The objective of this study is to determine the best SARS customs strategy that can be implemented as a tool to assist the facilitation of trade and Regional integration in SADC Region because the process of integration is facing many challenges. A literature review of scholarly literature was conducted on regional integration of SADC that offered an international perspective on the experiences of other countries who have undergone similar experiences of integration and trade facilitation. With a historical background of Regional integration with the demonstration of SARS customs strategy that can be adopted to facilitate the process of trade and regional integration and, proposed future model and strategic plans to achieve the future goals. Research methodology and design was done through the combination of the four research types classification in their order of sophistication except the predictive research. These are namely exploratory, descriptive, and analytical or explanatory researches and include deductive research. The compilation of data through questionnaires was employed. The findings discussed in Chapter Five indicate that there are some gains that can be achieved by SADC members through free trade agreement. Recommendation from the study is that progression towards deeper integration requires the participation of the stakeholder and ownership at national level. The national and regional institutions require good governance.

M.Com. (Enterprise Management) / South African managers will in future be more exposed to the turbulent environment as experienced by their overseas counterparts. The application of the strategic management process by competent management could enhance the organisation's chances to succeed. A number of local studies have proven that South African managers are lacking experience in the strategic management process. Few organisations can afford the losses that may arise through bad decisionmaking by inexperienced managers. The only alternative is to supply quality management training and development programmes. Management training for South African managers of the nineties should be adapted for local conditions without losing sight of internationally applicable principles. At the same time alternative methods of training and education should be investigated. Computer Based management simulations can be cost effectively applied in the preparation of management for the nineties. The purpose of this study is to determine the requirements for an appropriate computer based management simulation for the training of South African managers in the strategic management process. The process of strategic management and the identification of the strategic issues relevant to the South African manager are specifically addressed

Text in Afrikaans / Summaries in Afrikaans and English / 'n Sentrale tema van strategiese bestuur is dat ondememings voortdurend moet pas by hulle snelveranderende eksteme omgewings. Die eksteme omgewing van SuidAfrikaanse ondememings ondergaan tans verreikende veranderings. Die sukses van hierdie ondememings word nie alleen bemvloed deur die kompeterendheid van 'n toenemend gemtemasionaliseerde markomgewing nie, maar veral ook deur die eise wat gestel word deur die nuwe politieke bestel in Suid-Afrika. Die Regering van Nasionale Eenheid is verbind tot die daarstelling van 'n mensgesentreerde gemeenskap. Nuwe arbeidswetgewing wat vakbonde bemagtig word in 1996 van krag en belangrike bestuursuitdagings wat verband hou met die "menslik:e dimensie" van ondernemingsbestuur spruit voort uit hierdie veranderende omgewing. Ten einde Suid-Afrikaanse ondememings onder hierdie omstandighede strategies te bestuur, moet strategiese bestuursbesluite geneem word oor die diensverhouding. Dit impliseer die behoefte aan 'n strategiese be adering tot menslik:ehulpbron- en arbeidsverhoudingebestuur binne ondememingsverband. In hierdie ondersoek word aspekte van algemene en strategiese bestuur toegepas op die "menslik:e dimensie" van ondememingsbestuur. Die fokus is op langtermynbesluite en -aksies insake beplanning, organisering, leiding en beheeruitoefening ten opsigte van aspekte wat verband hou met die diensverhouding. Die noodsaaklik:heid van vertikale en horisontale integrasie by die bestuur van die diensverhouding word beklemtoon. Laasgenoemde dui op die noodsaaklik:heid om die individuele en kollektiewe dimensies van diensverhoudingebestuur, oftewel menslik:ehulpbronen arbeidsverhoudingebestuur, te integreer. Vertikale integrasie verwys na menslik: ehulpbron- en arbeidsverhoudingebestuur wat 'n integrale deel van algemene bestuur behoort te wees. Die resultate van 'n tweeledige empiriese ondersoek word gemtegreer met 'n literatuurstudie om 'n bestuurswetenskaplik:e raamwerk daar te stel wat die proses van strategiese diensverhoudingebestuur konseptualiseer. 