Masters Degrees (University of the Free State: Business School)

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Open Access
The influence of network service reliability on customer retention
(University of the Free State, 2013-05) Seleke, Mohato; Nel, Jacques
This study aims to determine the influence of network service reliability on customer retention. The study identifies the network services or applications commonly used by the average user on the Internet. A framework for the measurement of the reliability of these network services is developed for third-tier internet service providers (ISPs). Because ISPs have limited flexibility in competitively up scaling the capacity of their physical networks, designing and delivering compelling value proportions to different ISP market segments will largely depend on network service reliability. The ability of the ISPs to optimise scarce resources and maintain reliable services may be critical to their future survival. The study was conducted based on the corporate customers of both Datacom and Comnet. The customers used leased line, fixed wireless or dial-up as service delivery infrastructure (SDI). A structured questionnaire was administered to a stratified random sample of 97 respondents. Network service reliability was measured using the accessibility, continuity and fulfilment (ACF) framework. Customer retention was predicted using multiple regression. The study revealed that network service reliability positively influences customer retention. It was found that 64% of the variability in customer retention could be explained by the level of reliability of services offered over ISP networks. Furthermore, corporate customer service experiences were found to be impacted by the network service delivery infrastructure used to connect the customer. Leased lines appeared to provide the most reliable services compared to fixed wireless and dial-up. In addition, email, direct user-to-user and internet link access were found to be significant predictors of customer retention. These findings demonstrate the importance of network service reliability to the future of third-tier internet service providers. The study therefore recommends the implementation of service quality improvement programs by the ISPs. The research also points to the need for further research in the area of network service reliability improvements in telecommunications.
Open Access
Fund management in family businesses
(University of the Free State, 2014) Visagie, G. M.; Vermeulen, W.
The South African economy depends to a significant extent on the continuity and success of family businesses as they have the ability to generate significant wealth and jobs on a much larger scale than any other business. It is therefore very unfortunate that family businesses that form such a vital part in the economy of SOUTH AFRICA have such a low success rate. One of the main contributing factors to the low survival rate of FBs is the lack of or non-existence of proper fund management and governance that have an influence on the financial sustainability of these businesses. This field study examined the importance of implementing new systems and procedures as identified by management and staff of the family businesses with the aim of improving fund management, in order to ensure increased sustainability in family businesses. Furthermore, this field study identified and discussed specific benefits and implications of a well-established fund management culture. The researcher used a mixed method approach in analysing present fund management practices in family businesses. Questionnaires, focus group interviews and individual interviews with the executive management and family members of family businesses were applied to identify areas of improvement within the fund management model, together with the participants’ views of how improvements can be addressed. Subsequently, the researcher applied the findings to identify practices that are required as part of efficient fund management to formulate a model fundmanagement framework that family businesses can implement and maintain to ensure increased sustainability in family businesses.
Open Access
Management capacity at the Maluti Technical and Vocational Education and Training College
(University of the Free State, 2014-02) Dunn, Sharmaine L.; Massyn, Liezel
The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the leadership and management capacity at the Maluti Technical and Vocational education and Training College. This study was prompted by the increasing focus on the post-school sector in South Africa, especially the TVET college sector. The South African National Development Plan emphasises that by 2030, South Africa should have access to education and training of the highest quality. The education and training system is envisaged to play a greater role in building an inclusive society that is more responsive to the needs of the economy. The study includes a theoretical literature review that focused on a definition of management capacity, an investigation of different models of management capacity, the factors that may influence management capacity and what the general problems encountered in terms of management capacity are. The empirical studies obtained from the survey indicated a clear disconnect between desired leadership and management capacity versus existing leadership and management capacity. The main findings from the research indicated that staff members are divided as to how they experience the existent management capacity at the Maluti TVET College. The study further indicated that the rate of change required in the sector had a negative impact on management capacity. A final point that emerged from this study is that in general the staff members are not attuned to the vision and mission of the Maluti TVET College. This will also reflect on the extent to which the sectorial vision and mission is actualised, not only by the Maluti TVET College, but also by the sector as a whole.
