Bibliography: pages 94-102. / There is currently much work underway internationally to improve the accuracy and to refine the detail of accounting for health care expenditures. This research was initiated by the increasing activity in the field of national health accounting, as well as by previous research indicating that the Reserve Bank might be underestimating private health care expenditure in the national accounts. The Reserve Bank estimate of health care expenditure is important as it is the only complete and regularly produced estimate of private sector health care expenditure for South Africa. It was posited that an independent estimation of private health care expenditure would show that its magnitude is underestimated in the expenditure estimates published by the Reserve Bank for the national accounts. This thesis was upheld by the results of the research. The thesis estimate of private health care expenditure was R15 billion, 39% higher than the Reserve Bank estimate available at the time. It was also 21% higher than the final Reserve Bank estimate published in December 1995. The methodology used to derive the thesis estimate involved a survey of national income accounting concepts and guidelines embodied in the internationally used publication, the 1993 System of National Accounts. Primary data was collected from a wide range of institutions in the South African health sector. Secondary data sources were also consulted in several instances. In particular, the Registrar of Medical Schemes was consulted for medical scheme expenditure estimates as they constitute the largest portion of private sector health care expenditure in South Africa. The thesis estimate was then calculated for a single year according to the 1993 System of National Accounts guidelines. The year chosen was the government financial year from April 1992 to March 1993. The year was chosen to coincide with the year chosen for a national health expenditure review. In the presentation of the results, the estimate was broken down in separate "sources" and "uses" matrices, which are being used internationally to present national health accounting information. From the comparison of the Reserve Bank and thesis expenditure estimates, one of the most important recommendations that emerged was that the Reserve Bank should consult a wider range of expenditure data sources, more timeously and regularly. In particular, it was suggested that the Reserve Bank should negotiate earlier access to the data held by the Registrar of Medical Schemes, as well as cross-check household survey data with independent estimates of out-of-pocket and statutory scheme health care expenditure. In addition to providing a new benchmark estimate for private sector health care expenditure in the government financial year 1992/93, the breakdown of the estimate into matrices provides a framework that could be used as the basis for the development of more detailed satellite national health accounts, in accordance with 1993 SNA standards.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This is an exploratory study that examines how companies within the South Africa insurance sector approach the area of Corporate Social Investment (CSI). South Africa is burdened with a number of pressing social problems- such as unemployment. HIV/AIDS and crime - and in many respects the insurance industry is on the front-line; as these problems have a direct impact on their core business. The primary research, upon which the findings are based, consist of ten qualitative interviews with individuals who were either responsible for CSI within their organisation or were involved in the decision-making process. Its main aim is to understand the motivations and drivers that underpin corporate giving programmes. In particular, the study focuses on how social investment is managed within the context of a society that is undergoing social transformation. It also touches on the question of self-interest and how this impacts on giving programmes. Notably. the study observed a major shift in how companies set-about their social investments post-1994. These include a more business-like approach in which corporations were managing CSI, a move away from utilizing CSI as a marketing tool, and integrating CSI with other aspects of corporate social responsibility. The research also identified a change in the rationale and philosophies underpinning involvement in CSI. Coupled with this is added external pressure from government and investors, as well as self-imposed drivers arising out of the Financial Sector Charter. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie is 'n ondersoekende studie wat fokus op die benadering van die Suid Afrikaanse versekerings sektor tot die area van Korporatiewe Sosiale Beleggings (KSB). Suid Afrika word geteister deur 'n aantal drukkende sosiale probleme - soos werkloosheid, MIV/VIGS en misdaad - en in baie gevalle is die versekeringsektor in die voorste linie deurdat hierdie kwessies direk impak maak op hul kern besigheid. Die primere navorsing in hierdie verslag is gegrond op tien kwalitatiewe onderhoude met individue wat verantwoordelikheid dra vir KSB binne hul organisasies, of ten minste betrokke is by besluitneming daarrondom. Die hoof doelstelling is om die motivering en drywers te verstaan wat KSB onderspan. In besonder kyk die studie na die bestuur van KSB binne die konteks van 'n samelewing wat sosiale transformasie ondergaan. Die studie raak ook die vraag aan van self-belang en hoe dit impak maak op skenkingsprogramme. Dit is nodig om te let op die punt dat daar 'n groot skuif was in die manier wat maatskappye KSB benader post 1994. Dit sluit 'n sterker besigheidsbenadering in, 'n beweging weg van KSB as 'n bemarkings-instrument, asook die integrasie van KSB met ander aspekte van korporatiewe sosiale verantwoordelikheid. Die studie het ook veranderinge identifiseer in die redes en filosofiee wat dien as grondslag vir KSB. Ook verwant aan dit is die addisionele druk van regering en beleggers, asook die self-opgelegde drywers wat voortspruit uit die Finansiele Sektor Handves.

Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Since its inception in 1998 as a wholly owned captive insurer, Sasguard has successfully supplied the short-term insurance needs of its parent company, Pioneer Foods Pty Ltd. Although the financial results of Sasguard increased steadily over this entire period, the insurer has never investigated the quality of its service regarding the perceptions of its internal support staff, who represent Sasguard to its client Pioneer. The objective of this research report was to critically analyse the insurer’s current risk underwriting and claims management procedures to determine if the current situation was acceptable and if not, to present proposals to reduce costs and to supply Sasguard’s internal clients (members of the parent company) with a better service. The tasks that were completed for this report were: • a literature study on aspects of risk management directly applicable to Sasguard; • critical analysis of the current risk underwriting and claims management procedures; • identification of shortcomings in the current structure; • collection of responses from internal support staff members by an electronic questionnaire; • critical analysis of those responses; and • proposals which Sasguard can implement to address identified shortcomings. The questionnaire was posted on Pioneer’s intranet site, and the entire population of 30 members was notified by email to complete and submit it within a specified period. Twenty-eight staff members did, with two on leave, for a 93% response rate. The responses were analysed in detail to form the basis of the empirical investigation. They were compared to the writer’s own observations, and together were used to develop conclusions and recommendations which Sasguard can implement in future to reduce both risk and costs associated with claims submitted by its internal clients. The main findings follow. Not enough representatives are at management level. Most (89%) want to increase their background knowledge of insurance, mainly through Sasguard. They want a paperless system to view claims. They were divided on whether to establish a workshop to recover parts of disused vehicles; more study is needed. They want to simplify the process of getting quotes and thus facilitating claims. They want better two-way communication. They favoured using the claims history of a branch, along with other forms of reward, to motivate supervisors and drivers, and others, to reduce the accident rate. The issue of whether out-sourced drivers have increased accident claims needs more study. Indeed, the legal employment status of out-sourced drivers needs to be addressed. Most of the internal client representatives were satisfied with the speed of claims settlement, but nearly a third were not entirely satisfied, which the researcher interprets as a cause for concern. Furthermore, one fourth would consider moving to a traditional insurer; this perception also is worrying and can be addressed, possibly through better understanding of the captive insurer and its practices. Proposals followed from the findings, hopefully to be implemented in due course. While results cannot be generalised, they can be provide insight to other captive insurers, especially those in a manufacturing environment similar to that at Pioneer Foods. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Vanaf die totstandkoming van Sasguard as ‘n alleenbeheerde gevange versekeraar in 1998, was die maatskappy deurgaans instaat om in sy moeder maatskappy se korttermyn verskeringsbehoeftes te voorsien. Alhoewel Sasguard se finansiële resultate vir die totale periode voortdurend gegroei het, het die versekeraar dit nooit voorheen nodig geag om ‘n ondersoek te loods om te bepaal of dit werklik in sy interne kliënte se verskeringsbehoeftes voorsien het aldan nie. Die oogmerk van hierdie navorsingsverslag was om ‘n kritiese analise op die versekeraar se huidige onderskrywings en eise besturingsmetodes toe te pas om daaruit te bepaal of die huidige metodes wel voldoende is aldan nie. Indien daar bevind sou word dat die huidige metodes nie voldoende is nie, voorstelle te ontwikkel om die koste van eise te verminder en ‘n beter diens aan sy interne kliënte te kan lewer. Die voortvloeinde take van die werkstuk is: • ‘n Literatuurstudie op daardie aspekte van risikobestuur wat ‘n direkte invloed op Sasguard se besigheidsomgewing het; • Kritiese analise van die huidige metodes om risko te onderskryf en eise te bestuur; • Om tekortkominge in die huidige struktuur te identifiseer; • Verkryging van die versekeraar se interne ondersteuningspersoneel se opinies deur ‘n elektroniese vraelys; • ‘n Kritiese analise van die respondente se antwoorde; en • Voorstelle wat Sasguard kan gebruik om die geidentifiseerde tekortkominge suksesvol aan te spreek. Die vraelys was op die maatskappy