This treatise takes the form of an impact study. It is based on a three-month period of research involving literature review, interviews with VWSA officers and a survey of 111 of the 5500 workers who comprised the workforce of the VWSA plant in Uitenhage at that time. The author has attempted to portray the general views of experts in the field of HIV/AIDS corporate impact and impact management. In addition he has attempted to assay the current and forecast policies and practices in respect of the management of the epidemic by VWSA. The workers in the plant were consulted by survey and a variety of insights into the level of understanding of the epidemic, tolerance levels, expectations and so on were made. The quantification of these insights must be viewed with caution since the survey sample of 111 was relatively low for a workforce of circa 5500. Calculations in respect of representativity are included to facilitate calculated caution. It has been shown that the HIV/AIDS epidemic has a considerable current impact on the company and that this impact can be expected to grow considerably in the future. It has been suggested that an active intervention program would be well timed if implemented immediately

The aim of this research project was to determine the effectiveness of DaimlerChrysler South Africa’s efforts in addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The devastating impacts of the HIV/AIDS pandemic have already been felt at the workplace as without further successful interventions, HIV/AIDS mortality at DaimlerChrysler South Africa (DCSA) was expected to peak in 2006. Investment in HIV/AIDS programmes has been proposed as good business practice. The DCSA HIV/AIDS Workplace Programme was thus established to limit the impact and consequences of the HIV/AIDS pandemic on its workers, their families and surrounding communities. The empirical survey, comprising a questionnaire, examined the attitude and perception of employees regarding the effectiveness of the DCSA HIV/AIDS Workplace Programme. The findings of the empirical survey corresponded with the findings of the literature survey in concluding that the DCSA HIV/AIDS Workplace Programme has been successful in effectively addressing the HIV/AIDS pandemic. A few aspects of the Workplace Programme need attention and recommendations have been made in order to contribute to the lowering of HIV/AIDS prevalence rates at DaimlerChrysler South Africa.

[pt] A Fiat Automóveis S.A. se destacou na indústria automobilística nacional ao atingir, em 2001, a liderança do mercado de automóveis e comerciais leves. A análise desta trajetória avaliou a variação do ambiente competitivo e as estratégias seguidas em dois momentos relevantes determinados por questionário estruturado, que foram 1994 e 2001. A caracterização do ambiente da indústria e das estratégias usaram, respectivamente, o modelo das cinco forças e a tipologia das estratégias genéricas de Porter. Foi avaliado que o ambiente competitivo do decorrer do período anterior e posterior a 1994 teve o poder de negociação dos fornecedores e a rivalidade na indústria intensificadas. A estratégia realizada pôde ser caracterizada como meio termo no período anterior a 1994, evoluindo para enfoque posteriormente. No decorrer do período anterior e posterior a 2001, o ambiente da indústria se intensificou, com destaque ao poder de negociação dos compradores e rivalidade na indústria. Ao longo de todo este período, pôde-se avaliar que a Fiat manteve seu posicionamento, caracterizando seu tipo estratégico como enfoque. O desempenho desses dois períodos foram também avaliados levando em consideração a variação do retorno sobre ativos e participação de mercado. No período que teve como ano-base 1994, houve progresso nestes dois parâmetros de desempenho. No decorrer do período em torno do ano-base de 2001, não houve evolução desses parâmetros, mas pôde-se verificar que a participação de mercado foi superior a de seus principais concorrentes. Adicionalmente, foi validado qualitativamente o modelo S-C- P para ambos períodos. / [en] Fiat Automóveis S.A. stood out in the national automobile industry when, in 2001, it became leader in the automobile and light commercial vehicle market. The analysis of this course has evaluated the variation within the competitive environment and the strategies followed at two especially relevant moments, which were determined by a structured questionnaire and which happened in years 1994 and 2001. The characterization of the industry environment and its strategies used the Porter Model of five strengths and typology, which are based on generic strategies. The competitive environment, in the course of the previous and in the subsequent period of 1994, was evaluated to have the suppliers´ negotiation power and the industrial competition intensified. The accomplished strategy could be distinguished as having been met half way during the period previous to 1994; later on, it evolved to something more of a focus. During the previous period of 2001, and subsequently to that, the industry environment increased, highlighting the power of negotiation of the buyers and the industrial competition. In the course of this whole period, it could be evaluated that Fiat has maintained its standing, which has characterized its strategy as one oriented to focus.The performance of these two periods was also appraised by taking into consideration the variation of the return on assets and market share. In the base year of 1994, there was progress in these two performance parameters. During the period around the base year of 2001, such parameters suffered no evolution, but it could be noticed that market share was above the one of its main competitors. In addition, in terms of quality, the SCP model was validated for both periods.

