Entrepreneurial behaviour is examined in this study, with specific reference to fou industrial divisions in NWK Limited, situated in the North-West province of South Africa. The primary objective of this study is to investigate entrepreneurial orientation and perceived success in the Industrial division of NWK Limited and to make practical recommendations to enhance entrepreneurial behaviour in the specific division, the organisation and other corporate organisations. A literature study was conducted to define entrepreneurship in general. The literature study investigated the characteristics of entrepreneurs. The five variables of entrepreneurial orientation and two variables measuring perceived success were investigated. Lastly the establishment of entrepreneurship together with a framework and strategy to establish entrepreneurship in an organisation will be discussed. The study was conducted on the Industrial division of NWK, which consisted of four divisions namely: Epko, Noordfed, Opti Chicks and Opti Feeds. Questionnaires were sent to the target group of 609 employees and a total of 79 usable questionnaires were received on which statistical analysis were conducted. The reliability of the data was tested by calculating Cronbach alpha coefficients for the different variables of entrepreneurial orientation and perceived success of the organisation. The data was further analysed by calculating the mean, standard deviation and range of the individual responses and the different variables. Additional to the analysis the relationship between selected demographic information and the different variables was tested to determine whether there were significant differences in the means. Conclusions are drawn from all the demographic information as well as the different variables of entrepreneurial orientation and perceived success. Based on the data analysis recommendations is made based on all the relevant topics that have been identified in the study. The data analysis, conclusions and recommendations supports the suggested action plan that can be used to improve the entrepreneurial orientation and ultimately the perceived business success of the agri-business. The study is concluded with measurements of the achievements and objectives of the study. Finally suggestions are made for further research that can be conducted. / Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Entrepreneurial behaviour is examined in this study, with specific reference to fou industrial divisions in NWK Limited, situated in the North-West province of South Africa. The primary objective of this study is to investigate entrepreneurial orientation and perceived success in the Industrial division of NWK Limited and to make practical recommendations to enhance entrepreneurial behaviour in the specific division, the organisation and other corporate organisations. A literature study was conducted to define entrepreneurship in general. The literature study investigated the characteristics of entrepreneurs. The five variables of entrepreneurial orientation and two variables measuring perceived success were investigated. Lastly the establishment of entrepreneurship together with a framework and strategy to establish entrepreneurship in an organisation will be discussed. The study was conducted on the Industrial division of NWK, which consisted of four divisions namely: Epko, Noordfed, Opti Chicks and Opti Feeds. Questionnaires were sent to the target group of 609 employees and a total of 79 usable questionnaires were received on which statistical analysis were conducted. The reliability of the data was tested by calculating Cronbach alpha coefficients for the different variables of entrepreneurial orientation and perceived success of the organisation. The data was further analysed by calculating the mean, standard deviation and range of the individual responses and the different variables. Additional to the analysis the relationship between selected demographic information and the different variables was tested to determine whether there were significant differences in the means. Conclusions are drawn from all the demographic information as well as the different variables of entrepreneurial orientation and perceived success. Based on the data analysis recommendations is made based on all the relevant topics that have been identified in the study. The data analysis, conclusions and recommendations supports the suggested action plan that can be used to improve the entrepreneurial orientation and ultimately the perceived business success of the agri-business. The study is concluded with measurements of the achievements and objectives of the study. Finally suggestions are made for further research that can be conducted. / Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The primary objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between work engagement and hope and to determine the possible impact on productivity within an agri-business. For the purpose of the study, we used two measures, namely: • The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale was used to measure work engagement • The Dispositional Hope Scale was used to measure hope. The questionnaires were completed by 341 respondents of the relevant agribusiness. The respondents represented all the divisions in the business. The research results showed that there was a significant correlation between work engagement and hope. Moreover, the literature review showed that work engagement and hope are playing a definite role in the productivity of any business. / MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The