No abstract available / Dissertation (MA)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Psychology / unrestricted

To competitively operate in an environment where even the basic social needs of the population are not met, it makes business sense to uplift the stakeholders that form part of the business environment. With approximately five and a half billion rand spent on philanthropic activities in 2010 alone, it is important that this spend translates into a competitive advantage for the company.The purpose of this study was to explore the concept of philanthropy as understood by companies. Further to that, the intention of the research was to understand how engaging stakeholders, utilising resources available and the intention of the giving by the key decision makers, contributed towards achieving the competitive advantage of the company.Qualitative research in the form of interviews with the key decision makers in the companies in respect of giving was used for data gathering, along with secondary data in sustainability reports to support findings.The research found that competitive advantage can be gained by using corporate philanthropy as a tool. The paper proposes a framework based on the core theories that can be referenced to assist decision makers in determining which areas needs to be improved, in order to raise the competitiveness of the company by means of corporate philanthropy. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / MBA / Unrestricted

To determine the extent to which Competitive Intelligence is used by South African companies to achieve a competitive advantage

This diploma thesis addresses the issue enhancing the competitiveness of the company QUALITY GELATO DOLCE S.R.O. The company runs network of the confectionery’s shops under the business name AIDA. The theoretical part reviews the literature concerning the competitiveness of the company and aspects enhancing competitiveness. The theoretical aspects are used in the analytical part. The analytical part identifies the company, investigates its external and internal environment. Based on analytical findings, the assignment proposes improvements enhancing the company’s position on the market. The work presents specifics steps towards better competitiveness.

Thediploma thesis dealswiththe use of Competitive Intelligence in a small company. Theaimofthe thesis is to findout by the rigorous analysis of competition the biggest competitor and the prediction of possible further steps of this competitor. Thefirst part ofthe thesis introdukces the company, its competitors and the theoretical knowledge is analyzed. The second part analyzes the selected competitor of thecompany and looks for possible further steps of the biggestcompetitor. Thethird part contains suggestions and recommendations for using Competitive Intelligence in small company.

This paper argues that greater levels of risk, generally thought to be detrimental to business performance in emerging markets, are actually a benefit and an important source of competitive advantage for emerging multinational enterprises (EMNEs) competing in the global arena. EMNEs that have survived despite these challenging business environments are more comfortable with and skilled at managing risk than their developed market peers as evidenced in two ways. First, EMNEs are able to stabilise their business performance to statistically match the risk spread of those in developed markets despite their more volatile environments, and second, EMNEs perform progressively better than developed market firms at increased levels of risk. Interestingly, EMNEs react identically to risk drivers that developed market firms responded to twenty years ago, but developed market firms no longer respond the same way. Today, these risk drivers vary significantly between EMNEs and multinational enterprises (MNEs). For example, in every EMNE-MNE comparison, expectation, firm age, firm independence and available slack had contrasting influences. These differences may be attributed to the earlier stage of development for EMNEs rather than an emerging market influence. Most firms, regardless of origin, strive for low risk levels while the best returns are to be made at medium risk levels. This evidence both supports and contradicts Bowman’s Paradox of a negative risk-performance relationship. The strongest risk drivers are internationalisation, recoverable slack and past performance. Copyright / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

The growth in the global tourism market place presents many countries with great opportunities to capitalize on their natural competitive advantages. However, achieving the economic potential of global tourism remains elusive for many countries, despite their natural advantages. In this context, Portugal is a case in point. The Portuguese tourism industry is facing some serious challenges that are limiting its potential. This study offers Portuguese tourism industry leaders practical insights into the characteristics of the Portuguese tourism industry in the context of the challenges and opportunities of the global tourism market place. Understanding the dynamics and characteristics of this critical industry in a global context is a crucial first step toward formulating a tourism strategy that capitalizes on the growth of the global tourism market and the natural advantage that Portugal enjoys in this important market.

African football academies are a seriously neglected field of research but are a highly important step in the evolution of football (Scherrens, 2007). The study is motivated by the lack of research on football academy structures in particular South Africa. The primary focus of the research is on football development in South Africa, whilst it also reviews substantial literature concerning the phenomenon of elite sport development in order to explain the dynamics surrounding the football academy structure. The study identifies the relevant key components within the current football models and proposes a ‘winning’ model for South Africa. The study unpacks two theoretical frameworks, in understanding the impact of competitive advantage within a football academy. Through gaining insight into the strategic models employed within the various researched academy systems, this study outlines the important resources, competencies and capabilities within a football academy. The analysis revealed certain trends and provided the basis for the answering of the research questions. Hence the broad scope which is critical to understanding the football development phenomenon.The research aims to empower administrators and management of football clubs in South Africa with the strategic knowledge to provide a sustainable and competitive academy through player development, which can aid our national teams. The dynamic processes involved in football development enabled a winning model for a football academy in South Africa which could provide a competitive, sustainable advantage for a football academy. Copyright / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

Working is a form of societal participation highly valued in American culture. The state-federal vocational rehabilitation system helps people with disabilities obtain and maintain employment in their communities. Although some people with traumatic brain injury return to work with minor adjustments, high proportions do not return to former employment or find work after their injuries. Analyzing vocational rehabilitation services, and other variables that impact competitive employment outcomes for this population, is important. This study examined the association of types and degree of limitations to functional capacities, and competitive employment outcomes; and selected VR services, and competitive employment, after controlling for demographic variables. The sample for this study consisted of 340 consumers of Illinois state-federal VR system whose cases were closed in fiscal years 2006 and 2007. Eligible individuals with TBI who did not receive services were also described (N=120). The present study also provided information on the types and reasons for case closure, length of rehabilitation, case expenditure, types and number of services received, and weekly earnings at case closure. Contrary to expectations, the degree of limitation across all areas of functional capacity, used by VR counselors to determine severity of disability, and priority for services, were not found to be significantly related to competitive employment among customers with TBI. Results also found that, when relevant demographic characteristics are controlled, the odds of achieving competitive employment increased significantly for VR clients with TBI in Illinois who received job placement and on-the-job supports. For clients who were of minority background, received SSI/SSDI at application, or had lower socioeconomic status (based on income, education and pre-service work status), these odds significantly decreased. Service variables were stronger predictors of competitive employment than demographic variables. Implications, future directions, and limitations of this study are also discussed.

This dissertation examines the allocation of funds over the entire tenure of the HOPE VI, a public housing competitive grant, to determine if the program adhered to its program goals. This study focuses on the application and selection phases of HOPE VI. Moreover, this study looks to the scholarship on redistributive politics to gain an understanding of any deviations from projected program results. Within the context of an institutional policy analysis approach, this dissertation explores the consequences of using competitive grants as a policy tool for the HOPE VI program and postulates on its effects on program outcomes. An empirical analysis of the grant applicants and grant recipients finds that overall, large developments had a better rate in receiving grants and received more grants on their initial attempt. However, small public housing developments, which were not the focus of the HOPE VI program, submitted four times as many applications with a success rate of fifty-two percent. Overtime, cities with smaller populations are awarded more grants. / Ph. D.