A research report submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Management in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation Johannesburg, March 2017 / The underlying problem of the empirical study is with the perceived influential relationship between technological opportunism and firm performance in a context of the banking institution in South Africa. The study combines the resource based view theory and dynamic capabilities perspective to investigate the mediating and moderating roles of strategic entrepreneurship in the influence of technological opportunism on firm performance. Quantitative data for the research was collected from the employees of the banking institution through an online research survey. The researcher adopted multiple regression models to study the data of 347 respondents. The study demonstrates that the banking institution is perceived to hold a positive relationship between technological opportunism and firm performance through mediating and moderating effects of strategic entrepreneurship. However, the higher levels of strategic entrepreneurship weaken the relationship between technological opportunism and firm performance. Firm performance was measured based on a collective indicators of new product success rates, return on investment (RoI), revenue growth rates, market share and profitability. Overall, the research provides fresh theoretical and practical insights. Firstly, the study is fundamental to academic research advancement and refinement of existing theories in technology, strategic management and entrepreneurship in a context of an emerging economy. Secondly, the development of technology sensing and responding resources and capabilities to leverage technological opportunities has to be viewed as a strategic enabler to organizational business performance, competitive advantage and this bodes well for the objectives of national economic developments. Thirdly, the study of an interdependence of strategic management and entrepreneurial orientation to technological opportunism is imperative to understanding how could these innovative practices be leveraged within an existing organizational ecosystem. / MT2017

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management (in the field of Public and Development Management / In South Africa's rapidly shifting socio-economic and political environment, many non-governmental organistions are in crisis, with donors, clients and government demanding that they change to meet the new development agenda. Although this requires careful planning and strategy- making,the three cases studied have shown that planning for change leads to tensions between need to retain the democratic and participatory ethos of the organisation, and the need to become more management and product oriented. In addition, the change planning in these organisations is often vague and and unfocused, with many different ideas and approaches for dealing with change, but few realistic plans to implement it. The research outlines an approach to planning that encompasses both of the NOD ideals by separating planning from strategy-making. As part of a learning environment, planning and strategy-making are participative activities that enable strategy to emerge at all levels of the organisation, while the planning process becomes action-focused and operational. / Andrew Chakane 2019

Thesis (MBA) -- University of Limpopo, 2010 / Refer to document

Thesis (M. Dev.) -- University of Limpopo, 2001 / Refer to the document

Thesis (MBA) --University of Limpopo, 2010 / Higher performing organizations are characterized by their effective implementation of their strategies and goals. The Mpumalanga Department of Education is one organization which has not performed to its maximum potential because of several factors. The purpose of this research study was to critically analyze some of the factors which affect the implementation of strategies. The following are some of the factors which are perceived as affecting the implementation of strategies and cause performance problems in the department. • Lack of effective organizational communication of strategies to all employees, • Shortage of relevant and competent human resources, • Lack of resources to support the implementation of departmental programs, • Shortage of appropriate policies and procedures to regulate implementation process, • Organizational structure which is not supportive of strategies, • Lack of influential leadership, • Lack of commitment by most officials, • Unproductive organizational culture prevailing in the department, • Negative attitude displayed by senior and middle managers towards strategic planning processes, The focus of the study was to develop strategies to deal with challenges as raised. Chapter 5 provided recommendations which are believed to be the cornerstone towards achieving better results and improve performance.

Thesis (MPA.) -- University of Limpopo, 2013 / The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges in the planning and implementation of government strategy by government departments: A case study of the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism. The need for this study was considered relevant and necessary as government departments face challenges in the planning and implementation of government strategy. Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, as a case study, face challenges in fulfilling some of its mandate. In terms of its strategic plan, the department seeks to address issues relating to economic growth, the promotion and development of tourism, and using environmental management to guide and monitor sustainable development in the province. These challenges have negative implications in the delivery of services to the communities. The ability of the Department to effectively implement the excellent environmental and economic legislation, at the same time the management of growth of tourism in the country remains a challenge. Although the strategic plans are elaborated, they have not been translated into concrete and concerted actions to meet the needs of the citizenry. In this study, the researcher investigated the following: demographic profile of respondents, challenges in the planning process, challenges in the implementation process, the impact of planning and implementation of the strategy on service delivery and lastly the disconnection between planning and implementation of the strategy. Data was analysed into themes and revealed communication, training, interpretation of relevant prescripts, limited resources/proper allocation of resources and effective participation of relevant stakeholders as, amongst others challenges to the process. The study concluded by providing recommendations to management of the Limpopo Department of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism on how to enhance planning and implementation of government of strategy. Some of the recommendations proposed are improved communications with stakeholders, proper allocation of resources, empowerment of employees, effective time management, discipline and responsibility and encouragement of a culture of change.

