Many companies involved in the seed industry have launched ecommerce ventures, these include amongst others, Starke Ayres, Johnny's Selected and Opposition 1. Amazon.com is the undisputed leader in ecommerce retailing. There are various website design features that are available that can be used to enhance the users online experience; however the implementation of these features are inconsistent across ecommerce websites. The websites of Starke Ayres, Johnny's Selected, Opposition 1 and Amazon.com were evaluated against a list of website design features (best practices model) that would enhance the user's online experience when interacting with the website. The best practices model was setup considering the user enhancing website features that would satisfy the website functional requirements of Content, Communication, Commerce and Community, as well as user enhancement through the use of navigation features. The cluster analysis was conducted to establish the relatedness of the four websites for the implementation of the website design features identified in the best practices model. It was found that the websites used a varying number of website design features that would enhance the user's online experience. Also, none of the sites satisfied the best practices model completely, thus there is room for improvement even for Amazon.com. It was recommended that Starke Ayres and Opposition 1 commence the improvement of the website with the implementation of the low cost features which are relatively easy to implement as these would significantly improve the website without the requirement of large amount of capital. Significant investment of capital will however be required to improve the website so that it is at the cutting edge of website design. The website needs to be developed into a cutting edge website in the industry so that the company can develop its ecommerce venture into a strong competitive advantage. / Thesis (MBA) University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

This dissertation examines leadership and leadership development issues in family businesses. The data was collected during late 2003 through qualitative surveys and interviews with family businesses in South Africa. Research findings indicate family business leaders place high importance on selection and development of the next generation leader. The ability and desire ofthe next generation to lead the business is of concern to family business leaders as is the senior generation's ability to let go during transition. Non-family employees are valued as contributors to business success. Gaining the respect of employees is valued as an important aspect of next generation leadership development. Leadership development across generations in family businesses also occurs by the example and values of previous generations. Leadership development involves entering the business at a young age, learning to work hard, acquiring formal education, gaining independent work experience, and engaging in continuing education. Family business leadership needs for education and research include working with family and business dynamics, education in functional business areas, models for effective leadership transitions, forums for peer interaction, and tools for dealing with ownership and estate transitions. Stories told and retold in family businesses reflect sacrifice, fmancial and legal crisis, and disasters. The leadership lessons of theses stories center on hard work, persistence, vision and values, and recognition that the family business is about more than money. Conclusions include that leadership development in family businesses occurs through a synthesis of example from previous generation(s), work experience, and the process of earning employee respect. Recommendations are made for future research on (a) the role of example in family business leadership development, and (b) how stories play a role in passing on values to succeeding generations in family business. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

This study was conducted in Ethekwini Municipality, between May 2003 and August 2003. The aim of this study was to analyse and evaluate the economic development strategy implemented by the city. The major concern of the research was to locate strategy responsibility within broad economic transformation. Since 1996 Durban has been at the forefront of change in urban management as far as South African cities are concerned. Strict fiscal controls and innovative transformation programmes have ensured that the Council has managed to walk the delicate tightrope between maintaining established areas and uplifting historically disadvantaged ones. The strategic integration of the world markets brought about by the growth of transnational and multinational enterprise activity requires very responsive management with flatter and more flexible organisational structures in order to adapt to an everchanging business climate. This leads organisations to develop partnerships in order to increase their weapons to face the tight global competition. Organisations have tried many strategies, but in most cases, they are not suitable for the competitive edge as might be the company goal. It is questionable whether the wrong strategies are implemented in wrong organisations, the right to the wrong or the lack of leadership? This means that the managers must not focus on rigid strategies but focus on those strategies that will lead the organisation to exploit opportunities. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

The major aim of the study is to establish· whether a relationship exists between the composition and effectiveness of the board of directors. Selection, particularly selection procedures became relevant in the study, whether there were different selection procedures for board of directors in South Africa. Developing common selection guidelines and board composition profile is an important element of this study. A case study research method was used to collect data. The sample was drawn from KwaZulu-Natal based companies including 25 directors of companies not necessarily members of the companies in our sample. The sample parameters included a listed conglomerate, municipal funded, unlisted private, black economic empowerment and parastal companies. The conclusion is that, composition does impact on the effectiveness of the board of directors. Secondly, boards of directors have different composition profiles. Furthermore, their selection procedures differ to an extent. These differences are driven by the needs of the organization rather than sectoral location. However, sectoral imperatives do have an influence, which cannot be completely excluded. Whilst, the study found that there were certain uniform requirements to be met by all companies in terms of corporate governance, there were certain instances where the universality of guidelines and/or models and/or perspectives were suspect due to a number of factors. Accordingly. recommendations and/or guidelines are outlined to improve effectiveness of the board of directors. These entail amongst other issues: ~ Board Structure and size ~ Board Composition ~ Board Selection ~ Board Induction ~ The Chairman's Role ~ The Roles of Chief Executive Officers ~ The Role of Executive Directors ~ The Role of Non-Executive Directors ~ The Executive Director ~ Board Committees ~ Gender Equality and Diversity ~ Compensation of the Board ~ Board Appraisal / Evaluation ~ Shareholder Activism Enforcement takes precedence over voluntary compliance to corporate governance in the guidelines recommended in this study. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

