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A relationship between social media platforms and the financial success of modern African entrepreneurs

- Ukpere, Wilfred, Slabbert, Andre D, Ukpere, Celestine L.

Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred , Slabbert, Andre D , Ukpere, Celestine L.
Date: 2014
Subjects: Social media , Entrepreneurs
Type: Journal
Identifier: uj:5476 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13453
Description: Globalisation, technological developments, and corporate mergers and acquisitions have brought fundamental changes to the modern entrepreneurial landscape. Reduced data bundle rates, the expansion of telecommunications, and the increased use of the Internet in Africa are the main driving forces. In recent times, African entrepreneurship has been in a constant state of development and flux. This paper reports the findings of an online survey conducted in Africa in 2013, investigating the experiences of entrepreneurs on the continent in adapting and incorporating online social network platforms and digital tools in both the formal and informal sectors. In recent times, African entrepreneurs have realised that the empowered, sophisticated, critical and well-informed society living on the continent in the present day is different from that of the previous post-colonial era. The Internet (and more recently social media enabled through Web2.0) has enabled the business community at large to control information and have power over the marketing process, with concomitant dilemmas and challenges for African entrepreneurs. This paper explains what role the new face of the Internet, widely referred to as Web2.0 or social media has played in unlocking this vast potential in terms of enabling the economic survival and success of modern African entrepreneur. Embracing social media platforms and tools facilitates entrepreneurship through the creation of competitive advantages that build prosperity in the modern global economy. Social-media platforms are therefore important strategic marketing tools for entrepreneurs.
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The raising of the flag in ‘Volkstaat’ Orania : perspectives on a school ceremony

- Morgan, Katalin, Hues, Henning

Authors: Morgan, Katalin , Hues, Henning
Date: 2010
Subjects: Afrikaners - Rites and ceremonies , Rites and ceremonies - South Africa - Orania
Type: Journal
Identifier: uj:5465 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13441
Description: In this paper we present an analysis of a social practice that was observed during a two month ethnographic field study in a school in the Afrikaans community of Orania. It is a flag ceremony that is carried out at the end of each week. We use two different framework positions from which to discuss the ceremony - Turner’s (2009) interpretive framework with which to analyse social action as ritual and Reckwitz’s (2003) “theories of practice” approach to see how it could be understood as forming part of everyday life. From the view of the former, rituals are mostly associated with power relations and initiation, and have rigid time and content structures. From the view of the latter, a type of “praxeological” approach, the observed ceremony could be interpreted as an integral part of everyday school life that is embedded and is an embodied routine, without rational, reflective practice. The aim of this article is to juxtapose and discuss these two alternative approaches as they apply to the observed ceremony. For this we turn to the work of Erving Goffman, who combines ritual theory with an everyday routine focus. The conclusions point to the need to examine the underlying logic of practices instead of only describing their evolving dynamics.
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Stakeholder relations management as a public relations tool for socio-economic development in Nigeria

- Ukpere, Wilfred I., Itanyi, Okechukwu

Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Itanyi, Okechukwu
Date: 2014
Subjects: Stakeholder relations management , Economic development - Nigeria
Type: Journal
Identifier: uj:5453 , ISSN 2039-2117 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13429
Description: No proper organization can function independent of its environment. Each is made up of an internal structure, and exists within a framework of interrelated system of relationships with key stakeholders such as competitors, donors, consumers, regulators, the media, and so on. Therefore, there is the need to depart from the traditional approach of influencing public opinion to a more modern and strategic approach of guarding public moods, disposition and judgement before even attempting to satisfy expectations. The objective of this study was to ascertain whether Stakeholder Relations Management can be used as a Public Relations tool for socio-economic development in Nigeria. The aim was to establish the veracity of the statement that stakeholder relations management is a public relations tool and if it could be used for socio-economic development of Nigeria. Data was collected from available literature on stakeholder relations management and public relations. Also the professional observations of the authors were also used. Good stakeholder relationship management which is one of the tools of modern public relations that foster a sense of joint ownership, prevents undue bureaucracy or industrial disputes, makes resources available, keeps information/knowledge and feedback flowing and enhances cooperation to achieve the desired outcome of socio-economic development. The study proposed that organizations have to evaluate the possibility of adapting and/or integrating the benefit of the emerging stakeholder management trends into their institutional framework. The management of organizations must realize that for their organizations to be competitive in the global economy, they have to leverage on these collaborative relationships with both internal and external systems in their networks to achieve results.
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Employee performance management at a South African government organization

- Ukpere, Wilfred I., Khan, Saajida

Authors: Ukpere, Wilfred I. , Khan, Saajida
Date: 2014
Subjects: Performance management , Employees - Rating of
Type: Journal
Identifier: uj:5469 , ISSN 2039-9340 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13445
Description: Performance Management is a process by which the outputs of employees are measured and controlled in order to improve organisational effectiveness and reward employees accordingly. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of Performance Management, inclusive of its policies; administration processes and systems on employees and determine how to optimize its current status at a South African Government Organization. Face-to-face interviews and performance management compliance audits were conducted with all Line Managers and a sample of employees in order to determine its impacts on employees and the management of their performance. It has been found that gaps exist in terms of understanding the use of the electronic performance management system, compliance to performance management policy & timelines, pertinent feedback from management with regard to development areas, and a lack of training initiatives to address training needs in order develop organisational effectiveness & employee morale. It is recommended that mechanisms are initiated such as information sharing sessions, feedback timelines and training plans in order to address these challenges effectually.
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