Perceptions of change at motor dealerships in Gauteng
- Authors: Silva, Selma M. C.
- Date: 2010-10-26T07:21:36Z
- Subjects: General Motors Corporation , Automobile industry and trade , Organizational change , Gauteng (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6942 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3452
- Description: M.Comm. , Change is inevitable in today’s world. Multinational companies are constantly being forced to adapt in order to survive. When companies are not able to adjust to the changing environment they run the risk of becoming obsolete. When General Motors (GM) returned to South Africa and bought back Delta Motors Corporation (DMC) in 2004, dealers were faced with new procedures, policies and management styles. This study aimed to establish how GM dealers viewed change, by exploring their views on the Delta Motors takeover in 2004. Five dealerships participated in the study and 15 employees were interviewed. The results were analysed through content analysis. Recommendations are made with regard to addressing the change process and the difficulties that accompany it. The study reinforces the importance of communication, planning and employee development in a change process. By encouraging involvement, people own the change process and do not feel that change is being forced upon them. Although change is critical, research shows that it is a complex process that needs to be planned thoroughly. This research includes lessons learned from the change process that GM went through when it took over from DMC.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Silva, Selma M. C.
- Date: 2010-10-26T07:21:36Z
- Subjects: General Motors Corporation , Automobile industry and trade , Organizational change , Gauteng (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6942 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3452
- Description: M.Comm. , Change is inevitable in today’s world. Multinational companies are constantly being forced to adapt in order to survive. When companies are not able to adjust to the changing environment they run the risk of becoming obsolete. When General Motors (GM) returned to South Africa and bought back Delta Motors Corporation (DMC) in 2004, dealers were faced with new procedures, policies and management styles. This study aimed to establish how GM dealers viewed change, by exploring their views on the Delta Motors takeover in 2004. Five dealerships participated in the study and 15 employees were interviewed. The results were analysed through content analysis. Recommendations are made with regard to addressing the change process and the difficulties that accompany it. The study reinforces the importance of communication, planning and employee development in a change process. By encouraging involvement, people own the change process and do not feel that change is being forced upon them. Although change is critical, research shows that it is a complex process that needs to be planned thoroughly. This research includes lessons learned from the change process that GM went through when it took over from DMC.
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The proposed short term marketing strategy for Audi South Africa focusing on distribution and after sales
- Authors: Van Schie, Wim
- Date: 2012-08-13
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade , Customer service , Audi South Africa
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:9135 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5590
- Description: M.B.A. , The motor industry in South Africa, (SA), is experiencing a period of turmoil that will result in its complete restructure. The globalisation of the industry and the involvement of government with the Motor Industry Development Programme, (MIDP), is forcing the development of strategies that are formulated to equip the local manufacturers to become globally competitive. The MIDP has had a major influence on the development of the industry since 1994, as it has allowed the entrance of new competitors into SA due to the gradual reduction in import tariffs. It also proposes to stimulate the export potential within the industry of vehicles and components by offering a rebate structure with which the manufacturers can offset import duty. It will also force a consolidation of the industry in that amongst others there is more co-operation between vehicle and component manufacturers. A financial consideration of the MIDP is to reduce the industry's use of forex. The historical background of the industry in South Africa shows a rather proud and colourful past, with most of the major players in the international motor industry having been represented locally at one stage or another. With the disinvestment campaign that preceded the new government, found a core of manufacturers remaining and competing in a fairly 'flat' market. However that has all changed, and although there is no immediate substantial market growth in sight, the influx of new competitors continues, making the market complicated and competitive. Audi itself has only been represented on the SA market from 1968, however as no focused marketing strategy was developed for it, it never really was in the same league as BMW and Mercedes Benz. In 1994 this all changed as VWSA decided to introduce Audi onto the market competing in all premium market segments. What followed was a focused marketing strategy, which required a separate dealer network and Audi specific staff. The process of selecting dealers was based on market potential and also on the established infrastructure. The new dealer network then started to undergo the process of conforming to the external corporate identity, CI, requirements, and this should be completed by mid 2001.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Van Schie, Wim
- Date: 2012-08-13
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade , Customer service , Audi South Africa
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:9135 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5590
- Description: M.B.A. , The motor industry in South Africa, (SA), is experiencing a period of turmoil that will result in its complete restructure. The globalisation of the industry and the involvement of government with the Motor Industry Development Programme, (MIDP), is forcing the development of strategies that are formulated to equip the local manufacturers to become globally competitive. The MIDP has had a major influence on the development of the industry since 1994, as it has allowed the entrance of new competitors into SA due to the gradual reduction in import tariffs. It also proposes to stimulate the export potential within the industry of vehicles and components by offering a rebate structure with which the manufacturers can offset import duty. It will also force a consolidation of the industry in that amongst others there is more co-operation between vehicle and component manufacturers. A financial consideration of the MIDP is to reduce the industry's use of forex. The historical background of the industry in South Africa shows a rather proud and colourful past, with most of the major players in the international motor industry having been represented locally at one stage or another. With the disinvestment campaign that preceded the new government, found a core of manufacturers remaining and competing in a fairly 'flat' market. However that has all changed, and although there is no immediate substantial market growth in sight, the influx of new competitors continues, making the market complicated and competitive. Audi itself has only been represented on the SA market from 1968, however as no focused marketing strategy was developed for it, it never really was in the same league as BMW and Mercedes Benz. In 1994 this all changed as VWSA decided to introduce Audi onto the market competing in all premium market segments. What followed was a focused marketing strategy, which required a separate dealer network and Audi specific staff. The process of selecting dealers was based on market potential and also on the established infrastructure. The new dealer network then started to undergo the process of conforming to the external corporate identity, CI, requirements, and this should be completed by mid 2001.
