The intentions of this research were to determine the general knowledge, transmission knowledge and prevention knowledge of AIDS prior to commencing an AIDS awareness-training programme; establish the general knowledge, transmission knowledge and prevention knowledge of AIDS after completing an AIDS awarenesstraining programme; to determine whether there is a significant difference in the subject's general knowledge, transmission knowledge and prevention knowledge of AIDS after completing an AIDS awareness-training programme and to establish whether there is a significant difference between the pre-test and retest scores in terms of general knowledge, transmission knowledge and prevention knowledge of AIDS, among the respective biographical variables. The results of the study established that all participants had some General Knowledge, Transmission Knowledge and Prevention Knowledge on AIDS. Employees who participated in the programme had improved their knowledge on AIDS after attending the training programme. The results of the study had found no significant difference between pre-test and retest score for age groups, race groups, religious groups, marital status groups and language groups. The results did however indicate some variation in pre-test scores and retest scores between the gender groups. The literature review examined AIDS from a biological perspective, a global and South African perspective and an Industrial relations perspective. The workplace issues pertaining to AIDS were discussed and responses to the AIDS crisis were highlighted. AIDS policies, training programmes and employee's assistance programmes were analysed, as options for organisations, in their fight against AIDS. A questionnaire was used to establish the general knowledge, transmission knowledge and prevention knowledge of AIDS of the 307 employees that participated in the programme. The findings in this study support the perception by companies that providing awareness training programmes will assist by increasing the knowledge of what is AIDS, how is it transmitted and how it can be prevented. This study revealed that after a training programme, employees were more knowledgeable on AIDS than before the training programme. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2008.

If one considers the view's of the "pessimists" too long, it is not difficult to lapse into a spiral of depression with regard to the nature of South Africa and her economic future; suffice to say that this in fact could be the stimuli in itself to result in the so-called "brain drain" phenomenon. However, though opinions and views of even the experts may be rejected or accepted on que, the figures do speak for themselves. According to one such report, a staggering 1% of the total science and IT workforce left the country between 1994 and 2001, some 17 000 professionals! Research studies and government campaigns aimed at addressing the issue of skill shortages, continue to look for appropriate strategies to properly address and/or minimize the problem. In so doing, research studies and current literature have highlighted top destination countries for South African emigration, skilled migrant impact as measured in terms of industry and job classification as well as prevalent reasons for emigration. The essence of this study is to uncover the most prevalent socio-economic factor, as perceived by skilled migrants, and as a contributory factor to the brain drain crises. This study aims to evaluate, specifically, extent of safety and security concerns as most prevalent stimuli for emigration. In so doing, the study aims to present strategy solutions in alignment with findings to aid in present government initiatives to curbing the brain drain. Furthermore, it aims to provide a basis for further study to develop government strategies for skilled migrant prevention. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2007.

Mobile telephony has become one of the most commonly used communication tools in the telecommunications industry. The rapid growth of mobile telephony usage and all technology developments in handsets as well as the mobile networks are generating tremendous changes in telecommunications. The changes range from sending text messages, being able to take pictures using the mobile phone, downloading content and being able to access the Internet using the mobile phone. Mobile phones have become an integral part of life and at the same time have established itself as a distribution channel of adult content. By being a distribution channel of adult content it is opening the possibility of children's exposure to adult content on their mobile phones. The availability and accessibility of adult content by the youth has marketing implications for the mobile network operators which need to be taken into account and it raises issues regarding the marketing of the product as well as the debate relating to the brand reputation, corporate image versus potential revenue generation. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2006.

The effects of urbanisation on maize consumption are considered in the context of Gauteng as it is almost completely urbanized (96%) and would have data that would be more readily available and up to date. Anecdotal evidence of a per capita decline in maize consumption is based on an expected greater degree of employment of the population. A greater proportion of women in the workforce is also expected placing time constraints on households. The resulting expected increase of disposable income combined with time constraints would cause higher consumption rates of convenience foods. The envisaged declining trend of per capita maize consumption necessitated a need to discuss Engel's Law which states with rising incomes, the proportional share of expenditure on food declines (Engel, 1877). Bennett's Law is also discussed which is an empirical generalization of an inverse relationship between the percentage of total calories derived from cereals and other staple foods and per capita income (Bennett, 1954). The population demographics of Gauteng are analysed, the main reference being a detailed comparison between the 1996 and 2001 censuses. Where data is available trends are extrapolated using South African Statistical Services' mid-year population estimates for 2004 (STATS SA, 2004). The demographics of the black African population, as the dominant consumers of maize meal, are paid particular attention. It was revealed that unemployment and poverty rates are increasing placing considerable pressure on, in particular, black African households. It was also found that black African income levels had not increased to the degree of other population groups. The HIV/AIDS pandemic, affecting mainly the black African population and mostly of an employable age, is considered. Mortality rates attributed to AIDS are controversial but an irrefutable dramatic declining life expectancy of the national population was found placing additional strain on household budgets. Also considered are eating habits by population group and by region made available by the Bureau of Market Research. / Thesis (MBA-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.

No abstract available. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2006.

