Payment for services has been a challenge for municipalities for sometime in South Africa. This has caused municipalities to employ a number of strategies to assist in the collection of revenue. The methods of collection that have been used in the past mostly focused on the stick approach where your services would just be cut until you make the payment. Methods like Masakhane tried to explain why ratepayers needed to pay but fell short as the emphasis was on payment for services and not on the obligation for the municipalities to provide quality services as well. Loyalty programmes are used widely by the private sector and are proving worthwhile in getting customers to become loyal. The purpose of this study therefore is to find out the effectiveness of the municipal payment incentive scheme as a loyalty programme in the City of Tshwane- Soshanguve. Relationship building, the researcher found, is an important component in establishing loyalty amongst customers. This study follows the conceptual framework for modelling customer lifetime value and building customer equity. Soshanguve which is a township was chosen as an area of focus. Soshanguve is one of the biggest areas in the City of Tshwane area. The sample had to be representative of such a big population of about 88 000 households. The study used a stratified random sampling method of 375 Soshanguve households. The results attained from Soshanguve can be applied to other townships found in the City of Tshwane as they have similar characteristics. Structured interviews were conducted with 375 respondents who were drawn from ten different wards that are billed by the municipality to represent households. The questionnaire had both open ended and closed ended questions. The data that was collected was analysed using content analysis from the computer and open ended questions were self analysed. Secondary research was done using City of Tshwane documents and its website. The researcher found that municipalities and government departments have not used this kind of a loyalty programme to encourage payment; City of Tshwane is the first in South Africa to employ such a strategy. The study found that respondents believe the City of Tshwane should offer affordable services and improve service delivery as part of improving payment for services. The incentive scheme, although in its early stages was found to be a motivating factor for the majority of the respondents to pay on time because they want to qualify to win and get the cash back rewards and prizes offered by the scheme. The study found that there was a need to use local merchants that can be accessible to a large number of people. The researcher also found that the marketing and visibility for such a scheme was of utmost importance. On the overall the respondents were happy and proud to have such a programme, for them the municipal incentive payment scheme showed a caring side of the municipality for those meeting their obligation. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2006.

This study is aimed at examining issues and concerns that relate to women in the maritime sector in South Africa and to determine the perceptions of employees, both males and females towards women in the maritime sector and women in management in general policies and programmes aimed at eliminating gender discriminatory practices are critically appraised. It examines international contributions, which are used to make comparative analysis with South African Port Operations and National Port Authority. Durban has been chosen because it is one of the biggest Maritime cities in the Southern Hemisphere and in the African continent. Women have been disproportionately represented in the higher management structures previously. This study therefore assesses how these past imbalances can be addressed; so that women can best enter and succeed in this sector, especially those who currently hold senior positions. The impact that gender equity practices have on human resources planning is examined. The study uses two broad research methods: the primary data analysis and the critical review of literature. A mail survey technique was undertaken with 60 subjects randomly selected. A stratified random sample was used to determine both male and female perceptions. Data was analysed using SPSS programme. Theoretical perspectives relevant to women and management concerns are summarised, that is, the psychological tradition, culturally biased perspective, the entitlement/empowerment framework, the bargaining approach and the feminist political economy perspective. An overview of the national dynamics in South Africa, especially in relation to affirmative action imperatives, and implications pertaining to women in management is also undertaken. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