primary objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between work engagement and hope and to determine the possible impact on productivity within an agri-business. For the purpose of the study, we used two measures, namely: • The Utrecht Work Engagement Scale was used to measure work engagement • The Dispositional Hope Scale was used to measure hope. The questionnaires were completed by 341 respondents of the relevant agribusiness. The respondents represented all the divisions in the business. The research results showed that there was a significant correlation between work engagement and hope. Moreover, the literature review showed that work engagement and hope are playing a definite role in the productivity of any business. / MBA, North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The global economy is creating profound and substantial changes for business and industries throughout the world. In the agricultural industry this is also true regarding the active consolidation of the food-value chain that is taking place at a rapid rate and on the other hand a strong component of international competitiveness is becoming a reality with multi-national role players positioning them globally. The consumer on the other hand requires a simpler and cheaper supply chain and wants to participate in the deliberations regarding the end product. In order for Senwes to be successfully positioned as an intermediary, it is evident that change is essential and unavoidable. Therefore, Senwes business platform has to be enlarged, scale of volume has to be added and trade mark has to be addressed. The literature review in this study confirmed that corporate entrepreneurship is recognised as a potential viable means of promoting and sustaining competitiveness, and transforming business and industry opportunities for value-creating innovation. The primary objective of this study is twofold: Firstly, to assess the determinants of corporate entrepreneurship and retail in an agri-business in South Africa and secondly to propose an integrated framework to facilitate the process of establishing and maintaining corporate entrepreneurship and retail within the specific agribusiness in South Africa. A comprehendsive literature overview on corporate entrepreneurship was conducted in chapter 2. In the literature review corporate entrepreneurship was defined and the necessity and fostering of corporate entrepreneurship discussed. A framework with determinants for sustainable corporate entrepreneurship was furthermore explained. The chapter was concluded with a discussion on corporate entrepreneurial strategy. A historic overview of the agricultural industry in South Africa was presented. The focus of the discussion was on the agri-business sector in South Africa with a discussion on Senwes Limited. The nature of retail was discussed in chapter 4. An overview of the nature of retail with a definition of retail was explained. The reason for the change in retail, with different types of retailers as well as a strategic model was noted and discussed. A specific focus in the chapter was given to the strategic drivers for retail success with an overview of key retail success factors. The chapter was concluded with a discussion on the future of retailing. Empirical research was conducted after the literature review. The empirical research Specific climate variable. Work discretion and Management support need development to become present. As far as the retail survey is concerned, six variables describing the theoretical dimensions of Store factor, Technology, Service factor, Merchandise/Product, Price and Segmentation/Target market were extracted. As indicated from the results the constructs Store factor, Technology and Service factor are present in the business. Merchandise/Product, Price and Segmentation/Target market need development to become present in the business. Regarding the perceived success survey is concerned three factors, Financial measures, Process measures, People development were extracted. All three factors are present in the business. . Finally, recommendations were proposed by means of an integrated framework that could assist the agri-business to establish and maintain corporate entrepreneurship and retail within the business focused on discussing the results obtained from the corporate entrepreneurial climate and retail questionnaire. Middle management and first line supervisors/staff of Senwes Village, Retail division, were selected as the sample population for this study and a 65% ratingwas achieved. Basic demographic information were dealt with first, after which the perceptions of the respondents with regard to the corporate entrepreneurial orientation and climate constructs, constructs measuring retail and perceived success of the business were discussed. Furthermore, relationships were determined between demographic variables and the constructs measured in the questionnaire. Following the detailed empirical analysis done in chapter 5, conclusions were made in chapter 6. Regarding the entrepreneurial orientation survey, five variables describing theoretical dimensions of Autonomy, Innovativeness, Risk-taking, Pro-activeness and Competitive aggressiveness were extracted. The constructs Innovativeness, Pro-activeness and Competitive aggressiveness are present in Senwes Village, Retail division. Autonomy and Risk-taking are less prevalent in Senwes Village, Retail division due to the lower average mean score that was obtained from the empirical study. In conclusion to the entrepreneurial climate survey, four variables describing theoretical dimensions of