Companies in commoditised marketplaces such as the fresh milk market in the Western Cape are seeking ways to improve sales and increase their market shares relative to the competition. This study explored differentiation as a viable competitive strategy in the Western Cape fresh milk market to increase market share and drive brand preference. Using telephonic interviews to administer a structured questionnaire to a randomly selected sample of 300 respondents, the study undertook to identify Western Cape milk consumers’ procurement behaviour, the attributes that consumers look for when selecting fresh milk and their selection criteria when choosing between fresh milk brands. The study found that nine attributes influenced the consumer’s choice of fresh milk brand, with price, consistency of taste, consistency of colour and expiry date being the most important. Brand attributes such as the company image, environmental concerns, company location, animal welfare and packaging played a less prominent role, but were also considered by consumers when selecting a brand of fresh milk. The study concluded that while price was the overriding decision-making variable, a differentiation strategy based on the nine identified attributes, or a subset thereof, will influence consumer procurement behaviour and potentially sway consumer preference. The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge on differentiation as a competitive strategy and specifically applies it to the Western Cape fresh milk market. / Marketing and Retail / M. Com. (Marketing and Retail Management)

Stewardship in South Africa, as it is being implemented within the framework of the Biodiversity Stewardship Programme (BSP), is an attempt by conservation agencies to engage landowners in the voluntary securing of parcels of biodiverse land, through signing a contract for a certain time period, not to develop the landscape in ways that will impact negatively on the biodiversity of the area in question. The focus of this study is the relationship between biodiversity stewardship and social learning, as I hope to ascertain how stewardship practices are helping to resolve the current problems of biodiversity loss in the Western Cape. The overall aim of this research is to gain an understanding of how, in its capacity as a conservation education process, the Cape Nature Stewardship Programme can foster social learning amongst the landowners involved in its implementation, by leading them to a better understanding of their environmental responsibilities. Data was generated through the use of interviews and informal discussions with participants together with document analysis, such as brochures, pamphlets and presentations. My approach to the analysis of my data was two-phased. In the first phase, I analysed the data generated from the interview process and from reviewing the documents the stewardship officials supplied me with. The second phase involved looking into the results of the two case studies, and formulating analytical statements which were then used to review the case evidence within a social learning perspective, derived from Wals (2007). In constructing an analytical framework for the interpretation of my data, I drew heavily on Wals' (2007) notion of social learning occurring in sequential activities. I used this insight as a lens through which to trace the educational effects of the implementation of the CNSP in the two case study areas.The research highlighted evidence that Stewardship initiatives should be based on the foundation of social learning and invest time and effort in building an environmental knowledge capital amongst the landowners involved. By equipping them with these necessary conservation skills, one creates a 'community of practice' where those individuals adopt a sustainability habitus contributing towards a change and environmental understanding and practises in field.

Non-profit organisations serve disadvantaged people by fulfilling their social needs, promoting social inclusion and building economies. Non-profit organisations are confronted with a tightening funding environment, growing competition for donors and grants, rising demand for services and increasing calls for accountability. The objective of the study was to investigate the way in which non-profit organisations in the Western Cape province apply fifteen management factors of the Lussier Business Success Versus Failure Model. This model was successfully used in various parts of the world to predict the success or failure of a business. A descriptive research design, using a qualitative case-study research approach was used in this study. A purposive non-probability sampling method was applied, and convenience sampling was used to identify twelve participants from four non-profit organisations. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with founders, managers and staff. Descriptive and thematic analysis techniques were utilised, and a deductive coding approach was used to develop thematic areas. Thematic analysis showed three broad themes, namely people, management, and finance. The research established that the non-profit organisations applied nine success factors of the Lussier Business Success Versus Failure Model. Non-profit organisations keep accurate records and adequate financial controls. They do have staff with management experience, while the staff have limited NPO experience. The non-profit organisations make use of professional advisors and networks. The research also revealed that non-profit organisations experience challenges with income-generating activities. They do not plan for the long term and find it difficult to retain staff. Non-profit organisations also lack critical skills, such as strategic planning, marketing management, and administrative management. Non-profit organisations need to build and maintain relationships with government bodies, support organisations and other non-profit organisations. Enhanced information sharing and relationships will reduce the dependence on government grant funding. Applying management principles will enhance the long term survival of non-profit organisations. / Business Management / M. Com. (Business Management)

No abstract available / Social Work / M. A. (Social Work)

The objectives of the research were to examine the relationship between organizational commitment, career adaptability and retention factors within the retail sector in the Western Cape and to determine whether the demographical variables (age, gender, race, marital status, tenure and job level) influence an employees’ decision to stay with or to leave the organisation. A cross-sectional quantitative, correlational research approach was followed wherein a nonprobability convenience sampling (N=224) of permanent customer service employees of a reputable retail store in the Western Cape was used. The data were collected by means of Organisational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ by Meyer & Allen, 1997), Career Adapt-Abilities Scale (CAAS by Savickas & Porfeli, 2012) and Retention Factor Measurement Scale (RFMS by Döckel, 2003). Correlational analysis revealded that statistical significant and positive relationships exist between organisational commitment, career adaptability and retention factors. A stepwise regression analysis indicated that organisational commitment and career adaptability significantly and positively predict retention factors. Tests for mean differences revealed that some differences do exists in organisational commitment, career adaptability and retention factors in terms of demographical variables (age, gender, race, marital status, tenure and job level). Recommendations are suggested for use by human resource managers and practitioners in terms of retention strategies and practices, specifically within the retail sector / Human Resource Management / M. Com. (Human Resource Management)

No abstract available / Social Work / M. A. (Social Work)