In South Africa there is an abundance of research studies available for policy development but few of the results have contributed to policy development, despite a seemingly-receptive new political environment. This highlights the need for a health research framework at local level, in order to guide the link between research and policies or programmes. Although a number of studies have been undertaken, the eThekwini Municipality does not seem to have a framework to facilitate a link between research studies, the policy - development process and implementation (service delivery). This results in policies or health programmes that are not informed by research, and as such, are often a waste of the resources of the above municipality. There is no evidence to indicate that research results have influenced the health policy, implementation or intervention process. The absence of an explicit health research agenda at eThekwini Municipality has meant that health research has not addressed health priorities or needs, nor have the available resources been channelled towards them. The study comes at an ideal time as the municipality is currently reviewing its approach to service delivery as well as finalising the planning process through integrated development planning (IDP), a legislative requirement in terms of the Municipal Systems Act. This study will help to create awareness in stakeholders regarding the lack of a link between research and policy processes. The arguments made in the study are that at the local sphere of government (the unit of analysis being eThekwini Municipality) there is no Health Research Policy Framework. This lack of a framework leads to ad hoc health research and the research results not being used. In addition, the health policies and programmes are not being informed by local research. The main argument is that there is an urgent need for the local sphere of government within the health sector to now develop and adopt a Health Research Policy Framework for linking research policy and implementation. The purpose of the study is to develop a Research Policy Framework for linking research, policy and implementation for the eThekwini Municipality. The objectives of the study are to analyse the existing health research policy framework, identify stakeholders in the health research policy processes, determine their role in the health research policy process, determine the conditions necessary for facilitating the linking of research to policy and to propose a research policy framework for the eThekwini Municipality. In order to attain the above-mentioned objectives of the study, a literature review, document review, a consultative workshop and semi-structured interviews were undertaken. After the data analysis was completed the following conclusions were drawn: there is a need for a health research policy framework, the knowledge base of some stakeholders is lacking, there is a lack of participation by key stakeholders in the health research policy processes, there is a lack of communication among key stakeholders and there is also a lack of use of health research results. A proposed health research policy framework is provided as part of the recommendations, as well as the processes to be followed in implementing the proposed framework. / Thesis (PhD.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2006.

Since returning from virtual obscurity following the demise of apartheid in 1994, South Africa has endured eight years of aggressive transition across nearly all aspects of its social, political and economic infrastructure. Historically recognised for its underlying wealth of natural resources, recent efforts in South Africa have sought to develop the nation's intellectual capabilities and productivity. To establish South Africa's advancement in respect its transition, the primary objective of this research study is to empirically investigate whether a firm 's intellectual capital can explain organisational performance. Findings from this research study will assist to determine if South African companies appear to continue to rely on traditional business practices and perceptions, that is a reliance on natural resources for wealth creation, or are shifting toward a greater reliance on intellectual capital factors of production in determining company performance. The contribution of intellectual capital to company performance in the South African economy was examined using three different models. Model I - part A was designed to establish the decisive business resource in creating wealth in the South African economy? Model I - part B, Model 2 and Model 3 are proposed on the premise of the Resource Based Theory of the Firm in that, company performance is a function of the organisation's ability to acquire and deploy resources (intellectual capital) in such a way to develop a sustainable competitive advantage. Model I - part B, Model 2 and Model 3 were designed to empirically investigate the relationship between a company's intellectual capital and performance. Company performance was examined in three dimensions: productivity, profitability, and market valuation. The primary explanatory independent variable of the analysis was intellectual capital performance. For Model 1 part B and Model 2 a within industry analysis was designed. Two groups of companies were defined for contrasting multiple regression analysis using the different performance measures defined as the dependent variables. Group membership was determined by the company's primary source of value creation. The low-knowledge base group derives its value from raw resource (material) extraction, fixed capital investment and the efforts of physical labour. The high knowledge-base group derives its value exclusively from the efforts of people (human capital) and the collective routine systems, processes and information within the organisation (structural capital). For Model 3 an analysis was carried out across industries and proposed, that certain industries rely more heavily upon the use of knowledge and intellectual capital in producing a company's goods or services. Model 1, empirical results suggested that the dominant business resource in the South African economy is physical and not human capital or structural capital. These results imply that South Africa has not yet manifested the primary characteristics of the Knowledge Economy. Model 2, empirical results indicated only one significant positive relationship, between intellectual capital performance and profitability. This applied to the high and low knowledgebase group. This finding indicated that the appropriate management and measurement of intellectual capital would improve company profitability. Model 3, empirical results did not . support the hypothesis, that the knowledge-base of an industry had a positive effect on the relationship between intellectual capital performance and company performance. Overall, the empirical findings, based on correlation and linear multiple regression analysis indicates, that the contribution of intellectual capital to company performance are informative, but mixed. In general, empirical findings on the one hand suggest that although physical capital is the dominant business resource in the South African economy, the more intensive a company manages and measures its intellectual capital, improved in profitability can result. On the other hand intellectual capital performance does not have a positive influence on productivity in a company nor does it have a positive influence on analysts or investors. As a result, despite efforts to improve its intellectual capital base the business environment and market in South Africa still appears to place greater weight to corporate performance based on physical capital assets. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