'n Matriks word ook ontwerp wat bestuursbesluitneming oor die inhoud van diensverhoudingestrategie kan fasiliteer. Gevolgtrekkings en aanbevelings word ook gemaak oor die praktyk van strategiese diensverhoudingebestuur by Telkom SA Bpk en by groot Suid-Afrikaanse mynbouen vervaardigingsondememings, sowel as oor navorsing en ond~rrig ten opsigte van hierdie onderwerp van Sakebestuur ( oftewel Bedryfsekonomie, Ondernemingsbestuur of Bestuurswese ). / A central theme of strategic management is that organisations should constantly match or fit their fast-changing external environments. The external environment of South African organisations is currently undergoing far-reaching changes. The success of these organisations is not only influenced by the competitiveness of an increasingly internationalised market environment, but especially by the demands resulting from the new political dispensation in the country. The Government of National Unity is committed to establish a people-centred society. New labour legislation which empowers trade unions will be in force in 1996. Important challenges regarding the "human dimension" of management stem from this changing environment. In order to manage South African organisations strategically under these circumstances it is necessary to make strategic management decisions regarding the employment relationship. This implies the need for a strategic approach to human resource and labour relations management within organisational context. In this investigation aspects of general and strategic management are applied to the "human dimension" of management. The focus is on long-term decisions and actions regarding the planning, organising, leading and control of aspects relating to the employment relationship. The importance of vertical and horizontal integration in the management of the employment relationship is emphasised. The latter refers to the necessity of integrating the individual and collective dimensions of employment relations management, in other words the integration of human resource and labour relations management. Vertical integration relates to human resource and labour relations management which ought to be an integral part of general management. The results of a dual empirical investigation are integrated with a literature survey to devise a managerial framework that conceptualises the process of strategic employment relations management. A matrix is also devised that can facilitate management decision making regarding the content of employment relations strategy. Conclusions and recommendations are also made regarding strategic employment relations management practice at Telkom SA Ltd and large South African mining and manufacturing organisations, as well as regarding research and tuition mrespect of this topic of Business Management (or Business Economics). / Economic & Management Sciences / D.Com.

Text in Afrikaans / Summaries in Afrikaans and English / 'n Sentrale tema van strategiese bestuur is dat ondememings voortdurend moet pas by hulle snelveranderende eksteme omgewings. Die eksteme omgewing van SuidAfrikaanse ondememings ondergaan tans verreikende veranderings. Die sukses van hierdie ondememings word nie alleen bemvloed deur die kompeterendheid van 'n toenemend gemtemasionaliseerde markomgewing nie, maar veral ook deur die eise wat gestel word deur die nuwe politieke bestel in Suid-Afrika. Die Regering van Nasionale Eenheid is verbind tot die daarstelling van 'n mensgesentreerde gemeenskap. Nuwe arbeidswetgewing wat vakbonde bemagtig word in 1996 van krag en belangrike bestuursuitdagings wat verband hou met die "menslik:e dimensie" van ondernemingsbestuur spruit voort uit hierdie veranderende omgewing. Ten einde Suid-Afrikaanse ondememings onder hierdie omstandighede strategies te bestuur, moet strategiese bestuursbesluite geneem word oor die diensverhouding. Dit impliseer die behoefte aan 'n strategiese be adering tot menslik:ehulpbron- en arbeidsverhoudingebestuur binne ondememingsverband. In hierdie ondersoek word aspekte van algemene en strategiese bestuur toegepas op die "menslik:e dimensie" van ondememingsbestuur. Die fokus is op langtermynbesluite en -aksies insake beplanning, organisering, leiding en beheeruitoefening ten opsigte van aspekte wat verband hou met die diensverhouding. Die noodsaaklik:heid van vertikale en horisontale integrasie by die bestuur van die diensverhouding word beklemtoon. Laasgenoemde dui op die noodsaaklik:heid om die individuele en kollektiewe dimensies van diensverhoudingebestuur, oftewel menslik:ehulpbronen arbeidsverhoudingebestuur, te integreer. Vertikale integrasie verwys na menslik: ehulpbron- en arbeidsverhoudingebestuur wat 'n integrale deel van algemene bestuur behoort te wees. Die resultate van 'n tweeledige empiriese ondersoek word gemtegreer met 'n literatuurstudie om 'n bestuurswetenskaplik:e raamwerk daar te stel wat die proses van strategiese diensverhoudingebestuur konseptualiseer. 