Thesis (MTech (Information Technology))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2005. / The main objective of this research project was to explore organisational electronic commerce (e-commerce) adoption barriers experienced by SMMEs (Small Medium Micro Enterprises). In order for an SMME to become an e-business model. An SMME may start-up as an e-business without any transformation. Barriers to e-commerce adoption in htis research need to be identified. The research study should provide guidlines for SMMEs to use and pro-actively avoid possible barriers before and during the adoption process of e-business.

Dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology: Tourism and Hospitality Management in the Faculty of Business at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology 2013 / The continent of Africa hosted the FIFA World Cup™ for the first time in 2010. The historical hosting of Africa‟s first mega-event by South Africa was deemed to be a key opportunity to initiate and promote socio-economic legacies for local South Africans. Therefore, the importance of examining visitor experiences and perceptions of the event cannot be overemphasised. The global struggle for competitive advantage, national reputation or nation branding is in recent times more and more significant as countries compete for attention, respect and trust of investors, tourists, consumers, donors, immigrants and media. Assessing visitors‟ experiences can contribute significantly to knowledge management and inform the planning of future events to leverage positive benefits while minimising the negative impacts. In this study, visitors‟ perceptions of the event are examined using Nelson Mandela Bay / Port Elizabeth (one of the nine [9] host cities for the 2010 event) as a case study. A spatially-based systematic sampling technique was used to interview visitors at fan parks and in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium precinct during the 2010 FIFA World Cup™. Face-to-face interviews were conducted and in all, two thousand, two hundred and twenty-five (n=2225) visitors were interviewed. The key findings reveal that many of the visitors came from the key tourism source markets of South Africa (the United Kingdom [UK], Germany, the Netherlands, the United States of America [USA] and France), were men and had an average age of thirty three (33) years. They generally had positive perceptions about the hosting of the event and the quality of tourism facilities and services on offer during their stay in Nelson Mandela Bay / Port Elizabeth, and South Africa generally. Additionally, many visitors suggested that the hosting of the event in Nelson Mandela Bay / Port Elizabeth offered an opportunity to experience a different tourism destination, with potential for future repeat visitations. However, the city was found to be a poor responsible tourism destination and as not being a good value-for-money destination. During the event, the Nelson Mandela Bay / Port Elizabeth region arguably drew its biggest international crowd as it usually receives fewer international tourists when compared to other regions in South Africa. The study therefore underscores the need for local tourism authorities to devise strategies aimed at capitalising on the exposure garnered through the hosting of the event and at maximising the opportunity to tap into new tourism markets with a view to increasing international visitation in a province that is said to attract only five percent of South Africa‟s international visitors.

Dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology: Tourism and Hospitality Management in the Faculty of Business at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology / The 2010 FIFA World CupTM was hosted for the first time on the continent of Africa. The importance of understanding residents’ perceptions of such mega-events is key. Most studies that have previously been commissioned on residents’ perceptions have focused on the pre-event, with only a few focusing on what transpired post-event, as regards the legacy impacts associated with a mega sport event of that nature. This study focuses on the residents’ perceptions of the 2010 FIFA World CupTM in Port Elizabeth (one of the nine host cities of the 2010 tournament), with the view to compare pre- and post-event impacts. Both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection were used in the study. The survey population of interest, included residents living within a two kilometre (2km) radius of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. The sample size (n=700) of questionnaires that was collected (with 350 each for pre- and post-event) was administered in face-to-face interviews that were conducted with the respondents. The results showed significant statistical differences and similarities between the pre- and post-event responses in relation to key socio-economic variables. Shifts in perceptions were noted in terms of comparing both event phases. Post-event, residents displayed a more positive perception of the impact of the event. The study recommends the need to develop legacy indicators to track, monitor and determine the long-term effects of the event. In addition the necessity for a longitudinal study that measures changes in perceptions over time is essential.