South Africa, still very young in its democracy, has undergone numerous changes, both in terms of government and its economy. The new government with its challenge of righting the wrongs that apartheid left behind has bought about sweeping policy changes. Amongst these changes, was the implementation of new strategies in government's expenditure regarding infrastructure development. In addition, to address the transformation issue of improving representation, job opportunities and income amongst the previously disadvantage people, government brought about the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) and the Affirmative Action (AA) policies. These changes have arguably had more of a negative impact than a positive one, especially concerning civil engineering professionals in both the private and public sector. This dissertation discusses the above policies and the effects upon the demand and supply of civil engineers, technologists and technicians in South Africa. Since 1994 the South African government has steadily increased its budget towards infrastructure development. The recession during the seventies and eighties has created major problems with regards to secession planning which has resulted in the high skills shortage within this industry. The other factor that has contributed heavily to the skills shortage is the implementation of BEE and AA, as many civil professionals have left the industry or the country. The increase in infrastructure development in South Africa highlights the shortage of civil engineering professionals and the supply issues associated with perceptions within the industry coupled with the poor maths and science marks of matriculants not meeting the minimum university or technikon entry requirements. The trend at eThekwini municipality shows that there are more technicians and technologists than engineers. The municipality is finding it difficult to employ engineers as there are few in the industry and that, private firms are offering them much higher salaries. The results of the research show that both job satisfaction and salaries are important issues for civil engineering professionals that are currently in the industry. In addition, a small percentage indicated their willingness to leave the country due to the high crime rate, safety for their family and high salaries being offered abroad. - / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2007.

Caltex have successfully implemented a training programme (Appendix O) designed in New Zealand where it has shown various levels of success. Based on those successes Caltex want to role out this programme to the rest of the world. The home country is imposing its training schedule on the host country. The Caltex training programme is designed with the premise that one size fits all. Thus the assumption is drawn that the needs and habits of motorists and employees in one country are the same, as in other countries. The reliability of service delivery is often totally within the control of front line employees. When service deteriorates or fails, employees are essential for setting things straight and using their judgement to determine the best course of action for service recovery. The responsiveness of front line employees directly influences customer's perception through their eager willingness to serve customers. The assurance of service quality is highly dependant on the employee's ability to communicate their credibility and to inspire trust and confidence. Empathy to consumers needs shows that the employees are caring and attentive. This attitudinal study is intended to show that the Caltex training program of frontline staff will have a positive impact on customer satisfaction levels. The study aims to show that training and development of frontline staff in a South African context needs more than a general approach but also requires staff assessment and a practical on the job focus. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal (Durban), 2004.

The World Customs Organisation (WCO) predicted that the 21st century will bring with it major challenges. The former Commissioner of the United States Customs, Raymond, W, Kelly also remarked in the symposium for the America's 2000, a common dilemma for customs will be how to manage the "exploding volumes", of trade with declining or static resources. Globalisation has brought with it an influx of international trade. Production facilities being spread over different continents creating one virtual market place. This has brought about the need for increased Trade facilitation. Customs being the major role player in the supply chain process needs to provide efficient and effective release of cargo while at the same time ensure that it eradicates smuggling and protects its fiscal base. This responsibility that customs authorities are placed in makes it impossible to conduct high levels of physical interventions, as a result this has created a need for the use of a more strategic tool. The Risk Management Model is such a tool which if used effectively can provide value to Customs as well as the client's, it serves. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2004.

In April 2006 the new brand positioning for Standard Bank was revealed to staff and the general public. The new brand positioning focused mainly on employees and customers and to a lesser extent operational efficiency. The study attempts to find what meanings the employees of Standard Bank made of this new brand positioning through a qualitative case study methodology. As part of the study, theoretical models and concepts covering the brand, brand positioning, living the brand, employee segmentation and the 3-phased approach to implement the programme were reviewed. A qualitative research study was conducted whereby one-on-one interviews were held with managerial and non-managerial employees at Standard Bank. The research is therefore a phenomenological investigation of the business problem statement, that is, the re-positioning of the brand from simpler to better, faster as well as inspired and motivated. The research findings were that the brand repositioning did not have a negative impact on employee perceptions. However, it was found that employees did not understand what the brand stands for and were having problems delivering on the new brand promise. To improve the level of understanding by the employees so that the new brand positioning can influence employee behaviour, the researcher recommended applying the 3- phased approach in implementing an effective "living the brand" programme. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.

Executive Information Systems (EIS) are information systems designed for the direct use of the Executive to access business relevant information, including information about customers, competitors, key performance indicators, internal operations, stock prices and news. Classified as high-risk projects, just like any other IS projects, organizations have been cautious and critical in ensuring EIS successful implementation and continuous usage by their intended users, the Executives. Unilever South Africa is no exception, and would thus like to ensure a successful implementation and acceptance of its EIS. An EIS system that once implemented will be used, accepted and adopted by executives to drive the achievement of its strategic objectives. This research is intended to investigate and identify potential factors that are likely to affect user acceptance, usage and adoption of an EIS implemented by Unilever South Africa. The research investigation was based on a proposed model derived from Davis (1989) Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) that explores the phenomena of 'perceived usefulness' and 'perceived ease of use', as drivers of user acceptance and illustrates the dynamics of the factors that affect the users' acceptance of the system. The research data was obtained via questionnaires and semi-structured interviews of users from the Unilever EIS user group. The feedback obtained was then analysed and tested against three hypotheses. All three hypotheses were accepted leading to the conclusions that: (a) Users' attitudes towards usage of the Unilever EIS are positively influenced by both their 'perceived usefulness' and 'perceived ease of use' of the system. (b) The Unilever EIS users' 'perceived usefulness' of the system positively influences their 'perceived ease of use' of the system. (c) The Unilever EIS users' 'perceived ease of use' of the system has a greater influence on their attitude towards the system usage than their 'perceived usefulness' of the system. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2005.