4. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - Faculties submissions

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    The Role of Localisation of the Supply Chain in the South African Automotive Industry
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Mohlala, Masingita Onica; Munkuli, Bongani
    Purpose/Introduction- The South African automotive industry plays a pivotal role in the country's economic landscape, and the increasing emphasis on supply chain localisation has prompted a need for comprehensive research. This study addresses three primary research objectives: understanding the influence of institutional dynamics on localisation adoption, identifying effective strategies for supply chain enhancement, and analysing specific impacts on the industry's supply chain networks. As globalization continues to impact industries worldwide, the role of localisation in the automotive sector becomes a critical area for exploration. Design/methodology/approach- To achieve the research objectives, a mixed-methods approach was employed. Quantitative data was gathered through surveys using a Likert scale distributed across various organisational sizes within the South African automotive industry. The surveys focused on opinions and perceptions related to localisation policies, government regulations, and the impact of such measures on supply chain performance. Additionally, qualitative insights were gathered through questionnaires using open-ended questions, providing a more nuanced understanding of the industry's localisation dynamics. Findings/Results- The quantitative analysis revealed a significant correlation between the implementation of localisation policies and organisational structure and size. Larger organisations exhibited higher agreement on the effective implementation of localisation policies. Government regulations were identified as significantly associated with the organisational structure during the implementation of supply chain localisation. Findings also underscored variations in perceptions based on organisational size, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies. Furthermore, the study explored the impact of government regulations on localisation measures and their adoption within organisations. Research limitations/implications - While the study provides valuable insights, certain limitations should be considered. The sample size, though representative, might not capture the entire diversity of the South African automotive industry. Additionally, self- reported data from surveys may introduce biases, and the study's cross-sectional nature limits its ability to capture dynamic changes over time. Despite these limitations, the research lays a foundation for understanding the complexities of supply chain localisation in the South African automotive context and offers avenues for future, more in-depth investigations. Practical implications- The study's practical implications include the need for targeted policy interventions, size-specific organisational strategies, active engagement in enterprise and supplier development, informed decisions on import taxation, promotion of local content for enhanced competitiveness, and continued collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders. Adhering to these implications is crucial for fostering sustainable development in the South African automotive supply chain
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    Factors affecting the adoption of business intelligence solutions in a public sector organisation
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Tshehla, Modiketse
    Business Intelligence Solutions (BIS) continue to play a significant role in organisations and businesses in today’s information age. The adoption of BIS enables an organisation to gain a competitive advantage, generate accurate and faster data reporting, improve customer service, and increase revenue. The benefits of BIS have been realised in private sector organisations. However, the South African public sector is yet to release the benefits of adopting business intelligence solutions. The factors that affect the adoption of business intelligence solutions in a South African public sector organisation have not been fully investigated. This study explores factors that division managers perceive to be salient in influencing the adoption of a visualisation and data exploration BIS available in a public sector organisation in South Africa. The study was underpinned by Tomatzky and Fleischer’s Technology Organisation Environment (TOE) framework which was applied previously in the adoption of information system (IS) at the organisation level.The framework provided the lens from which adoption was studied by considering influences from the technological context, the organisational context and the environmental context. The following main research question guiding the study was addressed: What aspects of the visualisation and data exploration BIS are perceived to influence the adoption of the BIS in the public sector organisation. The organisation in the study provides training and development to public sector employees of the South African government. The study interviewed 10 senior managers with at least three years’ experience in the organisation. It was found that expected benefits from the technology and its compatibility are important for the adoption of BIS. Within the public sector organisation studied, stakeholder engagement; organisational culture; and available financial resources were also found to be important and supported by the literature. While service provider support was found to be crucial in the BIS adoption from the environmental context, the size of the organisation and the government regulations were found not to be influential in the adoption of BIS in a public sector organisation. The stimulation of employee interest and the importance of data quality were discovered to be the most important reasons the BIS was adopted. This research contributed to the improvement of theory by extending IS literature on BIS adoption and by testing the TOE theoretical framework in the South African public sector context. This study adds to the body of knowledge by extending the use of the TOE framework as a suitable tool for the study of BIS adoption. Furthermore, the study contributed by uncovering factors that influence the adoption of BIS in the South African public sector context. The results may help the South African and other countries’ public sector organisations to become more aware of the factors that influence the adoption of BIS. Practitioners and managers could be better prepared and minimise the BIS adoption risks by considering these factors
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    Exploring informal cross border trading and poverty reduction in Harare
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Chadambuka, Rumbidzai Ann; Lynge, Halfdan
    Informal sector in Africa is a major source of income and entrepreneurship for those with less skills and the unemployed. ICBT is a common informal activity for poor households, and it is a survival strategy for the marginalised, especially women. ICBT is mainly attributed to failing economies and poverty in Africa. This study explores how ICBT contributes to the socio-economic needs of Harare households. There is scant literature on ICBT's contributions to day-to-day basic needs. Thus, this study sought to fill this gap in literature by exploring the contributions of ICBT in Harare households. A qualitative study was conducted with twenty participants consisting of thirteen women engaged in ICBT, five family members and two agents. Participants were recruited using snowball and purposive sampling and, on the basis that they were female, resided in Harare, engaged in ICBT between Harare and Johannesburg or a family member staying with the female trader or an agent of the trader. Face-to-face and telephonic interviews were conducted with participants using narrative approach and were audio-recorded. Data were analysed using thematic data analysis ICBT has made positive and negative socio-economic impact in the home. Due to failing economic conditions in Zimbabwe, both the employed and unemployed, educated and less educated, find themselves in ICBT to generate income and to supplement their low salaries. ICBT has empowered women in Harare by making them financially independent to cater for their family needs. Women’s role has been changing from unpaid household chores to being breadwinners and this earns them respect they never had before. The sector has its own challenges mainly due to changes in economic trends, government regulations, societal and cultural expectations, and Covid-19 pandemic. These challenges do not necessarily stop ICBT because traders always find other ways to continue in business. Strengthening context-specific and context-driven policies that are supportive and not hostile to ICBT should be prioritized in empowering women and curbing the challenges they face in ICBT.