Thesis (DTech (Tourism and Hospitality Management ))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2010 / The relationship between sport and tourism is symbiotic and offers valued visitor experiences that aid sport tourism development. The growth of sport tourism justifies critical consideration, as sport is an important activity within tourism, while tourism is fundamentally associated with several types of sport. Sport and tourism have become significant economic activities in both the developed and the developing world. Sport tourism events is an essential category of sport tourism and because of their special characteristics, require particularly good organisation. Hence, the monitoring and evaluation of sport tourism events are integral to developing a sustainable sport tourism event industry in South Africa. The focus of this study was a comparative analysis of the management and socio-economic impacts of sport tourism events in Durban and Cape Town, utilising a case study approach. The study specifically evaluates the Comrades Marathon (CM), the Hansa Powerade Dusi Canoe Marathon (DCM), the Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon (OMTOM) and the Isuzu Berg River Canoe Marathon (BR). Of importance in this study is stakeholders‟ involvement, perceptions, attitudes and understanding relating to the costs and benefits linked to the events. These particular events provided excellent case studies for comparative event impact analysis, as they are well-known sport tourism events, namely two running marathons and two canoe marathons that are held at popular tourist destinations. These case studies reflect a cross-section of experiences contrasting institutional dynamics, management issues, resident perceptions, sport event types as well as socio-economic and spatial contexts. As stakeholders have a direct influence on managerial decision making, a stakeholder analysis was undertaken. Stakeholders included individuals and organisations that were actively involved in the sport tourism events and whose interests may have been positively or negatively affected by the sport tourism event, viz. spectators, managers, sponsors, local government officials and residents. Due to the outdoor nature of the events, the movement of several people at spectator areas and along routes and the surveys being conducted face to face, a multistage, stratified, spatially-based purposive sampling method was used for spectators and residents. Two surveys were conducted at the events: a spectator questionnaire (n = 200 per event) and a service quality questionnaire (n = 100 per event). Spectators were approached while within the various spectator congregation points of each of the sport tourism events, whereas residents located within a 10-km radius of the sport tourism event route were surveyed (n = 200 per event) after the events. Structured key informant interviews were conducted with sponsors, managers and local government authorities.

Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Doctor Technologiae in the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology / The study investigated tourism as a catalyst to local economic development of the Transkei Wild Coast. The Transkei Wild Coast is an area which stretches from the Kei River mouth south of East London, to Durban South Coast, with seven local municipalities located in the area. These local municipalities are Mquma, Mbhashe, King Sabata Dalindyebo, Nyandeni, Port St Johns, Ngquza Hill and Mbizana. Infrastructure and partnership models were identified as key to the development and growth of the tourism industry in the Transkei Wild Coast. It was found that the status of infrastructure and partnerships is lacking and delivers little or no economic benefits and advances in the Transkei Wild Coast. Factors contributing to the poor performance of tourism-led local economic development by the local municipalities in the Transkei Wild Coast include poor roads, poor communication, lack of infrastructure, erratic electricity supply, and poor quality of water supply. Partnerships both at strategic and implementation levels lack commitment, role clarification and acceptable beneficiation metrics to all involved stakeholders. Infrastructure and partnerships are explained as basic and key necessities in developing a successful tourism industry in the Transkei Wild Coast. The study argues that local municipalities need support to grow the tourism industry to become a key contributor to the local economic development strategy. The Transkei Wild Coast has a wealth of natural resources, culture and history to offer tourists to this area. Local economic viability of the Transkei Wild Coast will improve, which inevitably will lead to an improved standard of living of the host communities. Growth of the tourism industry will lead to growth and development of related industries/businesses. The findings revealed that the majority of Transkei Wild Coast inhabitants support investment in the tourism industry. Prioritisation of tourism as a catalyst to local economic development in the Transkei Wild Coast will unlock other potential economic sectors in the area. For this to succeed, it is imperative that capital infrastructure is improved and credible and beneficial partnerships are created and maintained. Recommendations are proposed to fulfil the State-led mandate for socioeconomic development and advancement at local municipal level in South Africa generally and the Transkei Wild Coast in particular.

Thesis (MTech (Marketing))-- Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2006 / With a population of 1.3 billion and a rapidly growing economy, China has the potential to exert a greater influence on the development of tourism worldwide. In particular, the China outbound tourism market is expanding at a fast rate. Along with the Approved Destination Status, which was granted to South Africa in 2001, South African Tourism has already set its sights on targeting this emerging market. The purpose ofthis research was to establish the perspectives oftravel agencies in China with regard to promoting South Africa as a leisure tourist destination. The study attempted to survey travel agencies in China, in order to understand Chinese travel agents and their clients' dislikes and preferences, which assisted the researcher to identify the attractive points and drawbacks ofSouth African tours, as viewed by travel agencies. In this study, 90 international travel agencies were surveyed with the use of self-completion questionnaires, while 6 in-depth interviews were conducted. The research results provided the perceptions and attitudes of South Africa, as viewed by Chinese travel agencies and revealed that shopping and entertainment, scenic beauty, different people and their lifestyles, cultural experiences and wildlife experiences were the top five of the attractions of South Africa as a tourist destination. The main factors, which prevent Chinese tourists from visiting South Africa, were unfamiliarity, affordability and negative perceptions with regard to crime and HIV/AIDS.

