No abstract available. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

National Ports Authority of South Africa (NPASA) adopted and declared its commitment to a set of eleven corporate values, included them in their performance management toolkit and regarded them as the organizational driving force. It was therefore important that a study to determine how these values have been embraced is conducted. This is critical since the organization might think that having corporate values equates to being a value based organization. In most cases, senior leadership has an impression that all is well in the organization and most if not all employees are indeed committed to these corporate values. The study was therefore aimed at critically reviewing the corporate values with the focus being on the perception of employees. The perception of employees is an ideal measure on determining whether NPASA is gaining ground on its strategic drive of being a value based organization. The perception held by employees has a bearing on the organizational performance. It is indeed critical that organizations communicate and listen honestly to the opinion of staff as they are integral in driving business. A questionnaire on the set corporate values of NPASA was developed to allow the employees to choose whether they agree or disagree with the given statements. The statements in the questionnaire were linked to the research objectives. The study has found that the employees do perceive NPASA as a value driven organization and are of the opinion that their experiences as staff members are in keeping with the professed corporate values. The employees have shown an understanding of the values and saw the enactment of corporate values as bringing positive developments to the organization. The employees have also indicated to NPASA what needs to be done so as to facilitate and encourage commitment to corporate values. The study concludes that the majority of employees are generally identifying with the set corporate values. Although the employees are embracing and showing commitment to the current corporate values, it is still critical that NPASA continue to review, facilitate and encourage commitment from all its employees. The employees of NPASA are of diverse background and the perception that their, organization is driven by corporate values is a positive achievement for the organization. Corporate values bring these, employees together and the belief that NPASA is value driven assist in building commitment to the organization which ultimately translates to better performance. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2007.

The concept of networking has seen a sustained growth of interest of late from academics and practicing managers. The purpose of this study is to contribute to understan ding the extent to which business owners and senior managers within Ethekwini realize the importance of networking and, further, reveal the extent of their willingness to form relationships with other business owners. In pursuit of this broad aim the research made use of a sample size of 206 respondents, who were asked, and agreed, to complete a questionnaire comprising 25 questions. The questions in the questionnaire were structured in such a way that most of the salient factors that could affect one’s willingness to form relationships with others were reflected in the responses. The targeted population represented a variety of business owners and managers of different age and race groups. Most of the questionnaires were self-administered, and due to time constraints they were also completed using the services of four field workers. The quantitative method of data analysis was used to compare and contrast responses given by the respondents. The findings may be summarized in four statements. First, most business people are not members of bodies representing businesses like theirs and yet they are willing to become members. Most business people are ignorant of the existence of bodies representing businesses like theirs. Second, while business owners and senior managers in Ethekwini have great confidence in the future of Ethekwini economy, they seem to be feeling so individually, and not as members of network groups. Third, most of the respondents except those that are members of bodies representing bodies of businesses like theirs, do not talk to competitors. This is a clear indication that contrary to past research findings, some businesses do not feel that they can benefit from sharing information with competitors. Fourth, business owners and senior managers who have low self-confidence are less likely to network. They tend to keep information to themselves, perhaps, because of low self -confidence, not out of greed. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2009.

The objective of the study was to show that quality of packaging impacts on company profitability and reputation. The study looked at the company's current market position (especially the quality aspect) and where it wanted to be, and looked at other player's products quality. The study also looked at costs, especially the relationship of costs to profits. In production, the study compared machine and material performances statistics of local and imported materials. The study critically looked at internal records, especially correspondence between the company's purchasing department and suppliers of packaging and between the company's marketing department and customers. Vital information on all varieties of materials was technically appraised using internationally acknowledged standards measures from Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ). Field studies (observation method) were carried out in wholesale and retail outlets to compare and confirm the differences and variances in performance of local and imported material. The observation also looked at consumer activity at point of sale (POS). After establishing the facts, the study came up with practicable recommendations that would allow the company to overcome quality related problems; this having been the primary objective of the study. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, 2003.