Management Support, Work discretion, Rewards/Reinforcement, Specific climate variables were extracted. The construct that is already active within the business is Rewards/Reinforcement. / Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The global economy is creating profound and substantial changes for business and industries throughout the world. In the agricultural industry this is also true regarding the active consolidation of the food-value chain that is taking place at a rapid rate and on the other hand a strong component of international competitiveness is becoming a reality with multi-national role players positioning them globally. The consumer on the other hand requires a simpler and cheaper supply chain and wants to participate in the deliberations regarding the end product. In order for Senwes to be successfully positioned as an intermediary, it is evident that change is essential and unavoidable. Therefore, Senwes business platform has to be enlarged, scale of volume has to be added and trade mark has to be addressed. The literature review in this study confirmed that corporate entrepreneurship is recognised as a potential viable means of promoting and sustaining competitiveness, and transforming business and industry opportunities for value-creating innovation. The primary objective of this study is twofold: Firstly, to assess the determinants of corporate entrepreneurship and retail in an agri-business in South Africa and secondly to propose an integrated framework to facilitate the process of establishing and maintaining corporate entrepreneurship and retail within the specific agribusiness in South Africa. A comprehendsive literature overview on corporate entrepreneurship was conducted in chapter 2. In the literature review corporate entrepreneurship was defined and the necessity and fostering of corporate entrepreneurship discussed. A framework with determinants for sustainable corporate entrepreneurship was furthermore explained. The chapter was concluded with a discussion on corporate entrepreneurial strategy. A historic overview of the agricultural industry in South Africa was presented. The focus of the discussion was on the agri-business sector in South Africa with a discussion on Senwes Limited. The nature of retail was discussed in chapter 4. An overview of the nature of retail with a definition of retail was explained. The reason for the change in retail, with different types of retailers as well as a strategic model was noted and discussed. A specific focus in the chapter was given to the strategic drivers for retail success with an overview of key retail success factors. The chapter was concluded with a discussion on the future of retailing. Empirical research was conducted after the literature review. The empirical research Specific climate variable. Work discretion and Management support need development to become present. As far as the retail survey is concerned, six variables describing the theoretical dimensions of Store factor, Technology, Service factor, Merchandise/Product, Price and Segmentation/Target market were extracted. As indicated from the results the constructs Store factor, Technology and Service factor are present in the business. Merchandise/Product, Price and Segmentation/Target market need development to become present in the business. Regarding the perceived success survey is concerned three factors, Financial measures, Process measures, People development were extracted. All three factors are present in the business. . Finally, recommendations were proposed by means of an integrated framework that could assist the agri-business to establish and maintain corporate entrepreneurship and retail within the business focused on discussing the results obtained from the corporate entrepreneurial climate and retail questionnaire. Middle management and first line supervisors/staff of Senwes Village, Retail division, were selected as the sample population for this study and a 65% ratingwas achieved. Basic demographic information were dealt with first, after which the perceptions of the respondents with regard to the corporate entrepreneurial orientation and climate constructs, constructs measuring retail and perceived success of the business were discussed. Furthermore, relationships were determined between demographic variables and the constructs measured in the questionnaire. Following the detailed empirical analysis done in chapter 5, conclusions were made in chapter 6. Regarding the entrepreneurial orientation survey, five variables describing theoretical dimensions of Autonomy, Innovativeness, Risk-taking, Pro-activeness and Competitive aggressiveness were extracted. The constructs Innovativeness, Pro-activeness and Competitive aggressiveness are present in Senwes Village, Retail division. Autonomy and Risk-taking are less prevalent in Senwes Village, Retail division due to the lower average mean score that was obtained from the empirical study. In conclusion to the entrepreneurial climate survey, four variables describing theoretical dimensions of Management Support, Work discretion, Rewards/Reinforcement, Specific climate variables were extracted. The construct that is already active within the business is Rewards/Reinforcement. / Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

