Disclosure of sustainability development goals in the integrated reports of JSE listed companies
- Authors: Katuruza, Tashinga Victoria
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Financial statements , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/478384 , uj:43233
- Description: Abstract: The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (hereafter UN’s SDGs) for 2030 call on all to contribute to ensuring a sustainable environment for the benefit of current and future generations, while the United Nations Global Compact appeals to businesses to take the lead in ensuring the achievement of Agenda 2030 by 2030. This study focused on understanding how the 23 JSE-listed companies that were selected for investigation contributed to the UN’s SDGs based on the disclosures they included in their integrated reports. Of the 23 companies, which represented the mining, banking, mobile telecommunications and general retail industries, only seven disclosed how they contributed to the UN’s SDGs. The 2019 integrated reports were analysed, and the results indicated that the companies understood the goals of Agenda 2030, which guided their contributions to the UN’s SDGs. This study highlighted ways in which different industries can work together towards achieving the UN’s SDGs, and this is encouraged by Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals. The disclosures included the reports of the selected companies can be used to define best practice which will ensure comparability and consistency. This study also suggested other avenues that can be explored in this field. , M.Com. (International Accounting)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Katuruza, Tashinga Victoria
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Johannesburg Stock Exchange , Financial statements , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/478384 , uj:43233
- Description: Abstract: The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (hereafter UN’s SDGs) for 2030 call on all to contribute to ensuring a sustainable environment for the benefit of current and future generations, while the United Nations Global Compact appeals to businesses to take the lead in ensuring the achievement of Agenda 2030 by 2030. This study focused on understanding how the 23 JSE-listed companies that were selected for investigation contributed to the UN’s SDGs based on the disclosures they included in their integrated reports. Of the 23 companies, which represented the mining, banking, mobile telecommunications and general retail industries, only seven disclosed how they contributed to the UN’s SDGs. The 2019 integrated reports were analysed, and the results indicated that the companies understood the goals of Agenda 2030, which guided their contributions to the UN’s SDGs. This study highlighted ways in which different industries can work together towards achieving the UN’s SDGs, and this is encouraged by Goal 17: Partnerships for the goals. The disclosures included the reports of the selected companies can be used to define best practice which will ensure comparability and consistency. This study also suggested other avenues that can be explored in this field. , M.Com. (International Accounting)
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Prevention of project failures using early warning signs in the South African mining communities
- Authors: Ramoshebi, Tshepiso
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Mineral industries - South Africa - Rustenburg - Management , Project management , System failures (Engineering) , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/479644 , uj:43392
- Description: Abstract: It is no new fact that the mining industry plays a pivotal role in the circulation of wealth and raw material to the global economies and other industries. More so in South Africa, mining appears as a magnet for attracting foreign investments and establishing leading international ventures. However, the effect of environmental dilapidation, as well as socio-economic complications in beneficiary communities has been an attribute of the mining industry despite several measures aimed at eradicating negative impacts caused by mining activities. These sustainable development projects established in the mining communities were found to be unsustainable and most of them failed despite huge injections of funding and human resources... , M.Phil. (Engineering Management)
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- Authors: Ramoshebi, Tshepiso
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Mineral industries - South Africa - Rustenburg - Management , Project management , System failures (Engineering) , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/479644 , uj:43392
- Description: Abstract: It is no new fact that the mining industry plays a pivotal role in the circulation of wealth and raw material to the global economies and other industries. More so in South Africa, mining appears as a magnet for attracting foreign investments and establishing leading international ventures. However, the effect of environmental dilapidation, as well as socio-economic complications in beneficiary communities has been an attribute of the mining industry despite several measures aimed at eradicating negative impacts caused by mining activities. These sustainable development projects established in the mining communities were found to be unsustainable and most of them failed despite huge injections of funding and human resources... , M.Phil. (Engineering Management)
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Sustainable development as a competitive advantage tool : a case study of South African small and medium food processing enterprises
- Authors: Mbuyane, Slindile
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Food industry and trade - Quality control , Food processing by-products industry , Food industry and trade - Management , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/425199 , uj:36393
