Abstract
Current situation: It has been revealed that decision-making has become inevitable and managers of any kind of organisation are faced with a multiplicity of decisions every single day. Studies indicate that there is an absence of decision-making practices, techniques and methods within the transport and logistics business. This study investigates the importance of managers’ use of decision-making practices, and to what extent the decision-making technique and practices are appropriate to optimise effective fleet management of Govan Mbeki Local Municipality (GMLM). The research aim is to make essential guidelines available to management for the effective decision-making practices needed in GMLM. Literature: The changing business environment implies that not only does the manager rely on the decision-making practices, but the effectiveness of the decision is also critical to any organisation, which includes the transport work environment. Improving decision-making skills using established decision-making practices will enable workforce in the “transport work environment” to rise above these adverse results and perfect the effectiveness of managerial decision-making practices. Research methodology: A qualitative approach was adopted for the study and a purposeful sampling technique was applied to select the participants. Ten participants were interviewed. An open-ended interview guide was used to gather the data. Key findings: The study has identified a notable difference between understanding and actual application of decision-making practices in GMLM. This was attributed to the lack of skills and training. Other factors are shortage of resources to aid decisions, lack of buy-in or belief from stakeholders, outside influences (external forces) and non-hierarchal processes that are making decision-making seem cumbersome. Research conclusion: Improving decision-making skills by using well-known decision-making practices will encourage employees in the transport work environment to rise above these adverse results and perfect the effectiveness of managerial decision-making practices. A training programme should be compiled to enable managers to understand legislation and interpretations of policies, assist in streamlining processes and improve decision-making effectiveness. This training programme should consist of industry experts and people with vast...
M.Com. (Business Management)