bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A conceptual framework to improve the delivery capability of an organisation
Authors: Marnewick Carl , Labuschagne Les
Published: May 2017

Purpose: The article focuses on organisations' capability to deliver their vision and strategies through the use of project management and, in particular, the project delivery capability of organisations themselves. Problem investigated: Although quantitative evidence does exist that organisations do receive value from project management, the track record of failed projects shows the opposite. This can be attributed to the fact that there is no holistic approach in the implementation of project management, which means that organisations do not receive the value they are supposed to get from project management. Design and/or methodology: The problem of a holistic approach is addressed through a theoretical framework that shows the various building blocks of project delivery capability as well as the relationship between the various components within the building blocks. The benefits of such a holistic framework are the improvement of project delivery capability and an understanding of what is required by organisations to ensure that the value is realised. Findings: The article lists three levels of management as well as two dimensions, i.e. proficiency and organisational requirements, that form the Project Management Capability Delivery Framework. The PMCDF provides a holistic framework that can be utilised to increase project success within organisations. Originality/value: The value of this article is that the holistic view provides organisations and the project management office ultimately with a way to manage projects, programmes and portfolios within the organisation, taking into account the synergy that is required. Components can no longer be managed in isolation. Conclusion: The conclusion can be drawn that although there are various aspects and components within the PM discipline, these affect other components and are interrelated. Without this holistic view, efforts to improve delivery capability could prove to be fruitless.
The impact of hunting for biltong purposes on the SA economy
Authors: Saayman Melville , Van der Merwe Peet , Rossouw Riaan
Published: May 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to estimate the economic impact of biltong hunting in South Africa. Problem investigated: Higginbottom (2004), indicate there are no reliable global estimates of the economic impact of wildlife tourism, but one thing is certain, it generates considerable sums of money. This same accounts for South Africa's game industry, especially biltong hunting, where there is little to no information regarding the economic impact. Therefore the question to be investigated was what is the economic impact of biltong hunting in the South African economy. Research methodology: A non-probability method was used and a convenience sample was drawn from all the members (N = 17066) of the South African Hunters and Game Conservation Association (SAHGCA). A pilot study of 87 questionnaires was conducted in August and September 2004 in the North West Province at the Hartbees branch of SAHGCA. For the national survey, the questionnaires were mailed together with the members' monthly magazine (named SA Hunters/Jagters) during July 2005. A total of 1 024 (n) questionnaires were received back. Data was captured in Microsoft™ Excel™ and a Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) modelling approach was thereafter used to determine the economic impact of biltong hunting in the South African economy. Findings/implications: The contribution to real GDP is estimated to be in excess of R6 billion, with thousands of jobs being created by the increase in activities/services. In addition, the related improvements to the infrastructure of the country, especially the transport sector, will benefit productivity in the longer term and so lead to further increases in GDP. Originality: A significant contribution that this article has made is that this is the first time that the economic impact of biltong hunting in South Africa has been determined. It is also the first time that CGE modelling has been completed with regard to research in this sector in South Africa.Conclusion: This supports the opinion that biltong hunting is a viable and important sector of the tourism industry. The results clearly show that more should be done to expand hunting in South Africa as hunting affects, not only the economy, but also the price (and therefore the value) of game.
Corporate entrepreneurship orientation and the pursuit of innovating opportunities in Botswana
Authors: Botha Melodi , Nyanyom Michael Davis
Published: May 2017

