Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between dividend changes and operating cash flows in South Africa. Previous studies on the relationship in developed markets established that the main determinants of dividend changes are current year earnings and preceding dividend levels. The dividend changes-operating cash flows relationship was successfully studied in the developing market of Nigeria. The procedures and arguments used in this study were largely based on studies undertaken by Charitou and Vafeas (1998) and Adelegan (2003). The relationship was studied by selecting 60 companies that have been listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange from 1990 to 2005. A multiple regression model was used in this study to investigate the relationship between dividend changes and operating cash flows. The multiple regression results revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between dividend changes and operating cash flows. The results also revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between dividend changes and profits after tax and a significant negative relationship between dividend changes and the previous year's dividend yield. Relative to profit after tax and operating cash flows, the previous year's dividend yield has the strongest relationship with dividend changes. The strength of the variables in explaining dividend changes has changed over time. In the study, the multiple regression equation was estimated for three different periods, 1990 to 1993, 1994 to 1999 and 2000 to 2005. In the period 1994 to 2005, operating cash flows showed a significant positive relationship with dividend changes. In all three periods, the previous year's dividend yield showed a significant negative relationship with dividend changes and was also relative to profit after tax and operating cash flows, the strongest determinant of dividend changes in all three periods. In the period 1990 to 1999, profits after tax had a significant positive relationship with dividend changes. The results showed that operating cash flows, over time explain more of dividend changes than profits after tax. The study also investigated factors that have the potential to influence the relationship between dividend changes and operating cash flows. The multiple regression results revealed that growth prospects, levels of leverage and the size of a company did not significantly influence the dividend changes-operating cash flows relationship. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie was om die verwantskap tussen dividendveranderinge en kontant uit bedryfsaktiwiteite te ondersoek. Vorige studies oor die verwantskap wat met betrekking tot ontwikkelende markte onderneem is, het bevind dat die hoof determinante van dividendveranderinge die huidge jaar se verdienste en die voorafgaande jaar se dividendopbrengste is. Die dividendveranderinge-kontant uit bedryfsaldiwiteite verwantskap is suksesvol bestudeer in die ontwikkelende mark van Nigerië. Die prosedures en argumente wat gebruik is in hierdie studie is hoofsaaklik op die studies van Charitou en Vafeas (1998) en Adelegan (2003) gebaseer. Die verwantskap is bestudeer deur 60 maatskappye te selekteer wat vanaf 1990 tot 2005 op die Johannesburg se Effektebeurs genoteerd was. 'n Meervoudige regressie model is in die studie gebruik om die verwantskap tussen dividendveranderinge en kontant uit bedryfsaktiwiteite te ondersoek. Die meervoudige regressieresultate het gewys dat daar 'n positiewe betekenisvolle verwantskap tussen dividend veranderinge en kontant uit bedryfsaktiwiteite is. Die resultate het ook gewys dat daar 'n positiewe betekenisvolle verwantskap is tussen dividendveranderinge en wins na belasting asook, 'n negatiewe betekenisvolle verwantskap tussen dividendveranderinge en die voorafgaande jaar se dividendopbrengs. Relatief tot wins na belasting en kontant uit bedryfsaktiwiteite, het die voorafgaande jaar se dividendopbrengste 'n sterker verwantskap met dividendveranderinge gehad. Die sterkte van die veranderlikes in die verduideliking van dividendveranderinge het met verloop van tyd verander. Die meervoudige regressie vergelyking is in die studie vir drie verskillende periodes geraam, naamlik vir 1990 tot 1993, 1994 tot 1999 en 2000 tot 2005. In die periode 1994 tot 2005 was daar 'n positiewe betekenisvolle verwantskap tussen dividendveranderinge en kontant uit bedryfaktiwiteite. Al drie periodes het 'n negatiewe betekenisvolle verwantskap tussen dividendveranderinge en die voorafgaande jaar se dividendopbrengs getoon. Die voorafgaande jaar se dividendopbrengs was ook relatief tot wins na belasting en kontant uit bedryfsaktiwiteite die sterkste determinant van dividendveranderinge in al drie periodes. Daar was 'n positiewe betekenisvolle verwantskap tussen dividendveranderinge en wins na belasting in die periode van 1990 to 1999. Die resultate toon dat kontant uit bedryfsaktiwiteite met verloop van tyd meer verklaar van dividendverandringe as wins na belasting. Die studie het ook faktore wat die verwantskap tussen dividendveranderinge en kontant uit bedryfsaktiwiteite potensieël kan beïnvloed, ondersoek. Die meervoudige regressieresultate het getoon dat groeimoontlikhede, hefboomfinansiering en die grootte van 'n maatskappy nie die verwantskap tussen dividendveranderinge en kontant uit bedryfsaktiwiteite betekenisvol beïnvloed nie.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Competition in food retailing has become a noticeable cosmopolitan phenomenon. Competitiveness filters down from retailers and their private-label brands to the suppliers and their manufacturer brands. Furthermore, the proliferation of food retailing has evolved into a double-edged sword for suppliers and manufacturers of both private-label and manufacturer/supplier-branded goods. Therefore, these suppliers, in comparison to those that solely manufacture national-brand goods, has to continuously maintain a favourable status quo on shelf with regard to brand performance, product quality and price of both retailer and supplier brands. Moreover, in store and on shelf, consumers of these brands are overloaded with choices between different packaging, prices and product statements. All relevant and eye catching, but do the supplier brands get the worst of the bargain? The objective of this study was