The research aims to identify ways to enhance the supplier selection process for large transformers at Eskom. The research was based on the hypothesis that there are significant opportunities to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of transformer purchases at Eskom. Large transformers are a strategic commodity for Eskom, due to the criticality and impact of the commodity on Eskorn's business. Eskom plans to spend R2.2 billion on transformers over the next five years. This indicates a substantial financial spend on the commodity. The opportunities that could be derived from transformer purchases are not only quantitative but also qualitative. The commodity, therefore, requires strategic effort in order to maximise the opportunities. The key findings of the research were as follows: • Transformer purchases and the organisational entity is complex, as it entails numerous stakeholders, complex systems, people and processes. • Eskom has not progressed from 'procurement management' to 'supply management'. • Eskom has a decentralised approach to transformer procurement, despite the strategic nature of the commodity and the fact that it purchases across the three main Eskorn Divisions. Procurement requirements are not consolidated. • There is a lack of communication and collaboration across and within Divisions. • There are no purchasing strategies, methodologies or tools to enhance the procurement process. • Procurement Officers lack knowledge on many well known methodologies, commodity knowledge, market knowledge, and supplier knowledge. • There is no focus on supplier relationship management. • Suppliers have indicated substantial opportunities for transformer procurement at Eskom. Implementing 8 World-Class SourcingProcess at Eskom with specificreference to the SupplifJr Selection Process for Large Transformers Pagei . The key recommendations based on the findings of the research are as follows: • Supply management personnel should be trained in world-class methodologies like total cost of ownership (TeO), strategic sourcing, supplier economics, supplier analysis, market research, etc. • A centralised approach to the procurement of strategic items must be instituted. This should result in a single person being responsible and accountable for Eskom's Supply management. • A collaborative approach must be encouraged by means of cross-functional teams. • Opportunities identified in the research must be implemented by a cross-functional team whom should be responsible and accountable for the implementation of the opportunities identified. • Supplier relationships must be initiated and effectively managed by the cross-functional team leaders. • The implementation must be monitored and tracked by the project sponsor. If the above recommendations are implemented Eskom would realise significant opportunities in large transformer purchases at Eskom. Should the recommendations be implemented on other commodities Eskom would achieve quantum leap improvements to Supply Management. / Thesis (M.Com.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2005.

In the 1970's Kotter wrote an article, Why "Wasting" Time Is More Important Than Ever, in which he described the average manager's day. However, what he described, and what many management texts described was contrastingly different. Texts described highly structured processes whilst Kotter observed the opposite. The interesting insight after revisiting the article, he suggests in a more recent article, What Effective General Managers Really Do, is that he did not think of the word leadership to describe the process he observed. The article, and the more importantly, the language used to describe the process was a function of the era in which the article was written. Surprisingly this was also the period in which strategic planning in organisations was widely used. The language and the times that are characteristic to us today are complexity, discontinuities, uncertainty, rapid change and unpredictability. The 1970's was the era of strategic planning models, the 1980's strategic planning models failed to deliver and so we saw the rise of strategic management, and, in the 21 st century even strategic planning models fail to deal with the current realities so we have strategic leadership. Today we have the language of leadership to describe what most academics and consultants describe as a revolution. This dissertation hopes to build the beginning of a basis for a theory for strategic leadership. Most texts of strategy cover the conceptual models fairly explicitly. However, given that we are in a transition stage from one worldview to another, fundamental assumptions about how we organise, work and hence see the world are questioned and becoming invalid. This therefore calls for a rethinking of the fundamentals that underpin the process of strategy and the models embedded within the various processes. This dissertation highlights the critical concerns for strategy given that there is a shifting worldview. The dissertation covers the basic evolution of organisational design to current practices and thinking. Most importantly the basis for thinking about strategic processes, given that traditional models of organisational design and strategic management fail within the current context. The question for strategic management, is "what next?" • We know that we cannot predict the future. • We understand that there are limits to the speed of growth and more definitely for development. • We can see the limits of management but are still attempting to describe leadership and leadership practices. • We understand the need for the creation of new approaches for organising work in a global context. Such concerns and their relevance for organisational theory, particularly the lack of a general theory of strategy, has led this dissertation to focus primarily on three interrelated areas, viz. strategy, organisational design and systems thinking It was also important to draw on the current failures of strategy in order to inform a position on understanding strategic processes. This dissertation in no way hoped to resolve the above, but rather to begin a process of building new strategic frameworks. Another troubling problem of the strategy field is that there seems to be no deeper consideration given to the problem; that each school seems to further fragment the strategic processes and tends to divide, rather than create a synthesis. It is understood that defining the entire strategic field into one paradigm is not plausible. However, a deeper understanding of the fundamental assumptions that inform the different approaches to strategy will provide insight into the re-conceptualising of strategic processes rather than devising new strategic models. These processes of redefinition involves surfacing of assumptions so as to inform a synthesising (or convergent) process, which follows the divergent creative process. In the strategic field we have witnessed the creative strategic phase, and we now require a convergent approach in order to create new basis of knowledge for strategy. In essence, we need an improved understanding of the nature of the strategic processes rather than creating new tools and models. This requires understanding of complex relationships in interaction. / Thesis (M.Com.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

A modular model named "Total Inventory Planning and Flow Control" is developed to better plan and control a manufacturing environment. The research into the philosophies, ideas and tools used by two apparently conceptually different manufacturing systems Manufacturing Resource Planning and Just-In-Time - shows that: * The main goals of Manufacturing Resource Planning and Just-In-Time are very similar; * There appears to be different tools used by the two systems, Manufacturing Resource Planning and Just-In-Time; * The two systems have different approaches to some of the manufacturing factors; * Both, Manufacturing Resource Planning and Just- In-Time, have "blind spots" in their system; * By combining selected complementary philosophies, ideas, concepts and tools from the two systems, a synergistic affect is created that overcomes the differences between the systems and covers the "blind spots" which occur in each system separately. / Thesis (M.Com.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1991.

This research sought to evaluate and analyse customers perceptions with regard to service quality they receive on the maintenance of government properties within Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga Province. The purpose of the study was to establish whether the Department of Public Works (DPW) provides the promised service dependably and reliably; prompt service; caring and individualized attention; and had knowledge and courtesy. The study was based on the survey that used a quantitative approach. The research population was for both DPWs. officials and the customers (tenants) occupying the government properties residing within the Ehlanzeni District area. A probability sample of 97 respondents was drawn with a population size of 200 occupants. The sample was composed of 50.6% males and 49.4% females. Of the sample, 70.7% were tenants of the government residential houses and 29.3% were government officials. Data was collected using the structured questionnaire, from both the DPW officials and tenants about their perceptions on the service quality. The SERVQUAL instrument developed by Parasuraman contained Seven Gaps was adopted to compare the extent of service quality delivered by DPW to its customers. The researcher realized that there were discrepancies between employees perceptions and management perceptions and it advises the management to focus on building effective communication channels. The gaps identified (i.e. Gap1, Gap 2, Gap 3, Gap 4, Gap 5, Gap 6 and Gap 7) formed key framework for the evaluation of service quality on the maintenance of government properties. It is recommended that the future improvement be identified to address the challenges. Key Words: Customers. Perception, Service Quality, Service Quality Gap Analysis, Property, Preventive Maintenance and Maintenance Backlog. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2010.

