The purpose of this study was to explore the practices and processes executed by
middle managers as practitioners during the implementation of strategy. In order to do
that, this study investigated the problem of strategy implementation, analysed existing
literature, identified the gaps, and explored the roles of middle managers in terms of
strategy practices and processes, specifically in the South African Defence Evaluation
and Research Institutes (DERI) context. Resources, time and effort are applied to
formulating strategy but less of these to the execution of the strategy which includes the
emotions, motivations and actions that are intangible during the implementation of
strategy. The study therefore attempts to answer the following research question: What
practices and processes are employed in strategy implementation in DERIs in South
Africa?
The literature study was undertaken with the objective of mapping the research problem
and to highlight, through critical discussion, the latest work done on the subject of this
study. The gap in relation to research work was identified and the contribution is clear
that not much work has been done in this environment.
Research is a systematic process where information on a specific topic is gathered in
order to increase understanding of that phenomenon. A qualitative study was performed
and data was obtained from several institutes through interviews, documents and
questionnaires in order to build a rich database that could be analysed for the required
output. Engagement with the first level of management as well as the next level
management teams ensured that a representative population group was used during
this study. The data was organised, categorised, interpreted, identified, synthesised
and generalised. The quotations identified from the text were coded through inductive
coding and grouped into categories until a logical theme, category and concept was
formed.
The objective of this research was to investigate, identify and understand what the
strategy practices and processes are that make highly technical and scientific institutes execute strategies successfully. The study provided insight into and clarity on the
complexity of the strategy implementation process as executed by middle managers,
particularly in the South African context. The link was explored between formulation
and implementation as applied by middle managers as practitioners and the practices
and processes in use were identified.
It was demonstrated that the outcome of this research is applicable to the research
problem and also provides an understanding of the phenomenon, namely strategy
practices and processes in use at the Defence Evaluation and Research Institutes. It
can therefore be concluded that the research objective was achieved. / Business Management / D.B.L.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:unisa/oai:uir.unisa.ac.za:10500/21917 |
| Date | 01 1900 |
| Creators | Van Rensburg, Hendrik Lodewicus Jansen |
| Contributors | Venter, Peet, 1964- |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | 1 online resource (xxi, 417 leaves) : color illustrations |
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