se intranet netwerk geplaas en e-posse is gebruik om elke individuele respondent in kennis te stel om die vraelys te voltooi binne ‘n bepaalde tydperk. ‘n Totaal van 28 uit die 30 populasie het die vraelys voltooi, vir ‘n totale reaksie van 93 persent. Die antwoorde vanaf respondente is getabuleer en het gedien as basis van die empiriese studie. Deur die getabuleerde data met die skrywer se eie observasies te vergelyk kon voorstelle ontwerp word wat die versekeraar in die toekoms kan gebruik om aan die een kant sy blootstelling aan risiko te verminder en aan die ander kant sy eisekoste te verlaag. Die hoofbevindinge van die studie volg hiernaas. ‘n Grooter aantal interne kliënt verteenwoordigers moet op bestuursvlak dien by die interne kliënt. Die meeste van hierdie verteenwoordigers het ‘n behoefte daaraan om hulle verskeringskennis uit te brei, hulle verkies ‘n papierlose sisteem waarop vordering van hulle ingediende eise vertoon word, hulle het ‘n behoefte aan ‘n meer eenvoudige proses om kwotasies te verkry en hulle benodig verbeterde tweerigting kommunikasie. Hulle is optimisties dat aksies waardeur goeie drywers erkenning ontvang ‘n positiewe invloed kan hê op hierdie drywers, asook ander individue, wat daardeur ook toekomstige eise sal verlaag. Die terugvoer was dubbelsinnig rakende die oprigting van ‘n sentrale onderdele verskaffer, die ongeluksratio van uitgekontrakteerde drywers, sowel as die wetlike aspekte rondom die status van hierdie drywers. Areas van kommer is die ontevredenheid van sommige interne verteenwoordigers ten opsigte van die spoed van eise afhandeling, asook die siening dat tradisionele versekering moontlik meer waarde kan bied as gevange versekering. Alhoewel die resultate van hierdie navorsingsprojek nie veralgemeen kan word nie, voorsien dit wel insig aan ander gevange versekeraars, veral vir organisasies wat in dieselfde vervaardigings-sektor as Pioneer Foods sake doen.

M.A. (Social Work) / Assistance with a disability grant has made a number of positive contributions, especially to improving the life of its beneficiaries. In addition to the increasing number of job demands by a multitude of people in the country, there are also thousands of people living with HIV and AIDS who apply, especially those who have no income, for a disability grant to meet their basic needs and promote positive health. Throughout the study, it has been identified that the disability grant not only benefits individual beneficiaries in most instances, but also benefits their families and plays a major role not only in ensuring food security, but is extended in meeting other basic needs of the households. By its nature, the disability grant is not permanent social assistance as beneficiaries only qualify for a period ranging from six to 12 months. The cancellation of the grant also leaves the beneficiaries in a vulnerable condition as on cancellation, some beneficiaries are not in a position to provide for themselves financially. For the purpose of the study, purposive sampling was selected for its convenience in getting information relevant to the study. The study was guided by its goal which was to explore the need for developmental programmes for HIV positive disability grant applicants, with the purpose of improving food security and self-reliance. The objectives of the study included the interrogation of grantees on their desire, or not, to be self-reliant, to solicit their ideas for developmental programmes, to consult with social workers who are experienced in the field of Antiretroviral (ARV) intervention on alternative developmental programmes for disability grant re-applicants, and to make recommendations to social workers regarding appropriate developmental programmes for disability grant re-application. Practically, South Africa has no alternative assistance which will ensure continuous food security once the grant has lapsed. This raises a need for initiatives to address this situation as it was discovered that disability grant beneficiaries feel that they can participate in income-generating activities and thereby take more control of their lives and be economically sufficient. Other factors that were identified included a will to change and self-determination. These factors were therefore identified as better tools to be utilised and invested in to encourage them to do things for themselves, as meeting their basic needs is their individual responsibility, especially in cases where the individual‟s medical condition has improved. These interventions need to consider the socio-economic factors of the grant applicants as services provided to them should not treat other factors in isolation since the focus has been on medical aspects; hence assistance with disability grants is only provided when they cannot provide for themselves due to poor health and poor physical strength.