Open Access
A framework for the development of marketing strategies at Goldfields Casino
(University of the Free State, 2014-06) De Beer, Dennis; Crous, Tienie
The objective of this field study was to investigate the effectiveness of the formulation and implementation of marketing strategy at business and functional level within a given organisation. The work was prompted by a need to assess and address the framework for developing marketing strategy at different tiers of decision making at different levels within one organisation consisting of multiple brands. The investigation further sought to determine whether formulated strategy can influence business more than current environmental challenges. The work took cognisance of the organisational structure, the line of business, the business and marketing strategies deployed at different levels within the group, and the specific macro environmental factors within which the industry operates. The qualitative method employed relied on structured interviews, the content of which was utilised to obtain information and analyse the current practice within the organisation against the academic theory. The overarching findings confirmed the interrelatedness and interdependence of strategy throughout all levels within an organisation. The findings supported the importance of marketing strategy as a major function of overall business strategy. Furthermore, the function linked the business with its environment. With regard to the specific case study, the findings also suggest that: - there might be uncertainty and different interpretations within organisations at different levels with regard to responsibilities in the strategy processes; - there might be a shortfall in information and expertise required to formulate marketing strategy; and - there might be a partial breakdown in communication between different levels within the organisation’s hierarchy which hamper the implementation of strategy and which, in turn, makes the chosen strategies less effective.
Open Access
Marketing of a legal firm in Bloemfontein
(University of the Free State, 2014-09) Otto, J. P.; Van Zyl, J. H.
During the theoretical research regarding the importance of marketing practices for legal firms, it was concluded that marketing has become an essential part of all businesses including legal firms. It was found that marketing is an important aspect due to its contribution to the reputation and product awareness of the firm and also its contribution to the competitive sustainability of the firm within the legal market. It was also concluded that for marketing of a legal firm to be effective, it must be based on a strategic marketing plan. The theoretical research undertaken regarding restrictions and limitations on marketing practices of legal firms reveal that certain legal as well as moral restrictions need to be taken into account when contemplating marketing of a legal firm. Yet, it was found that moral restrictions have far less influence on marketing practices than in the past and that legal restrictions represent the main factor to take into account. The theory indicates that the most effective marketing tools to utilise with reference to the marketing of a legal firm are the same tools that than any other business could utilise during marketing. Internet marketing, word-of-mouth, article marketing and social media are all tools that can be utilised. The main difference when utilising the marketing tools is the restrictions that is placed on the content, which may be incorporated within the marketing tool utilised. The findings during the field research undertaken indicate that most legal firms in Bloemfontein are also of the opinion that marketing of their firm is of the utmost importance to achieve competitive sustainability within the Bloemfontein legal market. Although most are of the opinion that marketing is an important factor in 54 achieving competitive sustainability, only a small number of the firms utilise a strategic marketing plan and most firms do not make use of a specialist for marketing purposes. The findings indicate that most firms in Bloemfontein are aware of legal as well as moral restrictions with regards to marketing of legal firms. The findings indicate that although legal firms in Bloemfontein are aware of the movement to utilise modern marketing tools, traditional marketing tools that include direct marketing and word-of-mouth are still utilised by the majority of legal firms in Bloemfontein.
Open Access
Analysing the effectiveness of the reward strategy of the Department of Justice in the Northern Cape in motivating its employees: a case study
(University of the Free State, 2014-10) De Klerk, Ronel; Huysamen, C. A.
Chapter 6 highlighted the problem areas identified in the findings of the study, and those were verified against the literature review which was discussed in Chapter 2. Each of the different sub-problems as identified in Chapter 1 was addressed and recommendations were made on how each of the sub-problems might be solved. The first sub-problem concentrated on determining whether the monetary reward strategy of performance bonuses leads to employee motivation. The second subproblem was focused on determining whether the monetary reward strategy of notch increments leads to employee motivation in the Department. The third sub-problem involved the different facets of a total reward strategy, and was aimed at determining which of these facets are important in motivating employees. The facets concerned are: Recognition; communication; the work environment; training, and career development. The aim of the research was to determine which of the above-mentioned reward strategies were regarded as important motivating factors to the employees of the Department of Justice in the Northern Cape. The „components of total reward‟ model of Shields (2012), as illustrated in Chapter 1, was used as a guide in the research. Conclusions drawn from the data provided in Chapter 5 were summarised, and based on these conclusions and the theory discussed in Chapter 2, recommendations were made with a view to improve and reinforce the performance and reward management processes in place in the Department. 140 The value of the study is that it has contributed to research-based studies on the effectiveness of performance and reward management practices aimed at motivating employees. The research was successful in building theory on the implementation of individual reward strategies that will address the individual needs of employees, as people have different needs and aspirations. It is hoped that the outcome of this study will make a contribution to performance management policies by providing guidelines for the implementation of a total reward management system based on Shields‟ components of a total reward model.
