Dissertation (Ph.D.)--University of Toledo, 2007. / Title from title screen (viewed Oct. 5, 2009). "Submitted as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Manufacturing Management & Engineering." "December 2007." Includes bibliographical references (p. 145-154). Also issued in paper format.

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Florida, 1999. / Title from first page of PDF file. Document formatted into pages; contains xx, 222 p.; also includes graphics. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 215-221).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Lehigh University, 1997. / Includes vita. Bibliography: leaves 149-155.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--Michigan State University, 2008. / Adviser: Morgan L. Swink. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis, PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M. Phil.)--University of Hong Kong, 2005. / Title proper from title frame. Also available in printed format.

Thesis PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references.

First tier automotive suppliers in the Nelson Mandela Metropole are under continued pressures created by the process of globalisation. To stay globally competitive suppliers, have to rethink their supply chain strategies. It is important that suppliers understand the environment that it operates within, this environment present first tier automotive suppliers with numerous problems and challenges. An analysis of this problems and challenges are needed and supply chain strategies need to be developed to overcome these problems and challenges. Before these strategies can be developed a full understanding of the supply chain is necessary. This dissertation aims to assess the problems and challenges facing first tier automotive suppliers, give a full understanding of the supply chain and present strategies to overcome these problems and challenges. The supply chain has become less structured and closer partnerships are needed between trading partners. The connectivity, transparency and visibility of the supply chain have improved through developments in the communication technology field. Strategies need to utilise these technologies to create a competitive edge. Effective supply chain strategies need to enable first tier automotive suppliers to deliver materials: At the right time; In the right quantities; At the right quality.

M.Tech. (Production Management) / This thesis provides some information, techniques and innovations that will equip operations managers in the service industry to develop technical, conceptual and interpersonal skills. These skills will help them make better operating decisions.

South Africa is experiencing a shortage of skills in key industries and many organisations have listed the retention of staff as a key objective in their annual sustainability reports. The factors that affect an employee’s intent to turnover have received greater attention as a study field of late but the literature is not all in agreement on the principal factors that influence an employee’s decision to leave an organisation. Many authors suggested that more empirical evidence are necessary to validate the significance of the identified precursors of employee turnover. Prince (2001) and other contributing authors postulated a causal model that tries to explain the complex interactions between the principal constructs that influence the job satisfaction and organisational commitment of an employee, ultimately leading to the employee’s decision to stay at the organisation or turnover. A Structural Equation Modelling technique was applied to the survey data gathered from a South African organisation to validate its fit to the postulated causal relationships defined in Prince’s (2001) model. Many of causal relationships could be validated for the company under study but this study had to conclude as so many other authors has done before that more empirical research is necessary to test the principal constructs of labour turnover as this research could not confirm all the factors postulated by Prince (2001). Copyright / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted