Thesis (MScAgricAdmin)--Stellenbosch University, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research paper attempts to elucidate the main issues surrounding the integration of ethical trade, meaning the building, monitoring, and communicating of social and/or environmental responsibility, within the South African wine industry. The author first establishes the hypothesis that social and/or environmental responsibility is important to the South African wine industry, as this investment could theoretically provide the industry with a competitive advantage in an increasingly cutthroat international wine market by addressing the industry's most outstanding defects: the lack of quality production, the need for investment in natural resources (labour and the environment), as well as the call for building brand equity and niche marketing strategies. Put differently, this paper suggests that the investment in social and/or environmental responsibility could offer cost-saving benefits to the industry as well as paving a road to international market access. This research first gives a background of ethical trade and determines a picture of the current situation of the South African wine industry, and lastly, given this information, derives the key opportunities, obstacles, and implications of the potential amalgamation of ethical trade in the industry. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van hierdie studie was om die belangrikste probleme rondom die integrering van etiese handel, waarby bedoel word die bou, monitering en kommunikering van sosiale en/of omgewingsverantwoordelike produksie, binne die Suid-Afrikaanse wynbedryf, toe te lig. Eers word die belangrikheid van etiese handel vir die bedryf vasgestel, en word redeneer dat sodanige belegging teoreties aan die bedryf 'n mededingende voordeel in die internasionale mark kan bied deur aandag te gee aan sekerlik die belangrikste tekortkominge in die Suid-Afrikaanse bedryf. Dit sluit in die gebrek aan genoegsame kwaliteit-produksie, die behoefte aan belegging in kritiese hulpbronne, naamlik mense en die omgewing, asook 'n wekroep vir belegging in handelsmerke en niche-strategieë. Anders gestel, word die voorstel gemaak dat sulke beleggings tot voordeel van die bedryf kan wees deur dat dit koste-besparings en verbeterde toegang tot die internasionale mark teweeg kan bring. Daarom word die begrip etiese handel eers toegelig, gevolg deur 'n strategiese ontleding van die Suid-Afrikaanse bedryf. Gegewe hierdie inligting, word die sleutel geleenthede, beperkinge, en implikasies van die aanvaarding van etiese handel dan ontleed.

Study project (MBA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: South Africa is a land of contrasts - contrasts in its landscape, cultures and business. Highly successful organisations exist in South Africa. The less fortunate organisations can learn a lot from them and other successful international organisations. Business has become a highly sophisticated science and although a recipe for instant success does not exist, the criteria described in this study can enhance an organisation's chances for success considerably. The first section of the study focuses on a literature study of nine critical factors identified in successful organisations. The study covers: Vision, Map, Customer Focus, Confidence, Standards, Drive, Teamwork, Support and Belonging. The establishment and development of these critical factors within an organisation are fundamental in highly successful organisations. The study will defines and develops these factors into practical and understandable criteria to be used and measured in an organisation. It further uses the criteria to show where an organisation could be failing and highlights some common mistakes that can be avoided. The study also provides business models to develop these criteria. The second section of the study focuses on an internal survey done at Rubico (Pty) Ltd, to measure the criteria explained in the first section. The survey highlights areas where Rubico (Pty) Ltd is functioning well, but also identifies shortcomings. The survey can be used as a measuring tool to provide insight into areas where an organisation is lacking and give the user the ability to manage more effectively. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Suid-Afrika is 'n land van kontraste - kontraste in die landskap, kulture en sakewêreld. Daar bestaan baie suksesvolle organisasies in Suid-Afrika. Minder suksesvolle organisasies kan baie leer by hierdie en ander suksesvolle internasionale organisasies. Besigheid het verander in 'n hoogs gesofistikeerde wetenskap en hoewel daar geen resep bestaan vir oornagsukses nie, kan die kriteria wat beskryf word in hierdie studie 'n organisasie se kanse op sukses verbeter. Die eerste deel van die studie fokus op 'n literatuurstudie oor nege kritiese faktore wat in suksesvolle organisasies geïdentifiseer is. Die studie spreek die volgende aan: visie, strategie, verbruiker fokus, vertroue, standaarde, dryfkrag, spanwerk, ondersteuning en "belonging". Die daarstelling en ontwikkeling van hierdie faktore binne die organisasie is fundamenteel in hoogs suksesvolle organisasies. Die studie definiëer en ontwikkel hierdie faktore in praktiese en verstaanbare kriteria wat gebruik en gemeet kan word binne 'n organisasie. Verder gebruik die studie hierdie kriteria om aan te dui waar 'n organisasie nie slaag nie en om algemene foute wat vermy kan word, uit te wys. Die studie voorsien ook sakemodelle om die kriteria te onwikkel. Die tweede deel van die studie fokus op 'n interne opname wat in Rubico (Pty) Ltd geloods is, om die kriteria wat in die eerste deel verduidelik is, te meet. Die opname beklemtoon areas waar Rubico (Pty) Ltd suksesvol is, maar identifiseer ook leemtes. Die opname kan gebruik word as 'n meetinstrument om insig oor tekortkominge in die organisasie te bekom en die gebruiker daarvan toe te rus vir effektiewe bestuur.

Thesis (MPhil (Sustainable Development Planning and Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / At the beginning of the new millennium, the world faces various challenges. Global warming is an all too familiar word, global terrorism is a threat to many countries that always felt safe and an ever looming oil crisis just does not want to go away. No longer can it be argued that nature is a never-ending provider of resources. In order for humanity to co-exist with nature, it is of great importance that we take our responsibility towards nature and other human beings seriously. In the midst of all these, the most prominent institution in the world, the corporation, plays a very significant role. They are the biggest traders in resources and they are also the institutions that affect our lives more than any other. It is because of the influence that corporations have in our lives and on the natural environment they operate in, that they need to take their social and environmental responsibility serious. This thesis focuses on the corporate social and environmental responsibility of two prominent corporations that operate in and around Stellenbosch: the University of Stellenbosch and Spier Holdings. The validity of the reasons behind corporate social responsibility is also investigated through literature before it is “tested” at the two corporations mentioned above. In terms of its findings, the thesis established the effectiveness of the way the university is dealing with social and environmental issues. Opposed to this, Spier is studied as a corporation that deals with the same challenges in an environmental and socially sensitive manner. The thesis also shows that there is a moral and business case for corporate social and environmental responsibility that is applicable to corporations in general and that those reasons are valid and relevant. The thesis found that becoming a more sustainable corporation is beneficial for the corporation, the society in which it operates as well as the natural environment.

Thesis (MPhil (Public Management and Planning))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / This project proposal has as its topic a communications and change management project within Anglo Platinum, called the G3 Project. It is being submitted as an integrated assignment for the MPhil programme on sustainable development in the Department of Public Management and Planning at Stellenbosch University and is also intended for consideration by the executive management of Anglo Platinum. The G3 Project proposal document has been drafted based on the logical framework analysis (LFA) approach and format envisaged by Örtengren (2004). LFA is a widely accepted methodology for setting out project proposals. It provides a basis for identifying a problem in society, and for analysing its causes and effects. This then provides a basis upon which to identify actions that will address the causes of the problem. This project proposal covers each of the nine stages of the LFA guidelines, as follows: context analysis; stakeholder analysis; problem analysis; objectives analysis; plan of activities; resource planning; indicators; risk analysis; and assumptions. The focal problem of the analysis is that corporate sustainable development reporting has become mostly a bureaucratic, “tick-box process” under Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) 2002 guidelines. As Confino (2008) has alerted us, “There is a risk that sustainability reporting will not inspire deep change, but could become a dry bureaucratic diversion.” Therefore, the overall objective of the project is to ensure that corporations use their sustainable development reports to make ambitious commitments to sustainability, as a means of addressing global sustainability challenges. Its purpose is to ensure that Anglo Platinum’s sustainability reporting, compiled using the GRI G3 guidelines, is used as a vehicle for the company to make ambitious commitments to addressing the material societal sustainability issues over which it has control; and results in fundamental changes in the company’s business processes. The outputs of the G3 Project, which are designed to meet the project’s purpose, include compiling the 2008 Anglo Platinum sustainable development report in line with the requirements to meet the GRI’s G3 B+ self-declaration level;1 setting ambitious, sustainability-related targets and developing management plans to address Anglo Platinum’s material sustainability issues; and ensuring that the 2009 Anglo Platinum sustainable development report is structured and in line with GRI’s A+ requirements. For these outputs to be achieved, a budget of R8 million will need to be made available for the G3 Project over the next three years. Questions may be raised about what the business case is for doing such a project. However, according to a recent Globescan/SustainAbility survey of corporations, academics, NGOs and sustainable development experts, the reason why it is important for companies in general to address those social sustainability challenges over which they have control is that they are believed to be key players, more so than governments and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), in providing leadership on sustainable development over the next ten years. This was reiterated by Hart (2005), who states that corporations are the only entities in the world today with the technology, capacity and global reach required to lead us towards a sustainable world. This project proposal is directed at the executive management of Anglo Platinum, for its consideration in deciding the future path of sustainable development reporting -- and of sustainability itself -- within the company.