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Determining the extent of the adoption of the internet by commercial retailers in the motor industry in Gauteng
- Authors: Grimes, William Spencer
- Date: 2011-12-06
- Subjects: Electronic commerce , Automobile industry and trade , Internet marketing
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:1772 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4138
- Description: M.Comm. , The introduction of the Internet has had a profound effect on organisations and society and a new way of doing business is unfolding everyday. The Internet is transforming the practice of marketing, creating new ways of delivering value and improving the experience of the consumer. Every aspect of individuals' and organisations' economic lives is effected by the new technology.The purpose of this study was to determine the general extent of Internet adoption amongst commercial retailers in the motor industry in Gauteng. The researcher also aimed to determine the online marketing activities and services that are offered by motor retailers. Special attention was given on how the promotional activities are influenced by the Internet. The research methodology that was followed included the collection of primary and secondary data The sampling frame of this study is the Gauteng members that are registered at the Retail Motor Industry Federation offices in Pretoria A structured questionnaire was send to every third sampling unit from the sampling list. Most of the respondents did make use of the Internet in the running of their organisations. The findings confirm that the sales processes do differ on the Internet. Although the saving of money was identified as the main contributing factor that motivates customers to buy online, the research results indicated that the respondents do not offer discounts to customers that buy online. The results suggest that the respondents do not fully utilise the benefits that the Internet offers and thus have not fully exploited the opportunities that the Internet offers to gain a competitive advantage.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Grimes, William Spencer
- Date: 2011-12-06
- Subjects: Electronic commerce , Automobile industry and trade , Internet marketing
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:1772 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4138
- Description: M.Comm. , The introduction of the Internet has had a profound effect on organisations and society and a new way of doing business is unfolding everyday. The Internet is transforming the practice of marketing, creating new ways of delivering value and improving the experience of the consumer. Every aspect of individuals' and organisations' economic lives is effected by the new technology.The purpose of this study was to determine the general extent of Internet adoption amongst commercial retailers in the motor industry in Gauteng. The researcher also aimed to determine the online marketing activities and services that are offered by motor retailers. Special attention was given on how the promotional activities are influenced by the Internet. The research methodology that was followed included the collection of primary and secondary data The sampling frame of this study is the Gauteng members that are registered at the Retail Motor Industry Federation offices in Pretoria A structured questionnaire was send to every third sampling unit from the sampling list. Most of the respondents did make use of the Internet in the running of their organisations. The findings confirm that the sales processes do differ on the Internet. Although the saving of money was identified as the main contributing factor that motivates customers to buy online, the research results indicated that the respondents do not offer discounts to customers that buy online. The results suggest that the respondents do not fully utilise the benefits that the Internet offers and thus have not fully exploited the opportunities that the Internet offers to gain a competitive advantage.
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The role of financial services in the decision making process of new vehicle buyers
- Authors: Rogers, P.M.P.
- Date: 2008-06-27T13:47:46Z
- Subjects: Finance decision making , Consumer decision making , Automobile purchasing , Automobile industry and trade
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10139 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/751
- Description: Prof. C.J. Jooste
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- Authors: Rogers, P.M.P.
- Date: 2008-06-27T13:47:46Z
- Subjects: Finance decision making , Consumer decision making , Automobile purchasing , Automobile industry and trade
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10139 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/751
- Description: Prof. C.J. Jooste
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The marketing-logistics interface: a way to sustainable competitive advantage in the passenger car industry in South Africa
- Authors: Ramasodi, S. E.