M. Com. (Logistics Management) / The opening of the first dedicated Supplier Park by Seat adjacent to its Abrera assembly facility in 1992, in many ways, marked the beginning of a global trend. Since then, more than forty parks in various configurations have been established around the world. Initially, this trend was mostly confined to Europe but the Supplier Park concept quickly gained momentum in newly industrialised countries like Brazil and, more recently, the USA and South Africa (Reichhart & Holweg, 2007: 52). The world’s automotive industry is a vital part of the workings of the global economy and the wellbeing of the world’s citizens (OICA, n.d.). According to the International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers (OICA, n.d.), the world’s automotive industry manufactured over 66 million cars, vans, trucks and buses in 2005 which is equivalent to a global turnover of close to € 2 trillion. If vehicle manufacturing were a country, it would be the sixth largest economy in the world requiring the direct employment of nearly eight million people in manufacturing the vehicles and the parts that go into them. This is more than 5% of the world’s total manufacturing employment. In addition to these direct employees, many more people are employed indirectly in related manufacturing and service provision industries (OICA, n.d.).

This thesis aims to provide a better understanding of the ways in which the Internet supports the consumer decision process of potential customers in an online car retail environment. The thesis is mainly focused on how this can be done in South Africa. A case study approach was adopted in investigating the case of McCarthy Call-a-Car. Interviews were carried out with McCarthy Call-a-Car employees and documents and the Call-a-Car website, were analysed. It was revealed that Call-a-Car focuses on using the Internet to support customers in the pre-purchase phase only. The purchase and post-purchase phases are carried out offline at its dealership network and Club McCarthy respectively. The findings showed that Call-a-Car views the Internet as a marketing tool that provides convenience to customers searching for product information in the pre-purchase phase. The interviews revealed that due to Call-a-Car's strategy, as well as practical problems of selling online, the customer will still have to visit a dealership to conclude a purchase and for post-purchase support. From this research it appears that there are three main issues arising out of Call-a-Car's usage of the Internet in the customer buying process: firstly, the research revealed that instead of cutting out the middle-man, the Internet has created new types of intermediaries called "cybermediaries" and that Call-a-Car is one such intermediary. Secondly, it was revealed that trust is crucial in the online environment and that Call-a-Car builds trust through branding. Thirdly, the Internet has not affected prices online, despite theoretical estimations that the Internet would induce lower prices. The main recommendations for future research are empirical studies to investigate if the cybermediary model is unique to the car industry and whether this business model could be applied to other look and feel industries such as real estate. Future studies could also investigate the mechanics of trust-building and brand-building in the online environment and finally, studies from the customer perspective considering what Internet tools the customer would like to see online to support them during their buying decision process.

Environmental issues seem to be one of the most important topics in the globalised world. Organisations of all sizes are subject to pressure from suppliers, customers and governments to be more environmentally responsible. This research focuses on implementation of an Environmental Management System (EMS) in the automotive industry, both internationally and in South Africa, and examines the background and concepts of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), as well as the key implementation phases associated with the implementation of an EMS, in accordance with ISO 14001. The problem statement of this research is to determine if it is possible to transfer, apply and sustain environmental concepts to small, medium or large organisations. The primary objectives of this research, therefore, were to determine: does implementation of an EMS provide economic benefits to organisations; what drives an organisation to first implement an EMS; does implementation of an EMS improve environmental awareness and performance; and what implementation barriers are faced by small, medium and large organisations. To achieve these objectives, a literary review and an empirical survey were conducted. The survey consisted of an electronic, self-administered questionnaire that was circulated to respondents at various automotive organisations. Data collected from completed, returned questionnaires were analysed and graphically presented to complete the research and achieve the primary research objectives toward solving the afore-mentioned problem statement. Based on the findings of this research, it can be concluded that there is much to gain from implementing an EMS.