Companies in industries around the world are in a race that gets more difficult every year, with bigger, stronger, and more innovative competitors. In addition, the rules of the race are constantly changing with the emergence of electronic business, globalization, disruptive technologies, innovation and convergence of industries. Competitors who have been in other races suddenly join your race with strength, technology, and new approaches to the market - often becoming instant leaders . Leaders are successfully developing new core competencies that enable them to be highly competitive and valuable today and that bodes well for their longer-term future. Strategy managers , constantly try to improve the productivity of their systems .A firm that can improve the input - output relationship normally increase profitability. Competitive position, one measure of corporate success is a relative dominance in the market place . Firms commonly establish objectives in terms of their competitive positions . / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, 2003.

This study analyses various perspectives on inflation targeting as a monetary policy framework in South Africa. The study uses semi-structured interviews with participants who represent the perspectives of trade unions, SARB, and academics amongst others. All the interviews were recorded on audio tape to ensure accuracy and effective data collection. The interviews of all participants were analyzed to establish degrees of similarities and differences amongst them. The study also looks at the relationship between inflation and interest rates. The use of interest rates as a tool to curb inflation is also discussed, as is the effect of the exchange rate on inflation. The Philips Curve Theory and the Fisher Hypothesis provide empirical evidence to support inflation targeting. Moreover, the perspective raised by the ANC Alliance partners were that an inflation band of 3% - 6% is too narrow, too low and hampers economic growth. Then Analysis suggests a significant policy shift away from inflation targeting after the 2009 elections, as a result of dissatisfaction from the Alliance partners of the ruling party. The main objective of this study is to solicit perspectives on inflation targeting from various political parties, trade unions, businesses, the SARB and academics, as well as investigate case studies from other countries. An underlying task of this study is to predict what South Africans should expect from a Zuma Government with regard to monetary policy. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2009.

Leadership has been defined as the competencies and processes required to enable and empower ordinary employees to do extraordinary things in the face of adversity, it has the added advantage of constantly delivering superior performance to the benefit of individual employees and the organisation, thereby improving returns on investment for shareholders. These behaviours include being skilled in emotional competencies. This study focused on the emotional intelligence factors considered characteristic of effective leaders. Forty-eight high potential leaders (HPl) that were selected as part of the companies talent management program were included in the study. Their ratings on the 360-degree Emotional Competency Profiler (ECP) where compared to a group of twenty-four employees that were excluded from this program. Qualitative and quantitative methods where used to explore the relationship between leadership and emotional intelligence. Focus groups were used as qualitative method to determine the relationship between emotional intelligence as measured using the Emotional Competency Profiler (ECP), leadership and the leadership requirements placed on leaders as documented within the talent management program. The results from these discussions indicated a positive relationship between, emotional intelligence, leadership theory and the leadership requirements of the company. Quantitative methods where used to compare the ratings of leaders with nonleaders. The gap identified between current EQ behaviour and the importance of the EO behaviour were used to indicate the leadership demands placed on the high potential leader and non-leader groups. The outcome of the study indicated the value and application of emotional intelligence (EO) as component of effective leadership. It is well known that emotionally intelligent leaders have the ability to engage the hearts, minds and imaginations of ordinary people. They inspire people to perform beyond their own expectations. These leaders create a sense of ownership, belonging, security and joint destiny in situations of uncertainty and change. The result is that employees trust these leaders and approach their jobs with greater commitment. The resulting teamwork, mutual support and co-operation create a work environment were employees become creative and innovative. Teams with emotionally intelligent leaders reach a level of synergy that lifts their performance to a level that is more than the sum total of the individual contributions. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