'n Matriks word ook ontwerp wat bestuursbesluitneming oor die inhoud van diensverhoudingestrategie kan fasiliteer. Gevolgtrekkings en aanbevelings word ook gemaak oor die praktyk van strategiese diensverhoudingebestuur by Telkom SA Bpk en by groot Suid-Afrikaanse mynbouen vervaardigingsondememings, sowel as oor navorsing en ond~rrig ten opsigte van hierdie onderwerp van Sakebestuur ( oftewel Bedryfsekonomie, Ondernemingsbestuur of Bestuurswese ). / A central theme of strategic management is that organisations should constantly match or fit their fast-changing external environments. The external environment of South African organisations is currently undergoing far-reaching changes. The success of these organisations is not only influenced by the competitiveness of an increasingly internationalised market environment, but especially by the demands resulting from the new political dispensation in the country. The Government of National Unity is committed to establish a people-centred society. New labour legislation which empowers trade unions will be in force in 1996. Important challenges regarding the "human dimension" of management stem from this changing environment. In order to manage South African organisations strategically under these circumstances it is necessary to make strategic management decisions regarding the employment relationship. This implies the need for a strategic approach to human resource and labour relations management within organisational context. In this investigation aspects of general and strategic management are applied to the "human dimension" of management. The focus is on long-term decisions and actions regarding the planning, organising, leading and control of aspects relating to the employment relationship. The importance of vertical and horizontal integration in the management of the employment relationship is emphasised. The latter refers to the necessity of integrating the individual and collective dimensions of employment relations management, in other words the integration of human resource and labour relations management. Vertical integration relates to human resource and labour relations management which ought to be an integral part of general management. The results of a dual empirical investigation are integrated with a literature survey to devise a managerial framework that conceptualises the process of strategic employment relations management. A matrix is also devised that can facilitate management decision making regarding the content of employment relations strategy. Conclusions and recommendations are also made regarding strategic employment relations management practice at Telkom SA Ltd and large South African mining and manufacturing organisations, as well as regarding research and tuition mrespect of this topic of Business Management (or Business Economics). / Economic and Management Sciences / D.Com.

Thesis (MCom)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Despite the high potential impact of advanced analytics on the performance of businesses around the world, its uptake and application in an integrated and strategically aligned manner has been limited. This problem is more pronounced with specific reference to optimization. Optimization methods lag behind other analytical methods such as data visualization and predictive models in terms of their level of adoption in organizations. This research suggests that part of the problem of limited application and integration lies in an overall inability of companies to develop and implement an effective advanced analytics strategy. The primary objective of this research is therefore to establish an approach for the development of an advanced analytics strategy for a company. Due to the absence of well described examples or published research on the subject it was necessary to generate insight and knowledge using a research approach that allowed for the development, testing, and improvement of a strategy over multiple cycles. Such a research approach presented itself in the form of action research. An initial advanced analytics strategy was developed for one of the subsidiary companies in a group of companies. The subsidiary company specializes in the importation, distribution, and marketing of industrial fasteners and has branches throughout South Africa. The strategy document was presented to the senior decision makers in the holding company for evaluation. The feedback from the evaluation was used to formulate changes to the initial strategy aimed at improving its alignment with the decision makers’ thinking on advanced analytics and increasing the probability of its implementation. The suggested changes from the first research cycle were used to define the second cycle strategy framework. The second cycle strategy framework included a strategy development process that consisted of three main steps: • Establishing business focus and relevance which included an assessment of the value creating potential of the business, identifying and prioritizing of value creating opportunities, and an assessment of key underlying decision processes, • Developing business relevant concept applications which included determining their potential value impact and creating a ranked pipeline of decision optimization applications. • Selecting concept applications and moving them into production. The strategy development process was informed by a number of different models, methods and frameworks. The most important model was a detailed valuation model of the company. The valuation model proved to be invaluable in identifying those aspects of the business where an improvement will result in the highest potential increase in shareholder value. The second cycle strategy framework will be used to develop an improved version of the advanced analytics strategy for the researched company. Moreover, the generic nature of the framework will allow for it to be used in the development of advanced analytics strategies for other companies. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Ten spyte van die potensieel omvangryke impak van gevorderde analitiese tegnieke op die prestasie van besighede wˆereldwyd, is die toepassing en strategiese integrasie daarvan beperk. Hierdie probleem is nog meer sigbaar wanneer die aanwending van optimeringsmetodes oorweeg word. Die mate waarin optimeringsmetodes deur besighede aangewend word, is heelwat laer as ander analitiese metodes soos data visualisering en vooruitskattingsmodelle. Hierdie navorsing plaas ’n groot gedeelte van die probleem voor die deur van besighede se onvermo ¨e om effektiewe gevorderde analitiese strategie¨e te ontwikkel en te implementeer. Die primˆere doel van die navorsing is gevolglik om ’n benadering tot die ontwikkeling van ’n analitiese strategie vir ’n maatskappy voor te stel. In die lig van die afwesigheid van gepubliseerde voorbeelde of soortgelyke navorsing op hierdie onderwerp moes insig en kennis gevolglik bekom word deur die aanwending van ’n navorsingsbenadering wat die navorser in staat gestel het om ’n voorgestelde strategie te ontwikkel, te toets en te verbeter oor verskeie navorsingsiklusse. Die navorsingsbenadering wat gebruik is staan bekend as aksienavorsing. Die eerste gevorderde analitiese strategie is onwikkel vir een van die filiaalmaatskappye in ’n maatskappygroep. Die filiaalmaatskappy spesialiseer in die invoer, verspreiding, en bemarking van industri¨ele hegstukke en het takke regoor Suid Afrika. Die strategie dokument is voorgelˆe aan die senior besluitnemers van die houermaatskappy vir oorweging. Op grond van hul terugvoer is veranderings aan die strategie aangebring ten einde hul benadering tot gevorderde analitiese tegnieke te akkommodeer en om die waarskynlikheid van implementering daarvan te verhoog. Die voorgestelde veranderings is gebruik om ’n strategiese raamwerk vir die tweede navorsingsiklus te definieer. Hierdie raamwerk sluit ’n strategiese ontwikkelingsproses in wat bestaan uit drie hoofstappe: • Vestiging van besigheidsfokus en relevansie wat insluit ’n oorweging van die waardeskeppingsvermo ¨e van die maatskappy, identifisering en prioritisering van waardeskeppingsgeleenthede en die oorweging van die onderliggende besluitnemingsprosesse, • Ontwikkeling van besigheidsrelevante konsep oplossings wat insluit die bepaling van die potensi¨ele waarde impak en die skepping van ’n ranglys van besluitoptimeringsoplossings, en • Die verskuiwing van geselekteerde oplossings na ’n produksie omgewing. Die strategiese ontwikkelingsproses maak gebruik van verskeie modelle, metodes en raamwerke. Die belangrikste model was ’n gedetaileerde waardasiemodel van die maatskappy. Die waardasiemodel was instrumenteel in die idenfikasie van die aspekte van die maatskappy waar ’n verbetering die grootste bydrae kan maak tot die skepping van aandeelhouerswaarde. Die tweede siklus strategiese raamwerk sal aangewend word om ’n verbeterde analitiese strategie vir die nagevorsde maatskappy te ontwikkel. Die generiese aard van die raamwerk sal ’n gebruiker daarvan in staat stel om ’n gevorderde analitiese strategie vir ander maatskappye te ontwikkel.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2001 / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The technical college sector is facing major changes and challenges. Various new demands will be set to the further education and training colleges and their management. It will be expected of these colleges to be managed according to a well developed strategic plan. Strategic management will form an integral part of the institution's management activities. In this study the core elements of strategic management and the development of strategic plans, as applicable to sectors inside as well as outside the education sector, are investigated with the aim of developing a strategic management model for further education and training colleges. A strategic management model for further education and training colleges was developed and presented for implementation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die tegniese kollege sektor staan op die vooraand van verskeie veranderinge en uitdagings. Verskeie nuwe eise sal aan die verdere onderwys en opleidingskolleges en hul besture gestel word. Dit sal van hierdie instansies vereis word om ooreenkomstig 'n goed ontwikkelde strategiese plan bestuur te word. Strategiese bestuur sal 'n integrale deel van die bestuursaktiwiteite van die instansies uitmaak. In hierdie studie word die kern elemente van strategiese bestuur en die ontwikkeling van strategiese planne soos dit in sektore binne en buite die onderwys omgewing toegepas word, ondersoek, met die doel om 'n strategiese bestuursmodel vir verdere onderwys en opleidingskolleges te ontwikkel. 'n Strategiese bestuursmodel vir verdere onderwys en opleidingskolleges word ontwikkel en voorgelê vir implementering.