As mudanças na organização, nos processos e nas relações de trabalho, que estão no bojo do processo de reestruturação produtiva capitalista, se intensificaram a partir das últimas décadas do século XX, resultando em um quadro de agravamento das condições de trabalho que interfere diretamente nas condições de saúde dos trabalhadores de forma geral. Esta pesquisa se debruça sobre estas questões, tomando como objeto de investigação a atividade laboral dos trabalhadores do setor de alimentos empregados em uma unidade de processamento de aves, pertencentes a uma das maiores empresas deste ramo no país, localizada na região oeste do Estado do Paraná. A metodologia adotada para esta pesquisa foi de cunho qualitativo e foram utilizadas como instrumento de coleta de dados, entrevistas abertas. Ao todo foram entrevistados dez trabalhadores, de ambos os sexos, que foram contatados através da técnica de indicação sucessiva, somando aproximadamente 5h e 30m de gravação. Foram também realizadas entrevistas com a psicóloga e com o presidente do sindicato a qual estão vinculados os trabalhadores desta indústria avícola. A partir das informações obtidas com os trabalhadores foi realizada a reconstituição do processo de trabalho observando a sua dinâmica (destacando as questões referentes à organização e divisão do trabalho e aquelas relacionadas ao uso de tecnologias), e a descrição do ambiente de trabalho; visando compreender como são as condições de trabalho para saber se as mesmas interferem na saúde dos trabalhadores. A análise dos conteúdos das entrevistas revelou que a organização do trabalho fundada nos preceitos taylorista/fordista predominante naquele setor, foi acrescida por outras técnicas de organização da produção e do trabalho, inspiradas no modelo japonês ou toyotista, e que estão interferindo nas condições de saúde dos trabalhadores tanto física quanto psíquica. O crescimento de casos de LER na categoria aparece de forma destacada nos depoimento colhidos. / The changes in organization, in work processes and relationships that are basic for the capitalist productive restructuring process, which have been intensified for the last decades in the 20th century, have resulted in a state of working conditions aggravation, which directly interferes in the workers´ health conditions, in general. This paper delves into these questions, having as its investigation object the workers´ labor activities in the food sector, who were employed in a poultry processing plant which belongs to one of the country´s largest companies in its field, located in the west of Paraná state. The adopted methodology for this research was qualitative, and it was used as an instrument for data collection in open interviews. Altogether, ten employees of both sexes were interviewed, who were contacted through the successive indication technique, logging approximately a 5-hour-and-30-minute recording. There was also an interview with the psychologist and the president of the union these poultry plant´s workers are associated with. Based on the information obtained from the workers, the reconstitution of the work process was conducted, observing its dynamics (pointing out the issues referring to work organization and division and those related to the use of technologies), and the description of the work setting, with a view to understand what the working conditions are like and discover if they interfere in the employees´ health. The analysis done on the contents of the interviews revealed that the work organization fashioned around Taylorist/Fordist precepts, predominant in that sector, was increased by other organization techniques for production and work, inspired by the Japanese model (or Toyotist), and that they have been interfering in the workers´ physical and mental health conditions. The increasing number of LRE cases in this category is outstandingly apparent in the testimonies.

No início dos anos 2000 consolidou-se o quadro de significativas alterações e ajustes nas estratégias das organizações agrícolas. Destacam-se: a consolidação das organizações, a internacionalização dos sistemas de base agrícola, a inovação presente em processos e produtos e de natureza organizacional, a introdução da variável socioambiental, e a adoção de estratégias de transparência. A cooperação pode exigir investimentos especializados, e os incentivos para a sua realização dependem de mecanismos de controle de custos de transação. Com a presença de incerteza no ambiente econômico e nas transações, a flexibilidade planejada visa eventuais ajustes em face de eventos inesperados. Arranjos institucionais complexos (leia-se, contratos) são observados como forma de responder a necessidades apontadas. Além de confiança, reputação, e mecanismos relacionais, a evolução dos mecanismos sociais por trás dos contratos de sociedade é algo a ser desenvolvido. O presente estudo propõe que as cooperativas agrícolas podem desenvolver mecanismos de governança que geram uma competência adaptativa para enfrentar eventos inesperados. O presente estudo explorou uma visão retrospectiva de estratégias adotadas por cooperativas brasileiras. Assumiu-se aqui uma nova vertente analítica da \"História de Negócios\" e suas implicações voltadas ao sistema agroindustrial. Como diretriz de método, foram seguidas as etapas de identificação das principais estratégias relatadas nos estudos de casos escolhidos, sobre cooperativas, desenvolvidos entre 1991 e 2002. Na sequência compararam-se as estratégias com as diretrizes apresentadas no capítulo teórico. Admite-se que as estratégias que implicam em maiores investimentos em ativos específicos tendem a tornarem mais rígidos os arranjos e dificultam a plasticidade, ou adaptação, das cooperativas agrícolas - onde naturalmente as mudanças ocorrem de forma mais lenta - frente a choques ou eventos externos. / The early 2000s consolidated the framework of significant changes and adjustments in the strategies of organizations working