M.Ing. / Please refer to full text to view abstract

M.Com. (Business Economics) / The luxury motor-coach industry in South Africa is presently finding it difficult to function on a sound financial basis. International tourists are the main supporters of the industry and this means that financial success is dependent on the flow of these tourists. Effective marketing, however, is lacking and little information about the industry is available. In view of the foregoing, the primary goal of this study is the development of a marketing planning model for the luxury motor-coach industry. In order to attain this goal, it was necessary to collect and analise primary, and, where possible, secondary marketing information about the industry. An important step in effective marketing is the acceptance of the marketing concept in terms of consumer orientation, integrated marketing and profitability. The study not only indicates that this concept is applicable to all marketing variables in the macro-marketing environment, the market environment and the micro-marketing environment but also measures the degree to which it is applied by the industry. Only the critical marketing variables in each of the aforementioned environments ~ere investigated. Since national as well as international tourists go on luxury motor-coach tours in South Africa, the investigation was also undertaken from that point of view. The investigation revealed, firstly, that competition, technology, the economy, social and cultural structures and government actions are critical variables in the macro-marketing environment that are uncontrollable. A proper analysis of these variables from a marketing point of view can lead to the identification of opportunities and/or threats to tour operators. It was also found that tour operators can, through proactive environmental management, endeavour to create favourable situations in the macro-marketing environment...

Thesis (M.A.(Geography & Environmental Studies))--University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Arts, 1988.

M.Com. (Transport Economics) / The movement of Black workers from the rural to metropolitan areas has increased in intensity in the past and a similar situation is expected to take place in the near future. Due to work opportunities, these Blacks are establishing themselves to an increasing degree in the Black townships which are situated on the borders of white residential - and industrial areas. This causes an ever increasing demand for public transport especially during peak hours ...

Thesis (M.Tech.: Marketing)-Dept. of Marketing, Durban University of Technology, 2008. xiii, 135 leaves. / South Africa will host the Soccer World Cup in 2010. About 2.7 million local spectators and 400,000 visitors need to be transferred to and from the 10 host cities in 43 days. This is a huge challenge to the intercity bus transport industry, because the current transport system may not meet the demand for one of the world’s largest sporting event. The purpose of this study is to identify the current barriers to good service quality in the intercity bus transport industry. It focuses on the measurement of service quality and communication. In this research, the literature survey defined the service quality “gap” in this industry, identified the role of effective communication in the service delivery system, measured the variables affecting current service delivery using the SERVQUAL instrument, and prioritized the importance of the factors influencing service delivery in this industry. A questionnaire with 25 questions was designed to collect data. This study used convenience sampling to select 400 passengers as a sample, viz. 348 South Africans and 52 foreigners at the Durban bus station, since Durban is one of the ten host cities of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The data was analysed using SPSS. The results of this research pointed to the importance of external communication in the industry. Specific recommendations are made to improve the productivity, reduce vacancy rate and maximize the benefits to this industry in 2010 and beyond.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Marketing)-Dept. of Marketing, Durban University of Technology, 2008. xiii, 135 leaves. / South Africa will host the Soccer World Cup in 2010. About 2.7 million local spectators and 400,000 visitors need to be transferred to and from the 10 host cities in 43 days. This is a huge challenge to the intercity bus transport industry, because the current transport system may not meet the demand for one of the world’s largest sporting event. The purpose of this study is to identify the current barriers to good service quality in the intercity bus transport industry. It focuses on the measurement of service quality and communication. In this research, the literature survey defined the service quality “gap” in this industry, identified the role of effective communication in the service delivery system, measured the variables affecting current service delivery using the SERVQUAL instrument, and prioritized the importance of the factors influencing service delivery in this industry. A questionnaire with 25 questions was designed to collect data. This study used convenience sampling to select 400 passengers as a sample, viz. 348 South Africans and 52 foreigners at the Durban bus station, since Durban is one of the ten host cities of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The data was analysed using SPSS. The results of this research pointed to the importance of external communication in the industry. Specific recommendations are made to improve the productivity, reduce vacancy rate and maximize the benefits to this industry in 2010 and beyond.

