The HIV/AIDS pandemic has had a seriously negative impact on the South African workplace, with industries experiencing the many adverse effects of the disease such as the problem of absenteeism. Other effects of HIV/AIDS at the workplace include loss of productivity and profitability, especially if the disease is not managed properly. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of HIV/AIDS within the private medical practice industry in Umlazi Township, in the Province of KwaZulu Natal. The research methodology used was quantitative. There are only 40 private medical practices in Umlazi Township. The entire population of private medical practices is included in the sample because of the manageable population size. No sampling method was therefore used. Close-ended questionnaires ware hand delivered to all the doctors in all the private medical practices in Umlazi. The questionnaires were collected once the doctor indicated that s/he completed it. The salient finding of this study were that HIV/AIDS induced absenteeism is a major challenge for private medical practitioners. A good HIV/AIDS policy is necessary for the medical doctors to effectively manage HIV/AIDS at their private medical practices. While the respondents acknowledged the effectiveness of an HIV/AIDS policy if implemented, they understood that it would be difficult to implement it. Because of its effect on business sustainability, HIV/AIDS can result in serious problems for private medical practices, including bankruptcy. The recommendations of the study are for private medical practices to implement their own HIV/AIDS policy – which must encompasses education, training and treatment of those that are infected and/or affected by HIV/AIDS. The study highly recommends and encourages staff to undergo VCT (Voluntary Counselling and Testing) so that the disease can be identified early – which makes management of it timely, and more effective. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

The level of savings in South Africa has been described as dismal and on the verge of becoming an economic crisis. Household savings has declined to a level of dissavingand is therefore in need of rectification. Savings can be broken down into household, corporate and government saving. The purpose of this research is to identify measures to improve household savings in South Africa. A critical review of household savings is conducted in chapter two utilising secondary data to examine household savings, identify factors affecting savings as well as establish measures to improve household savings. The study gathers primary data from 10leading economists and financial experts located in South Africa.A qualitative study is undertaken as it helps provide intrinsic information on the thoughts and opinions of the sample group on measures to improve household savings. The research has revealed that South African households are not saving sufficiently and that there are a few key factors affecting households savings. The key factors are indentified and investigated in the literature review and further examined by the respondents for their expert opinions. The respondents have identified thathousehold savings behaviours are insufficiently contributing to savings and there is a lack of a savings culture to encourage positive savings growth. Consumers are caught up in a web of consumerism with easy access to credit as a result of financial liberalisation. These two factors have created a debt trend and left many households in a downward spiral of debt. The respondents have identified the main factors affecting households as: savings culture,financial literacy, consumerism, income levels, education and interest rates. Measures identified to improve household savings are: Tax breaks, government incentives to saving, education, budgeting as well as developing a national culture of saving. These suggestions help outline a path for government, corporations and individuals to follow in achieving greater household savings. The research has outlined measures to improve household savings and stressed that there is no one single measure to rectify the savings dilemma, but rather it is to identify and acknowledge that the savings solution lies in addressing each of the factors affecting saving with a view to improving saving as a whole. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2011.

There are numerous government and private sector initiatives aimed at supporting micro business in South Africa, yet there seems to be a lack of coercion, synergy and harmony in these endeavours to assist such businesses. A common perception about government is that all of its business programmes, have a string of protocols, red tape and intermediaries resulting in delays and inefficient support. Efforts to access this assistance is burdensome for micro-business. There is loss of time and resources in the process. This research paper sought to establish what business management strategies are employed by the micro-business owner in the Pinetown area, as a means to survive and grow. Business management strategies have been discussed in light of their strength to help the business survive and grow. The effectiveness and the efficiency of these management strategies is measured based on the classification of micro- business and the research methodology chosen. Questionnaires have been self administered to the micro-business owners to obtain their response on strategies practical for their survival. The area of study selected has been the Pinetown Area located within the Ethekwini Municipality, and part of the Province of KwaZulu- Natal. Findings from literature have highlighted constraints limiting micro business growth in South Africa. Findings have also highlighted major survival strategies viewed as the main motivating factor for micro-business owners to survive. Two key findings emerged from the study; firstly the need micro business owners to be financially prudent and to manage their business better. The second major finding was the existence of collaborative savings (stokvel), utilized as a traditional investment strategy. Recommendations based on these are the provision of financial management skills to micro business, through mentorship and financial assistance programmes by government agencies. This would benefit the micro-business owners realize their dreams of substantial and extensive business expansion. / MBA. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2012.