- Description: Abstract: The rapidly increasing advancements in manufacturing sector has created pressure for manufacturers to rethink and redesign their existing systems in order to cope with the challenges that emerged with globalization and environmental concerns. This trend brought about the introduction of the sustainable manufacturing concept; this concept of sustainable manufacturing is generally referred to as “green business” which emerged towards the end of the 20th century. An increase in customer awareness and pressures from stakeholders shifted manufacturers' focus, as a result, many innovative strategies were brought into the realm of manufacturing systems, such as lean, green, agile, and sustainable manufacturing practices. Sustainable manufacturing has been acclaimed in recent years for its significant benefits directed at triple bottom line factors (social, environmental, and financial) also known as the sustainable development pillars. As one of the top 20 Greenhouse Gases (GHG) polluters and responsible for almost half of the total Carbon emission for Africa, South Africa’s food manufacturing businesses and Government are pushed to strategize on more sustainable manufacturing practices and principles. Even though many studies have been conducted on sustainable manufacturing, the critical assessment conducted in this study posits that there is still a gap to be covered as far as ensuring that all SMEs operating in the manufacturing sector are fully aware, understanding and adhering to the country’s commitment and objectives of sustainable development. However, the fundamental stages of adoption, implementation, and integration of sustainable development concept in food manufacturing SMEs have proven to be rather facing numerous challenges, hence very little execution has been observed. This becomes more important when considering the constant increase in the number of newly registered SME’s in the country. Considering this gap, this study aimed at first theoretically assessing sustainability in food manufacturing SMEs. The results of the critical appraisal of the current literature clearly illustrated that there is a gap in the current body of knowledge particularly with SMEs. The paper sought more understanding through deepening in literature review of the key parameters, and later formulated a survey, which was distributed within the Gauteng region. Feedback from 81 copies was received and analysed for descriptive data, factor exploratory analysis and reliability test. The results showed that the concept of sustainable development is not yet fully understood especially in the South African narrative and objectives. This is due to the lack of visibility, information and support from Government, where SMEs felt less involved thus disengaged. This paper therefore recommended that sustainable development be introduced to main stream education from primary school phase, involve SMEs even at... , M.Tech.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mbuyane, Slindile
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Food industry and trade - Quality control , Food processing by-products industry , Food industry and trade - Management , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/425199 , uj:36393
- Description: Abstract: The rapidly increasing advancements in manufacturing sector has created pressure for manufacturers to rethink and redesign their existing systems in order to cope with the challenges that emerged with globalization and environmental concerns. This trend brought about the introduction of the sustainable manufacturing concept; this concept of sustainable manufacturing is generally referred to as “green business” which emerged towards the end of the 20th century. An increase in customer awareness and pressures from stakeholders shifted manufacturers' focus, as a result, many innovative strategies were brought into the realm of manufacturing systems, such as lean, green, agile, and sustainable manufacturing practices. Sustainable manufacturing has been acclaimed in recent years for its significant benefits directed at triple bottom line factors (social, environmental, and financial) also known as the sustainable development pillars. As one of the top 20 Greenhouse Gases (GHG) polluters and responsible for almost half of the total Carbon emission for Africa, South Africa’s food manufacturing businesses and Government are pushed to strategize on more sustainable manufacturing practices and principles. Even though many studies have been conducted on sustainable manufacturing, the critical assessment conducted in this study posits that there is still a gap to be covered as far as ensuring that all SMEs operating in the manufacturing sector are fully aware, understanding and adhering to the country’s commitment and objectives of sustainable development. However, the fundamental stages of adoption, implementation, and integration of sustainable development concept in food manufacturing SMEs have proven to be rather facing numerous challenges, hence very little execution has been observed. This becomes more important when considering the constant increase in the number of newly registered SME’s in the country. Considering this gap, this study aimed at first theoretically assessing sustainability in food manufacturing SMEs. The results of the critical appraisal of the current literature clearly illustrated that there is a gap in the current body of knowledge particularly with SMEs. The paper sought more understanding through deepening in literature review of the key parameters, and later formulated a survey, which was distributed within the Gauteng region. Feedback from 81 copies was received and analysed for descriptive data, factor exploratory analysis and reliability test. The results showed that the concept of sustainable development is not yet fully understood especially in the South African narrative and objectives. This is due to the lack of visibility, information and support from Government, where SMEs felt less involved thus disengaged. This paper therefore recommended that sustainable development be introduced to main stream education from primary school phase, involve SMEs even at... , M.Tech.
