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

At the dawn of democracy in South Africa, there were still an estimated 12 million people without adequate water supply services and nearly 21 million people without adequate sanitation services (Strategic Framework for Water Services, 2003). Since then South Africa has made great strides in reducing this gross inequality in water services provision. In response to this evident challenge, the South African Government has developed various key pieces of Local Government legislation which aim to address water services. To speed up water services provision, a number of service delivery strategies and agents were explored. The Mvula Trust is one such agent that was established in 1993 with the sole mandate of supporting the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF) to develop affordable and sustainable water services in both rural and peri-urban parts of South Africa. After the establishment of Local Government in year 2000, the Mvula Trust had to enter into a new contract with this tier of government for the continuation of their primary constitutional mandate for water services delivery. In order to respond to the new operational requirement put on it and to align itself with the Local Government mandate, Mvula Trust embarked on the process of crafting its new strategy that would strengthen its ability to support the water services delivery role of Local Government. Hence the main objective of this research study was to conduct a rigorous evaluation of Mvula's Strategic Business Plan (SBP) developed in 2003 by subjecting it to contemporary strategic planning processes. The study also looks at the extent to which the crafted five-year strategy has supported three northern KwaZulu-Natal District Municipalities of Uthungulu, Umkhanyakude and Zululand to deliver water services to their respective communities. A qualitative approach was employed to gather data about the situation under investigation. The first step was to gather secondary data from documents developed by both Mvula and the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. The second step entailed collecting data from officials of Uthungulu, Umkhanyakude and Zululand District Municipalities using the questionnaire. The total number of questionnaires administered for the purpose of this study was thirty (30). For data analysis, all twenty-five (25) returned questionnaires were captured and coded using the software called Microsoft Access and subsequently imported into an analytical tool called stata. The main results from literature review and analyses indicate that Mvula's crafted strategy is not providing the organization with the competitive edge since it was not developed in line with contemporary strategic planning processes. Secondly, the existing strategy is not delivering on services requirements of municipalities. The services articulated by municipalities are mainly Institutional and Social Development (ISD) and quality sanitation development, in which roles Mvula can serve as a Project Agent (PA) instead of an Implementing Agent (IA). Finally, Mvula has not succeeded in supporting the water services delivery role of Northern KwaZulu-Natal District Municipalities. These findings imply that Mvula should embark on a rigorous strategic review. It should develop both a vision statement and a new mission statement which will respectively serve as a roadmap of the organization's future as well as a description of the organization's present capabilities, customer focus, activities and business make-up. Mvula should broadly consult with existing and prospective clients to better understand their support services needs. It is recommended that Mvula define its specific niche within the water services sector. Thus, the resulting strategy should adequately support local government towards meeting the 2014 deadline set for the eradication of water services backlog in their jurisdictional areas. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.

This thesis reveals key issues that have been identified by practitioners, Japanese and South African, supported by the appropriate theory, that may pre-empt potential problems that arise between South Africans and Japanese as a result of behavioural differences, expectations and general approach to business. By understanding, addressing, or altering behaviour, the competitive advantage and synergy may be realised. The objective of this study is to assist individuals and companies by offering ten recommendations for consideration when entering into a Japanese-South African business relationship. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.

This study is concerned with the feasibility and problems associated with the timely establishment of the SADC monetary union and central bank. During this study an indepth literature review was done to analyse / establish the historical background for the establishment of the monetary union for SADC, to look at the reason for a central bank's existence and the functions performed by the central banks in the region. The study looks at the benchmark used for the establishment of this monetary union, this being the European Union. It looks at the establishment of the monetary union from a political, central banking, commercial banking and business perspective and also how these entities will be affected by the establishment. The study aims at looking at the problems that might prevent the SADC region from reaching the expected implementation date of 2016 and to make some recommendations to assist the different parties to best prepare for the successful implementation of this monetary union for SADC. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2006.

The dissertation sets out to identify the reasoning behind why there has been a decline in bunker callers to the port of Durban at a time when there has been an increase in shipping activity and other ports around the world have experienced rapid growth in their bunker markets. It was first necessary to establish that there has been a fall off, what the economic impact of the fall off was and then to analyse the current operational procedure and the strengths and weaknesses of the port. The ports of Singapore and Gibraltar are looked at as they are two ports where bunkering has grown over the period Durban has seen a decline. The SWOT analysis of Durban takes into account the survey that was conducted by IBIA to ascertain what were perceived to be the main factors behind South African ports losing bunker business The type of ship that calls at Durban for bunkering and what is the most common voyage route are identified. It was found to be a handy size ship with the last port of call being a South American port. The cost for the voyage and the port call at Durban are calculated to work out the maximum time the ship should be at Durban from arriving outside to once again sailing. It is found to be twelve hours. The relationships of the parties to the bunker operation are analysed to see where it would be possible to introduce efficiencies to the supply chain and how to reduce the overall port stay to under twelve hours. Over an above this the port costs are reviewed as there are areas where discounting could be introduced to once more encourage owners to call A major stumbling block to the whole process is the unreliability of supply with the port being unable to provide bunkers 11% of the time. The need to address the stock management problems experienced by the majors is vital to the success of promoting Durban as a bunker port and ways of achieving this are proposed. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.

