The South African pension industry has been regulated by the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS,2002) and numerous claims have recently been brought forward by consumers of pension funds. The question arises, and the main reason for the research, is to investigate whether there is a lack of training and education on pension funds by intermediaries, and if in fact it holds true to say that claims that end up at the Ombudsman are in fact due to the lack of education and training by intermediaries. With a regulated Financial Services industry the primary function would be to advise consumers on a needs basis as first priority, and to make sure that they are up to speed with how pension funds work, the rules, and policy contracts. Pension funds should be made easier to understand and there should be no hidden clauses that will lead to consumer complaints. The research methodology was of a quantitative and qualitative nature in order to grasp the reality of the pension industry, to gather data from the intermediaries themselves on whether they lack education and training, and if intermediaries are in fact providing the appropriate training and education to consumers. Critical training was able to assist the researcher to find out what knowledge intermediaries and consumers did have about pension funds and where the gap for training could be found. Franchise Agency group based in KwaZulu-Natal of a multi-national Financial Service Provider was researched using a survey questionnaire approach. Semi-structured interviews from the same group were conducted. Critical training with a group of intermediaries and existing pension fund members on products and rules and benefits of funds was conducted. A training session with an intermediary conducting a presentation to propose a new pension fund was observed. A focus group session of five intermediaries was taped and an array of questions posed to them outlining their views on education and training in the pension industry and assessing their knowledge. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2006.

The small legal enterprise has a role to play in the current market place. To maintain this position, it must be able to compete against the major players who offer any prospective customer the perceived benefits of a large firm and the corresponding security that this provides. It should be able to identify the external attacks on its livelihood and respond in such a way as to deter future claims to its market share. The small legal firm can compete against any competition; provided it has implemented adequate systems and the management and staff present a unified front with specific regard to customer satisfaction and maximisation of shareholder wealth. The effects that the proposed legislative changes may have on the organisation would at this point in time be mere speculation, yet the likelihood of this scenario becoming a reality should spur management and staff alike, to ensure their own future sustainability. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2005.

This research report studies the application of Edcon's Asset-Backed Securitisation of OntheCards Investments in the retail industry. Asset-Backed Securitisation is a new concept in South Africa that has been largely practised in the financial sector. The research investigates Edcon's ability to adapt and apply the onerous and rigorous Asset-Backed Securitisation process to achieve their strategic and financial objectives. As Asset-Backed Securitisation is a new concept in South Africa, which was traditionally applied in the financial sector, the application of this tool in the retail industry would require drastic changes to the business practice of Edcon's credit operations and their strategic evaluation process. The first part of the research therefore concentrated on the evolution and theory of strategy. This discussion focussed on the evolution of the strategic planning process and eventually concluded with developments in the resource based theory. Strategic frameworks and evaluation techniques were also presented and reviewed. As part of the literature review, the theory on Asset-Backed Securitisation was also presented and International and South African Perspectives were reviewed with respect to the market for Asset-Backed Securitisation. Drawing from the literature review on strategy, a strategic evaluation model was developed for the evaluation of Edcon's strategic control tool of OntheCards Investments, their Asset-Backed Securitisation. The evaluation of OntheCards Investments was focussed on the structure of OntheCards Investments with respect to the theory of Asset-Backed Securitisation, an analysis of Edcon prior to the OntheCards Investments which took the form of a PEST Analysis, SWOT Analysis, Porter's Five Forces Model and a Life Cycle Analysis. The evaluation was concluded by conducting a v situational analysis of Edcon after OntheCards Investments and an assessment of OntheCards Investments with respect to its acceptability and suitability to Edcon's business. The conclusion drawn from the study was that Edcon had stretch goals and aspirations in OntheCards Investments. Edcon identified the critical success factors for OntheCards Investment and actively achieved the improvement in their credit management operations, which has now yielded an extreme competitive advantage that will not be easily imitated by their competition without major capital investment. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2004.