Thesis (MPA)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Macro-economic policy interventions have been driven by the South African national government in order to create economic and trade opportunities for small businesses within the first economy. This macro-economic policy intervention of the government which advocates the active and inclusive participation of small business in the first economy has set the trajectory for small business development and support by both provincial and local government. The significant contribution of small businesses (SBs) to local economic development in the locality of municipalities has thus seen the prioritizing of small business support and development by local government as a focal point of municipal Local Economic Development programmes. However these small businesses are often subject to a myriad of challenges compared to larger established businesses that fall outside the classifications of small businesses. These challenges thus make it impossible for SBs to compete with established businesses and to actively participate in the first economy. The Eden District Municipality, a renowned and reputable tourism destination, offers substantial business opportunities that favour small tourism businesses. This is all to the good, but the question is what programmes are on offer by the Eden District Municipality that may assist small tourism businesses (STBs) to tap into these business opportunities. Furthermore, do such programmes address the needs of STBs to access trade and economic opportunities? In the light of the foregoing, this study sets out to establish the areas in which STBs require support, to establish the current level of support received from the Eden District Municipality, as well as the participation levels of STBs themselves in the development of tourism strategies. This study investigates the coherence between interventions and support programmes provided by the Eden District Municipality and seeks to identify the areas in which small tourism businesses (STBs) require support and assistance. The population sample employed comprises small businesses from a previously disadvantaged background in the Eden District Municipality. A quantitative research design was followed and questionnaires were used to elicit responses from STBs which constitute the primary data to address the research question. It is anticipated that the findings of this research will assist the Eden District Municipality with the identification of future required interventions that will augment accessibility to trade and economic opportunities for STBs. By using the findings of the study as a yardstick, the Eden District can assess its own efforts and ensure that programme responses are designed to meet the identified needs of STBs. The findings highlight an overall need for broader consultation with STBs when support programmes and interventions are developed, and can be used as a benchmark by other researchers and local municipalities in the development of support programmes and interventions for STBs. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Makro ekonomiese beleids intredes word deur die nasionale regering bestuur om sodoende ekonomiese- en handelsgeleenthede vir kleinsakeondernemings binne die eerste ekonomie te skep. Hierdie makro-ekonomiese beleidsintredess van die Suid- Afrikaanse regering bevorder die aktiewe en inklusiewe deelname van kleinsakeondernemings in die eerste ekonomie en stel baan daardeur die weg vir ontwikkelingsprogramme deur provinsiale en plaaslike regering ter ondersteuning van hierdie ondernemings. Die noemenswaardige bydrae van kleinsakeondernemings tot plaaslike ekonomiese ontwikkeling in plaaslike munispaliteite het gelei tot die prioritisering van ondersteunings- en ontwiklelingsprogramme deur plaaslike regering as ‘n fokus punt van munisipaliteite se plaaslike ekonomiese ontwikkelingsprogramme. Hierdie kleinsakeondernemings word dikwels gekonfronteer deur verskeie struikelblokke vergeleke met groter gevestigde besighede wat buite die klassifikasie van klein besighede val. Die struikeblokke maak dit dus onmoontlik vir kleinsakeondernemings om te kompteer met gevestigde besighede en sukkel om aktiewe deelname te hê aan die ekonomie. Die Eden Distriks Munisipaliteit is bekend as ‘n geloofwaardige toerisme bestemming en bied substansiële besigheidsgeleenthede waarby kleinsake toerisme ondernemings kan baat. Dit is alles tot voordeel maar watter hulpprogramme bied die Eden Distriksmunisipaliteit aan klein toerisme sakeondernemings om toegang tot besigheids geleenthede te verkry. Die vraag is of hierdie programme die behoeftes van klein toerisme sakeondernemings se behoefte tot toetrede tot ekonomiese geleenthede bevredig. In die lig hiervan sal hierdie studie die ondersteuningsbehoeftes van klein toerisme sakeondernemings bepaal, die huidige vlak van ondersteuning vanaf die Eden Distriks Munisipaliteit vastel, sowel as die deelname van klein toerisme sakeondernemings in die ontwikkeling van toerisme strategiëe. Hierdie studie ondersoek dus die verband tussen intredes- en ondersteuningsprogramme wat deur die Eden Distriks munisipaliteit verskaf word en die gebiede waarop kleinsakeondernemings in toerisme bystand benodig. Daar word in die vooruitsig gestel dat die bevindinge van hierdie navorsing die Eden Distriks Munisipaliteit sal help om toekomstige intredes te identifiseer wat toegang tot handel en ekonomiese geleenthede vir klein toerisme sakeondernemnings sal bevorder. Deur die bevindinge van die studie te gebruik as ʼn maatstaf kan die Eden Distriks Munisipaliteit sy eie werk evalueer en gebruik om te verseker dat programme met die behoeftes van klein toerisme sakeondernemings bevredig. Die bevindinge beklemtoon ‘n behoefte vir brëer konsultasie met klein toerisme sakeondernemings wanneer programme en intredes ontwikkel word, en kan ook deur ander navorsers en plaaslike munisipaliteite gebruik word as verwysingsraamwerk in die ontwikkeling van ondersteuningsprogramme en intredes.