Over the years, a number of studies have identified the failure of expatriates - the early termination of an international assignment - as a major problem for multinational enterprises (MNE). MNE's in, for example the USA, have reported expatriate failure rates as high as 40 percent for assignments to developed countries and 70 percent when assignments are in developing countries. These failures can cost the MNE three times the expatriates' annual salary plus the cost of the relocation. Even if an expatriate stays the full duration of an international assignment it has been determined that many, as much as 50 percent, operate at less than optimal levels of productivity. International studies have, however shown that if expatriates are properly prepared, supported and trained, the success of their assignment can be ensured. The presented study focuses on the effectiveness of the orientation process and crosscultural training (CCT) and its impact on cross-cultural adjustment for the expatriate. The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the orientation process for expatriates and to determine a need for a separate orientation and culture training. By improving the orientation process and identifying a need for culture specific training, the company can thus eliminate relocation and replacement costs. A further objective of this research is to design a guideline for the implementation of a culture specific orientation process for the expatriate. This will be done based on the recommendations made by the candidates questioned. In order to determine the preparation and training needs of expatriates this formal study was undertaken, consisting of a literature study as well as an empirical study. At first a literature study was conducted in order to determine what was happening internationally in respect to expatriation and expatriation preparation and training. The background of the study reviews what has been written and said in the areas of cross-cultural training, cross-cultural adjustment, the orientation process and the expatriate. The study highlights specific issues regarding cultural training, assignment failure and success, and the expatriate experience. The research is motivated by the need to reduce assignment failure and the subsequent costs associated with expatriation, and ensure smooth transition into a new culture. The research methodology utilized was qualitative, based on e-mailed questionnaires and personal interviews. The study attempts to recommend, based on the findings, a culture centred orientation process for the expatriate. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2006.

The trade unions called in May 2005 for a nationwide strike of all retail stores unless the retail stores agree to stock a 75% local content of garments on their shelves. Retail stores have called on the Department of Trade and Industry for a national summit to address the crisis facing the clothing industry. The Department of Trade and Industry in turn has appointed a task team to investigate the current situation in the clothing industry. On the surface it would appear that there is a serious crisis in the clothing manufacturing industry in South Africa and there is, but the big issue is what is causing the crisis. The answer is simply, the strength of the rand. This study was prepared to determine the reasons for the demise of the clothing manufacturing industry in South Africa. The study conducted a survey on various parties and organisations concerned with the wellbeing of the industry to determine what their opinions were relating to the crisis facing the industry. The results of the survey revealed a host of reasons contributing to the decline of the industry. These reasons include the rigidness and inflexibility of the labour relations system in South Africa which has led to an unproductive and inefficient labour force in the industry. The lack of investment incentives in the industry is also determined as a cause of the crisis in the industry. Retail buyers are deemed to be price makers forcing the industry to seek alternative means away from local manufacture to reduce prices resulting in the importation of garment from abroad. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2005.

At this early age of the internet, the e-business environment is almost like a lawless territory. Fast movers are making fortunes whereas rebels can act with impunity and move on before the legal process can catch up. The fast expansion of cyber crimes in the world has been the motivation to perform this research on its impact on the business community in Mauritius after the devastating effects in developing countries. Organisations that are not keeping pace with these realities are becoming vulnerable to cyber criminals or hackers. An analysis of the situation in the world from the literature review has provided a better understanding of the most common crimes that are causing trouble to the businesses and obstacles to the advancement of e-commerce. Compared to earlier technological changes, the internet has shown a rapid proliferation. Organisations have to be ready to face this challenge or they may face the dangers of being attacked or even prosecuted for not having secured their system properly. While securing the internet remains a major challenge for every country, businesses have to cope with limited protection until an international law become in force to control this wild territory. The reports available on the Crime trend show that there has been a steady increase in Computer related crimes in the world. The research is conducted on a sample of IT literate participants. Interviews and focus group discussion have also contributed in the accuracy of the findings. The results and findings demonstrate that there is room for improvement but there is a lack of awareness on the Cyber crime act. Hopefully, this research will help to shed light on the major concerns of the business community. VI / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2004.

In recent years, the world has been experiencing rapid and extensive global shifts that have had a positive and negative impact on different countries around the globe. These global shifts have also influenced the way countries conduct trade with their partners. A lot of countries, as a way of adapting to these changes, have been forced to review their trade policies to be in line with the trade liberalisation process. The expansion of markets has led to trade liberalisation, which promotes export growth in commodities. However in developing countries, they have experienced increases in imports and thus reflecting a certain level of uncompetitiveness of these countries with trade imbalances. This has also resulted in a declining purchasing power for some countries involved, export revenues falling as prices also fall due to intense competition in the world market. Studies have suggested that when countries liberalise they tend to experience some short falls in the first few years then a recovery thereafter. Agriculture is the major factor in the economies of developing countries. At least 80% of African economies are directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture. In these developing countries, a greater majority of the population lives in the rural areas where agriculture serves as a greater part of their occupation and source of livelihood. Being the engine of most African economies, the majority of the population of these countries are employed in the agricultural sector. Agricultural commodities represent by far the largest proportion of exported goods and the main raw materials for manufactured products. As a key to poverty reduction and food security, agricultural development may be seen as important. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2004.

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether, Information Systems Management (ISM), an Information Technology (IT) organisation within Department of Justice and Constitutional Development (DOJ CD), adopted the best practices in IT service management. IT Service Management entails ensuring that accurate IT services are delivered to the business at the right price and with the right level of quality, according to Young (2005). The notion of quality IT services is a concern for the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development taking in to consideration that it has set a goal of modernising itself by implementing IT systems. The vision of the department is to make IT services such as email available to all employees. The vision will not be attained if these services are not always available. The literature study shows that IT organisations that implement IT Service Management deliver quality IT services to the users and business. ISM claims to be aligned with Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL) service management practices but lacks some of the structural elements that should be in place. The department has raised concern around whether the processes that they have implemented will yield improved IT services. The research evaluated available documents in view of uncovering implemented processes. The results are steps for improving IT services at the DOJ CD. Firstly, it is recommended that ISM should rate each of the IT Service Management process according to its importance to the business, secondly to identify the relevant teams to manage identified processes, thirdly to make the DOJ CD a customer of ISM. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2007.