This study sets out to test the hypothesis that the Eskom Black Economic Empowerment, as implemented by the Transmission Division of Eskom Holdings Limited, has had only limited success in fostering sustainable businesses. Although Eskom Transmission has been reporting excellent achievements in terms of the programme, the author argues that the performance measures are flawed in that they do not distinguish between small black owned businesses and large international businesses which conform to the Eskom definition of a Black Economic Empowerment supplier. Large companies with at least a 10% black shareholding, and meeting other criteria in terms of skills transfer, black management and procurement from other black owned suppliers could qualify as a Black Economic Empowered supplier. By including spend on such suppliers together with the Transmission spend on small, black owned suppliers, distorts the effects of the programme. The research has highlighted the following concerns: • The most important reason that employees support the BEE programme is because it is a policy requirement; • No development of suppliers apart from the indiscriminate use of price matching and setting aside of contracts; • Supplier assessments are inconsistent and are not always transparent; • Contract conditions and contracting methods are not always conducive to growth and development of small suppliers; • Minimal performance evaluation of suppliers is conducted; • The BEE programme is perceived as being most successful in enriching a few elite black individuals. In addition, it is perceived as having been successful in the creation of non value adding agents for white owned companies;Henk Langenhoven - MComm UKZN 2005 • Very few respondents to the survey indicated that they spend any time on the development of or giving advice to suppliers; • There is a 50% impression that BEE suppliers are capable of taking part in Eskom Transmission business; • A very low percentage of Small Medium and Micro Enterprises and Black Woman Owned suppliers applying for listing in the database are qualified to supply Eskom Transmission; • The very same suppliers tend to win contracts all the time, hence the indication is that there are few new entrants; • Historically, the indication is that the suppliers have generally have been on the database since before the implementation of the BEE programme. They have continuously changed ownership to keep pace with the changing requirements of policy; • The support ofBWO suppliers has come at the direct expense ofSMME suppliers. Recommendations derived from this research include: • Continuing with the current BEE reporting which is external to Eskom, but • Enhancing Key Performance Indicators to include measurements and targets for job creation as well as support of both SMME and BWO suppliers; • Structured supplier development programme with dedicated resources to take ownership of the programme; • Consideration is to be given to the methods of contracting when dealing with SMME and BWO suppliers; • Supplier performance evaluation is to be enhanced for inclusion of a wider spectrum of suppliers and end users. / Thesis (M. Com.)-University of Kwazulu-Natal, 2008.

This study sets out to ascertain the impact that the marketing initiatives of a retail chain have on the inventory levels of the retail chain. The stock levels of a retail chain are the source of many frustrations. However, through developing an efficient and effective supply of inventory, a viable, competitive advantage is created for the firm. The bullwhip effect is the name given to the fluctuation in demand for specific products that is seen through the supply chain, the discoverer of this effect was J W Forrester. The primary objective of this study is to identify whether the movement of stock through the supply chain identifies with the bullwhip effect where the influences of the marketing initiatives are felt. The secondary objective is to discover what impact the different role players have on this phenomenon, i.e. the store managers, buyers and suppliers. The promotion process is utilised as a tool to drive the strategy of the Clicks organisation, but a side effect is the creation of the Bullwhip Effect. The main problem is that the demand for the item is increased for a specific period and then the demand is either reduced to levels lower than before the promotion or will revert to the same level as before. Sales and stock movement data was recorded and graphically displayed to determine whether the Bullwhip effect was created. This research has highlighted the following problems: (a) There is no direct communication between the role players. (b) Decisions are based on somewhat dubious information. (c) Large promotional orders are based on sales history. (d) There are no real measures in place to rectify any errors. (e) The measuring criteria and KPAs differ between the role players. Recommendations derived from this research include: (f) Increase communication between the category buyers and the store managers. (g) Rather than bulk ship stocks to the stores, introduce a staggered shipping approach. (h) Create a position for a specialist person who can deal with the overstocks. This person would be responsible for reallocating overstocks including returning the overstocks to the DCs. (i) Reduce the number of "lost leaders" and extensive advertising of these "lost leaders" and rather concentrate on more generic advertising. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2004.