The research undertaken explores how the culture of a business can be changed. when in distress. Because of the intangible nature of culture and culture change, the research firstly identified what culture is and how it is represented within organisations before exploring how culture could be changed while a firm is in crisis. A number of pragmatic and practical ways of changing culture were identified. / Thesis (M.Com.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.

South African government has set out a policy and strategy for 'e-government'. This initiative is intended to position information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as a tool to facilitate innovative service delivery to citizens. The goals within the strategy include aspects such as lowered costs, increased productivity, citizen convenience, security, and interoperability, reducing duplication and economies of scale. Achievement of these strategic goals and objectives depend on the strategies developed for delivery. Each government department is required to establish strategic ICT investment plans that appropriately and correctly support their business environment. Furthermore, these plans must be aligned with broader national ICT requirements and goals in order to realise the e-government objectives. The ICT organisational structure and its placement in the department are considered as important factors for the successful implementation of the strategy. The aim of this study was to develop a framework for Information Technology organizational structure that is not absolute in a dynamic environment for the National Department Transport. The framework was meant to clarify the different roles of both user divisions or line function divisions and the Corporate Information Technology sub-division. / (MBA) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2004

Talhado Fishing Enterprises (Pty) Ltd is a squid fishing company founded in 1988, with sea and land based freezing facilities. Operating from the East coast situated in the Port Elizabeth harbour, the company processes and packages its caught and bought out product for sales to its export customers situated in Spain and Italy. The company is privately owned, 38.8 percent owned by previously disadvantaged persons. This study examines the whether it would be feasible to expand its operations into the USA, namely into the California area where a squid fishery exists. The study further centres around the company’s existing markets, namely Spain and Italy, to establish whether demand exists to purchase this Californian squid specie. The reason for the study is that due to legislative and political issues growth in the squid industry in South Africa is limited. It is therefore considered pertinent to source further supply of product in order to expand its business. The aim of the study is establish whether it is feasible to expand the company’s operations internationally and does the outcome of this initial study warrant the development of an in depth business plan. In order to achieve these objectives the following approach was followed: A comprehensive literature study was conducted with regard to the industry internationally and locally; Interviews was conducted with independent experts such as attorneys and industry role players situated in California; Potential sellers of businesses were sourced in the California and interviews were arranged with these role players; The response to the interviews was measured against the literature study conducted and financial statements supplied.

Thesis (DTech (Public Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2010. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 211-219). / Few issues in the public domain have attracted so much attention than the provision of housing to the poor. The provision of housing to the poor has always been a contentious issue, and has acquired special significance in the current political environment. This study describes, analyses and assesses attempts by central, provincial and local spheres of government to honour the constitutional provision of the right to have access to adequate housing. The study consists of an extensive review of the literature that comprises books, legislation and journal articles accessed from the Internet. In the process, a study is made of management theory, public management theory, and legislation pertaining to housing, as well as strategic management. On the basis of this study, an input/output transformational systems model is presented of how the Housing Department of the City of Cape Town can guide its management staff in achieving their strategic objectives. The model is a normative one intent on assisting managers to attain understanding of set objectives effectively and efficiently. The assumptions underlying the model emphasise that the model strives to improve performance. Data were collected by means of a mixed approach of a questionnaire and semistructured interviews amongst management staff in the Housing Department. The analysis of the data collected by the questionnaire was done using SPSS, with the assistance of a registered statistician. The study researched various aspects of legislative arrangements that can be utilised with a view to improving the housing delivery function. One critical aspect in the provision of housing that enjoyed attention during the semi-structured interviews is the transfer of funding for housing from the central sphere of government directly to the municipality without the provincial government acting as an intermediate. The study concludes by advising on the feasibility of conducting further research on the increasing involvement of the City of Cape Town in eviction actions brought to Court by private individuals.