The study was about the strategy development process at Walter Sisulu University from a complexity theory perspective as an underlying theoretical framework. The complexity theory was used to draw implications for strategy development from the perspective of this theory. The principal rationale for the study was to comprehend the process of strategy development and to unearth the underlying theoretical paradigms that inform the strategy formulation process at the university. The study was moreover intended to look at available or possible models for strategy implementation. The research approach used to conduct the study was from a qualitative paradigm. However, when it came to data collection techniques, elements of the qualitative and quantitative paradigms were combined. The sampling method used was the purposive sampling which is one of the non-probability sampling types.The study has found that in the main the approach the university used to develop its strategy is anchored on the traditional, positivist and modern approach to strategy. This is a progeny of the dominant theories of strategic management underpinned by classical and scientific management theories. There is however, awareness and consciousness in the university to the reality that the organisation operates in a turbulent and unpredictable world. This is premised from the understanding that today’s organisations evolve and co-evolve with their environments and as such there is need to create an internal environment for agility, flexibility and innovation as well as self-organisation. The study also found that there is no clear model for the implementation of complexity theory in organisations. The study recommends that more studies on approaches, guidelines and techniques for the application of complexity theory be encouraged as a model may be an anti-thesis to the fundamental meaning of the theory particularly given the reality that the theory is also a subject of itself. The above recommendation is premised from the fact that there are few cases on the applied side of complexity theory. There is also need to embed the complexity theory in the academic content of strategy in the academia. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2012.

This study which is located in Durban, South Africa examines the life insurance Industry in South Africa, the trends, local and international, and strategic issues and the thinking of the industry leaders that will impact upon current distribution business models. The impact of these on the role of the Financial Planner is highlighted, providing evidence of the international success of alternative models for the distribution of professional financial advice. The literature review in this study suggests that, from international experience, the weakest link in the present distribution chain of life insurance is the Financial Planner because their means of remuneration is currently being subjected to extensive reduction by regulators. As the South African industry transforms as a result of price cutting and regulatory pressures on downscaling of existing commission structures, the Financial Planner will bear the brunt of this resizing to the form of substantial reductions in their earnings, resulting either Financial Planners exiting the industry, or seeking an alternative business model than that of commission remuneration from the sale of life insurance products It is against this backdrop that this submission examines three critical questions: How will the transformation of the South African life insurance industry, changing needs and demands of consumer's impact upon the role of the Financial Planner in the financial planning industry? What are the consumer's experiences, expectations and perceptions of Financial Planners? What must Financial Planners and their representative bodies do in order to ensure the continuity and independence of the role of the Financial Planner in the distribution of professional financial planning advice? These critical questions are investigated using a quantitative research instrument, i.e. a structured questionnaire, the results of which are statistically analysed using the SPSS system. The main findings provide substantial evidence that trends and experiences from the UK and USA will have a similar impact on the South African Financial Planner's future in the present life insurance business model. The predictions, teachings and motivations of relevant authors is for Financial Planners to adopt a holistic expanded business model offering Life Planning to consumers which provides the Financial Planner with an alternative to remaining in the present business model. The study further reveals that consumers attach a high value to the intellectual abilities and to the role the Financial Planner plays in providing them with professional financial advice. It further confirms that without the Financial Planner, life insurance companies have no real link to the consumers of life insurance products because the consumer is dependent upon the Financial Planner for professional financial advice. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2006.

Abstract available in attached PDF document. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2006.

This study looks at the effectiveness of transformation policies in addressing racial inclusiveness and equity issues in the workplace as well as the impact that stereotypes have on performance. Hence it is the purpose of this study to determine whether there is a mystery around black managers’ performance in comparison with their white counterparts, that is, performance of black managers tends to be seen as inferior and sub standard to that of whites. The primary problem of this study is to determine whether changing attitudes in the workplace can stimulate the environment for successful managers. There are a number of perceptions that whites have of black managers mainly around their performance and their ability to deliver on the job, hence the study looks at how attitudes (either positive or negative) impact on the black managers’ performance as well as how cultural influences shape a manager’s behaviour in the workplace. This study was exploratory in nature, which is a form of qualitative research. Qualitative research was deemed appropriate as the research looked at human experiences and perceptions i.e. managers’ experiences interacting with other racial groups namely black and white. This study was conducted through primary data collection where the data was collected through face-to-face interviews with the use of carefully drafted questionnaires. Based on findings of this study it is apparent that transformation policies such as Affirmative Action and Black Economic Empowerment are ineffective at achieving transformation within organisations, as they are not correctly implemented and therefore prone to abuse (lead to window dressing practices) and due to the fact that there is a great deal of negativity associated with these policies. The results also suggested that both black and white managers still had negative perceptions of each other. To some extent the negative perceptions demonstrated by white senior managers were one of the contributing factors to black managers’ poor performance although it is difficult to prove that the negative attitudes were the sole reason for black managers’ poor performance. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2011.