Purpose and objectives: A causal relationship between the independent variable (introduction of innovation) and the dependent variable (Corporate Entrepreneurship orientation) is explored by addressing the question: Do companies in Botswana have a corporate entrepreneurship (CE) orientation that leads them to pursue innovating opportunities? The primary objective is to investigate how CE orientation in companies in Botswana is linked to individual employees' pursuit of innovation within corporate boundaries. Secondary objectives are to identify the prerequisites and factors of CE orientation, individual employees' perceptions and the importance of innovation factors in established companies. Problem investigated: To determine whether existing firms in Botswana represent the concept of an entrepreneurial company within the sphere of corporate entrepreneurship by pursuing innovating opportunities. The intention is to identify the knowledge, attitudes and beliefs of individuals as potential corporate entrepreneurs, their ability to be innovative and how such innovation is brought to fruition. Design and methodology: To obtain quantifiable measures of the link between CE orientation and innovation, a quantitative approach is used: a formalised, cross-sectional research design. The sample consists of 100 individuals at supervisory levels and above in large corporate companies, from eight different provinces in Botswana. A research instrument is used and convenience sampling employed. Factor analysis is performed on the questionnaire to determine its validity and reliability. A Pearson correlation coefficient test is conducted on the three factors identified in factor analysis. The chi-square test and T-test (Mann-Whitney U test) are used to illustrate the statistically significant differences between the different variables and factors. Findings and implications: This paper proves the inextricable link between CE orientation and the pursuit of innovation as a conduit to enhancing entrepreneurial activities in companies in Botswana. The results confirm that companies with an inherently high CE orientation receive a higher benefit from the exploitation of innovation, which improves the rate of innovation flows in the companies. Value of the research: This paper strives to make a significant contribution to the field of CE orientation in Africa, as no other studies appear to have been done in this particular area in Botswana. Furthermore, this study introduces six CE orientation drivers that companies need if they are to become entrepreneurial. For companies in Botswana to be innovative, it is therefore necessary for CE orientation to become part of the company's culture.
Entrepreneurial networking in supply chain relationships in the automotive component industry
Authors: O’Neill R. C. , Naude M. J.
Published: May 2017

Purpose: The point of departure in this article is that the principles that underpin entrepreneurial networking also apply to the establishment of supply chain relationships. The theoretical base for the need for entrepreneurial networking can be found in Kirzner's theory of entrepreneurship that argued that entrepreneurs identify and act upon profit opportunities that exist in disequilibrium in order to equilibrate the economy. Problem investigated: This article explores the possibility of implementing entrepreneurial networking in supply chain relationships in the automotive component industry. Methodology: Kirzner's theory is used as a theoretical base to support the case for the development of supply chain relationships. The literature with regard to supply chain management and its relevance to entrepreneurial networking is first dealt with. The case for implementing entrepreneurial networking to strengthen supply chain relationships in the automotive component industry in South Africa is then presented.Findings: The findings of this article indicate that the principles underlying entrepreneurial networking could be applied to supply chain relationships in the automotive component industry in South Africa. The argument is mainly based on the sustainability and profitability potential of entrepreneurial networking and the similarities that exist between entrepreneurial networking and supply chain management relationships. Originality: This research is original as it explores the possibility that the principles that underpin entrepreneurial networking also apply to the establishment of supply chain relationships in the automotive component industry. Furthermore, there is a need for published research in South Africa on supply chain management, particularly relationships within the supply chain.Conclusion: Based on the sustainability and profitability potential of entrepreneurial networking and the similarities that exist between entrepreneurial networking and supply chain relationships, the principles underlying entrepreneurial networking can be applied to supply chain relationships in the automotive component industry in South Africa. The unique challenges facing this industry in the current global market further strengthen the case for the implementation of entrepreneurial networking.
Restaurant customer satisfaction and return patronage in a Bloemfontein shopping mall
Authors: Moolman Hermanus Johannes
Published: May 2017

Purpose: Restaurants form one of the core components of a mall's retail offering and its tenant mix. In order to successfully manage the tenant mix, research suggests that mall management continuously monitor their tenants' performance through customer satisfaction and return patronage surveys. The purpose of the study on which this article is based, was to gain insight into restaurant customers' satisfaction and return patronage in a shopping mall context. Research questions: The research was conceptualised with the following three research questions in mind: Which dining attributes are important for customer satisfaction and return patronage in mall restaurants? Is there a difference in restaurant customers' satisfaction and return patronage levels based on their demographic characteristics? Is there a difference in restaurant customers' satisfaction and return patronage in the respective mall restaurants? Design / methodology / approach: A mixed-methods research design was followed. The views of restaurateurs and mall managers were explored (qualitative) and 590 customers of eight restaurants situated in the mall successfully completed questionnaires (quantitative). Analysis of variance, t-tests, correlation analysis and regression analysis were performed to reach the objectives of the study. Findings: This research showed that food quality, quality service, restaurant ambience, the quality of facilities and the presence of management are important attributes in contributing to customers' overall dining satisfaction. Food quality and overall dining satisfaction are regarded as important attributes for restaurant customers' decision to return to a mall restaurant. Demographic characteristics of restaurant customers have little impact on customer satisfaction and return patronage levels. Mall restaurants were not equally successful in satisfying their customers in terms of service quality, quality of facilities and the presence of management. Implications: From a managerial perspective, it is important for mall restaurateurs to continuously strive to increase the levels of customer satisfaction and return patronage by emphasising the dining attributes identified in this article. Mall management needs to monitor customers' satisfaction in those restaurants that obtained significantly lower customer satisfaction ratings. Restaurateurs should address areas identified for improvement by this research. Originality / value: This article offers the South African restaurant subsector increased insight into customers' satisfaction and return patronage. The contribution of this article is unique in that, for the first time, customer satisfaction and return patronage are investigated from the context of restaurants situated in the same mall. The research findings supported the strategic responsible growth objectives of the National Tourism Sector Strategy.
Organizational flexibility as a challenge of contemporary management. Determinants and methods of measurement
Authors: Buła Piotr , Ziębicki Bernard
Published: May 2017