More and more South African companies have taken the route to list their securities in developed economies in addition to the Johannesburg Securities Exchange. As a result of listing on exchanges in developed countries that have adopted stringent corporate governance regimes, together with the fact that those countries’ securities exchanges have listing regulations that are different from those of the Johannesburg Securities Exchange, has caused these dual-listed companies to adjust their board structure and composition to comply with these regimes and regulations. South African companies are also operating in an environment that has a strong transformation agenda that seeks to transform corporations by giving historically disadvantaged South Africans corporate ownership and equal representation in all levels of economic activity. Most corporate boards in South Africa do not represent the demographics of society. The transformation of boards due to international listings, global corporate governance developments and local legislative framework has lead to changes in board composition and structure. This study examines the effect of corporate board size on South African dual-listed companies in relation to shareholder value. This study is extended to study the effect of corporate board size to other variables that may affect board size to determine their impact on shareholder value. Data was sourced largely from annual reports and other publicly available documents (e.g. investor presentations). Statistical methods such as correlation and significance tests were utilised to test if a relationship exist between primarily board size and return on equity of dual listed South African companies. The overall period of investigation is over a four-year span (2005-2008). Available data was manipulated to create a one year lag between independent (board size and secondary variables) and dependent (ROE, PM. TAT, EM and Tobin’s Q) variables. Dependent variables were averaged over the 2006-2008 period one year ahead of the independent variables period of 2005-2007. The findings show no evidence of any association between board size and the firm performance as measured by the return on equity. However, interestingly, there is evidence that independent directors are negatively associated with the return on equity. This unexpected finding regarding board size and the negative association of independent board members with shareholder value is explained. The study also provides evidence that a greater proportion of non-executive owner directors are better at maximizing shareholder value than independent directors. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2011.

The reliance of organizations on the use of technology to enhance business performance has been rapidly growing since the advent of Information Technology. In current times, it is unthinkable that an organization of any significance can even attempt to survive without the use of technology. Understanding the factors that effect the implementation of new technologies therefore becomes critical for organizations in their quest to survive and prosper. This study looks at acceptance of new technology by field support technicians in a technology support services organisation. This topic is approached by way of using findings from prior studies in the context of field support technicians. This involves verifying external validity of a modified version of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) developed in a prior study (involving healthcare professionals) for the acceptance of new technology in the case of field support technicians. The TAM explores the relationship amongst several variables (Compatibility; Social Influence; Facilitating Conditions; Perceived Usefulness; Perceived Ease of Use; and Attitude) and the influence of their interaction to Usage of a newly implemented system. The study was conducted within an Information and Communications Technology company that provides services to a large number of clients across South Africa. Data collection was approached by way of a census, with a questionnaire administered to field support technicians that were already using the new technology. Data received was then analysed and used in testing validity of the proposed model. Though the findings of the study were largely in support of prior research, a modified model was suggested for acceptance of new technology by field support technicians. The modified model takes into account the inclination of technicians towards experimenting with new technologies, a trait not observed with traditional system users studied in prior research. Since the study accounted for less than 70% variance in usage intention, it is recommended that further research be done to understand the “unexplained” variance, which is also common amongst most prior research. The findings of the study also suggest that continued research into the external validity of existing technology acceptance models for different contexts is justified. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2010.

This study is based on the subject of internet phishing, and the primary goal was to ascertain the level of awareness thereof that exists amongst online users in the Durban area, and to determine if users were able to identify the common characteristics of a phishing attack. Associated research objectives were also to establish whether users were au fait with the concept of internet security, and how the correct implementation of this line of defence can prevent possible further or future attacks. Based on the findings of this research, it is further envisaged that a platform be provided to launch a robust awareness programme to attack the insidious invader, thus avoiding and preventing any intentional havoc from being successfully perpetrated. An online questionnaire, being quantitative in nature and comprising 19 questions, was administered to 500 participants. A two-month data collection period was allotted. The questionnaire was completed by 228 respondents, and one of the prerequisites was that they be located in Durban. The data collected was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Although the analysis revealed that the level of awareness on the subject matter is average, the incidents of phishing attacks are clearly increasing. The deduction made is that the methods currently deployed to create awareness are obviously not having the desired effect, proving that this strategy has to be revisited urgently. The findings also demonstrate that internet phishing is everyone‟s responsibility and it is considered prudent for all internet users to make a concerted effort to learn more about the subject. The results concluded that a direct relationship existed between users‟ level of awareness and the efficacy of internet security installed on a computer. Users who were knowledgeable about the subject, and had installed Internet security software, generally did not experience malicious attacks and were less likely to be targeted. The overall findings presented in this study provide the aforementioned platform upon which an awareness campaign can be formulated to reduce the success rate, and the number, of highly probable future phishing attacks on a previously unsuspecting public. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, Westville, 2010.