South Africa is currently undergoing a phase of transformation that has indicated a shift from institutionalised oppression in all political, social and economic spheres to a society that is ideally open, free and democratic. Many aspects of life in South Africa are therefore changing as this transformation process is proceeding. It is this transformation process that has prompted interest in the area of economic empowerment amongst those who were previously disadvantaged in the "old" South Africa. The previously disadvantaged represent a large percentage of potentially economically active members of South African society. However, because of a high unemployment rate, other alternative forms of employment need to be sought, mainly through entrepreneurial endeavours. One such alternative, which is presented in this study, is the possible role that the franchise industry may play in economically empowering people that were previously disadvantaged. The purpose of this study is to theoretically and empirically examine the potential of franchising to act as a mechanism for economic empowerment. It explores the perceptions of franchisors, franchisees and financial institutions in regards to the current state of the franchise industry in order to assess the extent to which franchising does or does not act as a mechanism for economic empowerment. Conclusions have been drawn to correlate the theory and the empirical analysis of the surveys that were undertaken. It has been found that in many ways, franchising may act as a mechanism for economic empowerment but there are factors that inhibit the role that franchising can play in promoting this form of entrepreneurship. Where these negative factors have surfaced, a methodology has been presented in order to minimise such effect. / Thesis (M.Com.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1999.

The practicum explores 21st century retail design, with a specific focus on the emerging typology of guerilla retail. Through methodologies and performance theory from theatre, guerilla retail design is examined. The project was developed to explore a current disconnect that exists between producer and consumer. This disconnect has arisen out of a number of factors including, the geographical distance between producer and consumer and the lack of information provided to consumers about products. Ideas and theories from various forms of Guerilla theatre are examined to enhance the experience of the retail environment, creating a deeper emotional connection to the product, consumer, producer and act of shopping. A retail model is explored in three different sites to demonstrate the versatility. Through low construction cost, quick assembly and the strong impact of experience, this guerilla retail model aids these producers to survive in the midst of a globalized world.

Youth smoking is an important aspect of tobacco research as most adult smokers first experiment with and initiate tobacco use during their adolescence. Policy makers and researchers have given youth smoking issues a significant amount of attention over the last 20 years and this has led to significant reductions in youth smoking prevalence in New Zealand. More recently the decline in youth smoking prevalence has reached a plateau. Evidence now shows that while overall smoking prevalence has reduced, inequalities between ethnic and social groups has actually increased. This is an international trend. Young people living in low socioeconomic status areas and belonging to minority ethnic groups are at much higher risk of being a current smoker than their less deprived peers. A number of overseas studies have investigated the spatial relationship between aspects of the neighbourhood environment and adolescent smoking behaviour in an attempt to identify the most at risk groups. In particular the effect of neighbourhood socioeconomic status and the degree of access to tobacco outlets is believed to influence adolescent smoking behaviour. In New Zealand analysis of this type has mainly focused on adult smoking behaviour and the effect of tobacco outlet access is as yet unstudied. This study examines the effect of neighbourhood and high school socioeconomic status on adolescent smoking behaviour, attitudes and beliefs in Christchurch. Using information from the 2006 New Zealand Census, spatial variations in reported neighbourhood smoking prevalence have been examined. In addition, analysis of responses to smoking questions in the 2008 Year 10 In-depth Survey have been carried out show how school socioeconomic status can influence underlying attitudes and beliefs young people hold towards smoking and tobacco products. Spatial analysis has also been performed on the census dataset to investigate the relationship between neighbourhood access to tobacco outlets and youth smoking behaviour after controlling for neighbourhood deprivation. To supplement each of these quantitative data sources, focus group interviews were carried out at two high schools (one low and one high socioeconomic status). Findings from these interviews are presented as further insight into adolescent attitudes and beliefs towards smoking. Results of this research show that there is a socioeconomic effect at both a neighbourhood and school level on all adolescent smoking behaviours, attitudes and beliefs examined, except for smoking cessation. There is also evidence of greater access to tobacco outlets in low socioeconomic neighbourhoods but not so around high schools. Increased access to tobacco outlets is linked to increased adolescent smoking prevalence, more so among females than males, but this relationship disappeared in age groups 20 and above.