Purpose: This paper has been aimed at defining contemporary management flexibility determinants and the methods of its measurement. Problem investigated: This paper presents an analysis of organizational flexibility determinants related to the contemporary concepts and challenges within the area of management. The discussion includes two types of measurement of organizational flexibility based on declarative tests and quantitative criteria. The described methods are subject to evaluation. The paper also presents authors' own proposal for determinants classification, organizational flexibility assessment and an exemplary application. Methodology: The paper has been based on the results of research on organizational flexibility conducted by the Department of Business Studies Aalborg University (Denmark) and Wrocław University of Economics (Poland). Conclusion: Organizational flexibility constitutes one of the major challenges of contemporary management. This issue has already been extensively discussed, however, despite numerous publications and relevant research projects many issues still need to be resolved. One of them is organizational flexibility measurement. In the first place, it needs a description of flexibility determinants relevant to a certain organization. There are no objective methods that would allow a description of the set of determinants since they are dependent on organization's special features and individually set objectives. In addition, it should be noted that those factors are subject to change, in line with the development of theory and concepts of management. The very flexibility measurement requires simultaneous application of various methods of factor analysis and polling stakeholder opinions.
The role and linkages of buy-back centres in the recycling industry: Pretoria and Bloemfontein (South Africa)
Authors: Viljoen J. M.M. , Schenck C. J. , Blaauw P. F.
Published: May 2017

Purpose/objectives: The aim of this paper is to get a better understanding of the role and linkages of buy-back centres (BBCs) in the recycling industry. The first objective is to analyse the institutional profile of the BBCs in two different geographical areas - namely, Pretoria and Bloemfontein. The second objective is to discuss the role and linkages of BBCs with the informal sector activities and specifically the activities of street waste pickers. The third objective is to explain the linkages that exist between BBCs and recycling companies. Problem investigated: Recycling, and specifically the collection and sorting of waste, is currently receiving much attention on the national as well as municipal level. To understand the recycling industry, and to make informed policy decisions concerning the recycling industry, policy makers need to have an understanding of the role and crucial link of all role players in the industry. Knowledge on the BBCs, who act as a link between the formal and informal sector activities in the recycling industry, is of the utmost importance. Design/Methodology/Approach: A mixed method approach consisting of a quantitative survey coupled with qualitative questions was used. The mixed method approach is used to collect as much data as possible from the BBCs, which is beyond the scope of what a structured questionnaire on its own can achieve. A lack of accurate location information on BBCs necessitated an intensive search for BBCs in the two areas. Findings/Implications: The BBCs in Pretoria and Bloemfontein act as an important link between informal sector activities and recycling companies and therefore promote informal and formal job opportunities. Formal job opportunities are created at the BBC sites as well as formal jobs at the upper end of the recycling chain, namely at formal recycling companies. Informal income generating opportunities are created for the informal waste collectors. Any changes in the formal or informal recycling sectors will have a direct influence on the operations and existence of the BBCs. Originality/Value: The role of BBCs in the recycling chain has been neglected in the literature. This study is the first study on the linkages and role of BBCs in South Africa and addresses a gap in the literature. Conclusion: BBCs play an important role in creating formal jobs and informal income generating opportunities for the poor and unemployable. More research is needed to understand the industry and its role players. This study can form a basis for additional research in this field.
Examining the effect of retail service quality dimensions on customer satisfaction and loyalty: The case of the supermarket shopper
Authors: Beneke J. , Hayworth C. , Hobson R. , Mia Z.
Published: May 2017