Thesis (MTech (Marketing Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2008 / Resident within the context of tourism marketing, this research, following a proposal that marketing the Western Cape Wine Routes, as a destination component, may enrich and strengthen the image and competition of South Africa as a tourist destination in China, has focused on the psychological behaviour of Chinese tourists and their demographic profiles in respect of the Western Cape Wine Routes. Within this research, a mixed research design was adapted, after layered literature studies that comprised tourism and marketing, consumer [tourist] behaviour and wine tourism, while fieldwork involved both qualitative and quantitative approaches, which covered both experienced and non-experienced Chinese tourists with regard to the Western Cape Wine Routes. During the research fieldwork, a tourist investigation included a set of mini-group interviews and an intercept survey [comprising 275 samples], which provided an understanding of Chinese tourists in respect of the Western Cape Wine Routes, as well as South Africa and Cape Town, by both underlying and broad data. As a result of this research, a blueprint to market the Western Cape Wine Routes as a destination component in China, in the form of a formulated framework, some business recommendations at a strategic level, are represented, which include strategic marketing directions, Chinese tourist market analysis, evaluation of current competition, SWOT analysis, strategic objectives and corresponding strategies in the form of the 8Ps of the tourism marketing mix, as well as major complementary strategic resources. Finally, within an academic perspective, future studies are also suggested. Key words: Chinese tourists, South Africa, strategic marketing, tourism, Western Cape, wine tourism, wine routes and wine tourists.

Thesis (MTech (Tourism and Hospitality Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2008. / Event Management is a new medium, which has generated much enthusiasm from the events industry, as well as from the South African tourism industry, and is globally accepted as a developmental and marketing strategy from which destinations can benefit (Tassiopoulos, 2005: xiv). Event tourism has demonstrated significant growth and continues to expand as South Africa closes on hosting the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Events are different from permanent tourism attractions as they attract people to a shortlived, organised activity where visitors may participate, watch, view, learn and enjoy (Tassiopoulos, 2005: xiv). Event organisers have a number of goals and objectives that they need to achieve within stressful environments. Events offer unique opportunities to spread the tourism season for a particular destination and to promote destinations or attractions. They can also be used to stimulate demand by attracting extra, new or repeat visitors, while events can also be intended to generate additional revenue for a destination (Light, 1996:183). In order to ensure that events are successful, and to generate income for destinations, event practitioners are constantly under extreme pressure to perform. A combination of knowledge and skills is required to empower event practitioners to contribute to the industry and the community, at large. Therefore, tertiary institutions, such as the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), should encourage active learning, facilitation, research, practical experience and engagement with its surrounding communities. This thesis focuses on a theoretical analysis of the events environment, as well as key factors that make this industry unique and justified as a separate discipline. The industry is hugely diverse and there are challenges, but prospective and current event practitioners who have established qualifications from registered institutions, can contribute to sustainable development and employment creation in South Africa. Carlos (2005: xi) states that for those who seek an exciting career, where their organisation skills and attention to detail along, with their creativity can be fully utilised, this would be their kind of industry; this is an industry that attracts several of the country's most vibrant students. Events Management is an industry, which is justified as a separate industry in South Africa.

Thesis (MTech (Tourism Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2011. / The revenue generated by tourism can be directed to the social and cultural well being of communities. This aspect is considered as an important social dimension of sustainable tourism. Management should develop a prescient, well-founded, and creative view of future opportunities that will spur pre-emptive competence-building, provide focus into their efforts, ensure consistency in investment programmes, and serve as a guide for decisions concerning strategic alliances and acquisitions. It is necessary to acknowledge the impact of tourism on the socio-economic development of communities. The creation of employment, transfer of skills, contribution to venue infrastructure, local arts and cultural development, as well as the process of product ownership to show their willingness to do so, may add to a great deal of community pride. Over a period of time, the ABSA Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (KKNK) has developed into a major arts festival in South Africa. Since its inception in 1994, and with an initial investment of R750 000.00, the festival turn-over grew to an estimated R65 million in 2006. As the festival operates as a Section 21 Company (an organisation not for gain), funding depends entirely on grants, donations, contributions and corporate sponsorships. Arts festivals can be grouped within the current corporate and social funding framework of ABSA Bank. Despite the type and rate of growth, local communities and consumers have reached different stages in the adoption of the festival.

Thesis (MTech (Tourism and Hospitality Management))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2012. / The reason for conducting this research was to evaluate the impact of information technology in the tourism industry, focusing mainly on tourism intermediaries, which include selected travel agencies and tour operators in Cape Town, and their awareness levels of the negative and positive impacts, as well as disintermediation that occurs owing to information technology developments. The research methodology for this thesis comprised a literature search and an empirical survey, which evaluated the impacts of information technology on tourism intermediaries in Cape Town. This research sought to establish whether disintermediation has occurred amongst travel agents and tour operators, whilst recognising strategies, which these tourism intermediaries can use to ensure survival in the competitive tourism industry. Relevant sources were referred to in the literature search. A number of appropriate normative measures were taken from the literature, followed by an empirical survey where randomly selected tourism intermediaries in Cape Town, namely small, medium to large companies were chosen to participate in the research questionnaire. The questionnaire responses were captured by the registered CPUT statistician in the form of frequency distribution analyses, and these were statistically analysed by the researcher and the registered statistician. The interpretations and findings of the statistical analyses were presented in tables and charts and were explained individually according to the statements' similarities, differences and verifications, as per the research questionnaire. A number of recommendations emanated from the literature sources and empirical survey, followed by concluding remarks in the form of conclusions.