Universities, like many other service organisations are operating in a competitive environment aiming to attract the best students. It is therefore important for them to understand how they are positioned in the minds of their target market. “Positioning is the image the product or service has in the mind of the consumer” (Walker, Mullins and Larreche, 2008, p.150). Since its inception the Foundation Programme at the University of KwaZulu-Natal has been more successful in meeting its enrolment targets than in recent years where this has not been the case on the Pietermaritzburg campus. This study attempted to help understand the reasons for this and in doing so investigated the effect of a number of possible factors contributing towards this problem. These factors included the positioning of the programme to its target market, the needs of target market, the effect of competing universities, the availability of Financial Aid, the merger between the Universities of Natal and Durban-Westville and the introduction of the Augmented programme. The Foundation Programme’s target market includes learners from disadvantaged schools in South Africa. Grade 12 learners doing Science and Mathematics from this target marker were the chosen participants for this study. Seven objectives were set to address this research problem. Using a positioning framework the first objective was to identify the determining dimensions, i.e. what factors are looked by the target market when choosing an access programme and university. The second objective was to establish how various products were rated on those dimensions to determine how the Foundation programme is positioned within the target market relative to competing programmes. The third objective was to assess whether the needs of access students are incorporated into the way the programme is positioned. Determining the perceptions of the target market of the adverting strategies for this programme was the fourth objective. The fifth objective was to examine the effect of Financial Aid, or the lack thereof, on the perceptions of the target market. The sixth objective was to evaluate the effect of the merger on the perceptions of the target market, and the final objective was to critically evaluate the impact of the introduction of the Augmented programme on the enrolment numbers. The triangulation methodology was followed for this study. Firstly the researcher used literature to identify the key attributes and issues surrounding this study. The data collection consisted of two stages: qualitative research which included focus groups (Stage 1) and quantitative research which included questionnaires (Stage 2). The literature was used to develop Stage 1 of the data collection and the findings of Stage 1 were used to develop Stage 2 of the data collection. All three areas are brought together in the discussion and conclusions. The data was analysed using Excel and SPSS. Issues of reliability and validity were addressed throughout this study. The findings of this study showed that the overall positioning of Foundation Programme is not aligned to the needs of the target market. UKZN is seen very positively and was given the highest rating compared to competing universities. However there are still gaps between where UKZN is in the mind of its target market and where their needs are. The biggest gap was in the area of financial assistance and this was followed by infrastructure of the university. Both these factors are of particular importance to the target market because of their disadvantaged background. The findings also showed that amongst the target market there is not enough awareness of access programmes in general and in particular the access programme at UKZN. The Centre for Science Access’s (CSA) advertising isn’t reaching a substantial portion of the target market. The merger did not have any negative effect on the target market’s choice of which university to attend. However since the merger what has happened is that the pool of applicants is being shared across the two centres of the CSA. The Augmented Programme has also not affected the enrolment targets of the Foundation Programme, rather it has affected the “quality” of students in the Foundation Programme. If the Augmented Programme was not introduced the Foundation Programme would be taking in students with higher matric scores. Recommendations were made to improve the position of the Foundation Programme in the minds of its target market. These were directed to the CSA management, UKZN policy makers and the Department of Education. / Thesis (M.Com.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2012.

Although franchising is growing in importance as a form of business with considerable benefits to all participants, little research has been done to evaluate the factors that contribute to a successful franchise relationship from the viewpoint of the franchisee. This study is intended to provide valuable information for establishing an effective management strategy, with a view to improving the relationship between the franchisor and franchisee. The study will include an analysis of the predictors of a quality relationship between the franchisor and the franchisee; and attempts to increase the understanding of the relationships between the predictors of a quality relationship, which may contribute to the franchisee's performance and satisfaction. Using the survey responses of the franchisees of the Convenience stores within the Petroleum Industry, this study identifies key factors that affect the franchisee's motivation to become a franchisee, the franchisee's perception of the franchisor's support, the quality of the relationship, loyalty/commitment to the franchisor and the franchisee's performance. The results of this study provide strong support for the idea that the quality of the relationship between the franchisor and the franchisee plays a key role in ensuring that the contractual relationship will lead to financial success for both parties. Recommendations provided will assist the franchisor in establishing an effective management strategy to improve the relationship between the franchisor and franchisee and thus improve the rate of success for both the franchisor and the franchisee. / Thesis (M.Com.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2007.

