The world today consists of a global economy, with highly competitive markets in every country. In this arena companies are faced with continually declining profit margins, having to keep costs to a minimal, as well as continually developing Information Systems and Technology. All of these factors have a snowball effect on every other country in the world, providing challenges where there were none before. Companies start to focus on their core competencies, striving to be a benchmark in their industries. All their energies, resources and capital need to be channeled in this direction if they are to succeed. This then begs the question: Who will focus on these companies' non-core functions? The answer is a simpler one - a company whose core business it is to perform another company's non-core functions. One only needs to choose the third party service provider best suited to the company, and outsource your non-core functions to them. These third party service providers can easily incorporate a company's functions into their supply chains, and perform them more efficiently than the outsourcing company. But why focus on outsourcing of the logistics function (which entails transportation, warehousing and 10gisticaIIT)? Internationally this function has been the starting point of outsourcing, and is really only in its infant stages in South Africa. The research will show that even today only some of the areas of this function are being outsourced, whilst the others are still kept in-house. This study will show if there are underlying factors influencing the decision of companies to either outsource or retain their logistics function in-house. The perceived benefits of these two options are also discussed. This study is a formal one. Stated hypotheses will be statistically tested using parametric as well as non-parametric measures. Primary data will be collected through a questionnaire. All relevant literature will be examined and discussed in detail to provide the necessary background. Lastly, the results and findings of the study will be discussed, and recommendations will be made as to viable options in the outsourcing arena. These recommendations should be attempted if South Africa is to catch up with trends in the international outsourcing arena. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2004.

The ethical behaviour of companies in their business dealings has been receiving increasing attention throughout the world in the last decade and is becoming very important to modern day businesses. This research investigated the state of business ethics existing between Prospecton Brewery and its suppliers. In particular the work sought to obtain accurate information regarding the following: • The knowledge and attitudes of Prospecton Brewery Suppliers towards business ethics. • The perceptions that suppliers have of the level of business ethics practiced by Prospecton brewery. • The degree to which poor ethical practices are occurring in interactions between Prospecton brewery and suppliers. This research was largely a descriptive study. Data was obtained using a self-administered questionnaire that was posted to suppliers and returned anonymously. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban. 2003.

The increased activities within the mergers and acquisitions market in recent times has highlighted the importance of Commissions, whose responsibility it is to protect competition in the common market place. An area of disagreement which often arises between merging parties and authorities - at the expense of time and money - is the definition of a relevant market within which to measure competition. This proposal seeks, with the aid of a recent case (Unilever vs. Competition Commission of South Africa), to identify why relevant markets are so incoherently drawn and whether guidelines mutually agreed upon between the merging parties and the Commission could aid in reaching a timely and cost effective resolution. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, 2003.

The local banking industry has many challenges to face in the newly democratized South Africa. This study reviews these challenges, with special reference to sustainable business practice. It commences with an overview of the global business environment and more specifically, the challenges facing the international financial services sector with respect to sustainability. The effects of globalisation, as well as modernization, are used as key influencers in determining the external global environment. The international background is used to determine those factors that filter through to the South African banking sector, which is viewed as a new participant to the global economy. Complemented with the above, a high level review is performed of the local specific challenges facing banks in post-apartheid South Africa. This includes the challenge of providing accessible banking to the traditionally un-banked, as well as the implementation of black economic empowerment in the local financial services sector. With the above background in mind local banks are being evaluated on what they are currently doing in leveraging of sustainability in producing stakeholder value. The five capitals framework has been used to identify the level of implementation of sustainability in the current business models of South African banks. This status quo has been used as the foundation for making suitable recommendations to meet both the local and global challenges identified in the first part of the study. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, 2003.