Purpose: Post Apartheid, the South African supermarket industry has rapidly increased in size and stature, yet customer satisfaction and fostering goodwill don't appear to have kept pace with growth. This research considers which aspects of retail service quality impact upon customer satisfaction and, ultimately, pay dividends in terms of generating store loyalty amongst urban shoppers in the middle to upper market segments. Design/methodology/approach: A survey approach was used to collect data from 307 respondents within a major metro pole area, as well as through an online interface. This was used to test our path model using Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis. Findings: The results from the analysis concluded that two constructs, namely Physical Aspects and Personal Interaction, had a direct relationship with Customer Satisfaction. Customer satisfaction was also confirmed to be positively linked to customer loyalty. Originality/Value: This research uncovers which aspects of service are most coveted by consumers in an emerging market context, as well as their effect on generating repeat business. If supermarket chains are to move beyond mere profit generation and build meaningful relationships with customers, they would best be advised to focus on the attributes of service that have a direct bearing on customer satisfaction and, in turn, long-term repeat patronage.
Exploring factors influencing voluntary turnover intent of Generation X public servants: A South African case
Authors: Nienaber Hester , Masibigiri Vhusthilo
Published: May 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to report on the factors perceived to influence the turnover intent of Generation X public servants. The problem: The researcher investigated the factors that Generation X public servants in South Africa perceive as influencing their turnover intent. Design: The problem was studied by way of a case study. The data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews. A total of eight purposively selected Generation X public servants participated in this study. Findings: The findings of the study show that the factors influencing the turnover intent of the Generation X public servants correspond to some of those proposed in the literature, including the nature of the job, traditional attitudes, and organisational context, both on the macro- and the micro-levels. Furthermore, these factors are also congruent with the drivers of engagement as set out in the literature, specifically content, coping, compensation, community and career. One of the implications of the findings of this study is that although the value of employees to organisations were established as long ago as the Renaissance, organisations still do not capitalise on their most important asset. It is in particular the direct (line) manager that plays a crucial role in optimising the value-add of employees. Value: This study is original as it was the first to investigate the turnover intentions of Generation X public servants. Generation X employees are important as they are deemed to be the knowledge repositories of organisations and they are next in line to support the organisation when the Baby Boomers retire. The perceived turnover intentions correspond to some of the components of the generic turnover model proposed by Holtom et al. (2008). The question that arises is whether the turnover intentions of Generation X are any different from other generations. Conclusions: Given their unique characteristics, Generation X is a turnover risk, which is facilitated by employee mobility. The line manager has control over all the components influencing turnover intent, while engagement is omnipresent in these components. It is the role and responsibility of the line manager to facilitate engaged employees, which would equate to affectively committed employees, by attending to these components. In so doing the line manager can prevent the costly implications of employee turnover while capitalising on their value to the organisation.
Strategic organisational transformation: The role of learning,leadership and culture
Authors: Viljoen K. , Klopper H. B.
Published: May 2017

Today's organisation need to continuously adapts itself to challenges, brought about by modern business environment. This paper argues that leadership, learning and culture play a major role in securing an organisation's ability to face and adapt to these new challenges.
Sponsorship evaluation in South Africa
Authors: Berndt Adele D. , Koekemoer C. L.
Published: May 2017

Sponsorships are regarded as a marketing communications activity. This is seem as an investment made by an organisation that need to be evaluated in terms of its return and contribution. Sport sponsorships have increased in South Africa since re-admittance to the international sports arena. There are various objectives for sponsorships. The identification of these objectives is important for the evaluation of sponsorships. The articles proposes some guidelines for the evaluation of sponsorships.
The convergence of emerging information and communication technologies: Implications for business
Authors: Weeks R. V.
Published: May 2017

A central tenet of network based technologies is their ability to eliminate geographical, distance and time constraints that have traditionally manifest themselves as boundaries encapsulating and protecting local business institutions from the more harsh realities of global competitive forces. The convergence of information and communication technologies in the Internet is not only of technological relevance, but also holds substantial implications for business in removing traditional boundaries and barriers to business operations.
Get noticed and stay relevant to web users!
Authors: Grove Tania , Bootha Essias
Published: May 2017