Against the backdrop of the challenges that confront our business organizations today, it seems that the concept of organizational learning has passed the sell-by date. Against the backdrop of entrenched underdevelopment in certain sectors of our communities, the inadequacy of the necessary structures to deal with these challenges, and the lack of required competencies for systemic development, challenges are posed on the Higher Education Sector, in general, and the so-called Historically Disadvantaged Institutions, in particular, for their role to alleviate the prevailing situation. With organization development as a strategy, the study employed the models of impact assessment and sustainable development to reflect and evaluate the Tertiary Education Linkages Project (TELP) programme on Academic Development at the Eastern Cape Technikon. The research study was aimed at assessing the extent to which the Technikon responded to the programme especially on issues of impact and sustainable development. The action research study, designed and conducted parallel to programme management, would also reveal issues of practice-theory both in organization development, the intervention strategy, and in academic development, the field of practice. The study yielded the following 3 major outcomes: The value of ensuring impact and sustainability development in the capacity development efforts that are characterizing HDls. The value of academic development as the mechanism for enhancing organizational learning in the higher education sector. The value of organization development in capacitating the institutions of higher learning to deal with the challenges of transformation. The following constituted the main conclusions: Against the background of structural and historical challenges that confront Historically Disadvantaged Institutions today, intervention strategies should promote the critical and the humanistic issues of awareness, emancipation, action, self-determination, autonomy, and social responsibility. There is an urgent need for demonstrable and visible leadership at all performance levels for sustaining the results of organizational interventions. / Thesis (M.Com.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

While the South African footwear industry is a relatively modest contributor to both GDP and employment in the South African economy, it has historically played a dominant role in the economy of Pietermaritzburg. The opening up of South Africa's markets to the import of cheap shoes from the Far East, particularly China, together with large quantities of shoes smuggled into the country, has had a catastrophic impact upon the South African footwear industry. Due to its relative concentration of footwear manufacturers, the Pietermaritzburg footwear industry has been particularly hard hit by these developments and has suffered a decline in both production and employment. The well-documented success of footwear clusters in Italy, Brazil and Mexico have lead local researchers and policy-makers to conclude that clustering provides a potential solution to the challenges facing the Pietermaritzburg footwear industry. The discussion concerning the future development of the Pietermaritzburg footwear industry has, to date, simply assumed that it is a cluster without any actual research to verify this assumption. In addition, the concept of clustering is often used by these authors without defining what is meant by the term or how the concept of clustering can practically be applied in the context of the Pietermaritzburg footwear industry. This study seeks to address this deficiency by firstly examining the theory pertaining to the clustering concept, particularly what a cluster is, what types of clusters exist and how clusters can be developed, and secondly by conducting exploratory research to evaluate to what extent the Pietermaritzburg footwear industry can be viewed as a cluster, and if so what type of a cluster, and what steps are required to develop it as a cluster. Secondary data analysis was performed on material relating to the South African footwear industry in general and the Pietermaritzburg footwear industry in particular. This analysis was combined with primary data gathered by means of interviews conducted with stakeholders in the Pietermaritzburg footwear industry to assess the industry's conformity to the theoretical definition of a cluster. A sample of thirty-three individuals, including manufacturers, suppliers and trade union representatives, was interviewed using a non-scheduled structured interview technique. The study concluded that the Pietermaritzburg footwear industry exhibits a high degree of geographic concentration and active business channels that do achieve significant synergies in certain areas. However, it was found that the industry does not meet the final characteristic of collective action. As a result it is argued that the Pietermaritzburg footwear industry would appear to show sufficient conformity to the requirements to warrant its description as a cluster but that it probably conforms most closely to the 'latent' or 'underachieving' cluster classification. Finally, the dissertation presents a number of recommendations for policy-makers and other role players for the development of the Pietermaritzburg footwear industry as a cluster. Salient recommendations include the importance of conducting research that can be used to persuade manufacturers of the benefit of clustering together; the need to appoint an experienced broker to actively facilitate the development of the cluster concept; and the importance of addressing gaps in the supply-chain. / Thesis (M.B.A.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2003.