The increased globalisation of the automotive industry of South Africa has brought with it both opportunities and threats for the various players. Companies taking advantage of the government's Motor Industry Development Plan have quickly learned that exporting both components and vehicles is the most suitable way forward. Toyota SA, in its new role as a global player has strategized that sourcing parts from local suppliers will give it the competitive advantage to then compete internationally. The company has planned to increase its local content targets from 40% to around 70% in the next few years. The question that rises to the fore is "are the local suppliers able to cope in meeting this challenge?" This study explores the various issues faced by Toyota SA as well as its local suppliers in attempting to achieve these targets. While Toyota SA has to deliver the expectations of developed countries, it is faced by a local supplier base that for many reasons, lags behind the rest of the world. The study adopts classical techniques for analysis as well as recent techniques in evaluating the suitability of the increased localisation strategy. Finally, based on the impact of the various forces, recommendations are made as to the strong and weak points of the strategy. Poor product development capabilities and technical/operational improvement requirements at suppliers, the lack of internal resources at Toyota SA and finally the weak second and lower tier supplier levels all emerge as issues to be addressed. These issues cannot be ignored for the implementation of the increased localisation strategy to be successful. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

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

Over the past two decades, derivatives have demonstrated their important role in the financial market. At the same time, they have been criticized for some severe financial losses (Eales, 2004). These instruments enhance the ability to differentiate risk and allocate it to those investors most able and willing to take it. It appears that along with the benefits of powerful new tool for managing risks and the ability to create preferred return patterns, the use of various derivatives instruments has become what often appears to be a substantial risk (McHenry, 1995). This research aims to investigate whether financial institutions in Namibia use derivatives instruments and to ascertain the risk management practices that institutions have put in place in order to avert huge derivative losses. This survey covered all the portfolio managers that register with the Namibia Financial Institution Supervisory Body. The sample was chosen for the reason that portfolio managers are usually at the center of derivative trading dealing on behalf of their clients as market markers or trading on their own account. Overall, this research reveals that 64.7% of financial institution in Namibia use derivatives instruments. Although institutions use derivatives for different reasons, hedging was rated high among derivative users with 58.3% followed by asset allocation with 45.5%. Accessing to market is rated third. It is also found that future contract and swaps are the most traded derivatives instrument, followed by forward contracts. This research discovers that significant proportions (61.5%) of derivatives users find that derivatives are helpful and they will increase usage in the next financial year. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2008.

This study seeks to establish whether the introduction of new products between 1995 and 2003 created value for the customers and if the bank's key performance indicators such as profitability and market share improved as a result. The research also intends to identify the benefits and problems associated with development and introduction of new products in the banking sector, and whether or not the benefits are worth the effort and resources invested. Literature on segmentation, product development and customer care, from popular authors such as Kotler were applied. Subjects used were 29 Zimbabwe Banking Corporation Limited customers and 10 non-customers. The self-administered structured questionnaire, in conjunction with face-to-face interviews were used throughout the study. To ensure relevance and reliability of responses, only randomly selected companies and individuals were interviewed. Overall almost three quarters of the respondents affirmed that new products and refurbishments are effective because customer choice is increased, and that simply by introducing new products, the company shows an image of great customer focus. The introduction of new products and refurbishment of branches was also said to enhance the image of the bank. Others associated such changes with increased speed of service and better, more convenient products. Comparing the period before renovations with the one after, the new products introduced and branch refurbishments have had positive impact on the performance of ZIMBANK, as very significant improvements have been noted especially on the aspects of customer service, quality of products and increase in branch network. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

No abstract available. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.

Background The medical schemes industry has been characterised by extreme uncertainty in recent times. Industry turbulence can be attributed to a number of factors that have impacted on the manner in which business is conducted. Amongst these the most significant is the change in legislation that has occurred in the laws governing the administration of medical schemes. The industry is characterised by an increasing number of schemes competing for a finite number of profitable customers. In light of these changes, it was thought prudent to investigate the consumer behaviour characteristics surrounding this industry. Objectives The objective of the study was to determine the factors that influence consumers to choose particular medical schemes over others. To this end it was hypothesised that four factors, namely price, benefits offered, ancillary benefits and broker influence played significant role in the decision making process of consumers . Methods Data was collected using a research questionnaire. This questionnaire was issued to respondents who had recently purchased, or attempted to purchase medical cover. Contact was made with the respondents via a snowball sampling method, using insurance brokers as points of contact. The questionnaire was composed of a mixture of open ended, dichotomous and disconfirmation scale type questions . Results Of the four factors that were hypothesised to significantly influence consumers in their choice of medical schemes, it was found that two were proved correct. These being, the benefits offered and the price of the offering respectively. The third hypothesis, the effect of an ancillary benefits programme was found to influence the consumer in their choice, however respondents did not regard the programmes as vital. They did however indicate that they tried to purchase cover that included an ancillary benefits programme. The final hypothesis was disproved as it was found that consumers did not always follow the recommendations of the broker in choosing a medical scheme. They were however found to consult extensively with vanous brokers regarding the types of cover that are available. The final choice between medical schemes were however made by the consumer independently of the brokers influence. Conclusion It is recommended that further research be conducted to ensure that consumer needs harmonize with the medical schemes product offerings. The importance of the various factors that compromise the purchasing process should be measured against each other to determine the importance that consumers place on a specific factor. This prevents medical schemes from placing emphasis on unwanted product features and thereby wasting valuable resources. Further investigation into the topic should encompass all aspects that are deemed relevant, as well as a cross tabulation between the variable factors influencing consumer choice and consumers demographic information. This would further aid the organisations to firstly create more efficient market segments, and secondly to more effectively match product offerings with the given segments. / Thesis (M.B.A.)-University of Natal,Durban, 2003.