HIV testing is required for life assurance applications. A written information document distributed at blood collection (venisection) serves as pre-test preparation. This study reviewed the adequacy of the document and explored possible alternative arrangements, by means of three research phases conducted at the point of venisection. Phase 1 used a specifically designed questionnaire which included a demographic section and questions assessing the applicant's appraisal of being adequately prepared, and their understanding and experience of testing. Constructed measures established their state of anxiety at testing and their range of information about HIV/AIDS. Phase 2 consisted of a counselling intervention, followed by the questionnaire used in Phase 1. Phase 3 consisted of semi-structured interviews with nursing personnel and insurance brokers. The phase 1 results indicated that the majority of applicants knew they were having an HIV test, did not feel coerced, had a moderate level of information about HIV and were not overly anxious at testing. The level of information about HIV/AIDS showed a significant correlation with their level of education, and the information document emerged as inadequate preparation. Answers given in Phase 2 differed qualitatively from those in Phase 1. Greater consideration of the impact of a positive result was shown, with increased concern about the implications for other people and anticipated acceptance of a positive result emerged in Phase 2. The personnel interviewed for Phase 3 indicated that they felt ill equipped to offer pre-test preparation. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2001.

Submitted in Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree: Master of Management Sciences: Marketing, Durban University of Technology, Durban, South Africa, 2017. / The immigration Act 19 of 2004 requires that all international students have proof of medical aid cover for a whole year from a provider that is registered with the South African Council for Medical Schemes in terms of Medical Schemes Act, 1998. Some medical insurance companies provide gifts to students to gain a larger market share in educational institutions. Health insurance products are very crucial in the lives of students and therefore the students must be familiar of medical product benefits and exclusions. Students lack relevant knowledge of health insurance products. Students seem have a perception that medical insurance products cover all healthcare expenses. Dissatisfied customers will tarnish the image of the respective medical aid companies, hence customer attrition. The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine the influence of promotional tools in awareness creation on higher education international students’ selection of medical products. The study was descriptive and quantitative in nature. A structured questionnaire with close-ended and scaled response questions was used as the research instrument. The sample comprised 400 international students studying at two universities in KwaZulu-Natal. Non probability sampling was used to select the sample. The results indicate that the respondents are very sensitive to price and majority of them are influenced by advertising and word of mouth. The results indicate that students react differently to each promotional tool. / M

Summary in Afrikaans and English / Against the background of the volume of Third Party Claims instituted annually and considering the cost involved therein, it has become increasingly important that Industrial Psychologists be consulted to assist in the quantifying of such claims. From an Industrial Psychologist's view, these claims can be quantified by making use of certain Industrial Psychology techniques. These techniques include psychometrical evaluation, applying the knowledge on:- training, job analysis, interviewing and guidance, career planning and ergonomics. The purpose of this study was to liaise with the Legal Profession to identify the requirements and problem areas experienced in the establishing and quantifying of Third Party Insurance Claims. The needs thus identified served as the basis for this study. In the process of defining and categorising these problems, it became apparent that these requirements could be addressed satisfactorily by Industrial Psychologists. It was therefore possible also to determine whether Industrial Psychology as a Science, could contribute to solving these problems. To determine therefore whether Industrial Psychology could actually address and solve these problems and whether the Courts would recognise the contribution of Industrial Psychologists, an actual case study was made of a matter where two Industrial Psychologists had made evaluations. Researching the methods of evaluations employed, and viewing the finding of the Court thereafter, it became apparent that Industrial Psychology can satisfy the need encountered by the legal profession therein. It is further concluded that the curriculum of Industrial Psychology may be successfully applied as an accepted Science in the quantifying of Third Party Insurance Claims. / Teen die agtergrond van die hoeveelheid derdepartyeise wat jaarliks ingedien word, met inagneming van die koste verbonde, word dit toenemend belangrik dat bedryfsielkunde behulpsaam moet wees met die kwantifisering van sulke eise. Vanuit 'n bedryfsielkundige oogpunt kan hierdie eise gekwantifiseer word deur gebruik te maak van sekere bedryfsielkundige tegnieke. Hierdie tegnieke sluit in, psigometriese evaluering, kennis oor opleiding, posontleding, onderhoudvoering en voorligting, loopbaanbeplanning en ergonomika. / Industrial and Organisational Psychology / M. Com. (Industrial and Organisational Psychology)

