their products. Research findings indicate that South African telecommunications providers understand the cultural attributes that are crucial for open innovation, and there is evidence of their existence to some degree. However, supportive organizational structures and capabilities must be developed to enable open innovation to matureItem Challenges and Opportunities for Innovation in the South African Mining Industry(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ntlhoiseng, Tshepo Mmeko Phistos; MurimbikaRising costs, diminishing ore grades, labour conflicts, and low-profit margins are all problems facing South Africa's mining industry. Along with external factors, such as global pressures, domestic factors have hindered the mining industry's economic recovery, leading to the loss of jobs, the closure of mines and the departure of certain international mining corporations. Throughout the country's history, the mining industry in South Africa has been recognised as a critical driver of economic development and job creation. The need to innovate for increased productivity is especially pressing in this sector, as it continues to be a significant source of employment in South Africa. The study set out to look into the challenges and opportunities for innovation in the South African mining sector. Exploratory, qualitative research was chosen to learn about the mining industry and its innovation potential. This study aimed to examine the gold and platinum mining industry specifically. Eleven interviews with top mining industry executives were undertaken. Thematic analysis was used to delve deeper into the industry's challenges and opportunities for innovation. The study revealed that organisational issues such as change management, stakeholder engagement, and the availability of finances, among others, hinder innovation. External elements, such as mining regulations, inhibit or enable innovations in the mining sector. Moreover, there are four areas where operational efficiency can be enhanced. According to the findings of this research, energy, transportation, big data, communication, and explosives have been highlighted as areas where innovation opportunities exist. Change management and stakeholder involvement were also identified as crucial areas requiring new solutions for effective operations to foster innovation.Item Leadership and the adoption of cloud computing for enterprises in Johannesburg(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Lephoto, Palesa Irene; Matshabaphala, M.D.JCloud computing is extensively adopted by many enterprises globally. South African enterprises have resisted the shift to cloud computing adoption despite there being extensive potential for organisations. The contribution of this study was to examine the factors that influence leadership to adopt cloud computing as part of digital transformation strategy for their enterprises in Johannesburg, Gauteng Province, South Africa. The qualitative general research design was used to investigate the perceptions leaders have about cloud computing which translates into slow adoption of cloud computing. The data was collected through interviews from participants holding leadership positions in their respective organisations. The findings were analysed and discussed using an inductive thematic analysis approach to identify and code emergent themes within the data. The findings indicated that multiple factors influence leadership to adopt cloud computing for their enterprises. Understanding the cloud computing concept includes the drivers and barriers halting the adoption, the characteristics and traits of the leader, and the organisational factors contributing to the prospect of embracing cloud adoption. Despite the significant benefits of cloud, adoption in Johannesburg enterprises experiences challenges and the enterprise leaders still have reservations in fully adopting cloud for their organisations due to both macro and micro limitations