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An assessment of key indicators of sustainable development in the South African airline industry
- Authors: De Gove, Sabina Valentina
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Economic development - Environmental aspects , Airlines - South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/445580 , uj:38987
- Description: Abstract: Sustainable development is a central topic of debate with regard to the social, economic and environmental activities of public and private organisations. The South African government has adopted a forward-looking policy in this area since the concept of sustainable development must be integrated into the activities of the various government departments and organisations. The aviation industry involves mass transport which is rapid, safe and reliable. To date, over the 20thcentury, the quality of air transport had seen a significant improvement, costs were reduced and demand kept on increasing. The social and economic advantages of air transport are extensive; however, its environmental costs are high. At the current rate of development, air transport is considered to be unsustainable in the long-term. Since, it is considered as a process based on innovations, which would ensure long-term sustainable airline. To this end, this study aimed at assessing the key indicators of sustainable development in the airline industry, using the South African airline industry as case study. In order to achieve this goal, the study adopted a two-fold approach noting that (1) critical appraisal of existing literature on sustainability practices within the airline sector (2) refining the identified flaws by means of quantitative research questionnaires survey... , M.Tech. (Operations Management)
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- Authors: De Gove, Sabina Valentina
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Economic development - Environmental aspects , Airlines - South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/445580 , uj:38987
- Description: Abstract: Sustainable development is a central topic of debate with regard to the social, economic and environmental activities of public and private organisations. The South African government has adopted a forward-looking policy in this area since the concept of sustainable development must be integrated into the activities of the various government departments and organisations. The aviation industry involves mass transport which is rapid, safe and reliable. To date, over the 20thcentury, the quality of air transport had seen a significant improvement, costs were reduced and demand kept on increasing. The social and economic advantages of air transport are extensive; however, its environmental costs are high. At the current rate of development, air transport is considered to be unsustainable in the long-term. Since, it is considered as a process based on innovations, which would ensure long-term sustainable airline. To this end, this study aimed at assessing the key indicators of sustainable development in the airline industry, using the South African airline industry as case study. In order to achieve this goal, the study adopted a two-fold approach noting that (1) critical appraisal of existing literature on sustainability practices within the airline sector (2) refining the identified flaws by means of quantitative research questionnaires survey... , M.Tech. (Operations Management)
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The peripheral urban catalyst : questioning historic land divisions and static zoning boundaries in industrial areas
- Authors: Deal, Randy
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: City planning , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/423906 , uj:36232
- Description: Abstract: his dissertation investigates the value of land pockets, referred to as “forgotten spaces” in the Bo-Kaap. The study is aimed to propose a number of interventions along Lion Street on the nominated sites by means of a thorough understanding and study of the Archetypes that shaped the Bo-Kaap as we know it today. The Bo-Kaap’s location abutting the city, has a high locational value, which has in the recent years attracted the interest of private developers. Prior the approval of Bo-Kaap as an Heritage Protection Overlay Zone (HPOZ) by City of Cape Town, Bo-Kaap was hit by gentrification that caused a rapid increase in rates and land value, putting pressure on low to medium income families that have resided here for generations... , M.Tech. (Architecture)
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- Authors: Deal, Randy
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: City planning , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/423906 , uj:36232
- Description: Abstract: his dissertation investigates the value of land pockets, referred to as “forgotten spaces” in the Bo-Kaap. The study is aimed to propose a number of interventions along Lion Street on the nominated sites by means of a thorough understanding and study of the Archetypes that shaped the Bo-Kaap as we know it today. The Bo-Kaap’s location abutting the city, has a high locational value, which has in the recent years attracted the interest of private developers. Prior the approval of Bo-Kaap as an Heritage Protection Overlay Zone (HPOZ) by City of Cape Town, Bo-Kaap was hit by gentrification that caused a rapid increase in rates and land value, putting pressure on low to medium income families that have resided here for generations... , M.Tech. (Architecture)
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The social impacts of the Motheo infrastructure development project on the livelihoods of the community of Palmridge