This research examines the effectiveness presented by Public-Private Partnerships as a mechanism to promoting growth and building capacity in South Africa, at both the national and local level. It is concerned with exploring the broader benefits of publicprivate partnerships outside the range of technical and financial contributions and investigates the extent of capacity building that is necessary to bring about stronger more sustainable partnerships. Comparison is undertaken by means of analyses of primary and secondary data to determine international trends and best practice in the adoption of the public-private partnership approach. A series of key informant interviews will assist determine the effectiveness and benefits presented by public-private partnerships through the perceptions of key players and policy makers at policy level and implementation level. Different case experiences will also be used determine the existing experiences of publicprivate partnerships and to establish a way forward for future public-private partnerships. It can be concluded that despite the infrastructure and service delivery backlogs and the crisis faced by most governments in the developing world, most world local governments are looking to decentralization as an option to promote sustainable development. As part of this process local governments have been found to seek solutions in partnering with the private sector to effect more efficient service delivery solutions to the communities served. Public-Private partnerships present a very good policy tool which can create many positive benefits if managed and structured correctly. For Public-Private Partnerships to succeed there has to be high levels of commitment from all stakeholders, and the process must be effected in a participatory and consultative manner to ensure that such partnerships are sustainable and beneficial towards promoting growth. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, 2003.

The current burgeoning property boom coupled with new opportunities created in and around Umhlanga has enabled Moreland (MD) to capitalize on lucrative property development. Although MD's residential division has attained phenomenal sales growth, this is however, not altruistically representative of a demographically multiracial South Africa. Demographic sales representation is exemplified by a discriminatory bias towards specific race groups. Residential sales portfolio reflects a discernible absence of Black African customers. Research undertaken for MD indicates that affluent Black Africans possess the wealth necessary for MD purchases. The problem statement delineates MD's desire to target and capitalize on emerging market trends by restructuring the division's strategy in the delivery of multiracial, especially elite black African, residential consumer patterns in Durban. This exploratory study through perceptual mapping, investigates multiracial market perceptions of Durban's residential consumer behavioral emerging trends. Primary data collated from intercept interviews with: real estate managers representing two affluent Durban areas (Westville and Umhlanga); affluent Black professionals as well as respondent data gleaned from the research questionnaire survey, is comparatively evaluated with similar studies conducted in America, United Kingdom, Australia and the Far East through an intensive literature review. Distinguished global emerging residential trends supplemented by eminent SA emerging patterns are identified for the assessment of local applicability. The amalgamation of primary and secondary data is utilized as a platform to identify strategies that would enable Moreland Developments to materialize the company's objective of attaining enhanced market expansion through the fulfillment of multiracial target consumer needs. This study encloses a strategically analytical expose, outlining the implementation of strategic options available to the company. It is envisaged that through the implementation of a selection of apposite strategies necessary to capture and exploit a lucrative multiracial emerging target market, MD would elevate its position to carve an enviable niche of a market leader and global player in the residential arena. Identifiable areas for future research are proposed. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2005.

In the research we considered the viability of the current student enrolment support system at the University of KwaZuku-Natal. The system relied on the coordination and integration of activities across campuses and reporting lines. Its success was dependent on the successful interactions between a variety of sub-systems and individuals. A soft systems approach was required for the investigation, which allowed us to deal with both the complexity of the system and the variety of perceptions participants brought into the situation. A theoretical framework for Soft Systems Thinking was provided in Chapter 2 with reference to General Systems Theory, Living Systems Theory and metaphors of organisation. In Chapter 3 different types of problem contexts were discussed, grouped and linked to preferred research methodologies. This framework assisted us to select Idealised Planning (IP) as research methodology. The boundaries and structure of the research process were described in Chapter 4. In this Chapter we also provided information on the selection and briefing of participants. IP philosophy supported participative planning; a seeking of consensus which generated learning and the striving towards an ideal. Our aim was to reach consensus on the transformations required within our system. Information on the application of IP in our situation and the learning generated during the process were recorded in Chapter 5. As much information as possible was collected and the transformations required for improvements were identified. We developed a mental construct of an ideal system and defined the properties such a system should have. An unconstrained design, not constrained by the current environment, was prepared as well as a constrained design in which our current limitations were recognized. The two designs were compared and the boundaries of the constrained design were pushed out as far as possible to incorporate as many of the ideal properties as possible. A detailed plan was developed for the implementation of the chosen design. In Chapter 6 we reflected on the suitability of IP in our problem context, the learning generated and the degree to which the research objectives were met. The project enabled us to consider our key processes and to prepare detailed procedures. We identified the problem areas in our system and the transformations to be introduced for the system to remain viable and able to cope with future demands. / Thesis (M.Com.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2008.

