The study was conducted to determine the key obstacles to strategy implementation at the Social Security Commission. The objective was to establish various factors that inhibit successful strategy implementation and explore alternative approaches that could be adopted to facilitate effective implementation of strategic decisions. The data was collected through questionnaires distributed to the personnel of the institution. 34 respondents out of a population of 56 participated in the study. The results showed serious lack of change management practice which could be regarded as the reason why resistance to change from the majority of the personnel is being experienced. Indications are also prevalent from the results obtained that show lack of ownership of the implementation process. In addition, lack of commitment to achieve positive results, lack of control of the implementation plan, ineffective information sharing methods as well as negative organizational culture are influencing the outcome of the strategy implementation process. / Business Management / M. Tech. (Business Administration)

The study was conducted to determine the key obstacles to strategy implementation at the Social Security Commission. The objective was to establish various factors that inhibit successful strategy implementation and explore alternative approaches that could be adopted to facilitate effective implementation of strategic decisions. The data was collected through questionnaires distributed to the personnel of the institution. 34 respondents out of a population of 56 participated in the study. The results showed serious lack of change management practice which could be regarded as the reason why resistance to change from the majority of the personnel is being experienced. Indications are also prevalent from the results obtained that show lack of ownership of the implementation process. In addition, lack of commitment to achieve positive results, lack of control of the implementation plan, ineffective information sharing methods as well as negative organizational culture are influencing the outcome of the strategy implementation process. / Business Management / M. Tech. (Business Administration)

There have been tremendous economic developments in all parts of the world including developing nations. One of the major drivers of these developments has been from the Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs). These businesses have enabled many nations to create employment, resulting in an increase in the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In as much as SMEs have well documented benefits, they also require many support, capital and business skills. This has led to the establishment of SME incubation centres where start-ups are hosted and trained to have the business skills. However, despite the incubation initiatives, SMEs still fail to grow and always have challenges. At times, the challenges are not finance related but lack of proper business strategies. This could be addressed by considering business models. This dissertation considers the initiatives that have been taking place on SMEs. A case study of SMEs in Namibia within the Khomas region is used. A mixed research approach was adopted. Specific research methods used were interviews and observations with questionnaires being used as the instruments to gather the required information. SMEs from the Bokamoso Entrepreneurial Centre in Windhoek were selected for the research population. One of the popular Business Model Canvas tools was used as a sample of a guide in data collection, where SMEs engaged were to indicate how they apply certain categories of the canvas. Results show that SMEs engaged do not have specific business models they are applying. However, there were many elements and understanding of the categories from the business model canvas. At the same time, SMEs mentioned incorporating technologies in their businesses and using ICTs to reach customers and make an effort to cut on the cost of bringing in stock. It was also clear that SMEs work independently and have long working hours when they are to meet specific orders. It was concluded that SMEs’ needs are different and that it may be difficult to use one business model. However, a mixture of a few business models could be combined to cater for the changing environment and address business needs. The Business Model Canvas could be applied for the Namibian SMEs but there is need to consider some other business models such as cutting out the middleman, business partnership models and bricks and clicks models. / Business Management / M. Com. (Business Management)