Background In recent times the insurance industry has seen rapid migration of clients among the different companies in search of better rates from the latest intermediary. Cancellation and surrenders of policies have marked this migration of clients. Clients are dependent on brokers for advice, thus making client loyalty dependent on the relationship between the intermediary and the client. In this model there is a gap in the relationship between client and company. Objectives The primary objective of this study is to elucidate the preconception that client loyalty is dependent on the relationship that an intermediary has with a client. The secondary objective of this study is to determine how clients' perceptions and attitudes lends itself to either clients remaining with, or leaving a particular insurer in favour of another. Methods Data was collected by means of a research questionnaire received from 50 respondents, made of clients from the Sanlam Broker Services database. Open ended questions and disconfirmation scales were used. One sample chi-square was used to test the hypotheses. Results Despite clients having received expected levels and better than expected levels of service from a company, clients still prefer to deal with an advisor. The factors that affect clients' decision to remain or migrate to another company are service, reputation, performance and rates. The most common factors for discontentment are poor service, misrepresentation, lack of confidentiality, and poor performance. It was also found that that there is a higher degree of awareness and membership among higher income earners than lower income earners. Conclusion It is recommended that more than demographic knowledge be accessed to keep clients loyal. Lifestyle studies need to be conducted and perhaps this information used to develop innovative marketing strategies. Partnerships with successful existing loyalty programmes also need to be explored as a client retention mechanism. Client loyalty cannot be explored in isolation. It must encompass the entire organization. There is ample evidence in the literature review to support this view. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

When one thinks of motor vehicle accident damage repairs, one often thinks of unscrupulous operators and a scurrilous industry. While this is regrettably often the case, there is a counterpoint, being the significant number of motor body repair firms that have invested significant sums in establishing accredited and certified motor body repair outlets, and who offer a premium service. The industry is one that is regulated by the South African Motor Body Repair Association, a body that seeks to dictate a standard of repairs by dictating membership eligibility relative to investment in equipment. Most unfortunately, this stipulation does not adequately take into account the flow of work that there may be from the motor vehicle insurance industry, and many repairers find themselves having to resort to nefarious means to ensure that business comes their way. The author of this report is a co-owner of an advanced major structural motor body repairer. Rather than stooping to unethical practices, the owners have sought to undertake a position appraisal and gap analysis with the intention of uncovering the strategic alternatives available to their firm. The firm has implemented the strategic choices highlighted by this report to good effect and has enjoyed enhanced revenue streams and business competitiveness as a result of undertaking this exercise. This report serves to document the highlights of that process. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