The purpose of the study was to find out if there is a mentorship tool available to guide mentorship after merger; determine effective mentoring techniques for improving work performance; and develop an appropriate mentorship model for improving work performance within tertiary institution . The main challenge is that the National Department of Education started a process of merging institutions of Higher Education. A number of tools that will help to support these mergers are lacking. The case study used was based on an in-depth analysis of events and programmes culminating from the merger of the two institutions. The Durban Institute of Technology in KwaZulu-Natal was identified and selected because it is the first institution to result in a merger. The documents selected provide the greatest amount of data and the researcher knows which documents deserve more attention than others. The following data sources were selected: Technikon Natal and M L Sultan Technikon merger documentation of 26 March 2002; Department of Education National Plan for Higher Education of 2001 and Andersen's Climate Survey Report on the Durban Institute of Technology of 2002. The theory behind this mentoring tool is Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Maslow's view of human needs in the work place is described as self-actualization . This theory of human needs guided the development of the mentorship tool. This is because employees who are mentored will achieve job performance expected of them. Although a well implemented mentoring programme can help with retention of staff, an institution needs to be aware that it may foster an individual's growth faster. Mentoring affects self-confidence and sense of marketability among employees and may thus cause an increase in market vulnerability. / Thesis (M.B.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

ABI has a sophisticated and effective distribution fleet which delivers canned and bottled non alcoholic beverages to 12000 wholesale and retail outlets in the Durban Metropole and to 46000 outlets nationally. Delivery is normally executed once per week, 48 hours after a separate order is taken by an account manager. In the more rural or "emerging market" areas traditional retail outlets such as supermarkets and superettes are scarce and reliance is made on spaza and house shops. Cash flow and storage space is limited. The sales and distribution calls are expensive, relative to the size order that the spaza would place. Spaza shop owners rely on distributors or collect from wholesalers. These outlets often run out of stock. Sales revenue is thus not maximized. Outlet development is marginal. The writer embarked on a research project to develop a sustainable and cost effective Sales and Distribution model in order to address these constraints in the Emerging Market territories of ABI Durban. Traditional theory turns to channel distribution as a means to effectively reaching an entire retail market. Levels are thus added to the distribution channel. The research however showed that service levels are sometimes compromised. The model that was developed returns ABI to DSD (direct service delivery) via specially designed vehicles and combines the function of "preseller" and "delivery merchandiser" on a dedicated route. Although a marginal increase in cost per case has been experienced, deliveries are direct to store, at least twice per week. Sales growth in these routes have been in excess of 85% while the total Umlazi area grows at 13%. Customer service levels, as surveyed, are exceptional. Although the model was specifically designed by ABI Durban for use in Durban, the concept has been adopted as a best practice and is being "rolled out" across the business. By the end of 2005, 10% of ABl's fleet nationally will function as MOTD (Merchandiser Order Taker Driver) routes. Additional vehicles have been ordered for delivery during the period July 2005 to September 2005 in order for this to be achieved. This model has assisted ABI in achieving its goal of maximizing DSD and lifting service levels to its customers (retailers). Revenue has increased significantly along with volume in these areas. Invariably MOTD acts as a significant barrier to competitor entry in those geographic areas where it is utilized. The Merchandiser Order Taker Driver (MOTD) model is successful and has potential for wider use, even in more developed markets. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2005.

Abstract not available. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.

This study is focused on identifying cultural typologies of the Indian population group. These typologies or dimensions are analysed from a consumer behaviour perspective with strong implications for marketers who need to take cognisance of these typologies when developing new product offerings and devising marketing campaigns targeted at this population group. The consumption behaviour of Indians are compared and contrasted with the other predominant race groups in South Africa (namely Whites, Blacks and Coloureds), in terms of expenditure and buying power. Further, an analysis of Indian culture typologies provides marketers with insight into cultural issues that have a bearing on the development of marketing strategies. The findings that have emerged from this study are important for various reasons. Over 75% of the total Indian population live in KwaZulu-Natal (Census 1996). Further, compared to other race groups, the Indian population has a high rate of urbanisation with 96.8% of the population living in metropolitan areas (ibid.). Education levels supercedes those of the Black and Coloured population groups with 30.4% of Indians having completed matric and l0.4% having furthered their education (South Africa in Transition: StatsSA). In keeping with this trend, in comparison with the other race groups, Indians have a high penetration of English spoken as a first language (93.2%). While 21% of the Indian population are characterised as middle to upper income earners, occupying LSM's 6 to 10, Indian households in the Durban Metropolitan area have more earners (33.2%) per household in comparison to the Black and White population groups (Stats South Africa). In addition, an increasing number of Indian women are entering the workforce and are becoming more active in decision-making. Findings related to Indian culture have unearthed that while Indian culture has imbibed a global culture as far as dress, entertainment and lifestyle are concerned, traditional beliefs and values, including that of religion, are steadfastly held onto. However, this dissertation also finds that the Indian population group is highly materialistic and great attention is focussed on the accumulation of possessions. Further, materialism within the Indian population, is seen as a reflection of status. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