to perform a qualitatively analysis on the supplier value of being a supplier of both privatelabel and manufacturer brands to the food-retail industry. The empirical study encompassed one-an-one and electronic interviews with key participants from specific food retailers to obtain answers validly, objectively and economically. The researcher employed a qualitative research approach together with a non-probability sampling strategy to explore the retail environment and interview participants. The three retailers that participated in the qualitative study were SPAR and Shoprite from South Africa and Morrisons from the United Kingdom. Interviews were scheduled with each participant that was available to participate and actively contribute to the outcome of this study. Interviews were conducted with a pre-set list of open-ended questions that was prepared in a discussion guide. Content analysis was then done on the interview feedback and this was used to formulate major findings and provide justification for the research objectives and propositions of this study. From the major findings in this study five themes were identified: growth, challenges, competitive environment, brand differentiation and supplier-retailer relationship. Findings indicated that retailers - regardless of their global location, consumer base and competitive environment - were mostly focused on growing their company and their respective private-label brand. Depending on the volatility of the supplier-retailer relationship, this growth focus could even come at the expense of a manufacturer's brand. The study also revealed that retailers are faced with a number of different challenges, which include deciding whether a product is fit to be sold under their private-label brand and if a supplier's strategy supports their own company strategy. The challenges encompass dependability of supply, quality of product and delivery reliability. Additionally, prime area for retailing is becoming more condensed in South Africa and as a result competition between the four major South African retailers is more vibrant. The study has noted that major retailers are also seeking expansion into emerging markets outside the metropolitan areas in South Africa, which will increase demand and create new customer expectations. Competitiveness and a point of difference would then be underpinned by innovation , creating a favourable shopping experience and service delivery, but with no compromise on quality and price. When considering brand differentiation, the study revealed that retailers were using this differentiation to increase private-label market share among the national brands whereas suppliers use it to create aspirational brands that attract and sustain consumer loyalty. It was concluded from this study that the growing availability and presence of private-label products in all categories on retailer shelves will become a serious threat for growing national brands that have not yet established themselves as market leaders. This threat will be further enhanced by the fact that retailers are using real estate and shelf space as leverage to negotiate. Regarding supplier-retailer relationship, this study showed that a retailer's focus will always be biased with the balance of power tilting in favour of the retailer, speCifically where a supplier is considered to be a supplier of both private-label and manufacturer brands. Although the latter is an industry norm, the power balance is complicated by the fact that no contract exists between supplier and retailer. As a result, a show of goodwill and a hand shake will seldom have the one-sided situation swing in favour of a supplier. Nonetheless, retailers' feedback indicated that they would rather develop relationships with suppliers that either have brands with smaller market share or only manufacture private-label products. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Mededinging in die voedselkleinhandel het 'n merkbare kosmopolitaanse verskynsel geword. Mededingendheid syfer van kleinhandelaars en hul private handelsmerke na verskaffers en hul vervaardigershandelsmerke deur. Voorts het uitbreiding in die voedselkleinhandel in 'n tweesnydende swaard vir verskaffers en vervaardigers van goedere vir sowel private as vervaardigersIverskaffershandelsmerke ontwikkel. Daarom moet hierdie verskaffers, vergeleke met diegene wat slegs goedere vir nasionale handelsmerke vervaardig, voortdurend 'n gunstige status quo op die rak handhaaf ten opsigte van die handelsmerkprestasie, produkgehalte en prys van sowel private as verskaffershandelsmerke. Origens word verbruikers van hierdie handelsmerke, in die winkel en op die rak, oorlaai met keuses tussen verskillende verpakking, pryse en produkverklarings. Dit is alles tersaaklik en treffend, maar trek die verskaffershandelsmerke aan die kortste end? Die oogmerk van hierdie studie was om 'n kwalitatiewe ontleding te doen van die waarde vir die verskaffer om 'n verskaffer van sowel private as vervaardigershandelsmerke vir die voedselkleinhandel te wees. Die empiriese studie het persoonlike en elektroniese onderhoude met sleuteldeelnemers van spesifieke voedselkleinhandelaars behels om op geldige, objektiewe en ekonomiese wyse antwoorde te bekom. Die navorser het 'n kwalitatiewe navorsingsbenadering gevolg tesame met 'n niewaarskynlikheidsteekproefnemingstrategie om die kleinhandelomgewing te verken en onderhoude met deelnemers te voer. Die drie kleinhandelaars wat aan die kwalitatiewe studie deelgeneem het, was SPAR en Shoprite van Suid-Afrika en Morrisons van die Verenigde Koninkryk. Onderhoude is geskeduleer met elke deelnemer wat vir deelname beskikbaar was en aktief tot die uitkoms van die studie wou bydra. Onderhoude is gevoer met 'n voorafbepaalde lys oop vrae wat in 'n besprekingsgids saamgevat is. Inhoudsontleding is daarna gedoen ten opsigte van die terugvoering wat tydens die onderhoude ontvang is. Dit is gebruik om hoofbevindinge te formuleer en motivering vir die navorsingsoogmerke en stellings van die studie te bied. Op grond van die hoofbevindinge van die studie is vyf temas geïdentifiseer: groei, uitdagings, mededingende omgewing, handelsmerkdifferensiasie en verhouding tussen verskaffer en kleinhandelaar. Die bevindinge het getoon dat kleinhandelaars - ongeag waar hulle hul in die wêreld bevind, hul