The goal of the study was to determine whether the factors that drive entrepreneurship in Durban, South Africa, are sufficient to promote economic development. In order to gain business perspective of the factors contributing to the success of business a non–probability sampling was conducted. A non-probability sample of 100 respondents was drawn from local entrepreneurs and some of the people who were interested in establishing their own businesses in Durban. The sample was composed of 44% males and 56% females. Of the sample, 17% was a snowball sample, which was made of 13% females and 4% males, and convenience sample, which was composed of 40% males and 43% females. Of the sample, 83% were entrepreneurs and 17% were would-be entrepreneurs. The convenience sampling was viewed to be the perfect approach to gather information from the subjects who were conveniently available to supply it. In addition to that, convenience sampling was the best manner of acquiring some basic information fast and efficiently. On the contrary, to collect data utilizing probability sampling could be minimal and could take long time to collect information. To save time and costs, non-probability sampling was appropriate. Initially contact was made with two persons who then picked up sample elements known by them. A questionnaire was developed to gather data. Statistical analysis showed that the variables presented significant relationships. The findings showed that lack of entrepreneurial background and government support impeded success of entrepreneurs. It was recommended that the government through Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA) and other agencies, and University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Graduate School of Business conduct more workshops for people who intend to start their own enterprises. This study could benefit the community in identifying factors that could help boost success of their businesses and develop confidence in them. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2010.

The informal sector, a sector which is formed by small businesses, plays the pivotal role in Southern African countries’ economic development and has predominately acted as a source of entrepreneurship essential to economic restructuring. It also acts as a social buffer for mitigation of the imbalances created by falling growth in the formal sector. Currently the sector appears the most viable alternative for employment creation to formal sector. The research notes that the economic crisis has exacerbated unemployment and poverty in Southern Africa in general, and Lesotho in particular. Low rate of labour absorption in the formal sector has meant that informal sector provides the best opportunity for unemployment reduction and poverty eradication. Further, it offers alternative employment and a source of income supplementation to formal sector workers as the formal sector is now not able to generate adequate employment opportunities. Factors contributing to failure of small businesses include lack of management skills/practices, marketing, financial, poor coordination and networking especially formation of partnerships, lack of knowledge of succession and strategic planning, poor access to credit and other problems such as lack of support from the government, and high tax rates. The infrastructure is inefficient and directly and indirectly hinders development and employment. Many small business owners are entrepreneurial but lack support both financially and institutionally. Measures are outlined to improve access to finance, formation of partnerships through buying syndicates, and access to relevant training. A vacuum exists in developing policies so governmental support to small businesses is also important in economic development. Recommendations are made on the restructuring of educational curricular through the National Curriculum Development Centre (NCDC) so as to address the environmental needs and also those of small business owners in the country. The key conclusion is that because small businesses are the breeding ground for new and emerging entrepreneurs, they have a major role in job creation for the expanding labour force in Lesotho. Lesotho government, relevant private agencies and chambers of commerce are urged to assist specifically the developing small businesses in Lesotho. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2010.

With many studies on small business entrepreneurship indicating high failure rates, South Africa is no exception. However, the small business is a critical sector of the South African economy, as it contributes significantly to the country's job creation, innovation, empowerment, economic growth and development. The government has also identified the SME sector as the pinnacle for its important national development strategies. As failure seems to be higher at the entry level, it becomes important that all business opportunities are properly investigated. This study first looks into the divesture of a poor performing business, K.H. Foods Services CC trading as Steers. The aim is to assess entrepreneurally whether the business indeed needs to be divested. As the funds from the divesture were to be re-invested, an investigation of a new business opportunity is undertaken. A Chicken Licken franchise is chosen as a better mode of entry into the Richmond market. A cost-benefit analysis was done for both cases. The results of the analysis reinforced the decision to divest and invest. The analysis also gave an indication that the new business was a better investment option when compared to other investment alternatives such as a financial institution investment and an insurance lump-sum investment. The new business venture showed better returns on capital invested, and its payback period was shorter than other investment options. These analyses were supported by a consumer survey. The purpose of the survey was to test whether a need existed in Richmond for a Chicken Licken franchise, and most importantly, to establish whether this franchise will enjoy the support of Richmond consumers. To achieve this aim, a questionnaire was used to collect a relevant data from a representative sample of all adult resident population of Richmond who visit public places. The quantitative data was captured and analysed using the 'Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Additionally, a multiple regression model was formulated and tested to examine the demand for Chicken Licken in the Richmond region. The results suggested an overwhelming support for a Chicken Licken franchise business in Richmond. Based on this survey and other strategic analyses, the decision was taken to open a Chicken Licken outlet in Richmond. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2003.

