Presently in South Africa there exists a rising demand for olive oil. Within the context of increased imports, increased distribution and the introduction of different product lines of olive oil by large retailers this exploratory study investigates the consumer profile of olive oil consumers in Durban, KwaZulu Natal. The demographic variables of age, gender, income and educational level amongst Durban consumers were considered. To properly understand the olive oil purchase decisions, the aspects of consumer psychology that were considered included exposure to olive oil, preferences for types of olive oil, perception and memory recall. These psychological aspects were considered in the context of the afore-mentioned socio-demographic variables. A quantitative approach was used in this study. One hundred respondents were interviewed using the mall intercept method. Respondents answered a self-administered questionnaire which consisted of 18 questions that captured the objectives of the study. The generated data was analysed using statistical software and specifically the statistical techniques of cross tabulation and chi-square test of independence. The data attested to the fact that there was indeed a relationship between age, gender, income and educational levels amongst Durban consumers which answered the first research objective. The second research objective involved investigating the reasons for purchase and non-purchase of olive oil amongst Durban consumers. Sixty eight percent of the non-purchasers were reluctant to purchase the olive oil because of pricing issues with thirteen citing supply or availability issues. The most popular reason for purchasing olive oil was because of its health benefits followed by taste. The study also showed that the KZN market felt that insufficient exposure was given to olive oil. The typical olive oil consumer in Durban is likely to be aged between 45 to 54 years old, a female with a tertiary education and an income level between R7429 - R13 787. The study provided the broad parameters of a Durban olive oil consumer as well as his psychological purchase decision factors to enable olive oil marketers to better solidify the existing market whilst penetrating newer markets both within and beyond KwaZulu-Natal. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

International trade activity is becoming an increasingly more important part of the world economy, and it is recognized that there is a greater necessity to gauge consumers' attitude toward both domestic and foreign products (Netermeyer, Durvasula, and Lichtenstein, 1991). Research in this area has focused on what is termed the country of origin effect, that is, investigating how consumers perceive products sourced from a particular country (Roth and Romeo, 1992). Substantial portions of country of origin studies so far have focused on the consumer behavior of people in developed countries. However, because multinational companies around the world have expanded their operations in various developing countries, it is now relevant to examine this phenomenon in the developing world. This dissertation examines the importance that South African consumers place on country of origin information and how they perceive the quality of products made in various countries, namely the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, China, India, and South Africa. Further more, this study examines the ethnocentric tendencies of South African consumers and the influence of demographical factors on consumer perception as well as the evaluation of domestic versus foreign products in South Africa. One hundred and seventy-six questionnaires were distributed to employees of the University of Natal both Durban and Westville campuses and of this total, one hundred and thirty-three questionnaires were returned. This represents a response rate of seventy-six percent. Data was analyzed using SPSS software. Statistics analysis of the results showed that South African consumers do indeed attach importance to country of origin information and that their evaluation of products is influenced by their perception and image of different countries. In line with previous research, the results indicated that consumers perceived products from developed countries as being of higher quality than products from developing countries. But they also exhibited a positive attitude towards South African products. This contradicts previous research findings whereby consumers in developing country perceive local products negatively. The result also revealed that price, country of origin, and brand are important to South African consumers before they consider purchasing decisions. Furthermore, the result indicated that South African consumers tended to be ethnocentric. Ethnocentrism scores, however, couldn't be generalized for all segments of the population. Differences were found based on sex, education and age. Young, educated, female consumers demonstrated less ethnocentric tendencies than other segments implying that this segment represents the best target groups for overseas manufacturers and marketers. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