verbruikersbasis en mededingende omgewing - meestal op hul maatskappy en hul private handelsmerk se groei toegespits is. Na gelang van die wisselvalligheid van die verhouding tussen verskaffer en kleinhandelaar kan hierdie fokus op groei selfs ten koste van 'n vervaardigershandelsmerk plaasvind. Die studie het ook getoon dat kleinhandelaars voor verskeie uitdagings te staan kom, waaronder die besluit of 'n produk geskik is om onder hul private handelsmerk verkoop te word en of 'n verskaffer se strategie hul eie maatskappystrategie ondersteun. Die uitdagings sluit ook betroubaarheid ten opsigte van voorraad, produkgehalte en lewering in. Daarby word die eersteklasgebied vir klein handel in Suid-Afrika toenemend digter en as gevolg daarvan is mededinging tussen die vier vernaamste Suid-Afrikaanse kleinhandelaars lewendiger. Die studie het bevind dat vername kleinhandelaars ook na ontluikende markte buite die metropolitaanse gebiede in Suid-Afrika wil uitbrei, wat die vraag sal vergroot en nuwe verbruikersverwagtinge sal skep. Mededingendheid en 'n verskilpunt sal dan deur innovering, die skepping van 'n aangename inkopie-ervaring en dienslewering - sonder benadeling van gehalte en prys - ondersteun word. Ten opsigte van handelsmerkdifferensiasie het die studie getoon dat kleinhandelaars hierdie differensiasie gebruik om die markaandeel van private handelsmerke onder nasionale handelsmerke te verhoog, terwyl verskaffers dit gebruik om aspirasie-handelsmerke te skep wat verbruikerslojaliteit lok en behou. Daar is van die studie afgelei dat die toenemende beskikbaarheid en teenwoordigheid van produkte onder private handelsmerke in alle kategorieë op kleinhandelaars se rakke 'n ernstige bedreiging sal word vir groeiende nasionale handelsmerke wat hulle nog nie as markleiers gevestig het nie. Hierdie bedreiging sal versterk word deur die feit dat kleinhandelaars eiendom en rakruimte vir mag in onderhandeling sal gebruik. Ten opsigte van die verhouding tussen verskaffer en kleinhandelaar het hierdie studie getoon dat 'n kleinhandelaar se fokus altyd partydig sal wees, met die magsbalans ten gunste van die kleinhandelaar, veral indien 'n verskaffer as verskaffer van sowel private as vervaardigershandelsmerke beskou word. Alhoewel laasgenoemde 'n bedryfsnorm is, word die magsbalans bemoeilik deur die feit dat daar geen kontrak tussen die verskaffer en die kleinhandelaar bestaan nie. As gevolg daarvan sal 'n welwillendheidsgebaar en 'n handdruk selde daartoe lei dat die eensydige situasie ten gunste van die verskaffer sal draai. Kleinhandelaars se terugvoering het nietemin aangedui dat hulle eerder verhoudings met verskaffers sal ontwikkel wat of handelsmerke met 'n kleiner markaandeel het of produkte vir private handelsmerke vervaardig .

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2010. / The opportunity identified is to develop further breadth and depth of inquiry in futures work by making explicit the use of questions throughout the process of futures work. The focus of this study is therefore process related rather than subject matter specific. Common sense suggests that all research methods apply questions and inquiry at some point in the process. The proposition put forward is that many research projects only imply questions and do not deliberately articulate the underlying inquiry process. This study therefore focuses on those methods that explicitly apply questions as a deliberate process or as a specific element in a process of futures work. The primary objectives are to identify the extent to which questions are used in existing futures work; to consider how other disciplines could inform the study; and to identify, adapt or create a framework of inquiry specifically for futures thinking, where the framework establishes explicit and deliberate use of questions in the inquiry process. The review of futures literature identified that questions are often used in a specific manner and it is notable the number of futures methods that use questions in a primary role. This becomes most evident in the paradigmatic and exploratory methods. The practitioners who stand out as strong proponents of questions are Inayatullah, Ulrich, Senge, Godet and Sardar. The study then focuses on thinking processes that have relevance to futures work, drawing from other disciplines including psychology, social psychology, philosophy and the social sciences. It explores the use of questions in individual thinking, conversation, collective thinking and learning processes. The process framework is a synthesis of ideas, combining futures thinking with these different perspectives. The concepts are used to generate a framework of futures thinking using positive questions with conversation; and these are the central ideas that distinguish the process. Using all the components concurrently and collectively reflects the systemic nature of futures projects. The preparation and appropriation components define context, identify meaning, create challenges and compel commitment. Positive energy is generated by focusing on positive intentions and positive questions. Individual thinking may be critical, reflective or creative; values, virtues and ethics act as standards for evaluating the wisdom of actions of the individual within a social context. The process is multi dimensional, operating simultaneously and sequentially, within and in conjunction with other methods. Learning is pursued as a collaborative endeavour through conversations that matter. The process framework aims at creating meaningful futures through active engagement in positive questioning and conversation with the aim of taking collective action that is both innovative and wise.