The study is based on the question why people visit some websites numerous times and other web sites only once. The problem for companies that decide to make use of the web as a marketing tool is not just how to get connected to the web, but getting noticed and staying relevant to its clients and potential clients. The main objective of this study was thus to investigate what influence people to return to a web site and what are their requirements from web sites. These answers will show how companies can ensure that people notice their websites, how they can be influenced to connect to their web sites and how these companies can retain the people connecting to their web sites as customers with diverse needs. This information will enable companies to develop and customise applicable strategies for their web sites to satisfy the needs of their target markets. The analysis of the responses showed that most of the respondents are not using the web to purchase items; that customer preferences vary and that the web is more effective than traditional media on certain variables.
The contribution of familiness to the performance of family businesses
Authors: Venter W. P. , Kruger S.
Published: May 2017

While family businesses are known to consistently outperform non-family businesses in financial terms over the long run, family businesses have received comparatively little attention from researchers. In this article an explanation is offered for this superior performance in the form of the concept of "familiness" - the unique contribution that family involvement brings to any business (which is divided into founder capital and family capital). It is explained that family businesses possess no general competitive advantage over non-family businesses. The unique strength of successful family businesses does not lie in their espoused advantages, but in their ability to sustain and adapt, through family capital, the culture created by the founder. An evolutionary conceptual model of the creation and transmission of familiness is provided to explain how this unique strength influences family business performance over the long run.
The supervision of research for dissertations and theses
Authors: Lessing N. , Lessing A. C.
Published: May 2017

South African higher institutions of learning are engaged in rapid transformation processes. Some of the consequences are that an increasing proportion of the postgraduate student body is from previously disadvantaged backgrounds and that the body of academic staff has also been transformed. In general, students have limited experience of independent research work as well as using library and other research facilities. However, quality research needs to be maintained. It is of great importance that academics should have the knowledge and skills to supervise research. However, preliminary research indicates that very little is done to equip academic staff in the skills of supervising research. A literature study is done to determine the nature of postgraduate supervision as well as the role of the supervisor and the student. From this investigation an interview schedule, consisting of open-ended questions, was composed to use in focus group interviews with academics from various local and international universities. The interviews revealed that seasoned supervisors experience the guidance of postgraduate students as quite satisfactory although a number of pitfalls were raised by supervisors with less experience in the field. None of the interviewees indicated that they have been formally trained to act as a supervisor. It was also indicated that students need much support and training in scientific formulation and writing. It seems that a definite need exists for newer academic staff to be schooled in research supervision.
Project management in Ghana: Expectations, realities and barriers to use
Authors: Ofori Daniel F. , Hinson Robert
Published: May 2017

This article reports the findings of an empirical study of the problems of developing Project Management (PM) practice in Ghanaian organisations. Based on previous research and survey data, the characteristics of the project life cycle (PLC) are used as a basis to examine the nature, type and severity of the problems encountered by organisations implementing projects. It is also used to determine the extent and relevance of PM usage: concepts, methods and application. It is concluded that although PM is important, legitimate and relevant, its practice in Ghana has been fraught with problems. Some recommendations for overcoming these problems are also made, and it is recommended that further research is required in order to ascertain the nature of PM practice and to gauge the attitudes and opinions of people involved in projects in Ghana.
The process of auditing projects by the review of its critical success factors
Authors: McDonald R.
Published: May 2017

In spite of the fact that benefits from successful project implementation can be achieved by governance over the formal controls and project practices, there is still evidence of high project failure rates across a broad range of industries. It is all too often found that significant effort and emphasis is placed on reviewing the project from the project managers' perspective (with the emphasis on financial and technical aspects), and that independent parties do not perform formal controls. It is understood that an independent project audit would result in an objective report and that all parties involved may not necessarily share the same view. A proposed approach is to have project audits carried out by reviewing the implementation of critical success factors against accepted project standards. These results are tabulated in a matrix that allows for the documentation of success factor implementation and opens up the possibility for scoring the extent of the implementation. This article adds to recent research done in an effort to identify critical success factors and identify new methods for determining them, while focusing on the concept of project audit.
The utilisation of the product life cycle concept in South African banks dealing with mortgage products and markets
Authors: Herbst F. J. , Steyn M.
Published: May 2017