The purpose of the study was to find causality for poor social change in the pharmaceutical industry in South Africa. Top, middle, and lower-level management respondents, including the CEOs, were studied in 11 pharmaceutical manufacturing companies. Human resources managers selected the participants randomly in such a way as to ensure a 60%-40% split between affirmees and non-affirmees. Participants responded to three questionnaires: the leadership questionnaire to determine if effective or appropriate leadership styles were being used with the respondents given their levels of readiness (ability and willingness to do the required tasks), the organisational climate questionnaire to determine what areas of the companies needed improvement, and the social change questionnaire to determine the problematic aspects of social change within the companies. Participants completed the questionnaires during a designated 45-minute period in their respective company headquarters. A clinical psychologist was in attendance to answer any questions. Prior to participating, respondents received cover letters, and the psychologist provided detailed explanations of the study. The main findings were (a) a mismatch in leadership style in affirmee-led organisations that was normally problematic; (b) differences in existing organisations compared to desired organisations; and (c) problems in the dimensions of support and attitude toward change in the mismatch group, which was the affirmee-led organisations. The conclusion was that, although external factors should be the drivers for transformation and also affect leadership style, leaders must be able to adapt their style to fit the readiness level of their followers. In addition, a proposed model for transformation in the pharmaceutical industry, based on the findings from the study and the literature review, was presented. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2007.

Globally, the social responsibility of business has become an important issue in recent years. In South Africa, it has assumed even greater significance given the enormity of the socio-economic problems besetting the country. There is an extensive body of literature pertaining to the social responsibility of large organizations, but little theoretical or empirical research has been undertaken within small and medium enterprises, notwithstanding the important role they play in the economy of a country. In cognizance of the aforementioned, this study wishes to expand the body of knowledge in respect of the social responsibility of small and medium enterprises, by examining the perceptions and behaviour of SMEs in KwaZulu-Natal regarding their social responsibility. The target population for the study was derived from the membership list of the three largest business organisations in KwaZulu-Natal, viz. the Durban Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Pietermaritzburg Chamber of Business, and the Zululand Chamber of Business, and consisted of organisations employing no fewer than 20, and no more than 200 employees. In general, it emerged that the majority of SMEs in KZN are involved, to a large extent, in socially responsible activities related to their employees, but are minimally involved in socially responsible activities pertaining to the community and the natural environment. However, despite their low level of engagement in the latter, the majority of SMEs in KZN rated their businesses as being either successful or very successful. The most commonly cited reasons for a lack of greater involvement in CSR activities were a lack of time/manpower, and the costs/impact on profits resulting from engagement in CSR activities. The study recommends, inter alia, that the local Chambers of Business and sectoral bodies should play a more active role in fostering CSR among SMEs; that the strategies and initiatives used to foster CSR among large businesses should not be used for SMEs, and that the phrase 'small business responsibility' should be used instead of the term 'corporate social responsibility', as the latter might invoke fear and resistance on the part of SMEs. In light of the research findings, the study concludes by proposing a model/guide to assist SMEs in KZN to become (more) socially responsible. / Thesis (PhD.Comm.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2008.

The study identifies factors influencing employee motivation levels within the University of KwaZulu-Natal's Information & Communication Technology Division's call centre. The research is based on Herzbergs's Two-Factor Theory but also considers other content theories which are also closely aligned. The research is also based on Adam's Equity Theory, a process theory, since this was deemed applicable to the South African environment considering the Employment Equity Act of 1998 and its application in the South African economy. The results showed that management need to ensure that employees are challenged in their jobs. Although employees have a sense of achievement, they are not adequately recognised and do not perceive any growth opportunities available to them. Management also need to improve communication within the division and consider employees personal needs and personal life demands. Bearing this in mind, remuneration packages need to be structured more appropriately to suit the different lifestyle needs of the employees. Management need to improve communication with the staff in order to reduce perceptions of favouritism, race discrimination, and gender inequity. The research also found strong relationships existing between intrinsic factors, extrinsic factors and equity suggesting that all factors play an important role in improving employee motivation levels. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2007.