The South African Department of Trade and Industry administers supply side incentive programmes aimed at promoting industrial development. This report presents a strategic analysis of the Chief Directorate: Manufacturing Development, and the Small Medium Manufacturing Development Program (SMMDP), in the context of South African Economic Development. Principles of corporate strategic theory are applied to analyse the SMMDP, a key element of government's basket of supply side measures. The programme has been implemented under the direction of the Board for Manufacturing Development whose objective is "To promote manufacturing Growth by way of incentives or concessions with regard to requirements within the framework of the economic policy of the republic." The success of the SMMDP is measured by the extent to which it accomplished the objectives of Wealth Creation, Employment Creation, Development of Entrepreneurship, Promoting the Utilisation of Raw Materials, Ensuring the Long Term Sustainability of Projects Receiving Incentives, Creating Opportunities for the Introduction of New and Advanced Skills into South Africa, and Facilitating International Competitiveness. Its effectiveness is hindered by policy conditions embodied in the SMMDP. Policy requirements that are within the Board for Manufacturing Development's control, ranked in order of severity are: Plant and Machinery, Equity, Turnover, and Human Resources. The requirement that has the highest frequency of non-compliance and the greatest effect is the Plant and Machinery requirement. Since this requirement has no bearing on the achievement of objectives and is only in place for the board's convenience, it should be removed from the programme. A strategy that focuses on clusters of industry that produce high numbers of employment relative to the investment made would be better suited to the objective of employment creation. Employment creation can also be more easily achieved if the Board allows the use of second-generation machinery. Insufficient correlation between the Board for Manufacturing Development's strategy and that of the labour authorities negate the positive effects of incentives on employment creation. The strategy was acceptable to the stakeholders at the time of implementation, but since many of the intended outcomes did not materialise, a post implementation assessment does not find the strategy acceptable. In assessing the feasibility of the strategy, the resources and competencies of the Chief Directorate: Manufacturing Development are considered. Many industrialists loose incentives due to the exclusion of expansion projects from the scope of the SMMDP. However, since the exclusion is due to lack of resources, the strategy cannot be feasible if expansions are included within the scope of the programme. Although the SMMDP has failed to achieve most of it's objectives, the overriding objective of the Board for Manufacturing Development, is the creation of wealth. The programme has achieved this requirement, in spite of its failures, and should therefore not be considered a total failure. The study recommends that: • The Plant and Machinery requirement be removed from the SMMDP. • The equity ratio is re-evaluated to produce a more desirable outcome. • The Board for Manufacturing Development employ's a bird's eye economic approach to stimulate growth in industries that will produce the most favourable economic outcomes. In other words, blanket incentives should be traded for specific incentivisation. • Expansions are included in the scope of industrial incentives. • The Board for Manufacturing Development adopts a transparent approach so that industry and government may work together to produce favourable economic outcomes. / Thesis (MBA)- University of Natal, 2003.

This MBA dissertation examines the 'Feasibility & Attractiveness of FDI in emerging Namibian market', and the overall impact on the country's international competitiveness as World Trade Organization (WTO) and SADC member. One of the most sensitive areas in international economics is Foreign Direct Investment ( FDI) which need to be considered when Multinational Corporations (MNCs) intend seeking exposure to emerging markets in establishing a subsidiary company in a developing country. Developing countries fear exploitation and inadequate access to foreign capital, technology, marketing & management skills. Many countries such as Indonesia and Russia have accumulated huge foreign indebtedness on which it is difficult to pay even the interest. High indebtedness, high inflation and high unemployment in several countries have resulted in unstable governments exposing foreign firms to the risks of expropriation, nationalization, and limits on profit repatriation. High indebtedness and political instability decrease the value of a county's foreign currency. Foreign firms want hard currency generation with profit repatriation rights, unavailable in many markets. Foreign -government entry requirements and bureaucracy enforce foreign entry regulations on firms with joint ventures with majority share to domestic partner, high number of employed nationals, transfer of technological skills and profit repatriation. Governments often impose high tariffs or resort to invisible trade barriers to protect their industries. The Namibian government can regulate the operations of foreign firms in various ways. Analysis of economic and development factors affecting FDI which negatively or positively influence future investments in the country are examined. Namibia has a good track record of economic and infrastructure development progress. The long-term Development strategy, Vision 2020, aims to achieve developed nation status in both economic and development sectors by the year 2020. Past economic crisis and the exposure to underlying structural weaknesses in financial and corporate sectors, threatened to undermine the country's achievements. Selective capital controls were introduced in an effort to limit currency volatility, additional to the structural reform measures implemented in corporate & financial sectors. One of the key determinants of a sustainable economy is the diversification of its industries. A more balanced economy prevents dependence on any particular sector or number of sectors of the economy and stabilizes economic fluctuations. Diversified industries bring new money into an economy, expand the tax base and provide increased support for infrastructure development projects such as roads, schools, community services and locally dependent small businesses. It is also believed that there is diversified linkages across the sectors of the economy. This type of economy is expected to generate more employment and self-sustaining prerequisite for continued growth in real incomes and employment, which provide a basis for poverty reduction. The research highlights some of the policies and initiatives, which the Namibian government has put in place since Independence to broaden the manufacturing base of the country and to promote export diversification. The aim of this study is to assess whether these efforts to promote diversification have borne the desired results. In other words. has there been a structural shift in the country's production structure during the period under consideration The research design or overall strategic choice is based on a combination of exploratory & descriptive method due to the structured nature of the research problem. Qualitative & quantitative methods are used for data collection based on economic & development factors influencing FDI in the country. The Ministry of Finance recently submitted it's Annual Report, including its annual accounts and reports on its operations and affairs and the general state of the Namibian economy. These Reports and reports accumulated during interviews, as well as data-collection during mail surveys will also be analyzed in an attempt to evaluate Namibia's overall attractiveness for FDI. Exploration: Qualitative methods were employed. I augmented my knowledge of FDI in Namibia by personally interviewing managers and CEOs from government, local and foreign companies and developed questionnaires as a mail survey. Questionnaire design: A self-administered questionnaire secured feedback on FDI in Namibia. Some questions for this instrument were based on the investigation of Central Business District Enterprises and from executive interviews. A comment / suggestion section was included. Pilot Test: I tested the questionnaire with a small sample of CEO's. Revision of the questionnaire was undertaken and it was amended appropriately, after which the final questionnaire was submitted using the mail survey. Evaluation of on-response bias: Random sample of non-respondents. Sample frame was established. Respondents were interviewed telephonically and their responses were used in a statistical comparison of responses _ respondents vs non- respondent samples were taken. In recognition of the critical role SMEs can play in the socio-economic development of the country and economic development of the country and economic diversification, the Government has put in place policies and programmes for the development of SMEs. The main thrust is to increase the rate of growth of existing businesses to ensure the employment of more people. The second thrust is the reduction of business failures while increasing the development of new business formations. The third thrust is the diversification of the activities of the sector includes continuing efforts to improve and empowering environment, including pro-active programme and institutional Supply. More specifically, the assistance programmes for SMEs target the critical areas of access to finance, skills development, marketing, technology transfer, management and institutional support. Such a comprehensive policy framework is expected to enhance the economic role of SMEs not only in terms of their contribution to employment and poverty reduction, but also in terms of contribution to economic diversification. The development and promotion of the SME sector IS an integral part of the Special Industrialisation Programme (SIP), which is designed to render practical support to viable business ideas and plans. The long-term objective of this programme is to promote export-oriented production and where appropriate import substitution. International businesses like multinational companies participate the foreign exchange market to facilitate international trade & investment, to invest spare cash in short-term money market accounts in Namibia & to engage in currency speculation. FOI can make positive contributors to Namibia by supplying the capital, technology and management resources that would otherwise not be available. These endorsements can positively influence the overall economic status of the Namibian people. Benefits of the study can translate into effective marketing of Namibia as WTO and SAOC member and to encourage FOI investor confidence & growth in Namibia. High levels of FOI can translate into positive outputs in terms of economic & growth potential FOI in Namibia, strong global trade and accelerated growth potential in developing African countries. Namibia has recently joined the WTO as member country, does it have a sustainable economy & the infrastructure to attract FOI This research has confidence in the potential for improving economic & development factors that will invite FOI in Namibia. This research desires information on the 'Feasibility & Attractiveness of FOI in amibia and the overall impact on the country's international competitiveness.' As researcher, I intend to identify the economic and development factors affecting FOI in Namibia. / Thesis (M.B.A.)-University of Natal, 2003.