The purpose of the study as demarcated in this article was to test the use of the product life cycle concept (PLC) theory among marketing decision-makers and product decision-makers dealing with mortgage products and markets in the leading South African Banks. The main focus was to test the application and likelihood to use the PLC assumptions provided by Kotler (2003:340) on marketing characteristics, described marketing objectives and the proposed marketing strategies in the four PLC phases. A major finding was that the majority of these decision-makers in banks indicated a high likelihood of continuing to use the product life cycle concept. Another important conclusion of this study was that further empirical research is needed to develop product life cycle concept assumptions to be inclusive of the intangible nature linked to the marketing of services.
Structural capital management creates sustainable competitiveness and prolonged first-mover advantage
Authors: Van Zyl C. R.
Published: May 2017

Structural (SC) capital is part of the intellectual capital that is owned by an organisation and its efficient and dedicated management is essential for the creation of shareholder value, sustainable competitive advantage, and prolonged first-mover advantage. SC consists of three types of capital, namely: innovation, organisational and process capital. Organisational capital consists of organisational culture, management philosophies etc. and has received a large amount of management attention. However, organisational capital is not as valuable towards the creation of sustainable competitiveness and first-mover advantage as innovation and process capital are. It is the purpose of this article to demonstrate how a thorough understanding and the efficient management of innovation and process capital enables organisations to achieve the afore-mentioned benefits. Innovation capital management consists primarily of patent and brand management, which are particularly important as patent management forms a high-margin justification for the implementation of organisation-wide intellectual property management, and the management of high-equity brands secures a loyal customer base and associative sustainable competitiveness and first-mover advantage benefits. Although not as obviously valuable as innovation capital, the article also explores the value that the efficient management of unique organisational processes and methodologies contribute towards the achievement of prolonged first-mover advantage and the provision of protection against competitor actions. This exploration involved an examination of contemporary literature, theories and business cases and subsequently revealed that SCM is a vital discipline/philosophy that must be implemented by any organisation wishing to achieve greater sustainable competitiveness. Innovation and process capital are of particular importance as these assets can be made tangible, leveraged and integrated into existing business operations to create unique, inimitable and sustainable competitive advantage.
Shared services - Implementation and continuous evolution (Article 2 of 3)
Authors: Van der Linde T. N. , Boessenkool A. L. , Jooste C. J.
Published: May 2017

Purpose: Now that an organisation understands the concept of shared services (Article 1), it needs to implement shared services as a business model. The purpose of this second article in the trilogy is to describe the phases during the implementation process, as well as the various models through which a shared services business unit will evolve to continuously add value to the organisation. Methodology: A comprehensive literature study was conducted in order to: - Determine the steps in implementing a shared services business model, - Determine the various models associated with a shared services business unit, - Determine how the continuous evolution of shared services results in moving from one shared services model to the next shared services model. Findings: In this article, a framework is generated to help organisations understand the various phases and steps it needs to go through to successfully implement a shared services business unit. This work has further potential: when applied correctly, organisations will provide a business environment where effectiveness and efficiency is a given. Implications: This article presents the context for organisations to implement a shared services business model and to continuously evolve from one shared services business model to the other to create value for the organisation. The findings are important for organisations that are in the process of implementing or have implemented shared services, as they can easily stagnate and fall into the trap of centralisation. Value: This article provides an understanding of what is required for the successful implementation of shared services. This value is further enhanced through continuous evolution from a basic shared services business model to the virtual shared services business model and beyond.
Eliciting and shaping tacit knowing for meta-innovation: A challenge for management education in the 21st century transitional university
Authors: Kruger S. , Jacobs H. , Brandt C.
Published: May 2017