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The primary purpose of the research study is to establish whether the supervisory regime of the Central Bank of Liberia (hereinafter referred to as CBL) is adequate to provide effective and efficient bank supervision that will ensure stability in the financial system. Stability in the financial sector and safety and soundness of the banking industry are of paramount importance due to its linkages with all other sectors of the economy. Adequate supervision and prudential regulations are central in ensuring financial sector stability. This research focuses on the prudential regulations and other supervisory directives used in the supervision of licensed bank-financial institutions, in terms of capital adequacy, asset quality, management, earnings, liquidity and sensitivity to market risk, the supervisory approach and the legal framework. The adequacy of the prudential regulations and other supervisory directives are determined by comparing with international standards. The results revealed that the prudential regulations largely meet international standards. Thus, the supervisory regime is adequate and capable of providing stability in the banking industry. Banks are exposed to various kinds of risks in the conduct of their trading operations; therefore, management is required to maintain a capital position that will cover the nature and extent of risks to the bank:. The capital consists of two tiers; Tier I (primary) capital and Tier 2 (secondary) capital. Banks are required to permanently maintain a capital adequacy ratio that matches their total exposure to risk at the level of at least 8%. The prudential regulations of the Central Bank of Liberia places assets into two risk baskets while international organizations like the Bank for International Settlement has four or five risk baskets based on the category of borrower, sovereigns, banks or corporates. Earning assets reflect the bank's quality and existing potential of exposure to counter-party associated with loan and investment portfolios, as well as off-balance sheet transactions. Banks are required to make adequate provisioning against deteriorating loan portfolios and general provisions for performing loans. Sound and competent management is the most significant requirement for the strength, potency and growth of any financial institution. Indicators of the quality of management's competence are primarily specific to individual institutions. Moreover, it is not easy to draw any conclusion vis-à-vis management soundness on the basis of monetary indicators, as characteristics of a good management are rather qualitative in nature. Strong earnings and profitability profiles of a financial institution reflect its capacity to absorb losses, fund expansion, be competitive in the banking industry, replenish and/or increase capital base and pay dividends to shareholders. Good earnings quality is relied upon by banking institutions as their first line of defense against capital reduction due to credit losses, interest rate risk, operational risk and decline in asset value. Liquidity is often considered as an attestation of solvency for banking institutions. Banks must maintain a minimum level of liquidity to settle obligations such withdrawals and for giving out loans. Liquidity is a strong early warning signal, the shortage and/or the lack of which erodes public confidence in a bank. Banks must guide against structural maturity mismatch. Imprudent lending practice increases a bank's exposure to liquidity risk. All licensed banks are statutorily required to maintain a minimum daily liquidity ratio of 15%, which is a measure of the banks' liquid assets vis-à-vis deposits. Each commercial bank is required to maintain reserve requirements representing 18% of average deposits. A suitable legal framework is a prerequisite for effective banking supervision. Supervisors can be expected to act, free from political pressures, only if they cannot be dismissed for doing their job. The New Financial Institutions Act 1999 and the Central Bank Act 1999 give the Central Bank powers to grant and revoke bank. licenses, supervise commercial banks and have unlimited access to privileged information. There is a need to further strengthen the supervisory capacity in terms of providing continuous short-term training and long-term or post-graduate studies. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die hoofdoel van hierdie navorsingsverslag is om te bepaal of die toesighoudende stelsel van die Sentrale Bank van Liberie (hierna verwys na CBL) toereikend is om doeltreffende en doelmatige banksupervisie te verskaf wat stabiliteit in die finansiële stelsel sal verseker. Stabiliteit in die finansieie sektor, en die veiligheid en betroubaarheid van die bankbedryf is uiters belangrik as gevolg van die verwantskap met alle ander sektore van die ekonomie. Voldoende supervisie en verstandige regulasies vorm die kern van stabiliteit in die finansiële sektor. Hierdie navorsing is gerig op die verstandige regulasies en ander toesighoudende bepalings wat gebruik word in die supervisie van gelisensieerde bank-finansiële instellings ten opsige van kapitaaltoereikendheid, bategehalte, bestuur, verdienste, likiditeit en sensitiwiteit ten opsigte van markrisiko, die benadering tot toesighouding en die regsraamwerk. Die toereikendheid van die verstandige regulasies en ander toesighoudende bepalings word bepaal deur dit met internasionale standaarde te vergelyk. Die resultale toon aan dat die verstandige regulasies grootliks aan internasionale standaarde voldoen. Die toesigboudende stelsel is dus toereikend en daartoe in staat om stabiliteit aan die bankbedryf te verskaf. Banke word blootgestel aan verskeie soorte risiko in die uitvoer van hul handelsbedrywighede. Daar word dus van die bestuur verwag om 'n kapitaalbasis te handhaaf wat die aard en omvang van die risiko vir die bank sal dek. Die kapitaal bestaan uit twee vlakke: Vlak I (primêre) kapitaal en Vlak 2 (sekondêre) kapitaal. Daar word van banke verwag om permanent 'n kapitaaltoereikendheidsverhouding te handhaaf wat ooreenkom met hul totale blootstelling aan risiko op 'n vlak van ten minsle 8%. Die verstandige regulasies van die Sentrale Bank van Liberie plaas bates in twee risiko-mandjies terwyl internasionale organisasies soos die Bank for International Settlement vier tot vyf risiko-mandjies het wat op die kategorie van die lener, selfbesturende entiteit, bank of korporasie gegrond is. Opbrengsgewende bates dui op die bank se gehalte en bestaande potensiaal vir blootstelling aan teenpartye wat verband hou met lenings- en beleggingsportefeuljes sowel as buitebalanstransaksies. Daar word van banke verwag om toereikende voorsiening teen verslegtende leningsportefeuljes te maak en om algemene voorwaardes vir presterende lenings te stel. Betroubare en bevoegde bestuur is die heel belangrikste vereiste vir die krag, vermoë en groei van enige finansiële instelling. Aanwysers