The purpose of this research is to determine if a consumer’s demographics, perceived consumer effectiveness, and awareness of fair trade practices affect their level of hedonic and utilitarian motivations that ultimately influence their purchase intentions. Two separate studies were conducted: a focus group and a survey. Middle-aged and older respondents were more motivated to buy fair trade clothing by both hedonic and utilitarian motivations than younger respondents. Respondents with only some college or an Associate’s degree are more hedonically motivated than other education levels. Respondents with a high household income are more motivated by their hedonic and utilitarian motivations than respondents with a low income. Respondents with high PCE responded more to their hedonic and utilitarian motivations to buy fair trade clothing than consumers with low PCE. Respondents that see promotional campaigns for fair trade clothing are overall less motivated to buy fair trade clothing than respondents that do not. Respondents that feel that people could make fairer choices if they were aware of which companies had high ethical principles are overall more motivated than respondents that feel people could not. As a respondent’s buying intention grew, the respondent grew more motivated in both hedonic and utilitarian categories.

The current study aims to investigate the feasibility of international apparel and footwear retailers to expand their business in Pakistan and compete with other brands. It also highlights the business opportunities in Pakistan apparel retail sector and the motivations of international brands behind expansions. This study was conducted with the help of interviews based on diamond model of Porter, and Hofsetede cultural dimensions. The open ended questions were delivered to the professionals electronically while interviews were conducted by telephone. Seven companies from Pakistan were selected for study purpose. Data was analyzed and assessed manually. The study revealed that there is a significant opportunity for international apparel retailers to launch their retail outlets in Pakistan along with some risks. International brands which are financially strong can tackle these risks. However it was concluded that the companies with less financial strength may find it difficult to go in a new market within 5 years. UK brands are already there and brands from other countries are also opening. Overall Pakistan retail sector is growing and people are becoming fashion conscious. This study provides information to International apparel brands which they can take into consideration while entering Pakistan's apparel retail market. It also gives an opportunity for assessment of market in the light of theoretical modules and shows a direction of getting better market share by launching.