The purpose of the study was to investigate if art and craft small and micro enterprises (SMEs) in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands of South Africa view market analysis as being a vital ingredient to the growth and sustainability of their businesses and whether or not they do adopt a market-led approach to running their businesses. The study went further to ascertain if adopting a market-led approach ensured growth and sustainability as measured by increasing sales turnover and job opportunities created. Motivation for this study came from the realisation that SMEs play a vital role in the world as a whole but especially so in developing countries. As large corporations downsize, SMEs create much needed employment opportunities, jobs that are not easily replaced by technological improvements (machines) because SMEs are highly labour intensive. In so doing they help alleviate poverty albeit in a small way. It is therefore imperative that research be carried out on various aspects and arms of SMEs to assist the Government, SMEs and service providers make informed decisions that will help nurture growth and sustainability in SMEs. The art and craft sector was preferred as a case study because it is one into which the marginalised communities (rural population) especially women can easily enter into. This is because usually they already possess the skill to craft as passed down from their parents and grandparents. Raw materials used in crafting are easily available and are cheap (sometimes recycled). In addition, crafting can be done in the home at a person's convenience while they look after their children or carry out other house chores. Thirty out of a possible sixty art and craft SMEs who produce market and sell their own products were interviewed between February and March 2001. The datacollection instrument used was a questionnaire, filled out by the researcher during face to face interviews. The face to face interview was selected as a data collection method because of the advantages it offers such as the researcher and respondents both being able to clarify either a question asked or an answer given. Findings of the study indicated that only one third of the sampled SMEs adopted a market-led approach in running their businesses and all of these did so after setting up their businesses. This was despite the fact that a larger percentage (53 percent) felt that market analysis was essential to the growth of their businesses. Reasons for this disparity were explored. Further analysis brought out the fact that most of the Sampled SMEs experienced growth in terms of higher sales returns and more job opportunities created irrespective of the business approach adopted. However the market-led businesses had an edge albeit not statistically significant. Based on these findings, recommendations were made to Government, SMEs and service providers on how to assist and ensure growth and sustainability of SMEs. Suggestions for further research were also made. / Thesis (M.Comm.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2002. / The Eastern Seaboard Association of Tertiary Institutions (esATI)

Heavy reliance on private car contributes to various environmental and traffic problems such as pollution and congestion. Measure aimed at reducing private car usage will be more effective when there is an understanding of the underlying causes in the form of the barriers and motivators. This research was conducted to establish the barriers and motivators to using public transport in the La Lucia Ridge Office Estate. In addition to that it looked into the measures that can be employed to remedy the limited or non-utilization of public transport thereby reducing traffic congestion and encourage sustainable urban living. The data used in this research is based on the research that was conducted in La Lucia Ridge Office Estate in 2012. The data was gathered through the use of questionnaires. The questionnaires were administered in public places in LLROE and were targeting both private car and public car users. The analysis of the results found that the majority of respondents in the LLROE use private car as their main mode of transport and for those who use public transport the bus was their main mode of transport followed by minibus taxis. The results also revealed that the cost for both private car and public transport users was the key determinant in the choice of mode being utilised. In addition to that the unavailability of public transport at the time of respondents’ going to or from work was also another key issue. The analysis also revealed that the respondents were happy with variety of public transport mode for the LLROE. In trying to establish measures to remedy the situation the study revealed that respondents would support the measures that were suggested in order to improve the use of public transport and reduce congestion and promote sustainable urban living. This research is a valuable contribution in the field of public transport and would serve as a point of reference for other areas experiencing similar challenges. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.