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Collaborative strategies such as strategic alliances are being adopted by small and large companies to gain a competitive advantage in a fast changing global and local business environment. Companies are recognising the value of achieving their business goals through mutually beneficial strategic alliances. Strategic alliances provide a more flexible, non-permanent means through collaborative engagement between companies to attain complementary services, skills, products and resources. This study aimed to contribute to an understanding of the nature of strategic alliances between large and small companies within the information technology (IT) sector in South Africa and to highlight the particular dynamics, challenges and success factors from the perspective of these companies. The research question posed was: "What are the success factors that impact on the sustainability of strategic alliances between large and small companies within the IT industry in South Africa?" In this study, a strategic alliance was defined as a "co-operative arrangement between two or more local and / or global firms that invest in a collaborative effort to achieve their individual and mutual goals and positively impact their competitive positioning". Limited research had been conducted on strategic alliances in South Africa in general and no research was available on the IT sector. This exploratory research study was conducted to provide an overview of the dynamics and issues related to strategic alliances keeping the respective contexts of small and large companies in mind. This study contributes to an understanding of the respective contributions of small and large companies in complementing their respective strengths and experiences to achieve business objectives. This area of study supports government policies and initiatives in promoting the collaboration between large and small companies in developing the economy and the small business sector in particular. Within a dynamic and fast-growing information communications technology (ICT) sector, there are increasing opportunities for strategic alliances between small and large companies within the IT sub-sector. A qualitative, inductive research approach was used to determine the kind of alliances that existed, test the themes identified in the literature review in relation to the South African context and identify new insights based on the experiences of respondents engaged in strategic alliance relationships. This approach supported the assumption that the circumstances explored are complex and dynamic and require flexibility both in the approach and methods used. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews were used as the instrument or method of data collection. An interviewer guide was developed to direct the interview. Themes and key factors identified through the literature review provided input into the structure and content of the interviews. Three small and three large companies from the IT sector were interviewed as part of this study. The number of employees was used as the primary indicator of company size using the guidelines provided by the DTI. Research results indicated that the main motivations for engaging in strategic alliances included risk sharing, access to new markets, expanded product service offerings, complementary skills and learning, funding support and enhancing competitive positioning. The primary motivator that all respondents identified was 'collaborative bidding for business'. Forty-three percent of alliances of the small and large companies interviewed were with small companies. Small companies indicated a wider range of alliances and included partnering with micro enterprises to large multinationals in their alliance formations. Strategic alliances were monitored and measured by all respondents. Quantitative measures were used most frequently and included measures such as profitability, delivery to project deadlines, meeting service levels and delivery to baseline commitments made in the solutions submitted to clients. Qualitative measures were identified but applied in a less structured way. Challenges identified by small and large companies included achieving an understanding of the culture and needs of small and large companies, managing the financial challenges, relationship management and dealing with co-opetition where competitors are incorporated into the strategic alliance. Respondents all indicated that the value of strategic alliances outweigh the cost of establishing and managing strategic alliances particularly between small and large companies. The success factors identified were largely similar between small and large companies. The highest ranked factors identified by small companies were partner selection and benefit analysis whereas leadership and strategy were the main priority factors for large companies. It is recommended that further research be conducted into measuring and monitoring methods that assists in monitoring the effectiveness of alliances and to develop the capacity of strategic alliance managers in managing the complex of relationships between alliance members, alliance delivery performance and client demands and influences on the strategic alliance. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Klein en groot maatskappye gebruik toenemend samewerkingstrategiee soos strategiese alliansies om 'n kompeterende voorsprong te verkry in 'n vinnig veranderende globale en plaaslike besigheidsomgewing. Maatskappye besef die waarde daarvan om hulle besigheidsdoelwitte te bereik deur wedersydse voordelige strategiese alliansies. Strategiese alliansies verskaf 'n buigsamer, nie-permanente metode, deur middel van samewerking tussen maatskappye, waarmee bykomende dienste, vaardighede, produkte en hulpbronne verkry kan word. Hierdie studie beoog om by te dra tot die begrip van die aard van strategiese alliansies tussen groot en klein maatskappye in die Informasie Tegnologiesektor (IT-sektor) in Suid-Afrika en om die spesifieke dinamika, uitdagings en suksesfaktore vanuit die perspektief van hierdie maatskappye te belig. Die navorsingsvraag is: "Wat is die suksesfaktore wat 'n impak het op die volhoubaarheid van strategiese alliansies tussen groot en klein maatskappye in die IT-bedryf in Suid-Afrika?" In hierdie studie word 'n strategiese alliansie gedefinieer as 'n "samewerkingsooreenkoms tussen twee of meer plaaslike en / of globale maatskappye wat bele in 'n samewerkingspoging om hulle individuele en gesamentlike doelwitte te bereik en wat 'n positiewe uitwerking het op hulle kompeterende posisionering." Beperkte navorsing is al gedoen oor strategiese alliansies in Suid-Afrika in die algemeen en geen navorsing was beskikbaar oor die IT-bedryf nie. Hierdie ondersoekende navorsingstudie is gedoen om 'n verkennende oorsig te verskaf van die dinamika en kwessies verwant aan strategiese alliansies, spesifiek binne die konteks van onderskeidelik klein en groot maatskappye. Hierdie studie dra by tot 'n begrip van die onderskeie bydraes van klein en groot maatskappye in soverre hulle onderskeie sterk punte en ervarings mekaar komplementeer om besigheidsdoelwitte te bereik. Die navorsingsveld ondersteun ook die regering se beleid en inisiatiewe om samewerking tussen groot en klein maatskappye te bevorder en daardeur die ekonomie, spesifiek die kleinsakesektor, te ontwikkel. Binne 'n dinamiese en snelgroeiende Informasie- en Kommunikasiesektor (IKT-sektor), is daar toenemend geleenthede vir strategiese alliansies tussen klein en groot maatskappye binne die IT-subsektor. 'n Kwalitatiewe, inleidende navorsingsbenadering is gebruik om die tipe alliansies wat bestaan te bepaal, die geidentifiseerde temas uit 'n literatuurstudie, toegespits op die Suid-Afrikaanse situasie, te toets en nuwe insigte, gebaseer op die ervarings van die respondente in strategiese alliansieverhoudings, te identifiseer. Hierdie benadering het die aanname bevestig dat die omstandighede wat ondersoek is, kompleks en dinamies is, en buigsaamheid in beide die benadering en metodiek, vereis. Gedeeltelik gestruktureerde, persoonlike onderhoude is gebruik as die navorsingsinstrument of -metode van dataversameling. 'n Vraelys is opgestel as riglyn vir die onderhoude. Die temas en kernfaktore, wat geidentifiseer is uit die literatuuroorsig, het insette vir die struktuur en inhoud van die onderhoude verskaf. Drie klein en drie groot maatskappye in die IT-bedryf is as deel van hierdie studie nagevors. Die getal werknemers is gebruik as die belangrikste bepaler van die maatskappy se grootte volgens die riglyne verskaf deur die Departement van Handel en Nywerheid (DHN). Die navorsingsresultate het aangedui dat die belangrikste beweegredes vir die sluit van strategiese alliansies die volgende is: gedeelde risiko's, toegang tot nuwe markte, uitgebreide produk- / diensaanbiedings, aanvullende vaardighede en opleiding, steun vir befondsing en die bevordering van kompeterende posisionering. Die belangrikste beweegrede wat alle respondente geidentifiseer het, was "gesamentlike tender vir besigheid" . Drie-en-veertig persent van die alliansies van die klein en groot maatskappye wat ondersoek is, was met klein maatskappye. Klein maatskappye het 'n wyer verskeidenheid van alliansies, insluitend vennootskappe van mikro-ondernemings tot groot multinasionale maatskappye, in hulle alliansievormings, ingesluit. Strategiese alliansies is deur alle respondente gemonitor en gemeet. Kwantitatiewe meetinstrumente is die meeste gebruik en het maatstawwe bevat soos winsgewendheid, lewering binne die projek se spertye, die nakom van diensvlakvereistes en die nakom van die aanvanklike ooreenkoms in die oplossings voorgehou aan die kliente. Kwalitatiewe meetinstrumente is ook geidentifiseer, maar minder gestruktureerd toegepas. Die volgende uitdagings is deur beide klein en groot maatskappye geidentifiseer: om'n begrip te vorm van die kultuur en behoeftes van klein en groot maatskappye, bestuur van die finansiele uitdagings, verhoudingsbestuur en die hantering van kooptering waar mededingers in die strategiese alliansie ingesluit is. Al die respondente het aangedui dat die waarde van strategiese alliansies die koste verbonde aan die sluit en bestuur van strategiese alliansies oortref, veral tussen klein en groot maatskappye. Die suksesfaktore wat geidentifiseer is, was hoofsaaklik dieselfde by klein en groot maatskappye. Die faktore wat die meeste waardeer is deur die klein maatskappye, was die keuse van vennote en voordele-analises, terwyl leierskap en strategie die twee hooffaktore vir die groot maatskappye was. Daar word aanbeveel dat verdere navorsing gedoen word oor meetinstrurnente en moniteringmetodes wat kan help om die effektiwiteit van alliansies te monitor. Die kapasiteit van strategiese alliansiebestuurders om die verskeidenheid van verhoudings tussen alliansielede, alliansie-diensleweringvermoens en klientvereistes en invloede op die strategiese alliansie, te bestuur, moet ook ontwikkel word.

Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is taking on a developmental stance in Third-World Countries. Old Mutual, through its partnership with the South African govemment, set up a trust to assist govemment in skills development at local, provincial and national level and small enterprises. Old Mutual's retired senior employees were taken on as consultants in Project iLima to share their experience and expertise with government employees. Literature on mentoring is reviewed, covering the definitions of mentoring, the different phases of mentoring and the competencies required for each phase for the mentor and mentee. Finally the benefits of mentoring are addressed. The method used to uncover the business system involved primary research and a synthesis process. Interviews were held with two iLima consultants, after which questionnaires were used to gather qualitative feedback from the iLima consultants and their clients. The feedback was synthesized until business objectives and activities were identified. The study project sheds light on iLima's business system. This is done through a method of synthesis, which seeks to get to the underlying meaning of the responses. Eight key business objectives are identified. These can be achieved through managing twenty-one business activities. The business model provides a compass or map from which business solutions can be aligned to business opportunities and problems. The model is a one-page representation of the entire business system that Project iLima ought to put under strong management, in the writer's view. The iLima business model may be summed up as follows: "Through the attractiveness of the iLima purpose and culture, a strong client engagement model and successful project delivery, Project iLima can build a strong ccnsulting brand and adopt a viable business strategy beyond its four year funding limit." The contribution this thesis makes to the business-modeling domain is to use a noncollaborative method to generate a systemic business model. The thesis demonstrates a simple synthesis process to generate the business model provided there is access to a sufficiently broad-based, but not necessarily deep, knowledge repository. Recommendations were made as to how Project iLima's management can introduce the business model as a management tool. It is recommended that a further study be done to test the acceptability and adoption of the model. In addition to the presentation of the iLima business model, CSR trends locally were explored. It appears from the trends covered that targeted skills development is still a fairly new phenomenon in South Africa. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Korporatiewe Sosiale Verantwoordelikheid is aan die ontwikkel in Derdewereld lande. Ou Mutual het 'n trust in vennootskap met die regering gestig om die regering te help met die ontwikkeling van vaardighede op 'n lokale, provinsiale en nasionale vlak. Afgetrede senior werknemers van Ou Mutual is as konsultante aan boord gebring by die iLima Trust om hul ondervinding en kennis met regeringsamptenare te deel. Hierdie studie bespreek die besigheidsmodel van iLima. Die model identifiseer agt sleutel besigheidsdoelstellings wat bereik moet word deur die bestuur van een-en-twintig besigheidsaktiwiteite. Dit verskaf ook 'n kompas of riglyn waardeur besigheidsoplossings in lyn gebring kan word met besigheids-geleenthede of bedreigings. Die model is 'n voorstelling op een bladsy, van die hele besigheidstelsel wat iLima Trust onder effektiewe bestuur moet plaas. Die iLima se besigheidsverhaal kan as volg opgesom word: "Deur die aantreklikheid van die iLima doel en kultuur, 'n sterk kliente-verhoudingsmodel en suksesvolle projeklewering, hoop iLima Trust om 'n sterk konsultasie handelsmerk te bou en om 'n lewensvatbare besigheidstrategie te implementeer wat sal voortbestaan na die einde van die vier jaar van befondsing". Die metode waardeur die besigheidstelsel ondersoek is, het primere navorsing en 'n proses van sintese behels. Onderhoude is gevoer met twee iLima konsultante, waarna vraelyste gebruik is om kwalitatiewe terugvoering van die iLima konsultante en hul kliente te verkry. Die terugvoering is deur 'n proses van sintese geneem om besigheidsdoelstellings en aktiwiteite te identifiseer. Die bydrae van hierdie tesis tot besigheidsmodelering is om op 'n nie-kollaboratiewe wyse 'n sistemiese besigheidsmodel te genereer. Die tesis demonstreer 'n eenvoudige sinteseproses om die besigheidsmodel te genereer, gegewe toegang tot 'n wye, maar nie noodwendig diep, versameling van inligting. Aanbevelings is gemaak waardeur iLima se bestuur die besigheidsmodel kan bekendstel as 'n bestuurstegniek. Daar word ook aanbeveel dat 'n verdere studie onderneem word om die aanvaarbaarheid en aanneming van die model te toets. Bykomend tot die bespreking van die iLima se besigheidsmodel, is 'n ondersoek en bespreking van Korporatiewe Sosiale Verantwoordelikheids-tendense op 'n nasionale en internasionale vlak. Geteikende vaardigheidsontwikkeling is in die verband nog steeds 'n redelik nuwe verskynsel in Suid Afrika.