- Authors: Ubisi, Nomsa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Infrastructure (Economics) - South Africa - Johannesburg , Project management - Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/294736 , uj:32076
- Description: Abstract: Infrastructure development is desirable and essential for communities as it supports economic growth and social development goals. While infrastructure development is admittedly crucial, its construction comes with consequences that affect the ways in which people maintain their households. The proposal to develop infrastructure was warmly welcomed by the community of Palmridge residing in informal settlements and they were looking forward to it, until the constructions began to worsen their means of survival. The current study assessed how the impacts of the Motheo infrastructure development project affect the livelihoods of the community of Palmridge. A qualitative study was conducted through semi-structured interviews to capture the experiences of the heads of households. The study utilised the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) to create an understanding of the activities’ assets and entitlements of participants, how these have been affected by the developments of infrastructure and what adaptive strategies do people employ to adjust to the changes. Although there are some elements of positive impacts, especially in terms of physical structures such as serviced stands, tar roads and the brick houses that are underway, the overall findings show that people’s access to resources necessary for livelihoods, has been negatively impacted. These resources include transport, which was said to be scarce and expensive such that people resort to walking long distances to different destinations. On the other hand, walking long distances was reported to be a challenge especially for women and children, the elderly and people with disabilities. The community reported loss of contact with their former networks which were crucial towards support of their livelihoods, while the processes of establishing trusting relationships with the new neighbours renders them helpless in times of need. The loss of grown gardens and unavailability of tap water in other stands has compromised food security for other households and affect their financial resources. The study also found that the new area does not support some of the community’s previous economic activities, thus worsening the living standards of the affected households. The analysis of impacts on the basis of gender has also shown that women were more vulnerable compared to their male counterparts. The study revealed that the lack of effort invested in preserving the livelihoods of households during the processes of developing infrastructure, has resulted in many people being unable to re-establish their ways to maintain themselves in the new area. It emerges clearly that the necessity of service delivery cannot substitute the importance of protecting the livelihoods of the affected populations. The study concludes that, if interventions are to be successful in communities, development authorities must prioritise genuine inclusion of the local community. Public participation should be used as a platform where the affected population can give input and influence decisions. It also suggests that follow up studies are critical in every development project to ensure that impacts that surface beyond the projection phase are addressed. , M.A. (Social Impact Assessment)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ubisi, Nomsa
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Sustainable development , Infrastructure (Economics) - South Africa - Johannesburg , Project management - Case studies
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/294736 , uj:32076
- Description: Abstract: Infrastructure development is desirable and essential for communities as it supports economic growth and social development goals. While infrastructure development is admittedly crucial, its construction comes with consequences that affect the ways in which people maintain their households. The proposal to develop infrastructure was warmly welcomed by the community of Palmridge residing in informal settlements and they were looking forward to it, until the constructions began to worsen their means of survival. The current study assessed how the impacts of the Motheo infrastructure development project affect the livelihoods of the community of Palmridge. A qualitative study was conducted through semi-structured interviews to capture the experiences of the heads of households. The study utilised the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF) to create an understanding of the activities’ assets and entitlements of participants, how these have been affected by the developments of infrastructure and what adaptive strategies do people employ to adjust to the changes. Although there are some elements of positive impacts, especially in terms of physical structures such as serviced stands, tar roads and the brick houses that are underway, the overall findings show that people’s access to resources necessary for livelihoods, has been negatively impacted. These resources include transport, which was said to be scarce and expensive such that people resort to walking long distances to different destinations. On the other hand, walking long distances was reported to be a challenge especially for women and children, the elderly and people with disabilities. The community reported loss of contact with their former networks which were crucial towards support of their livelihoods, while the processes of establishing trusting