Open Access
The effect of current activity-based costing (ABC) implementation in Eskom’s finance field
(University of the Free State, 2014-10) Torres, Rene; Alsemgeest, L.
English: The main objective of this research study was to identify the factors that have a direct influence on the successful implementation of activity-based Costing (ABC) within the Eskom finance division. The secondary objectives are: • to determine whether ABC will be successfully implemented; • to determine the benefits of ABC; and • to determine the effect of external factors on the successful implementation of ABC. Aim: To achieve the above stated objectives, questionnaires and focus group interviews were performed within Eskom. Method: The selected employees were asked to respond to the questionnaire on their experience and their perceptions on the current implementation of ABC within Eskom Distribution Free State Grid. Findings: The findings indicated that there was not sufficient guidance from top management with regards to the implementation of ABC within Eskom Distribution Free State Grid. Conclusion: More clear and concise top-down communication as well as intense user specific training manuals, current system enhancements and more clear inter and intra communication between departments are necessary.
Open Access
Burnout of clinical personnel at Dr J S Moroka District Hospital
(University of the Free State, 2014-10) Wu, Chun-Hsien; Massyn, Liezel
Over the years the public hospitals had undergone service transformation and were consequently faced with multiple challenges such as the rapid expansion of primary healthcare services and an epidemically demanding profile of patients. The clinical personnel at Dr J S Moroka District Hospital had been subjected to enormous pressure to deliver healthcare services. No formal study had been done to assess the problem of declining personnel motivation and increase in personnel absenteeism which resulted in work overload and the impact of burnout on the clinical personnel, which had been the focus of this field study. The primary objectives was to determine the level of burnout on clinical personnel and assess the relationship between burnout, work stress and job satisfaction at Dr J S Moroka District Hospital. The study targeted the clinical personnel who worked in the clinical department during the survey period. A quantitative method was used where the respondents participated by filling out a self-administered questionnaire that included an assessment of burnout, job satisfaction and demographic details. The response rate was 83.72%, with females making up the majority of the respondents. The clinical personnel experienced a medium level of burnout and were exposed to a moderate level of work-related stress. Among the different departments, personnel at the MDR TB ward were more prevalent to burnout, while at the casualty department, the personnel had the highest vii prevalence of work stress. Females with a longer service record were proven to experience a higher level of burnout. Despite the medium level burnout, the majority of the clinical personnel were somewhat satisfied with their job and 28.99% said they will definitely refer a friend for a job at the hospital. Staff motivation was very low, with 34.78% indicated that they were not at all motivated. This study has illustrated the prevalence of burnout and significant concern on staff engagement at DR J S Moroka district hospital as it proven to exist among the study population. Substantial evident discussed above has proven the importance of employee assistance programs and the need to improve staff engagement so to achieve future sustainability and benefits for the organisation and its staff.