Thesis (MBA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: It has been suggested that without the ability to innovate, an organisation will not be able to survive the demands of an ever-changing operating environment. This raises the question: How can organisations ensure that they are able to innovate? Organisational culture has been identified as a critical variable in answering this question. The culture of the organisation determines to a large extent the degree of innovation in that organisation. Business leaders have made attempts to nurture a culture of creativity and innovation in their organisations through the recruitment of dynamic individuals with innovative traits. However, most of their attempts seemed insufficient in achieving their goals. The primary purpose of this research is to develop a framework for organisational culture that characterises an innovative organisation in small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs). The secondary objective is to identify the enablers and inhibitors of innovation. Research method: The research approach starts with a review of existing literature. This is followed by the development of the theory and empirical research. Data collection was also carried out in the form of semi-structured interviews with senior and middle management in innovative SMMEs. Main findings: The analysis of the findings indicates that an organisation cannot focus on any single aspect of organisational culture. Innovation is a system in the organisation that is strongly guided by the culture of the organisation. Recommendations: Future research on this subject will benefit from the selection of a larger sample of data. Given the dynamic nature of innovation and organisational culture, it is recommended to repeat this research over time in order to explore whether the same dimensions in determining innovative organisational culture still apply. The current research can also be followed up by a study on the sources of innovation in an organisation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Inleiding: Sonder die vermoë om te kan innoveer, sal ’n organisasie nie kan oorleef in ’n bedryfsomgewing wat voortdurend verander nie. Dit laat die vraag ontstaan: Hoe kan organisasies seker maak hulle die vermoë het om te innoveer? Organisasiekultuur is geïdentifiseer as ’n kritiese veranderlike in die beantwoording van hierdie vraag. Die kultuur van ’n organisasie bepaal grootliks die mate van innovering in daardie organisasie. Sakeleiers probeer om ’n kultuur van kreatiwiteit en innovering in hul organisasies te koester deur dinamiese individue met innoverende karaktereienskappe te werf. Dit blyk egter dat die meeste van hul pogings nie daarin kan slaag om hul doelwitte te bereik nie. Die primêre doel van hierdie navorsing is om ’n raamwerk vir organisatoriese kultuur te ontwikkel wat ’n innoverende organisasie in klein, medium-grootte en mikro ondernemings (KMMO’s) kenmerk. Die sekondêre doelwit is om die moontlikmakers en inhibeerders van innovering te identifiseer. Navorsingsmetode: Die navorsingsbenadering begin met ’n oorsig van bestaande literatuur. Dit word gevolg deur die ontwikkeling van die teorie en empiriese navorsing. Data-insameling is uitgevoer in die vorm van semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude met senior en middelvlakbestuurders van innoverende KMMO’s. Vernaamste bevindinge: Die ontleding van die bevindinge dui daarop dat ’n organisasie nie op een enkele aspek van organisasiekultuur kan fokus nie. Innovering is ’n stelsel in die organisasie wat baie sterk deur die kultuur van die organisasie beïnvloed word. Aanbevelings: Toekomstige navorsing oor hierdie onderwerp sal baat vind by die seleksie van ’n groter steekproef van data. Gegewe die dinamiese aard van innovering en organisatoriese kultuur, word daar aanbeveel dat hierdie navorsing mettertyd herhaal word om uit te vind of dieselfde dimensies vir die bepaling van innoverende organisatoriese kultuur steeds van toepassing is. Die huidige navorsing kan ook opgevolg word deur ’n studie oor die bronne van innovering in ’n organisasie.

Thesis (MDF)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / Using a case study design, this study described the relationship between a government department and a commercial bank aimed at increasing access to finance by SMMEs and improve service delivery. The study examined whether SMME contractors are able to deliver on contracted products and services without access to bank funding to answer the question: “Is access to funding as a constraint to SMME Development over-emphasised?” Commercial Bank A and Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development signed a partnership agreement which resulted in nine SMMEs that were awarded tenders by the Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development being referred to Commercial Bank A for loan funding application. All the nine SMMEs’ application for funding were unsuccessful due to various reasons including short term contracts, insufficient information, adverse listings in credit bureaux and improved cash flows of business after they received payment from GDARD. SMMEs delivered their goods and services as expected, but they experienced minor challenges which included delayed payments, officials not understanding specifications causing misunderstandings with the service provider, beneficiaries not understanding tender specifications, wrong beneficiaries who were not supposed to benefit from the service, and unavailability of stock of certain products from suppliers. From the mentioned challenges, it is clear that access to loan finance is not cited as a major challenge. SMMEs were able to deliver on goods and services despite their applications not being approved by Commercial Bank A. SMMEs used alternative sources of funding to deliver on the tenders awarded to them. The main source was credit from suppliers of goods and services. Own savings and borrowings from friends and families were also used. Once the first payment is received from GDARD, SMMEs are able to deliver on subsequent deliverables. This shows that payment on time is very crucial for the continued supply of goods and services by SMMEs. The partnership between Commercial Bank A and Gauteng Department of Agriculture and Rural Development had good intentions even though none of the SMMEs referred got access to funds. There is a need for the improvement of the way the partnership operates to ensure a high success rate. Success in this case refers to the number of SMMEs whose funding applications are approved by Commercial Bank A. The areas that need improvement are communication among the department, the Bank and SMMEs, the lending criteria, duration of the tenders (contracts), and training of SMMEs.

Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Business persons engaging in BEE deals, pertaining to ownership, encounter many obstacles and challenges relating to the formulation of appropriate structures and solutions during the deal process. The SMME market is arguably one of the most critical contributors towards the SA GDP and a sector of the economy with the most growth potential as noted from recent history, especially relating to BEE ownership. It is in the above frame of reference that the research report attempts to follow a logical flow of events that the business persons in the SMME market would encounter. The report therefore has a holistic approach to this market and although many of the concepts could be applied to a variety of industries and even to other market segments, based on size, the primary objective and research has been centred around SMME’s. The core concepts that are covered relate to: - Understanding the essence of BEE and BBBEE as well as Government’s role as conduit to empowerment. The various elements under the BEE scorecard will also be a prominent factor as ownership only accounts for a portion of the entire BBBEE rating. - Aligning the BEE deal to strategy is a crucial consideration and entails attracting the right partner and ensuring that the BEE transaction is directed at value creation, growth and sustainability of the business. The transaction should make strategic and economic sense. - Determining firm value is in all probability one of the most complex issues and business owners should merely attempt to understand and interpret the vastly complicated process that may be presented by business brokers or valuers that facilitate the BEE deal. The fair value concept and required adjustments could be influential in the valuation process as well as choosing the correct valuation methodology. - Business tax structure. This is also a complex process that may vary significantly from business to business. Certain legislative impediments are influential and various amendments may also influence future structuring of BEE deals. The use of SPV’s is a prominent theme highlighted in this research report as it is very often the most preferred structure. - The BEE deal. This may have to consider hybrid financial solution from various sources, such as senior debt, franchise funding, mezzanine debt including venture capitalists, non-traditional lending sources and alternative supporting or indirect funders to the business. The lending criteria principles relating to cash conversion cycle, free cash flow and sustainable growth rate have also briefly been covered. BEE transactions inevitably enter an area of uncertainty for business persons when it comes to drafting business plans, determining the BEE scorecard, structuring the new shareholding and many other factors. In other words, they may not have the necessary business or financial acumen to prepare a satisfactory business proposal to attract lenders to the deal. It is therefore crucial to understand the different elements of the BEE deal formulation process, which is exactly the intent of this research report. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Besigheidspersone wat SEB-transaksies met betrekking tot eienaarskap aangaan, ondervind baie struikelblokke en uitdagings in verband met die formulering van toepaslike strukture en oplossings wanneer die transaksie aangegaan word. Die KMMO-mark is stellig een van die mees kritieke bydraers tot die SA BBP en ’n sektor van die ekonomie met die meeste groeipotensiaal, soos die onlangse geskiedenis ons geleer het, veral met betrekking tot SEB-eienaarskap. Dit is met bogenoemde in gedagte dat hierdie navorsingsverslag poog om ’n logiese vloei van gebeure te volg wat die sakepersone in die KMMO-mark sal teëkom. Die verslag het dus ’n holistiese benadering tot hierdie mark en hoewel baie van die konsepte op ’n verskeidenheid nywerhede en selfs op ander marksegmente, gegrond op grootte, toegepas kan word, is die primêre doelwit en navorsing op KMMO’s gerig. Die kernkonsepte wat behandel word, het betrekking op: - Begrip van die kern van SEB en BBSEB asook die Regering se rol as geleibuis tot bemagtiging. Die verskillende elemente van die SEB-telkaart is ook ’n belangrike faktor aangesien eienaarskap net ’n gedeelte van die algehele BBSEB-aanslag verteenwoordig. - Die inlynstelling van die SEB-transaksie met die strategie is ’n kritieke oorweging en behels die lok van die regte vennoot en die versekering dat die SEB-transaksie tot waardeskepping, groei en volhoubaarheid van die besigheid gerig is. Die transaksie moet strategiese en ekonomiese sin maak. - Die bepaling van stewige waarde is in alle waarskynlikheid een van die mees komplekse kwessies en besigheidseienaars moet bloot probeer om die enorme gekompliseerde proses te verstaan en te interpreteer wat deur besigheidsmakelaars en waardeerders wat die SEB-transaksie fasiliteer, voorgelê word. Die billikewaarde-konsep en die vereiste regstellings kan invloedryk op die waardasieproses asook die keuse van die korrekte waardasiemetodologie wees. - Besigheidsbelastingstrukturering is ook ’n komplekse proses wat aansienlik van besigheid tot besigheid verskil. Sekere wetlike struikelblokke is invloedryk en verskeie wysigings kan ook toekomstige strukturering van SEB-transaksies beïnvloed. Die gebruik van SDV’s is ’n prominente tema wat in hierdie dokument uitgelig word aangesien dit in die reël die verkieslikste struktuur is. - Die SEB-transaksie sal moontlik hibridiese finansiële oplossings van verskeie bronne soos seniorskuld, franchise-befondsing, tussenskuld insluitend waagkapitaliste, nie-tradisionele uitleenbronne en alternatiewe ondersteunende of indirekte befondsers van die besigheid moet oorweeg. Die uitleenkriteriabeginsels met betrekking tot kontantomskeppingsiklus, vry kontantvloei en volhoubare groeikoers word ook kortliks gedek. SEB-transaksies betree onvermydelik ’n gebied van onsekerheid vir sakepersone wanneer dit kom by die opstel van besigheidsplanne, die bepaling van die SEB-telkaart, die strukturering van die nuwe aandeelhouding en baie ander faktore. Met ander woorde, hulle kan moontlik nie die nodige besigheids- of finansiële vernuf hê om ’n bevredigende besigheidsvoorlegging op te stel wat uitleners na die transaksie sal aantrek nie. Dit is dus kritiek om die verskillende elemente van die formulering van die SEB-transaksie te verstaan, wat presies die doel van hierdie navorsingsverslag is.