Purpose: This paper describes the implementation of and lessons learnt with an action research project on management teaching and learning in a 21st century transitional university. The project focuses on the problem of how to elicit and shape students' tacit knowing for meta-innovation and is part of a drive to find a new identity for the newly merged comprehensive University of Johannesburg (UJ). Design/methodology/approach: The project under discussion focuses on an undergraduate module, Developing and Managing Innovation, presented by UJ since 2003 as part of the B.Com Intrapreneurial Management degree. This degree has been developed in the light of the recent requirements placed upon managers by the innovation era. Creating new knowledge is not simply a matter of processing objective information but rather of tapping tacit and often highly subjective insights, intuitions and hunches. To find ways to elicit and shape tacit knowing for meta-innovation, an extensive literature study was conducted and a model identified for this purpose. An action research spiral was constructed to validate the teaching and learning interventions. Findings: The paper presents a teaching and learning framework to build theory that is in accord with the African Ubuntu spirit. The framework supports students within powerful learning environments to develop meta-cognition skills by focusing not only on the acquisition of explicit knowledge, but also on ways to elicit and shape tacit knowing. Implications: A community of practice is the bedrock of powerful learning environments in which action and learning, improvisation and experimentation, tacit and explicit knowledge feed on each other to stretch the students' capacity for meta-innovation. This enables them to continually deploy their talents, knowledge, resourcefulness and creativity to best effect as managers and to transform their life and that of their business and of others. Originality/value: The innovative curriculum and instructional design model generated in this project will assist UJ and other universities in transition to become engaged 21st century universities of excellence that can meet the societal, cultural and economic needs and interests of the national transformative agenda, aimed at shared growth and wealth in Africa.
Student's expectations of service quality in tertiary education: A comparison between prospective and current students
Authors: De Jager J. W. , Du Plooy A. T.
Published: May 2017

The competition for quality students in a highly competitive environment between newly formed tertiary institutions necessitates the employment of managerial techniques to improve the efficiency and quality of their provisions. By examining the factors that influence the buying decisions of prospective and existing students, the most important service quality variables are determined to enable an institution to attract quality prospective students and reduce dropout rates. The overall objective of the article is to determine the most important service quality variables for predegree and degree students when deciding on an educational institution. The most important identified factors that influenced buying decisions among prospective and existing students, in order of importance, were security on campus, computer and library facilities, academic reputation of the institution and reasonable class fees
A new labour era for South African Airways
Authors: Rust A. A. , Swart K.
Published: May 2017

Purpose: In the light of the South African Airways (SAA) (and Heathrow airport) strike in July 2005, an opportunity exists to evaluate the situation in order to address related problems in the future. The role of labour and specifically labour relations in the air travel industry highlights some important factors related to the industry. This paper aims to highlight the specific factors that will address possible reasons for poor workplace relations in SAA. Furthermore, a workable labour relations model for the organisation and other air travel organisations is proposed. In allowing a strike of the magnitude of the SAA strike of 2005 (e.g. a loss of income of R25 million per day), serious labour relations problems in the organisation are obvious. In order to prevent this action, an in-depth study of workplace relations is necessary to focus on the real problems and to adapt and make changes. Design/Methodology/Approach: This paper is an exploratory exercise based on literature that provides an overview of scholarship in the air travel industry through an analysis of trends and debates, telephonic interviews with role players in the industry and discussions with academics in the tourism industry and in labour relations. Findings: Taking into account that the air travel industry is technologically advanced, highly labour intensive, very sensitive towards external influences and very competitive, it is therefore important for every employer (including SAA) to design a labour relations system that is fit for the organisation. A suggested labour relations model for SAA is about the ability to build and sustain relationships characterised by shared goals, shared knowledge and mutual respect. Implications: The effects of strikes and other labour actions in the air travel industry have far reaching impacts on the air travel industry, the tourism industry, as well as the national economy. Originality/Value: This study highlights the importance of sound labour relations in the industry.
Inspired moments - Possibilities beyond management through integral coaching
Authors: Everson J. M.C. , O'Flaherty C. M.B. , Howard G. , Loos D.
Published: May 2017