The South African government has set a target of reducing unemployment by fifty percent by the year 2014. In order for government to achieve this target, more attention needs to be given to female entrepreneurs. This is due to the fact that women in South Africa make up half the business force and their contributions have not been adequately nurtured. The South African government is aware of the significance that female entrepreneurship has had on the growing economy of the country. As a result, many initiatives have been undertaken by the South African government, including business start-up training and advice as well as mentoring and coaching programmes. Thus, the aim of this study is to critically evaluate the role of female entrepreneurs and their contribution to economic growth in KwaZulu-Natal. The study will further analyse the role played by the South African government in terms of promoting female entrepreneurship, specifically relating to access to finance and training programmes. A ‘snowball’ sample of fifty female entrepreneurs was selected from the central business region of KwaZulu-Natal to complete the questionaire who were in business for more than three years. Data was collected using a questionnaire developed by the researcher. Statistical analysis was conducted on the data in order to reveal whether there were any significant relationships between training programmes instituted by the government and success of the small to medium owned businesses as well as the access to financial support and start-up costs. Research in this study have shown that there are a number of challenges which hindered the growth of female entrepreneurs including shortage of skills, limited access to start-up capital, lack of mentorship and government assistance as well as insufficient family support. Although the government has assisted organisations to assist female entrepreneurs in terms of mentorship and training programmes, more needs to be done in terms of building awareness of these programmes. The government needs to be more proactively involved in the promotion and advertisement of these programmes as well as sponsoring training programmes for women. / Thesis (MBA)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2010.

For eighty-six years up to the year 2000, the South African income tax system was based primarily on the source principle. This meant that only income which was from a source in the Republic or deemed to be from a source in the Republic was taxable in the hands of residents. The election of a new Government in 1994, and the subsequent relaxation in exchange controls, necessitated a change from the source-based system of taxation to a residence-based system of taxation. The residence-based system of taxation in turn necessitated the introduction of new legislation to ensure that South African residents were taxed on their foreign source income, and appropriate anti-avoidance provisions were in place in order to prevent an erosion of the South African tax base. The residence-based system of taxation was phased into South Africa by the introduction of section 9C to the Act. Section 9C was introduced in 1997 as an interim and partial provision which provided for the taxation of foreign passive income on a residence-basis. A possible loophole that the revenue authorities needed to deal with at the time was the fact that residents could establish controlled foreign companies in low tax jurisdictions and divert and accumulate income in such foreign jurisdictions, thereby escaping the South African tax net by avoiding or at least deferring South African tax on such income. Section 9D was introduced simultaneously with section 9C in 1997 as the specific antiavoidance provision in this regard. With the introduction of a residence-based system of taxation effective from years of assessment commencing on or after 1 January 2001, section 9C was repealed. As a result section 9C and the concepts of 'active, and 'passive' income are of historical significance, and the main focus in terms of a residence-based taxation system now remains a decision regarding whether or not a taxpayer is a 'resident' as defined in the Act. This dissertation critically analyses the structure, application, exemptions and shortcomings of section 9D as an anti-avoidance provision consequential upon the introduction of a residence-based system of taxation, and states the law up to and including the Revenue Laws Amendment Act 74 of 2002, which took effect from the commencement of years of assessment ending on or after 1 January 2003. / Thesis (M.Com.)-University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2003.