The brain-drain phenomenon was first reported in the 1960s in India, where skilled professionals were voluntarily leaving India to settle abroad in western countries. Thereafter, most developing countries have reported witnessing brain-drain in some form or the other. In South Mrica, with the advent of the post-apartheid government, the country saw a drastic change in its social fabric. The brain-drain phenomenon has gathered momentum since, and with every passing year, more and more people continue to emigrate from the country. With skill distribution already highly skewed to the emigrating white minority, the problem of emigration attains more serious proportions as more and more white South Mricans contemplate leaving their motherland. Owing to grey emigration it is very difficult to report the exact number of skilled South Mricans that have emigrated to Australia, UK, Western Europe, and the US, however, the best estimates indicate the number to be around 233 000. While many brand these emigrants as being 'unpatriotic', the phenomenon of emigration may be occurring because of valid reasons. While many whites may claim that with a non-white government in power, their and their country's future well-being could be in jeopardy and hence the desire to emigrate, such claims may not be baseless after all. Recent studies have shown that the rate of crime and violence are increasing, and that many of the emigrants have sighted concerns of safety as their primary reason for leaving. And it should be borne in mind that the phenomenon, which is perceived to be a 'white-only' phenomenon, has lost ground as many Asians and Africans have shown an equal desire to leave, predominantly due to concerns of personal safety. Studies, newspaper reports, and magazine articles, have shown that the country is losing valuable skills in the Information Technology sector, Finance and Banking sector and in the Medical Field. These three sectors play a vital role in the development of any developing economy and loss of valuable skills in these sectors evoke serious concerns. This skill loss, while a worrisome factor, stands to be compounded if more and more highly qualified professionals actually emigrate. The study on the emigration of Masters of Business Administration (MBA) students is scant and, knowing their demand in the market and the contributions that they make to the country's economy, their loss could well seal the fate of this country. MBA students contribute to a country's economy in several ways. Firstly, they are seen as the future business leaders of the country. Through knowledge gained in their business schools (Bschools), MBAs not only manage departments but are also known to lead organisations into a better future. They contribute to their respective organisations by streamlining work flow, ensuring that productivity per person is always on the up, surveying the market to introduce products that will improve the prospects of the company and thereby, bring about growth. In the process, they create jobs that aid in the betterment of the economy. Secondly, they are involved in exports of their products to countries that demand their goods, thereby bringing in the much-needed foreign exchange. Furthermore, when foreign countries decide to set up operations locally, they rely on the skills and talents of the MBAs to spearhead operations. Needless to mention, as these foreign companies grow they again create much-needed jobs that benefit the economy. MBAs also train fresh graduates to obtain the required exposure and experience as one day these very graduates will be spearheading their own projects. Many corporate heads are also assisting the government in developing the economic and commercial policies of the country. Many MBAs, entrepreneurial in nature, venture into business themselves. This entrepreneurial flair has added to the development of many small and medium enterprises. Today's fast-paced business environment and breakthrough technological developments have necessitated greater reliance on the MBA to make critical decisions that impact upon the future of the organisation and the lives of many employees. The MBAs of today are needed to be visionaries and to lead by example. They are entrusted with the onerous task of being agents of change, to be able to see the changing business horizons and make proper investments in skills, technology and other requirements for the benefit and survival of the organisation. Indeed it may seem a daunting task, but then the salaries they receive commensurate the requirements of the job. The contribution they make is invaluable and definitely their loss can have serious ramifications for the country. The purpose of this dissertation is to study the emigration phenomenon vis-a-vis the MBA students. Looking at a sample of MBAs that is representative of the Kwa-Zulu Natal MBA programmes, this research looks into ascertaining the emigration potential of MBA students. Furthering to that, the research probes into the management orientation and leadership orientation of these emigrants. The underlying assumption is that if the potential MBA emigrant has management orientation, then the loss for the country is not all that much, as compared to the potential emigrant having a leadership orientation. This is argued by the fact that it is much easier to take a mind and train it to run a department, as most managers do, than tryiIlcg to create a mind to lead. While it is still disputed whether leadership can totally be taught, one indisputable fact is that there are aspects that can be taught and those that cannot be taught. While one can be taught interpersonal skills, communications skills and other skills, there are certain traits intrinsic to leadership that just cannot be taught, e.g. risk taking, judgement and challenging the status quo. Some have even gone to state that leadership is a life-long learning process, and most leaders have had a difficult childhood that has led to their need to prove something to the world. It is for this reason that many authors have written that leaders are 'twice born.' Anyhow, the point is that, it is easier to teach someone to manage a department than it is to teach someone to run an organisation. The third part of the research looks at the view-point of the MBA students towards their institution's orientation, i.e. are their business schools preparing them to be managers or are they being prepared to be leaders. After all, if the business community needs leaders to take over the helm of companies, and if the need of the hour is students who can work under intense pressure trying to tie decision-making with the fast-paced technological developments, the ever increasing pace of competition and the intensity with which globalisation is affecting domestic markets, then the business schools need to produce that calibre ofMBA graduates. If the students feel that their business schools have only equipped them with managerial know-how, then these very business schools are being negligent in producing leaders and need to gear their faculties and curricula towards a greater leadershiporientation. This research will indicate whether the country needs to worry about the future of their corporations being in good hands, and whether emigration is really going to sap the remaining skills that the country's business sector needs desperately. It will also reveal if there is a leadership gap in the market that business schools need to address, i.e. a demand for MBAs with leadership orientation and an under-supply of such students coming out of the current business schools. This research could be an eye-opener for business schools to realise that they are falling short in providing quality products to the market. Gone are the days of yore when the market was forced to buy what organisations produced. In today's world, the choice empowered consumer (the business community at large) will seek the desired product of their choice (MBAs that are qualified with the required skills and competencies) and if they are unable to obtain it from the current suppliers (the recognised business schools they currently depend on), they will have no option but to look elsewhere. This could well be taken as a warning sign for business schools that if the very organisations that allow select business schools to have top rankings in the country, were to take away their support and start recognising and recruiting from other, at the moment, lesser recognised B-schools, the fate of the current Bschools could well be sealed. After all history is fraught with examples, and it is a well known fact that has received much attention from consultants, business school professors and management gurus, that if external change outpaces internal change, then only one future awaits such organisations, 'doom'! / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.

