Credit risk mitigation that can be applied by commercial banks in assessing the lending decision /credit risk when advances and equity investments are considered for BEE classified companies. / A research report presented to the Graduate School of Business Leadership, University of South Africa / The previous political dispensation limited black people’s participation in the South African economy. Poor credit records, lack of training, resulting in skills and capacity gaps further limited entry into the lending market. These aspects are considered the main limitations in obtaining finance for the Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs). This research report focuses on how credit risk can be mitigated by commercial banks in lending to Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) companies in the medium to large market. Exploratory research was conducted using various methods to achieve methodological triangulation. These methods consisted of a literature review, interviewing experts in the field and case studies. A qualitative research approach was followed. It was found that the lack of own contribution and security were still prevalent in the medium to large market, but the quality of management (little training and skills) was deemed not to be a limitation as suitable credit risk mitigants were identified. No credit risk mitigants were identified to mitigate poor credit records. It is postulated that by adopting and applying the identified credit risk mitigants, commercial banks can increase their success rate in lending to BEE companies. It will further assist in the transformation of black people and compliance with the Financial Services Charter. It is recommended that a similar study be conducted in the agriculture, hunting, forestry and fishing industry. The reasons why BEE companies applications are declined could also be investigated. Further studies could also explore other external factors such as economical, legal and social that could have an influence on the funding of BEE companies.

The study focuses on tariff-linked (or commodity-linked) agreements entered into between a power utility and commodity producers. The main purpose of these types of agreements is to link electricity tariff payable by commodity producers to the price of the commodity produced thereby transferring a certain level of commodity price risk to the power utility. The study looks at risk management practices of a power utility company with a particular reference to tariff-linked agreements. Also, the study critically analyses risk hedging mechanisms put in place by the power utility. The report makes practical recommendations, where applicable, in dealing with these risks. Risk management continuously evolve to meet the challenges of complex financial world. Despite the latest sophisticated risk management tools available commodity producers still encounter difficulties to hedge the price risk. The challenge for the power utility is the application of new risk management tools to effectively manage price risk. / Business Management / M.Com. (Business Economics)

Operational risk has become an increasingly important topic within financial institutions of late, resulting in an increased spend by financial service organisations on operational risk management solutions. While this move is positive, evidence has shown that information technology implementations have tended to have low rates of success. Research highlighted that a series of defined critical success factors could reduce the risk of implementation failure. Investigations into the literature revealed that no critical success factors had been defined for the implementation of an operational risk management system. Through a literature study, a list of 29 critical success factors was identified. To confirm these factors, a questionnaire was developed. The questionnaire was distributed to an identified target audience within the South African financial services community. Reponses to the questionnaire revealed that 27 of the 29 critical success factors were deemed important and critical to the implementation of an operational risk management system. / Business Management / M. Com. (Business Management)

Enterprise risk management (ERM) has emerged as a distinct model for managing a sophisticated portfolio of corporate risks. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of ERM on firm value for companies on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange. The sample comprised forty-five firms from different industries over the period 2000-2016. Most studies used five or ten-year periods, using data derived from only one industry. Tobin’s Q was used as a proxy for firm value. Multivariate regression analysis was employed to determine statistical relationships. The findings indicate a significant correlation between ERM and Tobin’s Q, indicating that ERM significantly contributes to firm value. These findings may be used to develop and shape ERM policy frameworks for firms and countries. The study provides new insights, from an African emerging market context on the value effects of ERM. Larger and international samples may improve future studies. / Business Management / M. Com. (Business Management)

The study focuses on tariff-linked (or commodity-linked) agreements entered into between a power utility and commodity producers. The main purpose of these types of agreements is to link electricity tariff payable by commodity producers to the price of the commodity produced thereby transferring a certain level of commodity price risk to the power utility. The study looks at risk management practices of a power utility company with a particular reference to tariff-linked agreements. Also, the study critically analyses risk hedging mechanisms put in place by the power utility. The report makes practical recommendations, where applicable, in dealing with these risks. Risk management continuously evolve to meet the challenges of complex financial world. Despite the latest sophisticated risk management tools available commodity producers still encounter difficulties to hedge the price risk. The challenge for the power utility is the application of new risk management tools to effectively manage price risk. / Business Management / M.Com. (Business Economics)

