MA (Economics) / Department of Economics / Tourism is regarded as a modern day engine of growth globally. In light of this, the South African government aims to increase tourism’s contribution, both direct and indirectly to the economy. In 2012 tourism in South Africa contributed 7, 9% (R189.4 billion) to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and it is estimated to increase to R499 billion by 2020 (South Africa National Department of Tourism). The purpose of the study was to assess the sustainability of hot spring tourism in Limpopo Province with regard to their competitiveness and potential to contribute to the economy of the country. The study employed a Delphi technique which is designed as group communication process which aims to achieve a convergence of opinion on a specific real world issues. The research developed a set of appropriate indicators that determines hot spring destination competitiveness. Data was collected through two sets of questionnaires administered and addressed to experts in the Limpopo Department of Economic Development and Tourism; academic staff in the department of tourism at University of Venda and tourism managers and practitioners in the tourism hot spring sector. From the findings of the study, recommendations have been made to assist the Limpopo Department of Economic Development and Tourism in designing strategies to make hot spring destinations competitive and sustainable as a tourism activity in Limpopo province.

Disertacijoje nagrinėjami šalies konkurencingumo skatinimui skirtų sprendimų parengimo ir pagrindimo būdai ir priemonės. Šalies konkurencingumo sprendimų svarbos suvokimas, jų rengimo procese esančios problemos ir poreikis efektyviai panaudoti konkurencingumo skatinimui skiriamus finansinius išteklius atskleidžia priimamų sprendimų pagrįstumo didinimo būtinybę, kuri identifikuoja konkurencingumo klausimams spręsti skirtų priemonių trūkumo problemą. Atsižvelgiant į tai, disertacijoje keliamas tikslas – parengti ir empiriškai patikrinti šalies konkurencingumo vertinimo metodą ir konkurencingumo pokyčio opti-mizavimo modelį, kurių taikymas leistų pagrįsti šalies konkurencingumo skatinimo sprendimus. Disertaciją sudaro įvadas, trys skyriai ir bendrosios išvados. Įvade suformuluota mokslinė darbo problema, pagrįstas jos aktualumas, įvardinti tyrimų objektas, darbo tikslas ir uždaviniai, pristatyta tyrimų metodika, atskleistas darbo mokslinis naujumas ir gautų rezultatų praktinė reikšmė, įvardinti ginamieji teiginiai. Pirmajame darbo skyriuje atskleistas šalies konkurencingumo klausimo aktualumas ir atlikta įvairių šalių patirties analizė, atskleidžianti su konkurencingumu susijusių sprendimų rengimo institucinius ir metodinius aspektus. Taip pat, siekiant patikslinti šalies konkurencingumo apibrėžimą, nustačius svarbią įtaką skirtingų požiūrių atsiradimui turėjusias teorijas ir mokyklas, atlikta dažniausiai naudojamų šalies konkurencingumo sampratos interpretacijų analizė... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / Dissertation analyses means and approaches of the national competitiveness promotion decisions’ preparation and substantiation. The understanding of importance of national competitiveness’ decisions, the problems arising in these decisions preparation process and the need financial resources to promote national competitiveness to use efficiently, impose the necessity to increase validity of these decisions. This necessity identifies the problem – lack of means that are designed specifically for national competitiveness’ issues solutions. Accordingly, the aim of dissertation is to develop and test empirically national competitiveness’ assessment method and national competitiveness’ change optimization model that help to validate national competitiveness’ promotion decisions. The dissertation consists of the introduction, three main chapters and conclusions. The introduction presents the scientific problem, its relevance, the object, aim, tasks and methods of the researches, scientific novelty and practical significance of the dissertation, defended statements. Chapter 1 reveals topicality of issue of national competitiveness and analyses different countries’ practice, which reveals the institutional and methodological aspects of preparation of national competitiveness’ promotion decisions. Furthermore, in order to clarify the definition of national competitiveness, according to identified the most important theories and schools that mostly influenced emergence of different... [to full text]