It is an assumption that the investment decisions of the Master of Business Administration ("MBA") students are similar as the students have similar qualification and work experience. This study explores the extent of risk aversity in the investment strategies of students who are undertaking a dissertation for the requirement of a MBA degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal ("UKZN"). In addition the empirical research identifies the factors that impinge upon their risk aversity to evaluate any differences or similarities between the male and female students in their attitude towards risk aversity. The research in essence probes these concerns by examining the objectives, expectations, preferences and constraints of the respondents using a quantitative survey method. The findings of the empirical research indicate that the respondents are indeed risk averse in their investment strategies. Some respondents have an attitude of being risk tolerant in certain circumstances and in questions of opposing scenarios their attitude was one of risk aversity. The results show that male and female respondents are similar in their investment strategies although the degree of risk aversity was found to be slightly higher amongst the females compared to the male respondents. The choice of stable investment vehicles, the expectation of earning consistent returns, the need to secure funds for future liability or to compensate for potential future risk, the constraints of income and job security and the need for long-term security were some of the factors influencing the extent of their risk aversity. The research findings point to the desirability of further research into the defined sample unit across other accredited MBA institutions in South Africa. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the impediments to the expansion of small black owned businesses in Durban. The study was based on the assumption that small black owned businesses are not expanding in Durban despite the support from eThekwini Municipality, Government and Black Economic Empowerment policies. Participation in seminars, conferences and meetings in which barriers to the expansion of SMMEs were discussed also helped in data collection, and the questionnaires were also given to the small black owned businesses. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the small black business owners who have experience as small entrepreneurs. Websites of SMMEs like Khula and Ntsika were visited to establish the direction of SMMEs in Durban. Visits to eThekwini Municipality and South African Chamber of Commerce helped in gathering the information about the impediments to the expansion of small black entrepreneurs. The finding was that small black owned businesses are facing serious impediments such as lack of capital, lack of training and lack of government support. It was recommended that the UKZN-Graduate School of Business should provide small businesses development courses interpreted in both English and Zulu. It was also recommended that Government establish one central office for entrepreneurs to sort out licenses, tax and service contracts. It is recommended that South African Revenue Service to be a right place for sorting out licenses, tax and service contracts. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2008.

This research was conducted to evaluate the adoption of inflation targeting in South Africa as a strategy to maintain price stability. The research was based on the period prior to inflation targeting and the period of inflation targeting. The comparison was done to determine if the Reserve Bank was on the right track in adopting inflation targeting. The research was conducted to determine if there is any correlation between CPIX inflation and other factors affecting inflation. The factors investigated were: food inflation, transport inflation, housing inflation, exchange rate, Brent crude oil, money supply, and the current account deficit to the GDP. The correlation studies were conducted during the same period and when the factors were lagged up to eight quarters. The correlations were statistically tested at 5% significant level. The results show that the period of inflation targeting has a strong correlation compared to the period prior to inflation targeting, when compared during the same time period and lagged time period. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.

This dissertation reports on the research work of a new business improvement methodology called the design for Six Sigma (DFSS) conducted within a global resources company with specific reference to Manganese Metal Company (MMC), a subsidiary of BHP Billiton (BHPB). The aim of this research was by means of a case study, through action research, to investigate, analyse and evaluate the "Define, Measure, Analyse, Design and Verify" (DMADV) model proposed by Picard (2004) with specific reference to a new product design. The study was concerned with identifying the BHPB strategic business reasons, effects and analysing the financial impact of implementing a DFSS project pertaining to a new product design at MMC. The literature review highlighted that DFSS enhances revenue growth, quality and reliability for a new product. The key findings were that DFSS does not exist within MMC and BHPB, the DFSS methodology could improve and enhance the revenue for a new product design at MMC and none of the BHPB customer sector groups are reporting any operating excellence (OE) annualised cost improvement benefits for DFSS projects. The main recommendation emerging from this research is that an integrated DFSS process will enable BHPB to identify critical leverage points for improving the overall financial performance in achieving the FY09 OE objective of $1 billion in annualised cost improvement benefits thus achieving the world class benchmark standard set by General Electric Corporation.

Using Soft Systems Methodology, this dissertation presents an evaluation of the incidence of HIV/AIDS among ABET educators and learners in the Lebombo Ward Centres. The researcher aims to recommend ways and means that it is hoped could decrease the alarmingly high death rate of educators and learners in this part of northern KwaZulu-Natal. The painful physical and emotional effects of the virulent HIV/AIDS pandemic, and also the longterm consequences for both individuals and their families, are making many ABET educators' lives extremely complex and difficult. Many ABET Centres are facing teething problems connected to HIV/AIDS because centre managers and tutors do not have sufficient knowledge, skills and resources to be able to cope proactively and resourcefully with the difficulties that confront them. The unabated spread of HIV/AIDS in this particular area (Lebombo) is damaging and ravaging the society and undermining education at large. The researcher also wants to contribute towards a stage being reached, both by the education authorities and by individuals within the society, at which relevant and effective ways and means can be found to understand better the underlying factors that are feeding this scourge, to transmit requisite knowledge more effectively, and to introduce measures that will begin to turn around the tragically high incidence of HIV/AIDS in this area. Further, the researcher will point to, and explore, social issues and social behaviours that are impacting negatively on the spread of HIV/AIDS, such as sexual abuse of schoolgirls by educators, the widespread practising of unprotected sex by educators, the disregard for human rights that this entails, continuing gender-based prejudices, the prevalence of superstition, and the tendency among many people to disregard warnings about HIV/AIDS. / Thesis (M.Com.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2008.