relationships with the new neighbours renders them helpless in times of need. The loss of grown gardens and unavailability of tap water in other stands has compromised food security for other households and affect their financial resources. The study also found that the new area does not support some of the community’s previous economic activities, thus worsening the living standards of the affected households. The analysis of impacts on the basis of gender has also shown that women were more vulnerable compared to their male counterparts. The study revealed that the lack of effort invested in preserving the livelihoods of households during the processes of developing infrastructure, has resulted in many people being unable to re-establish their ways to maintain themselves in the new area. It emerges clearly that the necessity of service delivery cannot substitute the importance of protecting the livelihoods of the affected populations. The study concludes that, if interventions are to be successful in communities, development authorities must prioritise genuine inclusion of the local community. Public participation should be used as a platform where the affected population can give input and influence decisions. It also suggests that follow up studies are critical in every development project to ensure that impacts that surface beyond the projection phase are addressed. , M.A. (Social Impact Assessment)
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Audit tools to assess, quantify, monitor and report on impacts on water resources at a catchment unit level
- Authors: Henman-Weir, Felicity
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Water resources development , Water resources development - Law and legislation , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/285071 , uj:30813
- Description: M.Sc. (Aquatic Health) , Abstract: The purpose of this study was to develop a suite of checklists that could be used to audit rural land-users within a catchment to determine their impacts on the water resources and in doing so, also audit their legal compliance. The need for this was in response to the ongoing deterioration of South Africa’s water resources. The legislation pertaining to water use and water protection and certain best practice guidelines were used as the base of these checklists. The key legislation was the National Water Act (36 of 1998), National Environmental Management Act (107 of 1998), and the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (43 of 1983) and the regulations emerging from these Acts pertaining to water use and protection. Checklists were drawn up for the main land-uses: Agriculture, Commercial Plantation Forestry, Aquaculture and General Land-Use (e.g. recreation and tourism, rural settlements). A set of eight (8) checklists were collated to cover all of the impacts likely to occur in a catchment, namely: Vegetation removal and clearing; Pollution; Alien invasive plants; Alien fauna; Mining (small scale); Water abstraction; Storing water (reservoirs and weirs), and Watercourse crossings. These checklists were field tested by carrying out an audit of an aquaculture facility (Trova Trout) and commercial plantation forestry (Komatiland Forests) within the Upper Sabie River Catchment, above the town of Sabie. These two land uses scored 46% and 49 % respectively through the audit system, and numerous legal non-conformances were noted. Audit report templates were also generated in order to capture the audit results for comparison over time. Results for Trova Trout were presented in such a formal audit report. Abstraction of water from the Sabie River without metering, development within riparian zones and the impact of hundreds of watercourse crossings in the catchment emerged as some of the issues as a result of the audit. It was concluded that the tools developed were suitable for auditing land-users within a catchment, and served to expose the impacts on water resources. Some case studies were investigated and it is clear that water related offences are not yet fully acknowledged as serious crimes by South Africans. As a result, recommendations included the establishment of special Environmental Courts, building the capacity of the Environmental Management Inspectorate and implementing pro-active auditing programmes within catchments.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Henman-Weir, Felicity
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Water resources development , Water resources development - Law and legislation , Sustainable development
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/285071 , uj:30813
- Description: M.Sc. (Aquatic Health) , Abstract: The purpose of this study was to develop a suite of checklists that could be used to audit rural land-users within a catchment to determine their impacts on the water resources and in doing so, also audit their legal compliance. The need for this was in response to the ongoing deterioration of South Africa’s water resources. The legislation pertaining to water use and water protection and certain best practice guidelines were used as the base of these checklists. The key legislation was the National Water Act (36 of 1998), National Environmental Management Act (107 of 1998), and the Conservation of Agricultural Resources Act (43 of 1983) and the regulations emerging from these Acts pertaining to water use and protection. Checklists were drawn up for the main land-uses: Agriculture, Commercial Plantation Forestry, Aquaculture and General Land-Use (e.g. recreation and tourism, rural settlements). A set of eight (8) checklists were collated to cover all of the impacts likely to occur in a catchment, namely: Vegetation removal and