Although higher educational institutions the world over are beginning to recognize the importance of knowledge management, such institutions are still on the “very first steps of the long ladder” in addressing, evaluating and implementing the benefits of knowledge management with particular reference to the human resource management sector. Knowledge management is a viable means through which higher educational institutions could gainfully capitalize on its intellectual and social capital. Implementing knowledge management principles could bring about improved human resource efficiency and effectiveness and a resultant improved performance at higher educational institutions fostering a culture of excellence. Institutions of higher learning should therefore embrace knowledge management principles and practices in order to adequately address the challenges in a society that is becoming increasingly knowledge based. Relevant knowledge for human resource managers could be located at three different places. Individual knowledge is acquired through personal work experiences. Secondary knowledge could be attained through others insights, experiences and perceptions. Finally, much valued codified knowledge could be found in knowledge repositories. The realistic value of knowledge could be derived through the combination of all three approaches. Against this backdrop, this study explores knowledge management as a strategic tool for human resource management in higher educational institutions. Specifically, the dimensions such as organizational culture, organizational performance, technology, management support, and the institutions mission and vision will be evaluated to understand knowledge management within higher educational institutions. A questionnaire/survey was administered to a sample representing senior, middle and junior human resource managers at selected higher educational institutions in South Africa, Mauritius and India. In addition, a semi-structured interview was conducted with executive managers responsible for the human resource function in the higher educational institutions. The study investigated the impact of policies, systems and processes that the higher educational institutions implemented in support of knowledge management and knowledge sharing. A triangulated research approach was adopted through the administration of survey questionnaires amongst human resource managers, conducting semistructured interviews with executive managers, and a comprehensive literature review backed up with a review of the findings of similar studies. The outcomes of the study demonstrate that significant benefits could be derived by HEI’s in adopting an integrative approach between the human resource and knowledge management functions. The research results provide convincing arguments to support the integration of human resource management and knowledge management initiatives in HEI’s and affirms the assumption that these two disciplines are mutually inclusive. Whilst the HRM function at HEI’s have demonstrated that they have the capability and resources to implement knowledge management initiatives, the results reflect that much ground needs to be covered to realize the full benefits of this endeavour. The research culminates in providing important recommendations and guidelines, as well as the development of an integrated normative model on how human resource departments at higher educational institutions could embrace knowledge management as a strategic human resource management tool. The study confirms that an effective knowledge management strategy for human resource management that is aligned to the organizations’ strategic objectives is imperative in the 21st century organizational era, and more specifically for higher educational institutions in South Africa. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville,

This research has been conducted in an attempt to aid the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, in being more market oriented in a market that, until recently, saw little need to market its institutions in the past. Traditionally tertiary educational institutions have relied on their reputation to attract students. Fortunately tertiary institutions have recognised the need for marketing and positioning themselves in the market. Scholars highlighted what they considered to be the most important attributes when choosing a tertiary institution. Using this information, marketers at the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg (UNP), can tailor its marketing strategies around these attributes and the scholars that view them as important. The top 5 attributes that the scholars indicated were the most important are as follows: 1. Highly Qualified Lecturers 2. Academic Standards 3. International Recognition 4. Reputation 5. Affordable Fees The scholar's perceptions of institutions based on the most important attributes showed that the University of Cape Town (UCT) is perceived as being the top university - the market leader and can therefore be considered as the benchmark. UNP has been perceived as "average", between institutions such as UCT, Rhodes, Stellenbosch and Wits on one side and Damelin, Varsity College, University of South Africa (UNISA) on the other side. Generally the scholars perceived UNP in a positive light. The University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg is perceived positively with regards to up-to-date facilities (in terms of the laboratory, computers and the library), as well as a good social life, multi-racial mix, sports facilities, approachability of lecturers, security upgrades, and that it is an excellent academic institution. These represent the strengths of the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg and must be stressed and communicated to potential customers as well as present students who will in turn act as marketers themselves when with friends. The negative perceptions towards the UNP were related to: • Safety on campus at night, • The idea that the social life at UNP is what university is all about, • The lack of personal attention, and • Students being treated as nothing more than a student number to staff. These negative and poor perceptions must be dealt with through effective communication that will highlight the strengths of the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg. The result of the findings relating to the University's position in the market (based on the important attributes) is reflected in the positioning maps. From these maps it can be seen that the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg does not occupy a distinct position in the market. The mere fact that UNP was rated as average on the most important attributes reflects the poor positioning in the minds of the customers. It is a distinctive nature of positioning that must be sought after. As a result of the poor position the University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg holds in the minds of the customer, steps to successful positioning were revisited and recommendations were made to the University. In communicating the position of UNP it must be remembered that the marketing mix needs to be aligned with the intended position of the business. The University's use of the lP's, a vital component of the positioning strategy, was evaluated and recommendations made to the University. / Thesis (M.Comm. ; School of Business) - University of Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2003.