This study shows that managers of short-term insurers may improve their financial results if they can identify and manage the factors that are critical to their financial results. The development and application of the concept of critical success factors are therefore used as a basis for this study. The study reviews the functions performed by short-term insurers, focusing on the effect these functions have on their cash flows. Selection and pricing of risk are discussed in detail. The underwriting cycle in South Africa, and several possible causes of the cycle are investigated. Reinsurance, claims handling and rilanagement expenses are important components of the cash flows of short-term insurers and are therefore examined in detail. The optimum risk level at various combinations of underwriting and investment income is empirically tested, using the financial results of several insurers. The study investigates different approaches to the measurement of financial success of insurers, and the return on shareholders' funds is found to provide the fairest and most reliable method. Empirical comparisons are made on the financial results of the insurers that participated in the study to distinguish between those that are financially successful and those that are not. To discover what the industry consider to be their critical financial success factors, a postal survey was done of key decision makers in the South African short-term insurance industry. Respondents identified several success factors, but did not include some success factors discovered during the review of the literature. Respondents apparently experienced difficulty in separating strategic issues from operational ones. The survey revealed that the pricing of risk is problematic for short-term insurers. The importance of the investment function is also underestimated by the industry. The study concludes that the combined systematic risk of the investment and underwriting portfolios is a critical success factor, along with the capital base of the insurer, the ability of the insurer to use the leverage provided by using policyholders' funds as free reserves and the size and direction of an insurer's cash flows. / Business Management / D. Com (Business Management)

Climate change has become one of the most debated environmental risks. The world is faced with the threat of weather variability. There has been an increase in the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. There is rising concern that weather losses might affect the sustainability of insurance businesses. The primary obective of the study was to ascertain the significance of changes in temperature, precipitation and wind speeds in explaining changes in weather-related claims.Furthermore the reseach had three key secondary objectives, firstly to find if changes in annual average temperature levels lead to changes in weather-related claims. Secondly to determine if average annual wind speeds lead to changes in weather-related loss .Thirdly to establish if the average changes in annual rainfall or precipitation levels lead to changes in weather-related claims. Quantitatively this study explored the relationship between climate change and weather losses in South Africa. Temperature, rainfall, and wind speed were the main weather variables analysed. Lack of properly recorded insured weather losses was the major challenge. Nonetheless, total economic weather losses were used as a proxy for insured weather losses.The analysis employed regression, cointegration and vector error correction models. Study findings showed that climate change is influencing weather losses. The existence of correlation and causality between weather variables and losses was also affirmed. Thus the insurance industry should comprehensively incorporate climate change into its business strategy to minimise exposure. / Business Management / M. Com. (Business Management)

This study shows that managers of short-term insurers may improve their financial results if they can identify and manage the factors that are critical to their financial results. The development and application of the concept of critical success factors are therefore used as a basis for this study. The study reviews the functions performed by short-term insurers, focusing on the effect these functions have on their cash flows. Selection and pricing of risk are discussed in detail. The underwriting cycle in South Africa, and several possible causes of the cycle are investigated. Reinsurance, claims handling and rilanagement expenses are important components of the cash flows of short-term insurers and are therefore examined in detail. The optimum risk level at various combinations of underwriting and investment income is empirically tested, using the financial results of several insurers. The study investigates different approaches to the measurement of financial success of insurers, and the return on shareholders' funds is found to provide the fairest and most reliable method. Empirical comparisons are made on the financial results of the insurers that participated in the study to distinguish between those that are financially successful and those that are not. To discover what the industry consider to be their critical financial success factors, a postal survey was done of key decision makers in the South African short-term insurance industry. Respondents identified several success factors, but did not include some success factors discovered during the review of the literature. Respondents apparently experienced difficulty in separating strategic issues from operational ones. The survey revealed that the pricing of risk is problematic for short-term insurers. The importance of the investment function is also underestimated by the industry. The study concludes that the combined systematic risk of the investment and underwriting portfolios is a critical success factor, along with the capital base of the insurer, the ability of the insurer to use the leverage provided by using policyholders' funds as free reserves and the size and direction of an insurer's cash flows. / Business Management / D. Com (Business Management)