clearing; Pollution; Alien invasive plants; Alien fauna; Mining (small scale); Water abstraction; Storing water (reservoirs and weirs), and Watercourse crossings. These checklists were field tested by carrying out an audit of an aquaculture facility (Trova Trout) and commercial plantation forestry (Komatiland Forests) within the Upper Sabie River Catchment, above the town of Sabie. These two land uses scored 46% and 49 % respectively through the audit system, and numerous legal non-conformances were noted. Audit report templates were also generated in order to capture the audit results for comparison over time. Results for Trova Trout were presented in such a formal audit report. Abstraction of water from the Sabie River without metering, development within riparian zones and the impact of hundreds of watercourse crossings in the catchment emerged as some of the issues as a result of the audit. It was concluded that the tools developed were suitable for auditing land-users within a catchment, and served to expose the impacts on water resources. Some case studies were investigated and it is clear that water related offences are not yet fully acknowledged as serious crimes by South Africans. As a result, recommendations included the establishment of special Environmental Courts, building the capacity of the Environmental Management Inspectorate and implementing pro-active auditing programmes within catchments.
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Factors influencing the success and failure of small and medium-sized enterprises in Tembisa township, South Africa
- Mngadi Bhila, Thobile Yvonne
- Authors: Mngadi Bhila, Thobile Yvonne
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Small business - South Africa - Gauteng - Management , Sustainable development , Industrial management - South Africa - Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/269890 , uj:28677
- Description: M.Tech. (Operations Management) , Abstract: The overall purpose of the study was to investigate and establish some of the motivating factors responsible for the failure or success of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the Township of Tembisa. A secondary purpose that follows on the first one is to establish to what extent management skills and training skills have an influence on the success or failure of small businesses in Tembisa. The study identified and outlined the business and management skills required for the management of small enterprises in the township of Tembisa. The primary objective of the study is to identify those managerial and business skills that have contributed to the success and or survival of small enterprises. The population for the study was made up of SMEs in Tembisa, which were identified from the overall population of Tembisa Township small business enterprises. The study used a quantitative research method, and questionnaires were completed by 160 small business owners in Tembisa Township. The investigation revealed that it is important for small business owners to have financial management, marketing, time management, technical and interpersonal communication skills to bring success in the business. It was also discovered that small business owners had challenges in accessing credit facilities from financial institutions and individuals. The researcher strongly recommends that those aspiring small business owners must improve on their management skills, attend workshops and seminars in business management in order to reduce the risk of failure. It is also important that financial institutions extend credit facilities to small businesses to support their initiatives.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mngadi Bhila, Thobile Yvonne
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Small business - South Africa - Gauteng - Management , Sustainable development , Industrial management - South Africa - Gauteng
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/269890 , uj:28677
- Description: M.Tech. (Operations Management) , Abstract: The overall purpose of the study was to investigate and establish some of the motivating factors responsible for the failure or success of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the Township of Tembisa. A secondary purpose that follows on the first one is to establish to what extent management skills and training skills have an influence on the success or failure of small businesses in Tembisa. The study identified and outlined the business and management skills required for the management of small enterprises in the township of Tembisa. The primary objective of the study is to identify those managerial and business skills that have contributed to the success and or survival of small enterprises. The population for the study was made up of SMEs in Tembisa, which were identified from the overall population of Tembisa Township small business enterprises. The study used a quantitative research method, and questionnaires were completed by 160 small business owners in Tembisa Township. The investigation revealed that it is important for small business owners to have financial management, marketing, time management, technical and interpersonal communication skills to bring success in the business. It was also discovered that small business owners had challenges in accessing credit facilities from financial institutions and individuals. The researcher strongly recommends that those aspiring small business owners must improve on their management skills, attend workshops and seminars in business management in order to reduce the risk of failure. It is also important that financial institutions extend credit facilities to small businesses to support their initiatives.
