Many companies are questioning the value created from logistics outsourcing. This is especially evident in contract logistics (specialised warehousing), given the increased commoditisation of transportation and distribution today. A clear need emerged to understand the value creation characteristics at play between third party logistics (3PL) providers and clients, and this formed the basis for this research. More specifically, the research sought to identify the elements driving the quality and functionality of value creation. The research focused on the South African automotive industry limited to Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) that had outsourced, were currently outsourcing or were planning to outsource their specialised warehousing. The research consisted of a phased approach in which key industry players (clients and 3PL’s) were interviewed to understand and expand on the nature of the problem. A questionnaire was then sent out to the OEM’s and quantitative analysis was undertaken on the data collected to answer the stated research propositions It was found that client satisfaction was achieved through long term strategic relationships with 3PL’s rather than a short term transactional approach. The value creation that was driving client satisfaction was being achieved through behaviour that sought stronger relationships, cooperation and strategic partnering with each other. Although there was a clear understanding on what the value creation characteristics were, the execution was unclear. Overall, the majority of OEM’s that took part in this study indicated satisfaction with their 3PL providers. Copyright / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

HIV and AIDS might not necessarily be considered by South African companies to be the primary health condition impacting on their production costs and influence related interventions. The aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of automotive companies' perceptions regarding the health conditions that impact on their productions costs and their related workplace interventions. A cross sectional, electronic survey was conducted amongst 167 companies from the automotive manufacturing sector in South Africa, using stratified random sampling from a representative South African database. The realized sample comprised 74 companies. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests were conducted to investigate the perceived health influencing factors impacting production costs, the monitoring thereof, extent of containment, interventions implemented as well as perceived success of workplace interventions to address company health challenges in terms of company size (small, medium and large organisations) and ownership (multinational versus national). The health factors perceived to have a moderate to large impact are HIV/AIDS, smoking, alcohol use, stress, back/neck ache and tuberculosis. These are reported to be better monitored and managed by medium and large organisations. Small organisations reported a smaller impact, fewer efforts and less success. Large organisations have HIV/AIDS interventions while those with wellness programmes seemed better able to monitor and manage health issues. Smaller organisations were not convinced of the benefits of interventions in addressing health challenges. As the impacting health conditions seemed linked, comprehensive and integrated wellness programmes in health supportive environments are required to address the health issues and ensure organisation competitiveness. Evidence for the effectiveness of workplace wellness programmes in South African is limited and calls for the evaluation of interventions as a priority. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.