Purpose: The primary purpose of this paper is to investigate whether an integral coaching intervention underway in a multinational, fast-moving consumer goods organisation can support the creation of an environment that encourages new ways of thinking and learning. This would be underpinned by increased self-understanding amongst leaders and managers. Such self-awareness is argued to lead to enhanced relationships within the workplace for both managers and their subordinates. Design/Methodology/Approach: A qualitative research methodology was adopted using the grounded theory approach to data analysis. Open coding was utilised to identify the emergent themes. These themes were in some cases self-reported and in other cases reported by middle management on the changes noted in the behaviour of senior management. The research findings are based on a high internal generalisability as the sample was drawn from a cross-functional sample. Because this survey was carried out within a single organisation, these results lack external generalisability. Findings: Firstly, the individual managers themselves express a greater sense of commitment, fairness and purpose both from each other and their line managers. Secondly, managers claim an improved ability to delegate, trust, communicate, and to operate effectively in team contexts resulting in improved team and cross-functional dynamics. The final impact observed was a shift in the cohesion, freedom and openness to diverse inputs in the organisation. Implications: This research highlights the key contribution that integral coaching can make in helping managers see beyond the limitations of traditional management towards the inspiring possibilities of powerful conversations and human connections in the workplace. Originality/Value: Whilst the results of this paper are specific only to the South African organisation under study, the research nevertheless shows a strong direct link between a coaching intervention and subsequent changes in behaviours and organisational outcomes
Employment of people with disabilities: Implications for HR management practices
Authors: Gida P. , Ortlepp K.
Published: May 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to, firstly, present the findings of an empirical study in which the human resource management practices associated with the employment of people with disabilities were investigated. The human resource management challenges related to employment of people with disabilities were also identified in the empirical study and are presented in this paper. A further purpose of this paper is to propose a number of recommendations focused on human resource management practices and principles aimed at assisting managers and human resource management specialists in their endeavours to effectively deal with the employment of people with disabilities. Design/Methodology/Approach: This paper is based on an empirical study in which interviews were conducted with respondents from 19 different organisations identified in the Financial Mail's 'Top 100 Organisations in South Africa' list. Findings: The findings from the empirical study suggest that very few organisations are dealing with the employment of people with disabilities as a priority in their equity strategies. Where attention is being given to this issue, respondents seem to either address it as a legal compliance issue or a social responsibility 'project'. Furthermore, very little has been done to review current human resource management practices to determine whether they are discriminatory towards people with disabilities. Based on the insights gained from these findings and in line with best practice principles identified in the relevant literature, a number of recommendations focusing on human resource management practices and principles in relation to the employment of people with disabilities are proposed. Implications: This paper provides a number of practical steps to consider as part of an organisation's response to equity strategies related to the employment of people with disabilities.Originality/Value: In the Employment Equity Commission's Annual Report (2003-2004), it is noted with concern that there is no indication of real change being achieved in the employment of people with disabilities. Furthermore, there is a dearth of empirical research in this field and thus the exploration of issues related to the employment of people with disabilities is clearly an area requiring urgent attention in terms of South Africa's transformation agenda.
An analysis of buyer-supplier collaboration in the South African textile industry
Authors: Parker H.
Published: May 2017

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to explore perceptions regarding buyer and supplier collaboration around product development. The aim is to gain an understanding of which factors influence buyer-supplier collaboration outcomes in the South African textile industry. Methodology: This study comprised two data collection stages. The first stage comprised the design and administration of a questionnaire survey. The second stage utilised a qualitative interview methodology and entailed interviewing a subset of the questionnaire respondents in order to probe respondents own experiences in collaborative product developments and their perception of the factors that determine collaboration outcome. Findings: This study has shed light on the experiences of South African firms in the textile industry engaging in buyer-supplier collaboration around product development. While this study is exploratory, it has provided evidence that there are certain factors which are perceived to have a significant influence on collaboration. Implications: Under the past protective shield of tariffs, South African clothing and textile manufacturers could afford to allow an adversarial mode of operation to perpetuate inefficiencies. However, the increasing external pressures, including the very real threat of overseas competition, heighten the need for collaboration between buyers and suppliers. This relates, in particular, to collaboration aimed at new product development, which can be seen as a new imperative for the survival and growth of this industry. Currently, there are numerous barriers to effective collaboration. The overwhelming power of retailers in the value chain is one such barrier, as it creates an environment which is pressurised, strained and not conducive to buyer-supplier collaboration. Contribution and Value: Studies on collaborative new product development have primarily been done in developed countries, with a focus on technology intensive industries. This study sheds light on the dynamics of collaborative new product development in the South African context. It is a mature industry which is facing severe challenges. Factors which influence the performance of collaborative projects in this context were explored and hold important implications for managerial action, and government support for buyer-supplier collaboration initiatives.