van die gehalte van die bestuur se bevoegdheid is hoofsaaklik op individuele instellings van toepassing. Verder is dit nie maklik om enige gevolgtrekking ten opsigte van 'n bestuur se betroubaarheid te maak op grond van monetêre aanwysers nie, omdat die kenmerke van 'n goeie bestuur eerder kwalitatief van aard is. Sterk opbrengste en winsgewendheidsprofiele van 'n finansiële instelling dui op sy kapasiteit om verliese te absorbeer, fondse uit te brei, mededingend in die bankbedryf te wees, sy kapitaalbasis aan te vul en/of te vergroot, en dividende aan aandeelhouers te betaal. Bankinstellings maak staat op goeie opbrengsgehalte as hul eerste verdedigingslyn teen kapitaalvermindering as gevolg van kredietverliese, rentekoersrisiko's, bedryfsrisiko's en 'n afname in batewaarde. Likiditeit word dikwels beskou as 'n bevestiging van solvensie vir bankinstellings. Banke moet 'n minimum vlak van likiditeit handhaaf om verpligtinge soos onttrekkings na te kom en om lenings toe te staan. Likiditeit is 'n sterk vroeë waarskuwingsteken, en die tekort en/of gebrek daaraan knou openbare vertroue in die bank. Banke moet waak teen 'n strukturele wanafstemming van looptye. Onverstandige uitleenpraktyk verhoog 'n bank se blootstelling aan likiditeitsrisiko. Alle gelisensieerde banke word statutêr verplig om 'n minimum daaglikse likiditeitsverhouding van 15% te handhaaf, wat 'n maatstaf is van 'n bank se likiede bates teenoor deposito's. 'n Toepaslike regsraamwerk is 'n voorvereiste vir doeltreffende banksupervisie. Daar kan van toesighouers verwag word om sonder enige politieke druk op te tree slegs indien hulle nie afgedank kan word omdat hulle hul plig doen nie. Die New Financial Institutions Act van 1999 en die Central Bank Act van 1999 gee aan die Sentrale Bank die mag om banklisensies toe te staan en herroep, om toesig oor kommersiële banke te hou en om onbeperkte toegang tot beskermde inligting te kry. Daar is 'n behoefte om die toesighoudende kapasiteit deur die verskaffing van deurlopende korttermynopleiding en langtermyn- of nagraadse studie uit te bou.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of the study is firstly to determine what the main causes are for employee turnover and turnover intention. Secondly, the study is to investigate the consequences for organisations that are unable to retain or attract talented employees. The data was collected through exit interviews and through personal interviews from the organisation. The sample was taken from a diverse group of individuals consisting of people from all departments in the organisation. In total six departments were considered. The data was categorised into five areas, namely remuneration and benefits, work-life balance, organisational culture, job satisfaction and career development. The data will be presented graphically and then analysed. The literature review was conducted on the categories as categorised from the exit and personal interview data. This was done to compare the literature findings to the data analysis results as established from the exit and personal interview data. The findings suggested that organisational culture was the biggest contributor to employee turnover or turnover intention, followed by career development and job satisfaction. While remuneration and benefits are of some significance, it does not appear to be major contributors. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die studie is eerstens om die hoofoorsake van werknemer bedankings, sowel as die voorneme van werknemers om organisasies te verlaat, te bepaal. Tweedens, om ondersoek in te stel na die moontlike gevolge vir organisasies wat nie in staat is om werknemers te behou of nuwe talent te lok nie. Inligting vir die studie is deur middel van diensverlatings- en persoonlike onderhoude van die organisasie verkry. 'n Verskeidenheid individue uit ses verskillende departemente het aan die studie deel-geneem. Die inligting is in vyf katagorieë verdeel, naamlik vergoeding en voordele, balans tussen werk en persoonlike lewe, organisasiekultuur, werksbevredeging en loopbaanverbetering. Die data word grafies voorgestel en geanaliseer. Die literatuurstudie is saamgestel in dieselfde vyf katagorieë as die waarin inligting verkry is deur die verskillende onderhoude. Dit is gedoen ten einde die literatuurstudie-bevindings met die data- analise te vergelyk wat deur middel van diensverlatings- en persoonlike onderhoude verkry is. Die studie dui aan dat organisasiekultuur die grootste bydraende faktor is by werknemerbedankings, sowel as by werknemers wat beoog om die organisasies te verlaat. Bykomende bevindings dui op loopbaanverbetering en werksbevrediging. Terwyl vergoeding en voordele 'n faktor is, wys die studie dat dit nie 'n belangrike bydraende faktor is nie.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2010. / This research study considers how executive education institutions should be training leaders for the future. The research outlines possible future challenges facing leaders in order to determine the type of training offered by executive education institutions. The study also looks into the current training practices of executive education institutions and explores the challenges currently faced by such institutions. This study discusses the role executive education institutions perform and how learning partnerships between executive education institutions and organisations can influence the role of executive education institutions. This research study has a specific focus on the training processes used by the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) Executive Development Ltd as an example of an executive education institution and offers some recommendations for consideration. These recommendations, amongst others, include the inability of off-the-shelf training programmes in not being able to always address the training needs of a company and that a thorough needs analysis should therefore always be done prior to the training; that executive education institutions should strive to be more flexible; that a more solid interdisciplinary research methodology focusing on business-related problems should be employed; that the importance of recognised accreditation should not be negated; and lastly, that anticipatory action learning should be included as part of the training process.