The aim of this study was to evaluate if there was a connection between performance management and customers service within retail branches in Gauteng. In the service industry service is the key component of retaining customers and gives the competitive edge over their rivals. A thorough literature study was conducted by using the views of different authors and combining them. The concept of service delivery was defined and discussed looking at the various components of service. Further to this the concept performance management was defined. Based on the literature study it was found that there is a large human component in service delivery and the perception of the customer in terms of that service delivery. “Knowledge where value resides and what constitutes customer value from the standpoint of the customer has been very critical in the strategies of firms in all industries and elsewhere (Day, 1990. Mckenna, 1991. Ibidunni, 2004). Ensuring that individual values and goals are aligned to the organisation and that each is driving the same strategies becomes fundamental to their success. PM can be used as a tool to align these strategies and to strive towards one goal, retaining the customer through exceptional service delivery and ensuring that the brand talks to one standard service delivery throughout all of its channels. Conclusions regarding the findings of the research were presented and recommendations were made. It is important to note that these recommendations are guidelines that correlates directly to the empirical analysis made. The research study was evaluated against the primary and secondary objectives with the correlation that both were achieved. / Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate if there was a connection between performance management and customers service within retail branches in Gauteng. In the service industry service is the key component of retaining customers and gives the competitive edge over their rivals. A thorough literature study was conducted by using the views of different authors and combining them. The concept of service delivery was defined and discussed looking at the various components of service. Further to this the concept performance management was defined. Based on the literature study it was found that there is a large human component in service delivery and the perception of the customer in terms of that service delivery. “Knowledge where value resides and what constitutes customer value from the standpoint of the customer has been very critical in the strategies of firms in all industries and elsewhere (Day, 1990. Mckenna, 1991. Ibidunni, 2004). Ensuring that individual values and goals are aligned to the organisation and that each is driving the same strategies becomes fundamental to their success. PM can be used as a tool to align these strategies and to strive towards one goal, retaining the customer through exceptional service delivery and ensuring that the brand talks to one standard service delivery throughout all of its channels. Conclusions regarding the findings of the research were presented and recommendations were made. It is important to note that these recommendations are guidelines that correlates directly to the empirical analysis made. The research study was evaluated against the primary and secondary objectives with the correlation that both were achieved. / Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Problemformulering: Kan CSR stärka varumärket inom branschen för kläder och skor och på vilka sätt kan företag nå ut med tydlig information om sitt CSR- arbete till konsumenten? Syfte: Uppsatsen syfte är att skapa en förståelse kring CSR inom området för kläder och skor samt klargöra de möjligheter som finns att förmedla ut ett företags ansvarstagande. Det här gör vi genom att analysera och utreda: På vilket sätt företag inom detaljhandeln arbetar med Corporate Social Responsibility samt hur företag upplever kundens intresse inom området. Hur företag kommunicerar sitt CSR-arbete ut mot kund. Den påverkan CSR kan ha på ett företags varumärke. Metod: Uppsatsen har grundats på en kvalitativ forskningsmetod, tillvägagångssättet har formats genom en abduktiv ansats. För att skapa en djup förståelse har vi haft sju semi-strukturerade intervjuer med respondenter som har kunskap inom områdena för CSR, kommunikation och varumärken. Slutssats: Uppsatsen tyder på att det är av stor vikt att företag arbetar med CSR samt att de kommunicerar detta till kunden. Vidare har det framkommit att kommunikation bör ske där kunden befinner sig. Dessutom har det visat sig att varumärket stärks genom att företag arbetar med hållbarhet. / Research question: Can Corporate Social Responsibility within the clothing and shoe industry enhance the perception of the brand, and in which ways can these companies communicate their engagement within CSR to the consumer? Purpose: The purpose of this thesis is to analyse how CSR within the clothes and shoe industry influence the perception of the brand and communicate accountability to the consumer. We determine this by analysing the following questions: In which way retail companies engage in CSR and how companies perceive the customers interest in the area. How companies communicate their work with CSR towards the customer. The impact CSR can have on a company’s brand. Method: This study is based on a qualitative research method; and conducted with an abductive process. In order to create a understanding, seven semi-structured interviews were made with people knowledgeable in the field of CSR, communication and branding. Conclusion: The study implies the significance for companies to work with CSR and communicate the message to their customers. Furthermore, the analysis has revealed that the communication should take place where the customer is located. By working with CSR, the chosen brand’s perception in the industry has been reinforced.

Thesis (M. Consumer Science)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Today, many financial institutions extending credit rely on automated credit scorecard decision engines to drive credit strategies that are used to allocate (application scoring) and manage (behavioural scoring) credit limits. The accuracy and predictive power of these models are meticulously monitored, to ensure that they deliver the required separation between good (non-delinquent) accounts and bad (delinquent) accounts. The strategies associated to the scores (champion strategies) produced using the scorecards, are monitored on a quarterly basis (minimum), ensuring that the limit allocated to a customer, with its associated risk, is still providing the lender with the best returns on their appetite for risk. The strategy monitoring opportunity should be used to identify possible clusters of customers that are not producing the optimal returns for the lender. The identified existing strategy (champion) that does not return the desired output is challenged with an alternative strategy that may or may not result in better results. These clusters should have a relatively low credit risk ranking, be credit hungry, and have the capacity to service the debt. This research project focuses on the management of (behavioural) strategies that manage the ongoing limit increases provided to current account holders. Utilising a combination of the behavioural scores and credit turnover, an optimal recommended or confidential limit is calculated for the customer. Once the new limits are calculated, a sample is randomly selected from the cluster of customers and tested in the operational environment. With the implementation of the challenger, strategy should ensure that the intended change on the customer's limit is well received by the customers. Measures that can be used are risk, response, retention, and revenue. The champion and challenger strategies are monitored over a period until a victor (if there is one) can be identified. It is expected that the challenger strategy should have a minimal impact on the customers affected by the experiment and that the bank should not experience greater credit risk from the increased limits. The profit from the challenger should increase the interest revenue earned from the increased limit. Once it has been established through monitoring whether the champion or the challenger strategy has won, the winning strategy is rolled-out to the rest of the customers from the champion population. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Operational Research))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.