This report presents the summary of findings of the 2003 image and customer service-tracking survey for the Jewel bank. The overall objectives of the survey were to: -Monitor any changes which may have occurred over the past years in usage of the Jewel Bank, perceptions of the banks image, and the service delivery offered by the bank in respect of existing Jewel Bank customers, and -Obtain the perceptions of non-customers of Jewel Bank with regard to awareness of the bank, its image and service delivery Face-to-face interviews were carried out with respondents in the following categories: Respondent category' Sample size Customers who joined Jewel Bank before the transformation from CBZ to Jewel bank 30 Customers who joined Jewel Bank during the transformation from CBZ to Jewel bank 30 Customers who joined Jewel Bank after the transformation from CBZ to Jewel bank 30 Potential customers of Jewel Bank 30 Total 120 / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

Abstract not available. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

The monopolistic South African electricity supply industry is undergoing a transformation that would change its ownership and market structure. The objective of this study was to determine whether the strategic choice to transform the industry is indeed appropriate. A qualitative, case based study of the existing and proposed South African electricity supply industry was performed. Various strategic tools and techniques, related to both strategic theory and electricity supply industry models, formed the basis of the evaluation. It was found that to overcome the critical weaknesses in the industry and to take advantage of the opportunities present in the dynamic and complex electricity supply industry the restructuring is appropriate. The restructuring would allow the South African Government to meet its objectives of having an efficient electricity supply industry and meet the huge suppressed demand for low cost electrification. South Africa intends adopting the wholesale competition model, however this study recommends that it should implement the single-buyer model. Should the restructuring be successfully implemented, customers in the South African electricity supply industry can expect high quality electricity at a competitive price. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, 2003.

Exports of Eritrean fishery products, for which the European Union is the largest market, has an important share in the socio-economic development of the country. It is very important to earn foreign currency and provide employment opportunities by encouraging local and foreign investors in the sector. The export of fish from Eritrea mainly targets markets of developed nations where food quality and safety standards are increasing rapidly. During the last decade there has been more focus on the application of more stringent quality and safety regulations according to international norms. This paper investigates the determinants of quality in global fish businesses. The paper provides an overview of all the factors that characterize international fish market regulations with special emphasis given to the EU markets. It also investigates the general quality and safety policies of the Eritrean Marine Products Company (EMPC). The paper findings show that the EMPC face some difficulties that may hinder its competitiveness in the global fish market. The paper examines the activities and resources of the three actors, that is the EMPC, European Union Inspectors and Fish Inspection and Quality Control Division, which have a significant contribution to the quality of fish exported from Eritrea. The impact of cooperative strategy or the networking model among the three actors to quality fish exporting from the country is investigated. The study supports the formation of cooperative strategy among these actors in that it is positively related to the export performance of the processing firms with higher compliance to standards. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.