A Study Project presented to the Graduate School of Business of the University of Stellenbosch In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Business Administration / Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The study project investigates various approaches to the distribution of beer within a changing South African environment. The Eastern Cape Liquor Act (Act 10 of 2003) became operational on the 14th September 2004. Section 71 (6) to (10) provides for the temporary registration of shebeens for a period of 12 months. The aim of this legislation is to normalise the liquor retail industry. Instead of having sUbsistence illegal shebeens operating, the governments thrust is to assist shebeens converting to formal legitimised taverner businesses. Over 14000 temporary licenses were granted in the Eastern Cape area. The aim of these temporary licenses was to give shebeens 12 months in which to apply for a permanent license without harassment from the authorities. This now gave liquor suppliers like South African Breweries (SAB) the opportunity to deliver directly to these taverns thus shortening the traditional supply chain and reducing price margins. SAB has seen this change in the environment as a strategic opportunity. It has included market penetration as one of its key thrusts in its strategic 3 year business plan. Market penetration simply means assisting shebeens with their license applications, customer attraction through value adding sales and distribution service offerings, penetration through delivering beer to every licensed customer ordering 10 cases or more and the retention of these customers through the offering of a world class service. Through an extensive literature review and the ground breaking work completed at SAB, a five pillar market penetration model has been developed. These pillars include the completion of a market potential survey, the assistance with licensing, taverner training to ensure successful businesses, distribution penetration and lastly competitor analysis. The SAB Perseverance Depot in Port Elizabeth has been used over the last 10 months as a pilot site to test the market penetration strategic initiative. The impact on depot key performance indicators and cost are investigated based on different service offerings. Due to the delivery base more than doubling in 6 months, resource and capacity models are also introduced. All indications show that this market penetration strategic initiative is going to be SAB's future business model in South Africa. Stellenbosch University http://scholar.sun.ac.za / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die studieveld bestudeer verskillende maniere om bier te versprei in 'n veranderende Suid Afrikaanse omgewing. Die Oos Kaapse Drank Wet (Wet 10 van 2003) is bekragtig op die 14 September 2004. Artikel 71 (6) to (10) laat dit toe vir 'n shebeen om 'n tydelike lisensie vir 12 maande te bekom. Die doel van die wetgewing is om die drank industrie te normaliseer. In plaas daarvan om onwettig te bestuur laat die regering toe vir shebeens om wettige tavernes te bedryf. Meer as 14000 tydelike lisensies is in die Oos Kaap uitgereik. Die doel van die tydelike lisensies was om 12 maande grasie te gee aan shebeens om aansoek te doen vir permanente lisensies sonder enige inmenging van die owerhede. Hierdie besluit het dit moontlik gemaak vir drank verskaffers so os Suid Afrikaanse Brouerye om direk by die shebeens af te lewer en dus die verskaffingsketting te verkort en prysmarges te verminder. SAB het die verandering in die omgewing as 'n strategiese moontlikheid aanvaar. Mark penetrasie is een van SAB se doelwitte soos gedefinieer in die 3 jaar besigheidsplan. Die doel van mark penetrasie is om shebeens met lisensie aansoeke te help, goeie verkoop en distribusie diens te offer, en om die kliente te behou deur 'n wereld klas diens te offer. SAB het na intensiewe studies die "pillar" mark penetrasie model ontwikkel. Hierdie pilare sluit in die mark potensiaal studie, die lisensie hulpverskaffing, taverne opleiding om suksesvolle besighede te verseker, distribusie penetrasie en laastens die studie van mededingers in die mark. Perseverance Depot in Port Elizabeth het die afgelope 10 maande intensief gewerk aan die strategiese doel. Die impak op die depot se sleutel prestasie-areas en kostes word gemeet teen verskillende dienslewerings opsies. Aangesien die kliente basis meer as verdubbel het oor die afgelope ses maande is daar verskeie hulpbron modelle in werking geplaas.