This paper serves to outline the advantages of a tertiary institution, in having a Web site as a form of advertising. It draws on theories of consumer behaviour and services marketing in order to establish the basis for Internet advertising, in relationship with literature obtained on Web based marketing. The paper is based on a case study (M L Sultan Technikon) and it poses the question of whether M L Sultan Technikon students are aware of the Web site. It also tries to determine how the students rate the Technikon's Web site. The research is descriptive in nature and self-administered questionnaires were used as the research instrument The findings of the study show that there was a high level of awareness of the Technikon's Web site amongst students but there was low usage of the site. It was found that students preferred using the Central Applications office more to obtain information regarding their application to a particular programme. It was further established that students relied to a large extent on previous students' word-of-mouth on the programmes on offer. The Internet did not appear as a particularly popular medium for gathering information. Here, it was established that students did not have access to computers, thus resulting in poor usage of the Web site. The overall comments and rating of the Technikon Web site was average. It has thus been concluded that the Technikon needs to update the Web site more often in order to keep users from re-visiting the site and to create an overall exciting impression. The Technikon also has to invest in marketing the Web site more so that there is greater reach. It has also been concluded that the advantages of advertising on the Web is beneficial to a company in general. The Technikon needs to use Internet advertising in conjunction with traditional media to appeal to both the traditional and sophisticated student. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2001.

This is a study undertaken to assess the effectiveness of employment equity implementation at Suncoast Casino. 2004 will mark ten years since South Africa became a democratic Country and as such it is now time to assess changes that have taken place since 1994. This study delves into the minds of staff at Suncoast Casino to evaluate their perceptions on employment equity implementation based on the five processes of the Employment Equity Act of 1998. Whilst the Employment Equity Act attempts to right old wrongs, the question that still emerges is: Is this not just another attempt at window dressing past injustices? A structured questionnaire was effectively utilised to obtain the necessary data required for the outcomes of the study. The questionnaire was designed to specifically target the five provisions of Chapter Three of the Act. The responses were captured on SPSS and were subject to analysis. The results of the study revealed very interesting findings. It was clear that employment equity implementation is taking place at Suncoast Casino. The findings however, did suggest that improvements in job satisfaction and training and development are required at Suncoast Casino in order to ensure effective employment equity implementation. Chapter Five explores possible recommendations for dealing with these areas of concern. The point of conclusion to this research undertaken is dealt with in Chapter Six. / Thesis (M.B.A.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the perceptions of emerging black entrepreneurs on their ability to access government contract work with special reference to that outsourced by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal. The study was based on the assumption that black emerging entrepreneurs are side lined by the procurement systems and processes of government, despite the fact when the new government took over after the democratic elections of 1994, it formulated legislation and policies and provided institutional framework to ensure that enterprises belonging to entrepreneurs of African descent in particular were brought into the economic mainstream activities of the country. The study utilized an exploratory description research design owing to publicity of literature on the effectiveness of government's procurement intervention strategies in addressing the needs of emerging black entrepreneurs. The study used two samples drawn from two research populations. In the first sample the population consisted of thirty-two tender submissions that emerging black entrepreneurs forwarded to the Department of Economic Development and Tourism in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal, in response to contract work or tenders advertised and evaluated by the Tender Evaluation Committee and the Tender Award Committee of the Department during the financial year 2001/2. An instrument was developed to elicit data from the tender documents for the purpose of orders. In the second sample the research population consisted of sixteen emerging black entrepreneurs whose tender documents submitted in response to the tenders outsourced by the Department during the financial year 2001/2 were evaluated by the Department's Tender Evaluation Committee and tender Award Committee during the period in question. The questionnaire was used to elicit information on the perceptions of emerging black entrepreneurs with regard to their level of participation in the procurement process of the Department. The findings of the study are supportive of the guiding questions and assumptions advanced for the purpose of focusing the study. The finding was that black emerging entrepreneurs perceived themselves to be non-participants in the procurement activities of the Department. The study also found the existence of structural problem, which acted as barriers to active participation, of black emerging entrepreneurs, in the outsourcing activities of the Department of Economic Development and Tourism in the Province of KwaZulu-Natal. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.