The building industry in South Africa especially in the sector of smaller operators in the residential alterations and additions market is subject to poor perception in the market place. The low barriers to entry and the attractiveness of the market make it susceptible to a large number of new entrants. The concomitant extreme rivalry has led to many cost cutting measures, creating an overall impression of lack of quality and poor standards. The ease of exit in this market has often left dissatisfied clients with no recourse or redress in rectifying poor workmanship and subject to an additional cost of hiring another builder to repair problems. As a growth strategy, franchising has shown great potential over various types of industries. However, the building industry, and in particular the residential alterations and additions market has not been explored in this light. The most attractive feature of franchising as a growth option is the lack of capital required for the franchisor. The least attractive option is overcoming the seemingly fixed mindset of the public on price as the overriding factor when considering a contractor. Experience in the industry has shown that advertising in the form of word of mouth is the most effective means of gaining new clients, however with the nature of franchising being more pervasive, it is envisaged that client awareness of the franchise will increase exponentially with each exposure in the form of building contracts. To introduce a standard of quality and excellence in this market in a cost effective manner may be achievable through the introduction of franchising with its benefits of economies of scale, high management standards and, most importantly, the franchisee's will to succeed. This work will investigate fully the ramifications of the franchising option, test the feasibility, acceptability and suitability of the strategy, making a final recommendation on the franchising model to be adopted, should the research validate the strategic option. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

The topic of mergers and acquisitions, and their ability to create shareholder value, is one that continues to raise a fair amount of debate. Many studies have been carried out, both locally and abroad. They have attempted to analyse the wealth effects of mergers and acquisitions on both the shareholders of the acquiring and acquired firms. In some instances the findings have been fairly consistent across companies on the various stock exchanges, while other have produced controversial results. Generally the findings regarding the acquired firms have been consistent, across most studies, but the results regarding the acquiring firms has been less straightforward. This paper discusses the various types of mergers and acquisitions that a company may undertake, as well as the possible rationale for undertaking such investments. Some of the more recent and well-known studies that have been undertaken are then discussed, and an attempt is made to find a common thread amongst all the various studies. Further factors which "research has found to have an impact on the success or failure of mergers and acquisitions are then discussed, with the purpose of trying to identify the key reasons for merger failure, and hence the failure to create shareholder value for the acquiring firm. In other words, what are the traits or key factors that lead to successful mergers and acquisitions, ones that do not destroy shareholder value? Finally, the area of divestitures is discussed, because it is often believed that they are a key admission of the failure of past merger activity. Trends in merger and divestiture activity are also examined. Finally, a conclusion is drawn from the various studies and readings that have been done. The basis of this paper is primarily a secondary literature review. Two case studies are then undertaken; one which focus's on acquisitions by an IT Company which fail to create shareholder value, and the second examines an unrelated acquisition and subsequent divestiture by a listed company in the transport sector. A significant limitation that was encountered in doing research on the topic was the lack of availability of recent studies undertaken. The majority of the work done on this subject was researched during the 1960's to 1980's. With the only significant South African study being conducted by Aftleck-Graves et al in 1988. Although recent articles and commentary on the subject have been written in the late 1990's, I was unable to find any recent studies. The majority of research undertaken has also been done in the American and European markets, with as mentioned, only one or two studies being conducted on the JSE. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.

There is the potential to use solar energy as an energy efficient method of heating water, instead of using electricity. This study investigated the current barriers to the mass rollout of solar water heaters in South Africa and provided possible solutions to reduce these barriers. Local experts have already identified the key barriers to the rollout of solar water heaters and this study drew from the findings of international practises and applied these findings to the South African context. The barriers that are preventing the industry from developing are: the high price of solar water heaters, the lack of awareness of the technology, the absence of legislation, a tedious process for rebates, non–mandatory standards, insufficient training facilities leading to a shortage of skills and the low price of electricity. The research methodology was a blend of qualitative and a quantitative study including relevant theory supported by seven open-ended questionnaires completed by recognised industry specialists. The information gathered from the questionnaires was analysed and compared to the theory and international experience. The barriers to solar water heating can be overcome by having more government involvement in the development of policies to promote and educate the public on alternative energy sources. This lack of awareness on the technology can be improved by having awareness programmes in schools and frequent broadcasts on radio and television. There is a dire need for the development of cost effective financing mechanisms because the high costs of production influences the price of solar water heaters. Financial incentive models such as rebates, could be more effective in assisting the low and middle-income groups with partial funding for the purchase of the solar water heater. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2010.

