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<p>Proponents of lean production (LP) argue that successful implementation is dependent on creating an organisational climate that complements the adoption and implementation of innovation. Transformation of the organisational climate, from a culture of adversarialism (management versus workers) and worker exclusion (in terms of decision making) toward a culture of co-operation and worker participation, is thus a necessary complement to LP. Successful implementation of LP, and associated practices, thus requires the commitment of all stakeholders. This study explores worker attitudes towards transition to LP within a chosen company in the South African auto components sector. The study focuses on understanding worker perceptions of shifts in Human Resource and Industrial Relations practices which are associated with the transition to LP. The research reports on two surveys of workers to better understand their perceptions of the changes to the relationships among workers, and between workers and management.</p>

<p>The impact of trade policies on the pursuit of gender equality is often ignored. Recognising the link between trade and gender, this dissertation aims to enhance the capacity of policy-makers to mainstream gender in trade policy and to help identify ways for using trade to respond to women&rsquo / s needs in South Africa. In order to meet this objective, it analyses the impacts that trade liberalisation has had on the economy and on gender in general and in South Africa in particular. In addition, it evaluates the impacts on men and women in order to see if trade has contributed to reducing, accentuating or perpetuating gender inequality in South Africa. Findings have confirmed that Trade liberalisation has had both positive and negative impacts on women and men. But, they have also demonstrated that trade liberalisation has affected women and men differently having negative influences on the pursuit of gender equality. The research has, however, concluded that the impact of trade liberalisation on the pursuit of gender equality is influenced by other key factors. As strategy to mainstream gender in trade policies, the research suggests that policy-makers should analyse the implications for women and men of any trade policy before adopting such policy. This analysis would help him/her to see the possible imbalances of the new policy and implement policies and programmes to eradicate them. Also, it will help him/her to identify possible ways for using trade to empower women. The research is based on the idea that the elimination of the existing inequalities will put women at the same stage with men and will, therefore, contribute to women&rsquo / s empowerment in South Africa.</p>

Thesis (M.Com.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Westville, 2010.

A significant change has occurred over the last forty years in the way archaeological and historical studies have perceived the way Aboriginal groups participated in the Western fur trade, from outdated portrayal of subordinate to a more accurate role as equal partner. A diachronic examination of Fort Churchill Trade Shop (IeKn-61) in northern Manitoba will provide a case study through which the Dene contributed to the market economy of the fur trade while maintaining their traditional modes of subsistence based around the migratory caribou herds of the subarctic. Employing world-systems theory, which attempts to relive the old patterns of thinking, would indicate that the Dene would abandon their central socio-economic on the caribou in favour of the new market economy focused on fur-bearers and European trade goods. However, aspects of this theory show the interconnectedness of the system from which follows that a partnership and control could be held by peripheral groups. A comprehensive analysis using historical, ethnographical and archaeological data sets are employed to determine the presence and degree of participation of the Dene at Fort Churchill through the 19th century. This examination using multiple lines of evidence provides an opportunity for a deeper understanding of Dene decision-making processes.