Open Access
Waste management at Free State abattoirs
(University of the Free State, 2014-11) Swanepoel, Jan Willem; van Wyk, Jacques
South African red meat abattoirs currently rehabilitate waste poorly. This is due to a lack of resources, poor management and low prioritization. Ineffective waste management can result in considerable environmental damage and health risks. When alternative ways to manage or dispose of waste are implemented, this could result in both financial and environmental gain. The generation of power in South Africa is expensive, whilst electricity is one of the biggest expenses at an abattoir. It is thus important to research other means to generate power at an abattoir. There are many benefits to improved waste processing and management. These include decreased costs of waste treatment and disposal, income generation from by-products and a reduced environmental impact associated with waste disposal. Livestock by-products have significant economic and nutritional value that needs to be utilized. Landfilling, the most common form of abattoir waste disposal is becoming limited in regards to space and stricter regulations for waste management. Alternative technologies should be applied to optimize recycling targets and to ensure that the production of energy is optimized in such a way that a maximum return on investment is achieved. The impact on the environment should always be considered and the technology risks carefully assessed. High throughput abattoirs are much more inclined to implement new waste management systems. Most systems are very expensive, but fortunately many realize the importance and future return on investment after implementing such a system. The same applies for low throughput abattoirs slaughtering high numbers of units and thus producing a lot of waste. Many abattoirs do implement some waste management techniques whereby they generate additional income or saving on disposal expenses. The implication of this, prove to be very advantageous for some of these abattoirs. Low-throughput abattoirs find it costly and not viable to establish any of the researched 2 plants to generate energy from waste. It is thus advisable to still do everything possible to process waste and minimizing the amount of waste products going into the municipal sewerage system and landfills. This study provides abattoirs with viable methods of getting rid of waste and in the same time using waste to produce energy at the abattoir. Since few abattoirs are informed about the newest technology that is available with regards to waste to energy, this study serves as an introduction to these new technologies. Abattoirs can save money by generating their own power, have a means of getting rid of waste, building up carbon points as well as doing their part in slowing down, stopping or even reversing global warming.
Open Access
The influence of the Eskom North Western Region’s safety vision on the organisation’s safety culture
(2014-11) Moleko, Reginald Mokoena; Massyn, Liezel
The North Western Region suffered a very poor safety performance over a number of years (2001 to 2008) leading to the establishment of a safety vision in 2008. A safety vision was developed and implemented in the NWR but its desired effects are not visible. The primary objective for the study was to investigate the influence of an electricity supply industry’s safety vision on its safety culture. The study was to evaluate further the relationship between a safety vision and a safety culture from an electricity supply industry’s perspective. The empirical approach to the study was to use a quantitative survey. A sample of 350 employees was identified for the study, with a reasonably good response rate of 291 employees (83.14% of the identified sample). The study revealed that a significant positive relationship between the Eskom NWR safety vision and the organisational safety culture exists. The vision is not only articulated at the highest possible level in the organisation but has positively contributed to the existing organisational safety culture. The study has however also revealed a disconnection between employees and management as far as what the priority is between production and safety. This might be due to the importance given to production on both the employee performance dashboards and scorecards. In these, safety’s percentage target is far lower than production. With a target of 20 per cent, the safety target might be confusing to employees as having a lesser weight and importance than production. This was however not an expected outcome. It can be concluded that the employees in the NWR are currently driven by the conciseness, future orientation, abstractness, desirability, and ability of their safety vision. This vision has become a very strong option in a quest to change behaviour. The employees have accepted and are clear on the strategy behind the vision. Their norms, values, and beliefs system are developing towards achieving the organisational objectives. If leadership continues to employ this vision with vigour, it is bound to have far-reaching implications on both organisational safety and performance.
Open Access
Guidelines for developing social media policies within institutions of higher learning
(University of the Free State, 2014-11) Grobler, Danie; Crous, M. J.
The growth and significance of social media especially with institution of higher learning have brought many new opportunities for marketing, interacting and communicating with all stakeholders. Unfortunately with the many opportunities and advantages that social media brings it also brings along many disadvantages and risks. Institutions of higher learning need to have social media policies in place to protect the institution as well as the employees and the students from the risks of social media. The problem is the lack of guidelines to assist in the development of social media policies. This dissertation aims to propose guidelines that can be used by institutions of higher learning when developing social media policies. This was done through a qualitative research methodology in a semi-structured interview where after a thematic analysis was used to decode the data. The findings first explored the various advantages as well as disadvantages and risks of social media. The findings further explore how social media policies can help to maximise the advantages of social media while at the same time mitigate the risks and disadvantages of social media. The last chapter proposed social media policy guidelines that can be used by institution of higher learning to develop social media policies.