in agribusiness systems. Of note are: the consolidation of the organizations themselves, the internationalization of agricultural-based systems, the innovation in processes and products, organizational innovations, environmental variables and the adoption of transparency strategies. Cooperative efforts may require specialized investments in the form of incentives that depend on transaction cost control mechanisms. The environmental and transactional uncertainties and the need for flexibility on the part of organizations are all considered in the relevant literature. Complex institutional arrangements (contracts) are seen as a means to meet these needs. In addition to trust, reputation and business relationships, the evolution of the social mechanisms behind the contracts of society is an area of study to be further developed. Farming cooperatives are good examples how unexpected events can be addressed and strategies of adaptation can be implemented. In this study, we presented a retrospective view of the strategies adopted by Brazilian cooperatives. We adopted a new analytical \"business history\" approach to agro-based systems. When researching this work, we noticed a lack of research into the history of agribusiness. As a guideline method, we followed the steps of identifying key strategies reported in chosen case studies of cooperatives published between 1991 and 2002. Subsequently, the strategies were compared with the guidelines presented in the work. We admit that strategies based on high levels of asset specificity become more inflexible the arrangements and difficult plasticity or adaptation of the agricultural cooperatives - where changes naturally occur slowly - in face of external shocks or events

As mudanças na organização, nos processos e nas relações de trabalho, que estão no bojo do processo de reestruturação produtiva capitalista, se intensificaram a partir das últimas décadas do século XX, resultando em um quadro de agravamento das condições de trabalho que interfere diretamente nas condições de saúde dos trabalhadores de forma geral. Esta pesquisa se debruça sobre estas questões, tomando como objeto de investigação a atividade laboral dos trabalhadores do setor de alimentos empregados em uma unidade de processamento de aves, pertencentes a uma das maiores empresas deste ramo no país, localizada na região oeste do Estado do Paraná. A metodologia adotada para esta pesquisa foi de cunho qualitativo e foram utilizadas como instrumento de coleta de dados, entrevistas abertas. Ao todo foram entrevistados dez trabalhadores, de ambos os sexos, que foram contatados através da técnica de indicação sucessiva, somando aproximadamente 5h e 30m de gravação. Foram também realizadas entrevistas com a psicóloga e com o presidente do sindicato a qual estão vinculados os trabalhadores desta indústria avícola. A partir das informações obtidas com os trabalhadores foi realizada a reconstituição do processo de trabalho observando a sua dinâmica (destacando as questões referentes à organização e divisão do trabalho e aquelas relacionadas ao uso de tecnologias), e a descrição do ambiente de trabalho; visando compreender como são as condições de trabalho para saber se as mesmas interferem na saúde dos trabalhadores. A análise dos conteúdos das entrevistas revelou que a organização do trabalho fundada nos preceitos taylorista/fordista predominante naquele setor, foi acrescida por outras técnicas de organização da produção e do trabalho, inspiradas no modelo japonês ou toyotista, e que estão interferindo nas condições de saúde dos trabalhadores tanto física quanto psíquica. O crescimento de casos de LER na categoria aparece de forma destacada nos depoimento colhidos. / The changes in organization, in work processes and relationships that are basic for the capitalist productive restructuring process, which have been intensified for the last decades in the 20th century, have resulted in a state of working conditions aggravation, which directly interferes in the workers´ health conditions, in general. This paper delves into these questions, having as its investigation object the workers´ labor activities in the food sector, who were employed in a poultry processing plant which belongs to one of the country´s largest companies in its field, located in the west of Paraná state. The adopted methodology for this research was qualitative, and it was used as an instrument for data collection in open interviews. Altogether, ten employees of both sexes were interviewed, who were contacted through the successive indication technique, logging approximately a 5-hour-and-30-minute recording. There was also an interview with the psychologist and the president of the union these poultry plant´s workers are associated with. Based on the information obtained from the workers, the reconstitution of the work process was conducted, observing its dynamics (pointing out the issues referring to work organization and division and those related to the use of technologies), and the description of the work setting, with a view to understand what the working conditions are like and discover if they interfere in the employees´ health. The analysis done on the contents of the interviews revealed that the work organization fashioned around Taylorist/Fordist precepts, predominant in that sector, was increased by other organization techniques for production and work, inspired by the Japanese model (or Toyotist), and that they have been interfering in the workers´ physical and mental health conditions. The increasing number of LRE cases in this category is outstandingly apparent in the testimonies.