M.Phil. / Please refer to full text to view abstract

D.Phil. / The purpose of this thesis was to assess the impact of the new public transport policy direction, with specific reference to competitive tendering, on the transformation and restructuring of the South African commuter bus industry. The main objective of this study was to develop a methodology to guide the transformation and restructuring of the bus industry. This main objective was achieved through the following secondary objectives: A comparison between international transforrnation experiences and the South African bus industry in an effort to develop a methodological basis for the change process; An assessment of the strategic gap in an effort to determine the 'focus of the change process; and The development of a detailed change strategy to guide the transformation process.The policy of spatial separation on racial grounds has played a major role in the development of the bus industry. The industry had shown consistent growth until 1982, but since then a considerable portion of the bus market share was lost to the combi taxi industry. A major conclusion of the study was that the new South African public transport policy is based on international best practices as well as the needs of local stakeholders and the country at large. The focus on integration of planning, modes and resources is of particular significance. Within an integrated transport network the commuter bus will have the opportunity to optimise its potential as safe, reliable and effective mass transport mode. Based on a thorough multiple analysis of the bus industry against various strategic evaluation models, the following major gaps were identified: Ineffective application of public transport modes, especially the commuter bus , in accordance with their unique operating characteristics; Pertinent skills deficiencies at operator and institutional level to successfully manage change in the new competitive environment; Efficiency of the present operations which is well below the required standard to secure tenders; Insufficient knowledge of and preparation for the tender system and its requirements; Insufficient actions to empower members of the previously disadvantaged communities; and Old and ineffective policies, systems and procedures. In support of the strategic gap analysis, various evaluation techniques were used to determine the best possible strategic alternatives. It was found that fundamental change is required to position the bus industry for future challenges. Long term objectives should focus on specific market objectives for the bus in transport networks, gaining of market share, securing alliances, empowerment of small operators and improving effectiveness. The generic strategy to secure tenders should be primarily a low cost leadership strategy. The essence of turnaround strategies should focus on cost reduction, which should largely be achieved through increased efficiency. Other grand strategies include diversification, market development, joint ventures and strategic alliances. Specific short term objectives are to formalise and structure the SABOA Development Foundation as primary vehicle for the empowerment of small and medium sized entrepreneurs in the transport industry and to facilitate further cooperation in the industry to share expertise and resources. Guidelines to adjust operator strategies and to assess empowerment models are also provided to guide operators in the transition process. It is recommended that change methodology be formalised to assist operators in the transition process. Finally it can be concluded that the bus industry can play a leading role in the future transport dispensation if appropriate pro-active action is taken. There is a huge strategic gap between the desired and expected outcomes which requires concerted efforts by the industry as well as the three spheres of government. It is essential that the Moving South Africa strategy be implemented as primary driving force behind the change process.

The purpose of this study is to explore procurement practices employed within the commuter bus industry in Gauteng. The contemporary procurement practices employed within the commuter bus industry in Gauteng have propagated a number of challenges for this industry, including a deficit in the allocated funds and a lack of coordinated relationship between the relevant stakeholders. This study is both descriptive and exploratory in nature and employed a mixed-method research approach to collect the research data. The data was collected from a sample of 18 respondents who are key stakeholders directly involved in the procurement of subsidised commuter bus services in Gauteng by means of a face-to-face interview using a semi-structured questionnaire. The findings of the study revealed that there are three types of procurement practices employed within the commuter bus industry, namely, interim, negotiated and tender contracts. However, all these contracts are now outdated, due to the complex implementation of the policies guiding procurement. The study also revealed that there are minimal contributions towards the socio-economic objectives within the commuter bus industry. This has led to uncoordinated relations between the government officials and the subsidised commuter bus operators. Furthermore, there are challenges hindering effective procurement in the commuter bus industry, such as under-funding, fronting activities, frequent reshuffling of transport personnel and inconstant allocation of funds. The study also noted differences in the application of procurement practices between the government officials and the subsidised commuter bus operators, in terms of the industry’s contribution towards socio-economic objectives, policies and regulations, relationship and the challenges faced within the industry. Efficient procurement practices can contribute significantly to the commuter bus industry, especially towards job creation and economic growth. The study concludes with a recommended framework for enhancing the procurement practices of the commuter bus services in Gauteng. / Economics / M. Com. (Transport Economics)

MURP / Department of Urban and Regional Planning / This study focuses on the evaluation of intelligent transport systems making use of the BRT-Rea-vaya in Johannesburg as a case study. This study was motivated by the observation that few studies have been conducted in the study area that tackle explicitly intelligent transport systems evaluation. Intelligent transport systems can assist in improving private and public transportation systems and operations performance. In the public sector where various modes of transport such as the taxi, metro bus, metro rail, Gautrain and the BRT Rea-vaya operates, intelligent transport systems present opportunities for improving Level of Service (LOS) delivery. In Johannesburg, the BRT Rea vaya system was adopted by the Johannesburg metropolitan municipality to provide a safe, reliable, efficient and accessible public transport system. The BRT Rea vaya system is aimed at providing a better public transport, operating systems and service. For the BRT Rea vaya systems to achieve its primary goals and objectives, an intelligent transport system was incorporated to better manage the BRT Rea-vaya systems operations and activities. The study disclosed the status quo, opinions and attitudes of commuters regarding their experiences with the BRT Rea vaya public transport systems in Johannesburg. Furthermore, the study investigated whether the original objectives and aims of intelligent transport system in the BRT Rea-vaya have been meet. A central theme of the investigation is seeking to understand constraints and opportunities regarding BRT Rea-vaya intelligent transport systems‘ operations and activities in Johannesburg. The use of primary and secondary data such as questionnaires, key informant interviews, observation, journals and previous researches related to intelligent transport systems were used to acquire an in-depth understanding of the operational management of BRT Rea-vaya intelligent transport system. Collected data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) with the aid of Microsoft Excel making use of descriptive statistics, regression analysis, cross tabulation and chi-square test. This was presented using tables, graphs, maps etc. Qualitative data was analyzed making use of a thematic approach. The study resonates in the need for rapid public transport systems to provide lessons for improving and adopting intelligent transport systems. As an end product, the research provided a framework of analysis on how to integrate intelligent transport systems in the context of Bus rapid transit systems.