This dissertation relates to the study of valuing a business. Edcon, a well known listed retailer, was found its market values to be lower than its net asset value at 2002 financial year-end, while all of the major competitors of Edcon had a market value considerably in excess of net asset value. It was possible that Edcon's share was underpriced at year-end recently, as it was known that Edcon was a well-managed company with sound fundamentals. The "true" value of Edcon was investigated in this dissertation. Two valuation models, Discounted Free Cash Flow and Economic Profit model, were used and simple assumptions had to be made in order to arrive at a consensus valuation in this dissertation. Finally, all valuation performed in this case revealed that the share of Edcon was underpriced at year-end, and it was concluded that investors using these fundamental valuation methods and buying the shares could have made a profit. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

No abstract available. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2000.

This study was an investigation into the cost-effectiveness of using re-usable instrumentation in laparoscopic surgery. The model used for the study was the laparoscopic cholecystectomy which is the commonest laparoscopic procedure performed by the general surgeons. The study was done at KZNGOV Hospital in Kwazulu Natal, one of the largest tertiary hospitals in the province. The research done was both qualitative and quantitative. An exploratory study was conducted initially by drawing up the case study, and then quantitative and qualitative research was conducted to evaluate the use of re-usable instrumentation in laparoscopic surgery. In order to conduct a more focused design, the three most commonly used laparoscopic instruments were evaluated. These were the trocars (sizes 11.0mm and 5.0mm), the endoshears / scissors and the clip applicators. The study aimed to assess whether the use of the re-usable instruments was more cost-effective, whether their use in minimal access surgery was feasible, and whether the use of re-usable instrumentation compromised patient well-being. Information for the case study was obtained from the hospital notes of the patients who had a laparoscopic cholecystectomy at KZNGOV Hospital, and from interviews with experienced surgeons. The study found that the re-usable instrumentation used at KZNGOV Hospital had no adverse effects on the patients. The Department of Surgery and the theatre committee at this hospital have chosen an excellent and cost-effective protocol for laparoscopic surgery, and the choice of instrumentation cannot be faulted. Analysis of the results showed a large cost saving obtained by using the re-usable laparoscopic instrumentation, with no adverse patient outcomes. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2003.

This study is focused on the cellular communication needs and wants of undergraduate university and technikon students. The study derived its information from a survey of 224 students who, via a questionnaire, were able to detail their present and future cellular communication needs. Among other findings, the results of this survey, revealed the following: • The undergraduate university and technikon student market is not homogenous • Ninety-three percent of university and technikon students in the sample had access to a cellular telephone • Short Message Services (SMSs) and "Please Call Me" services were frequently favoured and used • The market segment is highly brand conscious, preferring specific branded cellular telephones • Despite having a limited access to disposable income (most of which is provided by their parents), respondents spent between R75 and R1 000 per month on their cellular needs.

A central requirement to accomplish a competent and effective education system is the inclusion of a post matric year to facilitate the transition from the protected academic leaning to the reality of the world at large. This strategy needs to emphasise the acquisition of formative information to minimise problems that might arise if life skills needs and tertiary learning barriers are not promptly identified and addressed. Michaelhouse a private school in Kwa-Zulu Natal- South Africa is faced with declining numbers in the post matric class called the sixth form. The study recommends that in order to improve the marketability of the sixth form programme, the following objectives need to be met by Michaelhouse. i. Be a centre of excellence providing high quality education in a supportive and caring environment. ii. Be entrepreneurial and innovative in encouraging more students to pursue the post matric offering. iii. Be responsive to the needs of the community and business sector in the provision of continuing education and training. iv. Prepare students to function effectively in an adult world. The purpose of this study is to establish the expectations of students with regards to the offering of a sixth form programme, in order that the Michaelhouse may customise the curriculum incorporating customer needs. This will be used as a marketing tool to attract pupils to Michaelhouse. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.