M.Com. (Business Management) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

Research Report submitted to The Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment University of Witwatersrand In partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science April 2015 / One of the causes of projects failing to meet their budget and schedule expectations is poor contractor performance. Small-medium sized contractors in the South African construction industry are faced with challenges such as poor management of cash flows, poor access to credit, not having enough capital to drive the project from their own coffers, challenges in obtaining finance, poor planning, challenges with getting competent staff, poor administrative capabilities, lack of experience and poor education, lack of management skills in general and the influence of the client such as imposing unrealistic deadlines. The competencies of the construction project manager are imperative to achieving project success in terms of meeting budget and time expectations. The specific competency of the construction project manager for handling small-medium sized contractors in South Africa are critical analysis, judgement, resource management, engaging communication and motivation. This study explores the need for a collaborative planning framework between small medium sized contractors and the construction project manager in South Africa, to address poor technical and managerial skills of small-medium sized contractors

Thesis presented in partial fulfilment for the degree of Master of Management (in the field of Monitoring and Evaluation) to the Faculty of Commerce, Law, and Management, University of the Witwatersrand December 2016 / The evaluation information has a critical role in informing decision making relating to implementation of the development interventions. This study is underpinned by the fact that the worth of evaluation information is determined by the extent of its influence on decision making. It is premised from the fact that there is limited utilisation of the evaluation information for decision making in the Gauteng Department of Health. Thus, the study is aimed at establishing the underlying institutional features and evaluation characteristics that serve as facilitators and/or barriers for the use of evaluation information. Past studies are reviewed to identify the knowledge gap and develop a conceptual framework to inform the research enquiry. Based on the purpose of the study and the conceptual framework, a qualitative research strategy with interpretive case study design and a purposive sample are applied to obtain in-depth description of the factors pertaining to the use of evaluation information. In addition, three research theories are employed simultaneously to understand the subject phenomenon and inform interpretation of the research findings, based on their unique concepts. The triangulation method is applied in data collection and analysis to ensure reliability and validity of the research results, with one-on-one semi-structured interviews conducted through an interview guide. The findings reveal that there are no systematic processes and procedures for identification of the users and uses of the evaluation information prior to implementation of the evaluation process. The emphasis on alignment of the evaluations to the institutional context is minimalistic in its orientation since there is little focus on the broader development agenda. There is no demonstration of facilitating inculcation of information use during the evaluation process. In general, the evaluation systems are fragmented, with no formal reward system for encouraging effective utility. The adoption and use of the evaluation findings hinges on the type of recommendations versus the institutional development agenda and capacity. There are no formal information dissemination strategies and procedures for confirming implementation of the adopted evaluation recommendations. The role of the evaluation champions is limited and thus manifested by low awareness and application of the evaluation policy framework and limited institutionalisation of the evaluation function. Last, the findings highlight key institutional features and evaluation characteristics that influence use and/or non-use of the evaluation information, which should be considered in-line with the proposed recommendations. / MT2017

A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Business Administration, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy. Johannesburg, 1992. / The primary purpose of this research was to determine if South African industrial companies have structured themselves appropriately to be able to deal with the increasing environmental uncertainty [Abbreviated Abstract. Open document to view full version] / GR2017