Organisations face many obstacles in maintaining high quality standards and enhancing their competitive positions. It is not just the external factors, such as market fluctuations, but also internal obstacles, that have an effect on the competitiveness of organisations. Most of the internal factors are the result of poor management practices such as insufficient employee development paths, lack of mentorship programmes or job insecurity which results in the poor performance and commitment levels of employees. However employees are more willing to provide efficient and effective practices if they are committed to the organisation. A committed workforce can be created through many practices. Some of these practices include, creating an environment where employees feel as though they are part of the organisation and that their actions directly influence the success of the organisation (Kingston 2007); building long lasting and fair relationships between staff and supervisors (Manetje 2009:50); providing partial organisational ownership for employees through employee share ownership schemes (Employee share ownership plan guidelines 2007:3); creating an organisation structure which binds employees and groups together and removes bureaucratic practices (Brooks 2009:190) and creating management styles that encourage employee involvement (Manetje 2009:51) Unfavourable conditions within the economy are not making it any easier for organisations to become more competitive. Organisations have had to downsize, restructure and transform in order to cut costs as the demands for goods and services slowed down. However, these practices have resulted in an insecure work environment for employees and have posed complex challenges for management. (Coetzee 2005). Employment contracts have therefore become popular tools for managing economic downturns. Organisations opt for more temporary staff so as to easily reduce headcount when costs need to be lowered. Employment contracts give organisations the advantage of flexibility which is a key area for success in turbulent business environments (Krausz, Bizman & Braslavsky 2001:302). Previous research on temporary contracts has revealed lower commitment levels of staff than other types of contracts such as permanent and fixed-term contracts (Guest 2004:12). Therefore, there needs to be a balance between various employment contracts; a balance which brings out the best in organisational performance. The different types of employment contracts are also important tools to use to enhance commitment within the organisation. For that reason, it is essential to understand the linkage between the types of contracts and organisational commitment and whether certain contracts result in higher levels of organisational commitment. The primary objective of the study is to identify factors which influence organisational commitment as well as to investigate whether organisational commitment and the different types of employment contracts can increase employee motivation and job involvement within the automotive industry environment. Given the primary objective of the study, a quantitative research paradigm was followed in testing the relevant hypotheses. A five-point Likert scale questionnaire was conducted to gather empirical data from the respondents employed within the automotive industry. The target population of the study was the employees within the automotive industry (Volkswagen of South Africa). A convenience sampling technique was used to distribute the questionnaires and the researcher made use of both manual hand-outs and an online system called the Survey Monkey to gather the data. The sample was restricted to 260 respondents. The main findings of this study revealed that the dimensions, workplace culture, job security, career development and personality were statistically significant and had a positive influence on organisational commitment. Workplace culture proved to be the most significant positive influence on organisational commitment. Thus, if an organisation adjusts this dimension to better suit the employees, the result could be an enhanced level of employee commitment. On the other hand, management style and mentoring were found to be the least important in influencing organisational commitment in the automotive industry. Furthermore, the results illustrated a significant positive relationship between organisational commitment and the dependent variables, employee motivation and job involvement. The study also identified the link between employment contracts and organisational commitment, job involvement and employee motivation. However, a statistically significant relationship only existed between employment contracts and job involvement. Thus the different types of contracts have an effect on the level of employee involvement within an organisation. The implications of the findings are that organisations within the automotive industry should focus on areas that have a substantially greater impact on organisational commitment. These areas include workplace culture, job security, personality and career development. Organisations thus need to find methods or processes which facilitate the development of these areas. In order for organisations to move from good to great, a workforce that is committed to the goals and objectives is required.

In this intensely competitive environment of the global economy, the survival of even the most established manufacturers depends on their ability to continuously improve quality whilst reducing costs. The resulting productivity of producing more with less is the only key to market leadership and sustainable competitive advantage. Changing production methods from mass-production to Lean Manufacturing has become the essential practise for successful manufacturers (Rogers and Sim, 2009). The purpose of this study is to investigate what factors negate the adoption and implementation of Lean Manufacturing as a means to gain competitive advantage. The focus was on companies that have participated in the AIDC Tirisano cluster programme. The study investigated what effect Organisational Culture, Leadership Behaviours, Employee Involvement and Strategy Integration have on Lean Manufacturing adoption and implementation. This study applied the mixed methodologies of qualitative and quantitative approaches using methodological triangulation. A cross sectional analytical survey approach in a descriptive case study was undertaken. The findings from the questions and the interviews from the respondents who participated in the survey indicated that the practices in some companies enable the successful adoption and implementation of Lean Manufacturing whilst in some others the practices will negatively affect the adoption and implementation. The study concludes by stating that South African automotive component manufacturers are under immense pressure to improve quality and reduce costs. Initiatives like Lean Manufacturing should be undertaken in order to bring about these improvements. But this improvement comes about by changing the current way of doing things. Companies need to undertake a total approach when implementing Lean as part of the business strategy and this must be driven by management as leaders and a team culture that involves all employees needs to be present.

The recent surge in foreign capital inflows into developing countries has generated interest among researchers wanting to analyse the major determinants of Foreign Direct Investments in the motor industry (FDIsm). This dissertation investigates the determinants of FDI in the motor industry in South Africa. The underpinning theoretical literature in this study is the Micro-level theory of FDI and the Eclectic theory as well as empirical literature from several authors. The study used quarterly time series data, which covers the period 1994q1- 2008q4. FDIs are modeled as the function of economic growth, interest rates, exchange rate, education and the openness of the country. The variables in the model are tested for stationarity. Cointegration analysis was also used to test for long run relationships between the variables. The trace and the maximum eigenvalue tests suggest that there are at least two cointegration relationships, an error correction modelling technique is used to establish the determinants of foreign direct investment. The error correction model was estimated which provided both long run and short run parameter estimates. The results show that economic growth, education and the openness of the country are positively related to foreign direct investment in the motor industry. Interest rates and exchange rates negatively affect foreign direct investment in the motor industry in South Africa. The results of this study are also supported by the impulse response and variance decomposition tests. The policy recommendation that emanate from this study is that efforts should be made to boost the level of economic growth in order to enhance and attract more foreign investors. It is therefore important for the government to purse policies that will encourage economic growth.

The purpose of this study is to target the efforts of Toyota Motor Thailand to create an effective advertising plan for the Camry.