The term "Intelligence" has for too long been perceived as activities of closed organisations, surrounded by myths, misunderstanding, and taboos. Intelligence is now regarded as a key element not only in business but virtually in all fields of public and private affairs. Intelligence is seen as a concern for every organization and nearly every individual. This study has been conducted in response to a void identified by the researcher in respect of the training of intelligence operatives attached to the Crime Intelligence Gathering Unit of the South African Police Service, Kwa - Zulu Natal. The study was conducted to provide a comprehensive insight into the effectiveness of the current Crime Intelligence training and skills development. The researcher hoped to help further the professional training and development of a cadre of intelligence personnel within the Crime Intelligence component of Kwa-Zulu Natal who will display the necessary confidence and authority in meeting and addressing the challenges of organised Crime. In addition the researcher aimed to provide the Division of Crime Intelligence with a model that can be implemented for future training and development initiatives. The literature review was conducted focusing on factors impacting on the training and development of intelligence operatives within the Crime Intelligence Division. In addition an extensive study on strategies implemented within the corporate sectors in respect of training and development was carried out. A brief comparison of training carried out within the FBI and CIA was researched. However the information available was restricted due the issue of sensitivity. The presentation of the recommendations was guided from the findings of the literature review. The problem statement guided the research methodology process deemed necessary for the investigation of the training and development of Intelligence Operatives. The research study was based on the explorative research method to clearly understand the dilemma and challenges facing the management of Crime Intelligence. A quantitative analysis was conducted on 120 subjects whose core function is Crime Intelligence Gathering and who serve as Intelligence operatives within the Province of Kwa-Zulu Natal. A well structured questionnaire was found to be the most suitable method to collect the data that was essential to the study. In addition a focus group interview was carried out to obtain responses that will provide insight into the training and development of Intelligence operatives. The questions posed were similar to the ones posed on the questionnaire and the individuals involved in the focus group were excluded from the sample. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations were made to assist the Management of Crime Intelligence with structured processes that can be utilised in the development of individuals whose core function is Crime intelligence Gathering. The recommendations were made on the basis of promoting a culture of proactive learning that ensures that individuals grow to meet the challenges that they are presently facing. Intelligence is a specialised discipline, thus the training initiatives need to provide specialist knowledge to ensure the effective and efficient means of intelligence gathering that is pertinent in addressing organised crime. A brief recommendation for further research studies was made to investigate the training and development of Intelligence operatives within Crime Intelligence operating within other Provinces. In addition recommendations were made in respect of the sample size and sampling technique that can be utilised for future studies. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.

This dissertation is a study based on the effects of electronic technology, the environment and globalisation on the global paper industry. The study aims to illustrate the effect that each of these aspects have towards the threat of diminishing paper consumption and to thereafter draw certain conclusions and propose recommendations to those within the paper industry. E-Commerce and related innovations such as the electronic supply chain are transforming the pulp and paper industry by reducing the need for paper, thereby cutting costs, reducing inventory and opening up new business developments. The effects of the changing world will have a major impact on the paper industry. The external drivers of change in the pulp and paper industry are increasing environmental concerns, global economic fluctuations, digitalisation and demographic changes and skills shortages. Pulp and paper production, consumption and wasting have numerous negative environmental and social impacts. The pulp and paper industry is amongst the world's major generators of air and water pollutants, waste products, and the gases that cause climate change. It is also one of the major users of raw materials, including fresh water, energy and forest fibres. The pulp and paper industry is entering a new era of business evolution driven largely by consolidation of industry, globalisation and competition. These market drivers are compelling the pulp and paper industry to place greater focus on cost efficiency. This focus is creating a new challenge for the organisation by way of information technology. The study entailed research by means of a questionnaire, each consisting of twenty eight questions, incorporating a combination of both closed and open-ended questions. Data was obtained from thirty respondents. Quantitative research was chosen over qualitative research as this methodology offers a high level of measurement precision and statistical advantage. Quantitative methods ensure a greater level of reliability of data. Research using quantitative methodology also eliminates or minimises the subjectivity of judgement. Further research was suggested and included conducting a qualitative study, exploring the aspect of diversification and understanding the recycling sector of the industry. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.