Dissertation analyses means and approaches of the national competitiveness promotion decisions’ preparation and substantiation. The understanding of importance of national competitiveness’ decisions, the problems arising in these decisions preparation process and the need financial resources to promote national competitiveness to use efficiently, impose the necessity to increase validity of these decisions. This necessity identifies the problem – lack of means that are designed specifically for national competitiveness’ issues solutions. Accordingly, the aim of dissertation is to develop and test empirically national competitiveness’ assessment method and national competitiveness’ change optimization model that help to validate national competitiveness’ promotion decisions. Chapter 1 reveals topicality of issue of national competitiveness and analyses different countries’ practice, which reveals the institutional and methodological aspects of preparation of national competitiveness’ promotion decisions. Furthermore, in order to clarify the definition of national competitiveness, according to identified the most important theories and schools that mostly influenced emergence of different viewpoints; the analysis of most commonly used interpretations of the conception of national competitiveness is performed. Theoretical national competitiveness’ models are reviewed, comparative analysis of factors’ sets used for national competitiveness assessment by different organizations is... [to full text] / Disertacijoje nagrinėjami šalies konkurencingumo skatinimui skirtų sprendimų parengimo ir pagrindimo būdai ir priemonės. Šalies konkurencingumo sprendimų svarbos suvokimas, jų rengimo procese esančios problemos ir poreikis efektyviai panaudoti konkurencingumo skatinimui skiriamus finansinius išteklius atskleidžia priimamų sprendimų pagrįstumo didinimo būtinybę, kuri identifikuoja konkurencingumo klausimams spręsti skirtų priemonių trūkumo problemą. Atsižvelgiant į tai, disertacijoje keliamas tikslas – parengti ir empiriškai patikrinti šalies konkurencingumo vertinimo metodą ir konkurencingumo pokyčio opti-mizavimo modelį, kurių taikymas leistų pagrįsti šalies konkurencingumo skatinimo sprendimus. Pirmajame darbo skyriuje atskleistas šalies konkurencingumo klausimo aktualumas ir atlikta įvairių šalių patirties analizė, atskleidžianti su konkurencingumu susijusių sprendimų rengimo institucinius ir metodinius aspektus. Taip pat, siekiant patikslinti šalies konkurencingumo apibrėžimą, nustačius svarbią įtaką skirtingų požiūrių atsiradimui turėjusias teorijas ir mokyklas, atlikta dažniausiai naudojamų šalies konkurencingumo sampratos interpretacijų analizė. Apžvelgus teorinius šalies konkurencingumo modelius, atlikta įvairių organizacijų pateikiamų šalies konkurencingumo vertinimui naudojamų veiksnių rinkinių analizė ir, remiantis ja, sudaromas patikslintą šalies konkurencingumo apibrėžimą atitinkantis veiksnių rinkinys. Atliekant mokslinės literatūros analizę atsklei-džiamas ir... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]

В работе проведен анализ конкурентоспособности ее видов и методов. Анализ конкурентоспособности предприятия проводился локально, а именно на основе города Екатеринбурга. Также были изучены тенденции развития в данной сфере. Проведен бизнес-анализ внутренней среды предприятия, финансовый анализ деятельности компании, анализ конкурентов в сфере маркетинговых услуг, а также был проведен SWOT - анализ компании. Цель исследования: повысить уровень конкурентоспособности маркетингового агентства на рынке услуг. Объект исследования: конкурентоспособность маркетингового агентства ООО «Призма». Предмет исследования: маркетинговое агентство ООО «Призма». Научная новизна работы состоит в следующем: разработан алгоритм применения инструментов Интернет-маркетинга, для повышения уровня конкурентоспособности компаний. На основании результатов исследования разработан алгоритм по совершенствованию метода продвижения услуг маркетингового агентства для повышения конкурентоспособности предприятия. Проведен расчет эффективности предложенных мероприятий по совершенствованию метода продвижения услуг маркетингового агентства. На основе алгоритма компания ООО «Призма» станет более конкурентоспособной в сфере маркетинга. Магистерская диссертация содержит 90 страниц, 18 таблиц, 3 рисунка и 3 приложения. / The work analyzes the competitiveness of its types and methods. Analysis of the enterprise's competitiveness was carried out locally, namely on the basis of the city of Yekaterinburg. Also, the development trends in this area were studied. Business analysis of the company's internal environment, financial analysis of the company's activities, analysis of competitors in the marketing services, and a SWOT analysis of the company were conducted The purpose of the research: to increase the level of competitiveness of marketing agencies in the services market. Object of the research: competitiveness of the marketing agency Prizma LLC. Subject matter: marketing agency Prizma LLC. The scientific novelty of the work is as follows: an algorithm has been developed for using Internet marketing tools to improve the competitiveness of companies. Based on the results of the study, an algorithm was developed to improve the method of marketing agency services to enhance the competitiveness of the enterprise. The calculation of the effectiveness of the proposed measures to improve the method of marketing agency services promotion is carried out. Based on the algorithm, Prizma will become more competitive in the field of marketing. The master's thesis contains 90 pages, 18 tables, 3 figures and 3 annexes.