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Strategic management intervention towards the transitioning of African enterprises into profitable and sustainable enterprises
- Authors: Kaija, Godfrey
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Strategic planning , Business enterprises , Small business - Economic aspects , Small business - Management , Sustainable development , Human capital
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/237611 , uj:24348
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: As most African economies emerge from conflict, subsistence and most recently from the financial crisis, it has become apparent that enterprise is going to play a key role in aiding economic recovery and success. It should be appreciated that Africa as a continent has emerged post the conflict era with a big shortage of human capital. The objective of the research was to understand how the African Management Services Company (AMSCO) with the patronage of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the International Finance Corporation (IFC) the private arm of the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) has spearheaded the fight of the challenges of human capital development on the continent. The problem statement was that Enterprise is an important driver of growth in economies across Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) and SMEs account for up to 90% of all enterprises in these markets. In southern African research, it is estimated that only 1% of new enterprises will make the transition to a successful established profitable enterprise (Fatoki 2014). This study aimed therefore to establish the relationship between strategic management interventions as well as the role these interventions play in helping transition selected enterprises into profitable and sustainable enterprises. The research study purposively sampled 100 enterprises that have benefited from a Strategic management intervention from AMSCO. It engaged the enterprise owners, and relevant business heads within the intervention process. The objectives of the study were geared towards analysing the process and ensuring that the results achieved during the AMSCO interventions had been properly executed and that the various SME’s that AMSCO set out to satisfy had been adequately served. The study achieved a response rate of 55% which offered credible and dependable information about AMSCO assisted enterprises. According to the findings, most of the respondents were males i.e. 74.5%, with only 23.6% of the respondents being females. The respondents indicated a high number of respondents within the age group of 36 – 55 years. The research found that the strategic management intervention by AMSCO especially with the placement of the AMSCO managers was instrumental in successfully transferring business and management skills within these enterprises and organisations. And after 3 years, many were turned into profitable and sustainable enterprises. A large percentage of respondents i.e. 70% indicated that after the intervention by AMSCO, training became a norm. With the seconded manager expected to pass on skills to the local staff.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kaija, Godfrey
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Strategic planning , Business enterprises , Small business - Economic aspects , Small business - Management , Sustainable development , Human capital
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/237611 , uj:24348
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , Abstract: As most African economies emerge from conflict, subsistence and most recently from the financial crisis, it has become apparent that enterprise is going to play a key role in aiding economic recovery and success. It should be appreciated that Africa as a continent has emerged post the conflict era with a big shortage of human capital. The objective of the research was to understand how the African Management Services Company (AMSCO) with the patronage of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the International Finance Corporation (IFC) the private arm of the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB) has spearheaded the fight of the challenges of human capital development on the continent. The problem statement was that Enterprise is an important driver of growth in economies across Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) and SMEs account for up to 90% of all enterprises in these markets. In southern African research, it is estimated that only 1% of new enterprises will make the transition to a successful established profitable enterprise (Fatoki 2014). This study aimed therefore to establish the relationship between strategic management interventions as well as the role these interventions play in helping transition selected enterprises into profitable and sustainable enterprises. The research study purposively sampled 100 enterprises that have benefited from a Strategic management intervention from AMSCO. It engaged the enterprise owners, and relevant business heads within the intervention process. The objectives of the study were geared towards analysing the process and ensuring that the results achieved during the AMSCO interventions had been properly executed and that the various SME’s that AMSCO set out to satisfy had been adequately served. The study achieved a response rate of 55% which offered credible and dependable information about AMSCO assisted enterprises. According to the findings, most of the respondents were males i.e. 74.5%, with only 23.6% of the respondents being females. The respondents indicated a high number of respondents within the age group of 36 – 55 years. The research found that the strategic management intervention by AMSCO especially with the placement of the AMSCO managers was instrumental in successfully transferring business and management skills within these enterprises and organisations. And after 3 years, many were turned into profitable and sustainable enterprises. A large percentage of respondents i.e. 70% indicated that after the intervention by AMSCO, training became a norm. With the seconded manager expected to pass on skills to the local staff.
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