Operational risk has become an increasingly important topic within financial institutions of late, resulting in an increased spend by financial service organisations on operational risk management solutions. While this move is positive, evidence has shown that information technology implementations have tended to have low rates of success. Research highlighted that a series of defined critical success factors could reduce the risk of implementation failure. Investigations into the literature revealed that no critical success factors had been defined for the implementation of an operational risk management system. Through a literature study, a list of 29 critical success factors was identified. To confirm these factors, a questionnaire was developed. The questionnaire was distributed to an identified target audience within the South African financial services community. Reponses to the questionnaire revealed that 27 of the 29 critical success factors were deemed important and critical to the implementation of an operational risk management system. / Business Management / M. Com. (Business Management)

Purpose The purpose of the research was firstly, to determine the competencies required of risk managers and secondly, to consider the implications of such competencies in determining possible modules for inclusion in the design of a specialised undergraduate qualification in Risk Management. Methodology A qualitative research approach was followed, involving focus group interview sessions as part of an Interactive Qualitative Analysis (IQA) research study. Focus Group 1 comprised of academics teaching risk management at public universities in South Africa, and Focus Group 2 comprised of risk management practitioners in South Africa. Findings The competencies identified are business management and risk management knowledge; attributes such as assertiveness and courage; values such as ethics and integrity; as well as people, business and technical skills. Research implications The unique contribution of the current research was the innovative use of IQA for data collection, the removal of subjectivity and the rigour in analysing and presenting the results. The results are a starting point or foundation for the design of a specialised undergraduate degree in risk management that will both meet the requirements of the risk management profession and will equip learners with the best possible combination of knowledge, skills, attributes, values and attitudes to effectively manage risk in organisations. The implications for further research are that a study of the design, benchmarking and validation of a curriculum framework for a specialised undergraduate degree in risk management could be conducted. The development of a curriculum framework or curriculum did not form part of the scope of this study. / Okokuqala inhloso yocwaningo, ukuthola amakhono adingekayo kubaphathi bezinhlekelele kanti okwesibili, ukubheka imiphumela yalokho kusebenza ekunqumeni amamojuli angafakwa ekwakhiweni kweziqu ezikhethekile ezingakaphothulwa ngabafundi ku-Risk Management. Kwalandelwa indlela yocwaningo efanelekile, ebandakanya izikhathi zokuxoxisana zamaqembu njengengxenye yocwaningo lwe-Interactive Qualitative Analysis (IQA). I-Focus Group yoku-1 inabafundi abafundisa ukulawulwa kwezinhlekelele emanyuvesi vi kahulumeni aseNingizimu Afrika, kanye neFocus Group yesi-2 inabasebenzi bokulawulwa kobungozi eNingizimu Afrika. Amakhono ahlonziwe ukuphathwa kwebhizinisi nolwazi lokulawulwa kobungozi; anezimpawu ezinjengokuzethemba kanye nokuba nesibindi; ubugugu obufana nokuziphatha nobuqotho; kanye nabantu, amakhono ebhizinisi nezobuchwepheshe. / Die doel van die studie was eerstens om die bekwaamhede waaroor risikobestuurders moet beskik te bepaal, en tweedens, wat die implikasies van sodanige bekwaamhede inhou vir die modules vir insluiting in die ontwerp van ‘n gespesialiseerde voorgraadse kwalifikasie in Risikobestuur. Die studie het ‘n kwalitatiewe navorsingsbenadering gevolg deur gebruik te maak van fokusgroepsessies as deel van ‘n Interaktiewe Kwalitatiewe Ontleding (IKO) navorsingstudie. Fokusgroep 1 het bestaan uit akademici wat risikobestuur by openbare universiteite in Suid-Afrika doseer, en Fokusgroep 2 het uit risikobestuurpraktisyns in Suid-Afrika bestaan. Die bekwaamhede wat identifiseer is, is kennis van ondernemingsbestuur en risikobestuur; eienskappe soos selfgeldendheid en moed; waardes soos etiek en integriteit; asook mense, sake en tegniese vaardighede. / Finance, Risk Management and Banking / M. Com. (Risk Management)