В 1-й главе рассмотрена роль конкурентоспособности продукции в деятельности предприятия, её влияние на показатели коммерческой деятельности предприятия. В разделе приведены определения понятия «конкурентоспособность», приведены методы оценки конкурентоспособности. Приведена информация о сегментации рынка датчиков давления, основные типы и принцип действия датчиков. Во 2-й главе приведена характеристика предприятия АО «НПК «ВИП». В данном разделе определена позиция АО «НПК «ВИП» в конкурентной среде такими методами как компетентностный профиль предприятия, матрица БКГ, конкурентная звезда, а также выявлен тип конкурентного преимущества. В главе проведена постановка задач по изменениям на основе проведенного SWOT-анализа, предложены проекты для реализации. Был проведен анализ хозяйственной деятельности организации, на основе которого сделаны выводы. Проведен расчет конкурентоспособности продукции. На основе проведенного исследования были выявлены проблемы на предприятии и предложен комплекс мероприятий, способствующих повышению конкурентоспособности продукции компании. В 3-й главе предложены методы повышения конкурентоспособности продукции АО «НПК «ВИП». Рассчитано возможное снижение цены изделия за счет внедрения данных методов. Проведен повторный расчет конкурентоспособности, подтверждающий эффективность предложенных методов. / The 1st chapter considers the role of product competitiveness in the enterprise's activities, its impact on the enterprise's commercial performance. The section provides definitions of the concept of "competitiveness," provides methods for assessing competitiveness. Information on segmentation of pressure sensors market, basic types and principle of sensors operation is given. Chapter 2 describes the enterprise of JSC NPK VIP. This section defines the position of JSC NPK VIP in the competitive environment by such methods as the competent profile of the enterprise, the BKG matrix, the competitive star, and also identifies the type of competitive advantage. In the chapter, change tasks were set based on the SWOT analysis, projects for implementation were proposed. An analysis of the business activities of the organization was carried out, on the basis of which conclusions were drawn. The competitiveness of the products has been calculated. On the basis of the conducted research, problems were identified at the enterprise and a set of measures was proposed to increase the competitiveness of the company's products. The 3rd chapter proposes methods to increase the competitiveness of the products of JSC NPK VIP. The possible reduction of the product price is calculated due to the implementation of these methods. A re-calculation of competitiveness was carried out, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed methods.

Credit card fraud losses within the South African credit card market in 2006 exceeded R257M. A portion of these losses (R179M) are within the borders of South Africa and its common monetary area partners. This represents a startling 70% of credit card fraud on magnetic stripe cards used within the borders of South Africa. The South African credit card industry adopts floor limits at certain merchants and merchant categories. South Africa is one of a few countries in the world that still adopt floor limits on credit cards within its payment card industry. Credit card transactions on magnetic-stripe cards conducted below the merchant’s designated floor limit do not go to the issuing bank for authorization. The first time the issuing bank acknowledges these transactions is when they are settled on average two days later. The rationale for not adopting zero floor limits within the South African credit card market is the supposed inability of the existing telecommunications infrastructure to handle the volume and frequency of data submitted by merchants for authorization. The impact of reduced fraud and bad debt losses through adopting a zero floor limit in relation to merchant operational costs is the basis of the research. The research also aims to examine the Proposition that the existing telecommunications infrastructure is unable to support a zero floor limit proposal.

This purpose of the research is to investigate the relationship between the implementation of an Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) and corporate governance within the public sector. Furthermore, the study focused on the role of internal audit in ERM implementation as well as the relationship between ERM and risk communication. Questionnaires designed to collect data were e-mailed to risk managers; internal auditors and senior managers. The survey confirmed a positive association between the implementation of an ERM framework and corporate governance as well as risk communication. The majority of respondents further confirmed that corporate governance concerns were the main driving force behind the implementation followed by the impact of HIV/AIDS on their respective organisations. Of those surveyed 38% confirmed that their ERM process is embedded and they have also created the position of chief risk officer or similar. However, it is important to note that the role of internal audit in ERM implementation is not fully integrated.