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Optometric practices, as every other organisation, are becoming more aware that the ability to address your patients' needs is the latest challenge and secret to future success. The purpose of this study is to determine the gap between the patients' expectations and their perceptions of the services rendered in the optometric practice. When the patients' perceptions of the service received meets or exceeds their expectations, the patient will be satisfied and will be encouraged to visit the practice again, increasing the long-term profitability of the practice. Most patients lack the knowledge to evaluate the quality of optometric services. As a result, they rely on the integrity and competence of the service provider. Service excellence is a combination of service promptness, quality, and design with the perception of value for money. Reliability is the most important of the five dimensions in determining patient evaluations of service quality. Since the tangible attributes are often the only element of a service that can be evaluated prior to service delivery, managers should pay a lot of attention to this dimension in order to reflect a positive image. As patients become more informed, practices should continuously research and update their strategies for the delivery of quality service. Not only do practices need to understand the current expectations of their patients, but also the future expectations desired. A key issue for future research concerns the relationship between internal service quality and external customer satisfaction as well as employee service orientation, and external service quality. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Oogkundige praktyke, soos elke ander organisasie, raak toenemend bewus dat die nuutste uitdaging en geheim tot toekomstige sukses afhang van die vermoë om pasiente se behoeftes aan te spreek. Die doelwit van hierdie studie is om die gapings te bepaal tussen die pasiënt se verwagtinge en hul persepsies van die dienste gelewer in die oogkundige praktyk. Indien die pasiënte se persepsies van die gelewerde diens, hulle verwagtinge aanspreek of oorskry, sal dit pasiënt tevredenheid bevorder en die pasiënt aanspoor om die praktyk weer te besoek, en derhalwe die langtermyn winsgewendheid van die praktyk bevorder. Die meeste pasiënte beskik oor gebrekkige kennis om die kwaliteit van die optometriese dienste te evalueer. Gevolglik vertrou hulle op die integriteit en vaardigheid van die diensverskaffer. Uitstekende dienslewering kombineer stiptelikheid, kwaliteit, en die samestelling van die diens met die persepsie van waarde vir geld. Betroubaarheid is die belangrikste van die vyf dimensies om die pasiënt se evaluasie van die kwaliteit van diens te bepaal. Aangesien die tasbare eienskappe dikwels die enigste element van die diens is wat voortydig deur die pasient evalueer kan word, behoort bestuurders baie aandag daaraan te bestee ten einde 'n positiewe beeld te weerspieël. Aangesien pasiënte toenemend meer ingelig is, behoort praktyke voortdurende navorsing te doen om hulle strategies op te skerp vir die lewering van kwaliteit diens. Praktyke moet nie net slegs die huidige verwagtinge van hul pasiënte verstaan nie, maar ook die verlangde toekomsverwagtinge. 'n Sleutelaspek vir toekomstige navorsing is die verhouding tussen interne dienskwaliteit en eksterne kliëntbevrediging, asook die werknemer se oriëntasie tot dienslewering en eksterne dienskwaliteit.

Thesis (MBA) -- Stellenbosch University, 2011. / The function of organisations is to deliver a product or a service, and thus the survival of an organisation is dependent on ensuring successful delivery in a financially viable manner. Project management was introduced to aid in this required successful delivery, placing emphasis on the cost, time and quality of the execution process of delivering the service or product. Project management does however not always deliver on successful service or product delivery, as can be deduced from the many projects that overrun budgets and timelines or under deliver on quality. The study of the impact of organisational culture stemmed from the movement in research to include the effect of the environment of a project on the effectiveness of the project management. Organisational culture has been noted to impact on many organisational elements, one of which is project management. In light of the current production and economic pressure experienced by Eskom’s power generating facilities, the effective and efficient management of projects plays a critical role in ensuring uninterrupted production and financial management. The success of the projects undertaken at Matla power station has a direct impact on the facility’s power generation capability and operational costs. This study found that the organisational culture of Matla supports effective project management at a level closer to the lower limits for the 12 cultural dimensions of a sample group of 29 national companies. Only two of the cultural dimensions rate below the national lowest rating. Considering the importance of projects for continued operational functioning, there is space for improvement in the level of support. A large plethora of factors impact on effective project management and the challenge for organisations lies in balancing the energy spent in addressing all the various factors. The difference between functional department needs and project needs must be balanced to ensure long-term goals are not given up for short-term production gains. Performance measurement should take cognisance of strategic long-term goals and must not be focused on purely short-term outcomes. The balance between production and projects is a continuous challenge. Project management plays an integral role in achieving the intense expansion required by Eskom over the next 15 to 20 years, the effective and efficient implementation of projects through effective project management must therefore be supported by the organisational culture.

