The purpose of this research study is to assess the funding and governance models utilised in the operations of cooperatives, with specific reference to Magwa and Majola Tea Estates in the Eastern Cape. Luyt (2008) observes that poverty levels in South Africa remain high, and have not been greatly reduced since 1994. There is general agreement amongst Eastern Cape communities that more than two decades after apartheid has ended, nearly half of South Africa’s population continue to live in poverty. A common understanding, is that cooperatives are geared and established to address poverty, address both social and economic development, even though they also emphasise a social focus, they are expected to be operated on sound business principles.

D.Phil. / The purpose of this thesis was to assess the impact of the new public transport policy direction, with specific reference to competitive tendering, on the transformation and restructuring of the South African commuter bus industry. The main objective of this study was to develop a methodology to guide the transformation and restructuring of the bus industry. This main objective was achieved through the following secondary objectives: A comparison between international transforrnation experiences and the South African bus industry in an effort to develop a methodological basis for the change process; An assessment of the strategic gap in an effort to determine the 'focus of the change process; and The development of a detailed change strategy to guide the transformation process.The policy of spatial separation on racial grounds has played a major role in the development of the bus industry. The industry had shown consistent growth until 1982, but since then a considerable portion of the bus market share was lost to the combi taxi industry. A major conclusion of the study was that the new South African public transport policy is based on international best practices as well as the needs of local stakeholders and the country at large. The focus on integration of planning, modes and resources is of particular significance. Within an integrated transport network the commuter bus will have the opportunity to optimise its potential as safe, reliable and effective mass transport mode. Based on a thorough multiple analysis of the bus industry against various strategic evaluation models, the following major gaps were identified: Ineffective application of public transport modes, especially the commuter bus , in accordance with their unique operating characteristics; Pertinent skills deficiencies at operator and institutional level to successfully manage change in the new competitive environment; Efficiency of the present operations which is well below the required standard to secure tenders; Insufficient knowledge of and preparation for the tender system and its requirements; Insufficient actions to empower members of the previously disadvantaged communities; and Old and ineffective policies, systems and procedures. In support of the strategic gap analysis, various evaluation techniques were used to determine the best possible strategic alternatives. It was found that fundamental change is required to position the bus industry for future challenges. Long term objectives should focus on specific market objectives for the bus in transport networks, gaining of market share, securing alliances, empowerment of small operators and improving effectiveness. The generic strategy to secure tenders should be primarily a low cost leadership strategy. The essence of turnaround strategies should focus on cost reduction, which should largely be achieved through increased efficiency. Other grand strategies include diversification, market development, joint ventures and strategic alliances. Specific short term objectives are to formalise and structure the SABOA Development Foundation as primary vehicle for the empowerment of small and medium sized entrepreneurs in the transport industry and to facilitate further cooperation in the industry to share expertise and resources. Guidelines to adjust operator strategies and to assess empowerment models are also provided to guide operators in the transition process. It is recommended that change methodology be formalised to assist operators in the transition process. Finally it can be concluded that the bus industry can play a leading role in the future transport dispensation if appropriate pro-active action is taken. There is a huge strategic gap between the desired and expected outcomes which requires concerted efforts by the industry as well as the three spheres of government. It is essential that the Moving South Africa strategy be implemented as primary driving force behind the change process.

M.Comm. / The influence of electronic trading on the corporate environment is researched in this study. Large amounts of money in the form of financial instruments are managed on behalf of clients on a daily basis. With the ever-changing technology, organisations are forced to reconsider their current use of technology to enable them to provide the best service to their clients. Most financial processes have done away with the unnecessary use of paper. Corporate organisations that invest large amounts of money on behalf of clients and do not utilise electronic trading systems, are putting themselves, as well as their clients, at a disadvantage. It must be stressed that although the technical requirements and systems that are necessary for electronic trading are discussed, this study concentrates more on the strategic advantages and management implications electronic trading has on the organisation. This study comes to the conclusion that electronic trading has a significant impact on the business world, and that corporate organisations should seriously consider to convert their processes accordingly, expand it and utilise it to its full potential.

LL.M. / Please refer to full text to view abstract

LL.M. (Banking Law) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

LL.M. / Please refer to full text to view abstract

M.Com. / Please refer to full text to view abstract

LL.M. / Please refer to full text to view abstract

M.Phil. (Labour Law and Employment Relations) / The purpose of this study is to bring to an end the debate that has been fuelled by the fact that many strategies fail whilst others are not implemented at all or at best only partially implemented. Finding a solution to this burning issue is crucial to all organisations in the current turbulent and volatile business environment. The problems that cause strategic plans failure are categorised by literature into the strategy planning process, a quality strategy, implementation of the strategy as well as the organisation structure and climate. When cause-and-effect is applied to this categorisation, it follows that Process drives Quality which in turn drives rate of success or failure of the implementation of the Strategic Plan. Although it is recognised that there are numerous contextual factors that impact on the successful implementation of a strategic plan, it is postulated that the quality of the strategic plan is core to its success. It therefore follows that a well-conceived and a good quality strategic plan would lead to flawless implementation and a significantly superior performance. The purpose of this study is to confirm this assertion. The research methodology to be followed will be the descriptive quantitative research. A self-administered survey questionnaire will be used to collect data in which the respondents are asked to complete it themselves. The research methodology will enable the researcher to observe, analyse and then interpret what has been observed. The findings of the research confirmed the researcher’s hypothesis. The confirmation is to the effect that a well-conceived and a good quality strategy lead to flawless implementation and organisational competitiveness and effectiveness.

Magister Legum - LLM / This paper investigated how the law of industrial action is shaped in South Africa and in Germany, which specific problems occur in South Africa and Germany, and how the different legal systems solve these problems. It also compared the different legal approaches of these two countries. / South Africa