An investigation into whether the colour red has more impact or leads to common perceptions about the price or value of retail products in advertising. / ABSTRACT Colour is often an important non verbal cue in advertising. Much research has been dedicated to the creative aspects of advertising generally and to factors affecting consumer response in relation to marketing, advertising and pricing. This study looks at the colour red and investigates whether use predominant use of red in sale promotions print advertising is justified on the basis of its ability to impact cognitively or affectively. The study comprises of two experiments, one for awareness and one for price perception and purchase intent. In each experiment, red is compared to other colours in order to establish any significant differences. The second experiment goes further to examine whether the intensity of colour, verbal cues or demographic differences have an impact on the results. The literature review begins with an examination of price theory and the role of sales promotions in organizations. It considers advertising response models with focus on the persuasive hierarchy AIDA model. The impact of colour is then considered along with consumer psychology and behavior as well as theories relating to demographic and cultural responses to colour in advertising. Argument from the sources is then put forward to suggest that research into the effects of colour in advertising is underexplored and that the role of colour in affecting response is complex and is over oversimplifies by advertising practitioners. The research results are presented revealing few significant differences between red and alternative colours for awareness, price perception or purchase intent. The result for awareness is blurred by research limitations, but red does not emerge as a candidate for exacting higher levels of awareness than a number of other colours. In the second experiment, red is found to be inferior to blue in affecting purchase intent. Red at 50% saturation is shown to have a more positive impact on purchase intent that a red hue at full saturation. Demographic splits do not show conclusive results, but it is suggested that a larger sample size would induce a better price perception of red for the black community than for other racial groupings. Discussion and recommendations follow. In this study, red shows no qualities to justify its predominant use in price promotion advertising and more benefit might be obtained for the brand by differentiating through use of alternative colours that may stand out in a sea of red over traditional sale periods. The principle recommendations are, firstly, the need to acquire a deeper understanding of the effect of colour in advertising. In the more complex, competitive global marketplace competition for customer attention is high and the margin of error for irrelevant advertising appeals are low. Secondly, the argument is made for colour usage to be built around long term branding concerns rather than short term requirements for advertising response.

Business in the twenty-first century has become global and being able to deal effectively with others who are culturally different has become a business necessity (Thomas & Inkson, 2004). Understanding and working with and across cultures is nowhere as prominent and as important as it is South Africa. This is particularly so because of the various cultures within South Africa combined with the challenges introduced by the ending of apartheid in 1994. To be successful, organisations have started realising that people’s differences can be their strength, if only leaders could perfect the skill of combining their qualities and ideas, whilst still valuing them and each other as very different and unique individuals. For centuries now the concept of the “melting pot” in which everyone embraced the same culture and values (DuPont, 1997) has worked well. However, the boundaries to trade and business within the twenty-first century have undergone vast adaptations with these boundaries to business being lifted and individuals across and within nations being given equal opportunities, no matter what nationality, race and / or gender group one represents. Arguing that organisations merely comprise bricks and mortar and that it is about the individuals within an organisation and their behaviours, one would then suggest that, to mobilise and equip an organisation in the twenty-first century, leaders would have to change the behaviours and thought processes of those individuals within and representing the organisation. As an opening statement the challenge to business in the twenty-first century, becomes apparent when one start to delve into the arsenal of skills required to - 4 - meet this challenge. For centuries leaders have been following the same recipe and consistently added the same ingredients as described in the metaphor of the “melting pot” without any real consideration for difference. Leaders have long known that interacting effectively with others is probably one of the most important skills a leader needs to have. Thomas and Inkson (2004) argue that for the foreseeable future, cultural differences will remain a key factor in these interpersonal interactions. Thomas and Inkson (2004) add two very distinct points. • Leaders who do not keep their skills up-to-date run the risk of losing out. • The key leadership competency for the twenty-first century is cultural intelligence.

The South African government has recognized tourism as a key development priority and an important contributor to the South African economy. Numerous global lifestyle and travel trends impact the nature of tourism, changing it from consisting of mass standardized travel options to more customized niche offerings. Globally adventure tourism has been recognized as one of the fastest growing niche travel market segments. Whilst South Africa has enormous potential for adventure tourism, it is fast becoming a highly competitive sector with many countries competing for a share. For the South African adventure travel product to grow and prosper, it needs the support of South African Tourism (SAT) to successfully market and promote it to the appropriate target market.