- Date: 2010-10-04T08:34:17Z
- Subjects: Automobiles , Automobile industry and trade , Marketing
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6916 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3427
- Description: M.Comm. , The subject of the study is the way in which the coordinated marketing-logistics interface through the fourteen coordination techniques creates a sustainable competitive advantage. The investigation is limited to the passenger car manufactures in South Africa (SA). The literature has acknowledged that marketing and logistics are inseparable and managers from these functions have been working on the relationship in order to use it as a competitive advantage strategy. The fourteen marketing-logistics interface coordination techniques were identified in order to assist these managers to improve the interface and increase the level of cooperation with the intention of achieving a sustainable competitive through the interface. The use of fourteen marketing-logistics interface was not tested during the identification process of such techniques and it is important to find out if they are used in the passenger car industry in SA. Each of the fourteen coordination techniques differs on the basis of the level of use in the passenger car manufacturing organisations. Some techniques are mostly used in organisations than others. For example, top management support and information sharing are mostly used in these organisations while unified department and third-party intervention are not used and there is no plan to use them. There are techniques that have very high- to-high impact on the interface. It is important for the organisations to focus on those techniques that have very high and high impact on the interface since this can assist in improving cooperation between marketing and logistics and create the interface that can serve as a way to a sustainable competitive advantage. The level of cooperation between marketing and logistics functions in the manufacturing organisations in the passenger car industry was measured followed by questions relating to the use, the impact and the importance of the fourteen marketing-logistics interface coordination techniques in order to build and improve the cooperation and create a sustainable competitive advantage through the interface. Other techniques, except the predetermined fourteen techniques were identified however most respondents stated that organisations use the fourteen existing techniques. Some techniques such as a top management support, joint outings and information sharing were mostly used by organisations. It is interesting to note that mostly used does not imply that the technique has a high to very high impact on the interface. Although joint outing is mostly used it was found to have a moderate impact on the marketing-logistics interface. Recommendations provided should be applied in order to identify the difference in cooperation between marketing and logistics before and after the study. The marketing-logistics interface coordination can be a strategic tool for creating a sustainable competitive advantage if there is high level of cooperation between marketing and logistics through the use of coordination techniques.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ramasodi, S. E.
- Date: 2010-10-04T08:34:17Z
- Subjects: Automobiles , Automobile industry and trade , Marketing
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6916 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3427
- Description: M.Comm. , The subject of the study is the way in which the coordinated marketing-logistics interface through the fourteen coordination techniques creates a sustainable competitive advantage. The investigation is limited to the passenger car manufactures in South Africa (SA). The literature has acknowledged that marketing and logistics are inseparable and managers from these functions have been working on the relationship in order to use it as a competitive advantage strategy. The fourteen marketing-logistics interface coordination techniques were identified in order to assist these managers to improve the interface and increase the level of cooperation with the intention of achieving a sustainable competitive through the interface. The use of fourteen marketing-logistics interface was not tested during the identification process of such techniques and it is important to find out if they are used in the passenger car industry in SA. Each of the fourteen coordination techniques differs on the basis of the level of use in the passenger car manufacturing organisations. Some techniques are mostly used in organisations than others. For example, top management support and information sharing are mostly used in these organisations while unified department and third-party intervention are not used and there is no plan to use them. There are techniques that have very high- to-high impact on the interface. It is important for the organisations to focus on those techniques that have very high and high impact on the interface since this can assist in improving cooperation between marketing and logistics and create the interface that can serve as a way to a sustainable competitive advantage. The level of cooperation between marketing and logistics functions in the manufacturing organisations in the passenger car industry was measured followed by questions relating to the use, the impact and the importance of the fourteen marketing-logistics interface coordination techniques in order to build and improve the cooperation and create a sustainable competitive advantage through the interface. Other techniques, except the predetermined fourteen techniques were identified however most respondents stated that organisations use the fourteen existing techniques. Some techniques such as a top management support, joint outings and information sharing were mostly used by organisations. It is interesting to note that mostly used does not imply that the technique has a high to very high impact on the interface. Although joint outing is mostly used it was found to have a moderate impact on the marketing-logistics interface. Recommendations provided should be applied in order to identify the difference in cooperation between marketing and logistics before and after the study. The marketing-logistics interface coordination can be a strategic tool for creating a sustainable competitive advantage if there is high level of cooperation between marketing and logistics through the use of coordination techniques.
- Full Text:
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