Thesis (MBA) -- Stellenbosch University, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The new South African government, following the 1994 first free democratic election, inherited a country torn apart by apartheid, with large portions of the population suffering from social and economic deprivation. A society divided along racial lines with many of these divides supported by State policies. Ten years into South Africa's democracy, apartheid's social and economic legacies remain. The majority of the nearly 45 million South Africans still live in conditions closely resembling those of more than a decade ago. In September 2000 at the United Nations Millennium Summit 150 heads of states committed to a set of objectives, if successfully implemented, would see by 2015 a reduction in poverty, improve lives of the less fortunate and protect environmental resources. These set of objectives, summarized into eight goals, became known as the United Nations Millennium Development Goals. The Eight Millennium Development Goals' fundamental objective is to provide guidelines for the cooperation between rich and poor countries to reach equitable global human development, the eradication of hunger and extreme poverty and the agreed access to healthcare and education for all men, women and children. The eight goals are: • Goal one: Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger • Goal two: Achieve universal primary education • Goal three: Promote gender equality and empower women • Goal four: Reduce child mortality • Goal five: Improve maternal health • Goal six: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases • Goal seven: Ensure environmental sustainability • Goal eight: Develop a global partnership for development. The South African Government, being a signatory to these eight goals was not only faced with addressing the social and economic imbalances it inherited. The Government was faced with the challenge of put processes and polices in place that would address its internal issues and find ways of improving the lives of the less fortunate in accordance with the eight millennium development goals. The South African government, through becoming a signatory to the goals, has given its commitment to achieving these eight goals within the designated timeframes. The underlying assumption in this research project is that Government alone cannot succeed in achieving these eight goals within the required timeframes. Former president Nelson Mandela, when commenting on corporate social responsibility, stated that if the Government's Reconstruction and Development program was to be successful. South African business was needed to realize this goal. The main purpose of this research project is to get an overview of the Corporate Social Investment strategies implemented by the top 100 listed companies in South Africa and to determine if these strategies to will place South Africa in a position to successfully meet the United Nations Millennium Development Goals by 2015. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die nuwe Suid-Afrikaanse regering wat aan bewind gekom het na die eerste vrye demokratiese verkiesing in 1994 het 'n land geerf wat deur apartheid uitmekaar geskeur is en waarin groot gedeeltes van die bevolking onder 'n sasiale en ekonomiese agterstand gebuk gegaan het. Die samelewing was op rassegrondslag verdeel en baie van die verdelings is deur regeringsbeleid ondersteun. Na tien jaar van demokrasie in Suid-Afrika bly die sasiale en ekonomiese erfenis van apartheid steeds staan. Die meerderheid van die byna 45 miljoen Suid-Afrikaners leef steeds in omstandighede wat baie dieselfde is as die van meer as 'n dekade gelede. Tydens die Verenigde Nasies sa Millenniumspitsberaad in September 2000 het 150 staatshoofde hulself verbind tot 'n stel doelwitle. As hierdie doelwitte suksesvol ge'r'mplementeer sou word, sou dit teen 2015 'n afname in armoede teweegbring, die lewens van minderbevoorregtes verbeter en omgewingshulpbronne beskerm. Hierdie stel doelwitte, opgesom as agt punte, staan bekend as die Verenigde Nasies se Millenniumontwikkelingsdoelwitte. Die basiese uitgangspunt van die agt Millenniumontwikkelingsdoelwitte is om riglyne daar te stel vir die samewerking tussen ryk en arm lande met die oog op die bereiking van gelyke menslike ontwikkeling wereldwyd, die uitwissing van honger en die uiterste armoede, en die ooreengekome toegang tot gesondheidsorg en opvoeding vir aile mans, vroue en kinders. Die agt doelwitte is: • Doelwit een: Uitwissing van uiterste armoede en honger • DoeJwit twee: Daarstelling van universele primere onderwys • Doelwit drie: Bevordering van geslagsgelykheid en bemagtiging van vroue • Doelwit vier: Vermindering van kindersterftes • Doelwit vyf: Verbetering van moedergesondheid • Doelwit ses: Bestryding van MIVNIGS, malaria en ander siektes • Doelwit sewe: Versekering van omgewingsvolhoubaarheid • Doelwit agt: Ontwikkeling van 'n wereldwye vennootskap vir ontwikkeling. Die Suid-Afrikaanse regering, as ondertekenaar van hierdie agt doelwitte, moes nie aileen die sasiale en ekonomiese wanbalanse wat hulle geerf het, uit die weg ruim nie. Die regering het oak te staan gekom voar die uitdaging om prosesse en beleid daar te stel wat interne probleme sou oplos en om maniere te vind om die [ewens van die minderbevoorregtes te verbeter ooreenkomstig die agt Millennium-ontwikkelingsdoelwitte. As ondertekenaar van hierdie doelwitte het die Suid-Afrikaanse regering homself verbind tot die bereiking van hierdie agt doelwilte binne die ooreengekome tyd. Die onderliggende aanname in hierdie navorsingsprojek is dat die regering aileen nie binne die vereiste tyd hierdie a9t doelwitte suksesvol kan bereik nie. Voormalige president Nelson Mandela het in kommentaar op korporatiewe maatskaplike verantwoordelikheid daarop gewys dat die Suid-Afrikaanse sakesektor noodsaaklik is vir die suksesvolle bereiking van die doelwitte in die regering se program van Heropbou en Ontwikkeling. Die hoofdoel van hierdie navorsingsprojek is am 'n oorsig te kry oar die korporatiewe maatskaplike beleggingstrategiee van die boonste 100 genoteerde maatskappye in SuidAfrika en om te bepaal of hierdie strategiee Suid-Afrika in 'n posisie sal plaas am die Verenigde Nasies se Millenniumontwikkelingsdoelwitte teen 2015 suksesvol te bereik.