When one purchases an item, whether it is food, appliance, pharmaceutical, or automotive related, one has certain expectations concerning the item. When these expectations are not met, one seeks certain recourse against the manufacturer concerned. Imagine the consumer's confusion when he is told by the manufacturer that they are not responsible for the expectations not being met as the item was not made by them but instead is a "grey' or counterfeit product. The average consumer is not aware that South Africa, as well as most other countries around the world has a major problem regarding "grey" or counterfeit product entering the market. This practice is an infringement of the intellectual property rights of the copyright owner. It is illegal, and like all illegal activities there is no control regarding quality, so the consumer is not aware of the risks faced in purchasing from such sources. This dissertation seeks to answer the key research question which is: How do the levels of Intellectual property right protection in South Africa compare to other developing nations with particular reference to the replacement parts market. And how can these levels of protection be improved. This will be done by explaining what intellectual property rights are, what they mean, and why they should be protected. I also discuss some arguments for and against the protection of intellectual property rights. I will discuss some of the organizations that protect intellectual property rights, as well as some of the implications of the lack of protection. The key research question in this dissertation is how the level of intellectual property right protection in South Africa compares to other developing nations. In order to help answering this key question, I will discuss six basic questions: 1. Is pressure being exerted by developed nations in order to improve levels of intellectual property right protection? 2. What are the general levels of intellectual property law enforcement? 3. What resources are available for enforcement of intellectual property rights? 4. How do the people perceive intellectual property crime? 5. How "user friendly" is the intellectual property rights protection system? 6. What are the levels of involvement of organized crime in intellectual property rights infringements? In closing I will provide some recommendations as to how South Africa could easily and economically move away from being seen as a developing nation from an intellectual property perspective, to being seen as a first world country. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2005.

This research investigates consumers' preferences and attitudes towards the packaging of FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) products and the influence that this packaging has on their buying habits and purchasing decisions. Respondents' likes, dislikes as well as key purchase drivers were examined. Focus groups were held to gauge the respondent's attitudes and perceptions towards packaging as well as their expectations of what it should be like. The researcher employed a descriptive research design method using qualitative methods to analyse the data collected. A total of twenty five focus groups were held, with twelve women in each group (ie 300 respondents). Respondents consisted of females residing in the Bedfordview, Sandton, Yeoville and Melville areas in Gauteng. One-hour focus groups were held during July, August and September 2003. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

The topic was inspired by my obsession for service excellence. Having served the retail industry as a photographic salesman and ultimately as director of a chain of retail stores, I was startled by some of the blasphemous remarks made to the insurance industry. Furthermore, I was personally subjected to poor customer service by some of the large insurance companies. In my current tenure as a life assurance consultant, I have made it my mission to harness good quality, good values and provide excellent service to the countless patrons of the insurance industry. The purpose of this study was to analyse service quality at Sage Life Insurance Company. Particular attention was paid to the five dimensions of service quality and consumer behaviour. To provide a background to the evaluation, a brief history of the life assurance industry and companies was explored. The evolution of new legislations and the governing bodies was put into perspective. The findings of the study showed that clients' perception of service quality at Sage favoured some dimensions more strongly. Recommendations were made to improve the gaps in customer-relations and a model for Sage Life's customer relationship management was suggested. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

Abstract not available. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

The Gauteng Province is introducing another railway system in South Africa. It is an 80-kilometre Mass Rapid Transit railway system. It is hoped to offer commuters an alternative public transport in addition to the current. The study uses a quantitative approach where a questionnaire was distributed. A snowball sample of 156 people around Gauteng was used to: - recognize the importance or value of outlining the possible impact on traffic during the redevelopment of the passenger railway systems; - examine the perception of the sample size with regard to the proposed Gautrain; - investigate whether respondents will use the train to work or to the airport; - find out what respondent’s expectations are on using the Gautrain; - whether respondents think there will be an economic benefit to them; - what respondents think about the time that they will save using the train; - what respondents think about their safety in and around the trains. According to respondents it is important for passengers to have efficient and reliable public transport. Respondents have confidence in the proposed Gautrain project. Most respondents agree that the community will benefit economically from the project and are positive that the Gautrain will improve the quality of life for the people in Gauteng. The majority of the respondents also agree that Gautrain will be a safe mode of transport to use. This study focuses on the mass redevelopment of the South African passenger transport system which seeks to improve the sector. It is therefore recommended that South African Transport be redeveloped by introducing alternative modes of transport like the proposed Gautrain. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2009.