This study assessed various communication skills which a manager must possess in order to effectively communicate. This communication commonly would take place between or among individuals through a common system of symbols, signs and behaviour in friendship, circles, groups, and businesses, which would result in an improved business performance. This study concentrated on these two aspects of communication as follows: 1) Verbal communication: Vague statements, Ambiguous statements. 2) Nonverbal communication: Physical appearance, Eye contact, Body language, Confidence, Manner of approach, Listening skills, Active communication. The study looked at the impact of each of these communication skills without concentrating on the causes of each in detail. The study therefore would reveal the impact of each without identifying the specific cause/s of each skill. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2009.

This research investigated the economic viability of a strategy of individuals' saving for retirement. The strategy is based on acquiring rental property over the working lives of such individuals, and funding post-retirement income from the rentals. The main aim of the study was to determine the role that professional personal financial planners can play in that determination of the economic viability, as well as the management of investment strategy implementation on behalf of their clients. The study thus approached the proposed investment strategy from the point of view of the planner . A financial planner has responsibility in terms of the law, to provide independent advice; this requirement means that such a planner needs to investigate various investment vehicles for clients to reach their objectives. Such investigation requires a thorough due diligence process on the part of the planner. This study applied techniques of traditional finance and market research, to perform such due diligence. The initial research was exploratory; the purpose was to obtain a sense of market conditions in the townhouse market in the target area. The researcher conducted informal interviews with estate agents in the area, and observed local newspapers for asking prices on townhouses as well the rentals they demanded. Two sets of questionnaires were then administered to tenants and rental agents in the area. Participants in the surveys were selected based on purposive sampling. The major finding of the study, is that based its net present value, the strategy is economically viable. The study also found that because investor decision-making is complex, the role of the financial planner is to support such investors within a structured framework, so that the investor's life goals can be achieved. The main recommendation of this study is that, the investment strategy is specialized, thus financial planners should only consider it with access to specialized knowledge of local real estate market conditions. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2009.

Local Economic Development (LED) in South Africa has grown in significance since the 1994 democratic transition. This study investigates and analyses enterprise development trends in and around Mthatha, in the King Sabata Dalindyebo Municipality (KSDM) for the period 1995 to 2006. The study briefly examines the local economic development in the context of developmental local government with reference to enterprise developments. For the purpose of the study, a case study research method was adopted. Yin (1984:23) defines the case study research method as an empirical inquiry that investigates a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context; when the boundaries between phenomenon and context are not clearly evident; and in which multiple sources of evidence are used. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques were used in a complementary way. A thorough literature review was conducted to lay a theoretical foundation for the study. Secondary data was used from publicly available sources. Primary data was gathered by means of face-to-face structured interviews and questionnaires. The findings indicated that a number of factors have been identified as contributing to the retarded development and economic growth in the area, namely limited skills base, high levels of poverty, high unemployment rate, lack of co-ordination and integration of development initiatives. These lead to ineffective use of resources and a poor condition of the roads. Such factors, coupled with inadequate maintenance, may have also resulted in the failure to maximise the economic potential of the area and poor infrastructure provision that cannot support business or industrial development. The study further reveals that there are local government policies and legislative frameworks in KSDM to address municipal developments, although some of these are still in their draft phases. The Integrated Development Plan (IDP) emerged as the most popular local development plan and strategy, particularly, because it provides a holistic and participatory approach to planning at a local government level. The government also emphasises IDP in its strategic planning and development frameworks. The study undertaken will contribute to policy development in the critical area of local economic development and, more specifically, enterprise development. The study recommends that KSDM needs to plan and ensure that the developments that take place are within stipulated Spatial Development Framework (SDF) Guidelines, and Land Use Management Guidelines. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2009.