This research evaluates the strategies being pursued by Smiths Manufacturing a South African automotive component manufacturer in order to determine their appropriateness given the changing external environment. World economies are becoming more integrated and the increasing trend of globalization has elevated the markets into a hyper-competitive era. Consequently, the competitive landscapes are constantly changing and manufacturing firms need to monitor this environment continuously to be able to adapt to the changes. The research commences with a brief outline and defines the objectives of the study. This is followed by theoretical discussions that are centred on strategic models and concepts which are applicable to this research. The case study is based on Smiths Manufacturing. Global automotive trends are identified. The main trends being that Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) are looking to outsource for modularity rather than componentry with a 'follow design' 'follow source' strategy being prevalent amongst automotive vehicle giants and their worldwide subsidiaries. Major OEMs are also looking to forge closer collaborations with their suppliers. In framing Smiths' strong domestic competitive position locally, the research also identifies the imminent threats from global excess capacity. Smiths' competitive position stems from factors such as product license agreements, internationally accredited quality agreements, Smiths' experience in supplying of modules to Toyota, Ford and BMW and Japanese firm Denso's 25% stake in Smiths. In applying the strategy theory to these findings highlights that aggressive strategies can be pursued successfully to enhance Smiths' position. In view of other global trends, some of the identified threats and weaknesses need to be neutralised. Moreover, opportunities arising through Africa's Growth Opportunity Act (AGOA), the redefinition of after market parts in Europe and other trade agreements are recommended to be pursued aggressively by Smiths. The research concludes with suggested strategies for Smiths to pursue for future growth. Smiths' growth has been above average and to sustain this level of growth will not be easy, but, in keeping with the global trends, it is recommended that Smiths also pursue closer collaboration with other major global first tier suppliers. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2006.

Although strategic planning is widely used in industry and has been adopted by many not-for-profit organisations, the Department of Health has been slow to realise the relevance of a strategic approach. This thesis uses a strategic planning approach to assess the Department of Health by examining the three interacting factors which influence organisational outcome, namely the external environment, the internal structure of the organisation and the planning process itself. A composite model or template which incorporates several well-known strategic instruments is proposed as well as an overview of the Australian national health system and these are then used as part of the strategic assessment of the Department's vision and mission. The results and recommendations of the assessment are presented in the thesis. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2005.

The aim of the study was to determine whether CBZ Bank's strategic intent was aligned to action on the ground and how the bank could consolidate its competitiveness in the market. Organisations in the services industry rely on their human resources to manage other resources in order to deliver superior service. The employees are also responsible for executing operational strategies on the ground and getting feedback directly from the market. Branch employees are directly in the competition zone and they can provide invaluable insight into the competitive dynamics of the banking industry. In order to obtain the employees' perspective of the bank's strategic intent, whether events on the ground are reflective of it and ascertain the competitiveness of the bank, responses from thirty one (31) supervisory and managerial cadres were used. The population frame was composed of (five) 5 senior managers, thirteen (13) middle managers and thirty three (33) supervisory personnel. A self administered questionnaire was e-mailed to the targeted fifty one (51) staff members. Thirty one (31) responses were received. The choice of the sample was driven by the fact that strategic business unit leaders drive the bank's strategy hence they are able to shed invaluable information regarding the bank. Eighty two (82%) of the respondents indicated that the bank's strategic intent was on course as opposed to eighteen (18%) who felt otherwise. Seventy one (71 %) of the respondents also felt that the bank was competitive. A salient feature of this study was that the majority of respondents concurred that the bank's strategic intentions were on track. However due to the volatile and hyper inflationary conditions prevailing, shareholder value should be preserved by adopting growth strategies that hedge against the effects of inflation. Such strategies should include creating new external markets by going regional and international. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.

The Department of Health adopted the District Health System as a means to unify South Africa's fragmented health services into a comprehensive, integrated National Health System (NHS). The Primary Health Care (PHC) approach is the driving force in promoting equity and accessibility to essential PHC services. Successful implementation of the PHC approach is in part, dependent on the availability of essential drugs, which impacts on patient quality of care and well-being. According to a report compiled by Pillay, McCoy and Asia in 2001 , the pharmaceutical component of the health sector reflected deficiencies in terms of the lack of equity in access to essential drugs, irrational use of drugs, poor security and cost-ineffective procurement and logistic practices. This study utilised a case study approach to examine the suitability, acceptability and feasibility of implementing a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health (KZNDOH) the private provider, to improve pharmaceutical service delivery at provincial PHC clinics in the Ethekwini South Sub-District (ESSD). Participative observations and semistructured interviews conducted at PHC clinics in the target area provided valuable insight into problems of drug management supply, adherence to effective and rational prescribing and dispensing practices and additional training needs of the nurses. This study found the proposed PPP complementary to the mission and objectives of the Provincial DOH and suitable within the socio-political environment, in which the private provider operates. Recommendations were made to improve upon weaknesses inherent in the value chain and address deficient resources, capabilities and competences necessary to attain the PPP's critical success factors. The implementation of the proposed PPP rests on the ability of the private provider, to prove to the Provincial DOH and the National Treasury that the PPP is affordable, represents value for money and is in keeping with the goals of the NHS. Therefore, recommendations for management of these and other key stakeholders were made. On completion of all necessary modifications to the proposed model, the revised PPP to improve pharmaceutical service delivery at PHC clinics in the ESSD was found to be suitable, acceptable and feasible to both the KZN DOH and the private provider. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.

This study investigates fleet outsourcing in government from a strategic perspective as it is integrated into the overall strategy of the Department of Transport. This study attempts to overcome some of the problems associated with outsourcing by integrating a number of key aspects of outsourcing including a value chain perspective, core competency thinking and supply base influences into the decision-making process. The background of the research highlights the status quo and examples of similar fleet management projects in Government. These include major projects in National Government, Telkom and City of Johannesburg. The research is motivated by the need for government to find new ways, with limited resources, to achieve maximum efficiency in fleet management by managing these resources and related risks. The value of the research is a holistic approach to the analysis of fleet management the public sector has never been undertaken. The study will also help the state to recognise the impact fleet management has on the state's core activities and offer a tool for measuring fleet management performance. The research methodology is qualitative and will be based on a case study approach, which is associated with the exploratory nature of this study. Outsourcing is justifiable if visible costs decrease, service improves and economies of scale are achieved. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2006.

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