Abstract
M.Tech. (Operations Management)
University of Johannesburg was established in 2005 through a merger process, which consisted of three former institutions namely RAU, TWR and Vista. From the three institutions Vista was incorporated into RAU the previous year (2004) and the other two (RAU and TWR) merging on equal terms (both parties will have an equal decision making role) in order for the newly formed institution to work effectively and efficiently.
The focus of the study was on UJ Sport department and will show the roles that the merger played within the department. It will indicate how effective and efficient the department was after the merger is adopted, and what the current working environment within the department is. It will also show the implementation, changes and transformation they underwent in order to adopt the merger, to become UJ Sport (as one functional unit).
Primary data was collected through interviews from current UJ Sport staff who were present during the merger (2004-2005).A process by means of observation was employed in the study as a primary source of data, while secondary data was obtained by sourcing documentation to show how the merger was implemented and the after effects of the process. The secondary data indicated the current state and performance of the department by using the results, culture survey and annual statistics of UJ Sport as source of data.
In the conclusion, the UJ Sport implemented merger was moderately one sided in the early stages of the merger. This resulted in the department adopting a defensive culture amongst employees and the department itself did not operate at its full potential or capacity. It is recommended that the department starts off by changing the current culture to a constructive one in order for them to be able to address the current issues and move on. It is suggested that they use Cumming and Worley’s six steps of cultural change, which would assist the department to improve their working environment and become more effective, this will allow them to start operating to their capacity or full potential.