Agriculture has always been a very volatile industry, mainly due to fluctuating commodity prices (specifically white maize) and irregular rainfall patterns. Furthermore, the agricultural industry is confronted with finite resources of which limited arable land and water scarcity are among the most troubling. Many agribusinesses in the industry have also achieved a level of maturity as far as market share is concerned, leaving little room for further growth. On the other hand, most of these agri-businesses are organisations with shareholders and investors demanding acceptable and sustainable returns on their investments. This situation invariably creates challenges relating to growth, profitability and sustainability. One of the few ways of addressing this problem is for stakeholders in the industry to combine their resources, capabilities and efforts through consolidation strategies, like acquisitions, mergers and strategic alliances, among others. This includes an extended presence and involvement throughout the value chain by means of forward and backward integration. The aim of such consolidation activity is to improve the long-term sustainability of agri-businesses and the agricultural industry as a whole. Agriculture is extremely important in terms of its contribution to the national economy, employment and job creation, earning foreign exchange through exports and improving food security and safety as well as the affordability of and access to food. Agri-businesses fulfil the functions of handlers, processors and marketers of agricultural produce, suppliers of production inputs and services including mechanisation solutions and support as well as being financiers of farmers and farming activities. However, there are too many role players and intermediaries involved in the agricultural industry which only aggravates the problem of limited growth potential within the industry. This study focuses on one of the leading agribusinesses in the industry while at the same time aiming to obtain the opinions of other industry stakeholders regarding the desirability of such consolidation strategies, the nature and extent thereof and the probability of successfully executing such strategies within the industry. Qualitative empirical research was performed by using a semi-structured interview schedule and conducting personal or telephonic interviews with a selection of executives, directors and other senior managers of several agri-businesses, regulators and controlling bodies associated with the South African agricultural industry. The themes covered included growth and sustainability, strategic leadership, consolidation as strategy, the different consolidation approaches, consolidation methods to be used, motives for consolidation, possible legislative restrictions on consolidation, the steps in the consolidation process and the preferred business approach to execute a consolidation strategy. The results of the empirical study indicated that consolidation does support growth and sustainability and that sound strategic leadership is of strategic importance to agri-businesses. The majority of participants confirmed that consolidation does form part of their current strategies and agreed that a combination of the three different consolidation approaches will be most effective in the execution of a consolidation strategy. Of the different consolidation methods, strategic alliances was the most preferred method as well as being selected as the method most likely to successfully achieve industry consolidation. Value creation was the overwhelming choice as being the primary motive for consolidation and was also selected as the motive with the highest probability of achieving success in consolidating the agricultural industry. The restrictive nature of the South African Competition Act (89 of 1998) and the competition authorities was highlighted by the responses obtained from the interviewees. Even though the negotiation phase was described as the most important step in the consolidation process, the results showed that is critically important to accommodate all the different steps in the process to ensure the success of the entire consolidation project. Finally, there was no clear preference regarding the business approach to apply in executing a consolidation strategy, being either a focuses business approach or an integrated business philosophy. The recommendations contained suggestions to increase consolidation activity among stakeholders in the industry and to develop and establish sufficient consolidation skills and capacity to aggressively pursue a consolidation strategy. It was also suggested that agri-businesses should reverse previous decisions to limit shareholding within these organisations. Any consolidation approach and consolidation method which is based on willing and amicable participation of the parties involved, benefits these stakeholders and the industry. These transactions must hold some benefit or value for those parties involved as well as other stakeholders in the industry. The principle of embracing the competition authorities and the requirements of the South African Competition Act (89 of 1998) as part of the consolidation process was strongly advocated. Ultimately, the business approach which best supports the organisation’s strategy is the obvious choice, but the reality is that it might include characteristics of both an integrated and a focussed approach. / Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.