Open Access
Client satisfaction in the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform in South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2014-11) Johannes, Petrus; Van Zyl, Helena
It is generally believed that the impact of interior client satisfaction can generate comparative advantages for institutional performance. The primary objective of this survey is to investigate the client satisfaction levels of the workforce of the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform (DRDLR) in South Africa (SA). It is impelled by the continuous complaining of the workforce who comes in direct contact with the exterior clients. Complaints revolve around the correct inputs to their disposal in order for them to respond to concerns of exterior clients. In this survey a quantitative research approach in the form of a sample survey was used in order to document outcomes based on the respondents‟ responses during the survey. Data was collected from 1 080 employees from the DRDLR in SA through a structured electronic questionnaire. The results were replicated to ensure that the results are constant while the researcher was perceived as being exterior to the research, regardless of his identity. The extent and acknowledgement of interior client satisfaction in the DRDLR is satisfactory (66.6 %), which revolves around the operations of the Department in terms of the provision of services to interior clients (employees). Although a 66.6 % satisfaction level was achieved, a narrative on additional comments made by the respondents showed that there are challenges with regards to flow of communication, recruitment and labour relation issues and performance appraisals approaches in the Department. Even if the results were satisfactory, to enhance the interior institutional assistance to the workforce requires continuous research to improve the efficiency of work. In addition and even more significantly, advanced satisfaction levels among exterior as well as interior clients are vital for employee productivity, turnover rate and the Department‟s ability to attract talent.
Open Access
Staff morale in the Department of Public Works, Kimberley regional office
(University of the Free State, 2014-11) Jacobs, Claire; Massyn, Liezel
This study aimed to evaluate the staff morale in the Department of Public Works Kimberley Regional Office. A sample of 20 participants was chosen to fully represent the staff. The data was collected through in-depth interviews and was analysed by means of content analysis. Herzberg‟s Motivator-Hygiene theory forms the basis of the study by distinguishing the three different work environments that exist and the effects that these environments have on morale. The results of the study show that within the three work environments, the human and organisational environments have the most impact on morale. Within those two environments the main contributors to the low levels of morale are the lack of management and leadership, and aspects that relate to that. The possible contributors within the technical environment have virtually no effect on morale as they are considered hygiene factors by Hertzberg.
Open Access
Factors affecting turnover of nurses in rural clinics of Lesotho
(University of the Free State, 2014-11) Matamane, Sekhametsi; Massyn, Liezel
The primary objective of the study was to establish the factors affecting turnover of nurses at the nine rural clinics in Lesotho that are managed by the Lesotho Flying Doctors Services. The turnover of nurses at the nine rural clinics of Lesotho has contributed to challenges faced by the health care system of the country. This is exacerbated by the high prevalence of HIV and AIDS that has led to a heavier burden on nurses to provide anti-retroviral treatment and primary health care. The widespread poverty dominant in the rural areas affected a large number of Basotho to use public health care as opposed to private health care. In addition, low remuneration and hardship allowances paid to nurses in the rural areas may drive them to look for better paying jobs. Challenges faced by the health college are aggravating the situation. Using the qualitative research method, the study concluded that demographic factors have varying effects on the turnover of nurses. However, their influence is less significant in comparison with general factors and economic factors. Among other factors identified in the three themes, the participants were dissatisfied with accommodation, which was very poor despite the recent refurbishment and construction of the clinics. It appears from the findings that non-financial factors were more significant than the financial ones, and many participants were concerned about a number of them. The most significant non-financial factors, for example, include the issue of accommodation, communication, and infrastructure, which in turn affect access to the remote clinics negatively. Economic factors had a significant effect on the turnover of nurses, and the main challenges were caused by budgetary constraints. The turnover of nurses, particularly with regard to those working in the rural areas, can affect the quality of services in the nursing profession negatively. A number of factors, consequences, and challenges may also hamper nurses‟ work at the remote clinics. Management at the Ministry of Health should implement a number of strategies that will assist in reducing the level of turnover of nurses and enhance health care services at the rural clinics.
Open Access
The market demand of Chechil cheese in Bloemfontein
(University of the Free State, 2014-11) Lambrechts, Hendrik Adam Albertyn; Vermeulen, Werner
Innovation is the only undisputed catalyst for growth and wealth creation over the long term. However, launching a new product entails significant risk for established as well as new businesses. In order to minimise some of these risks, demand forecasts are necessary to construct the commercial elements of the business (or product line), create revenue models, predict profits and cash flows, judge feasibility, define suitable pricing structures and levels, and quantify financing requirements. This study determined demand for Chechil cheese as a new product in Bloemfontein in order to guide future decisions during the new product development and launch process. Demand was measured according to three criteria. First, respondents were asked to what degree they liked or disliked the product on a five point scale. Second, respondents' reactions are substantiated by determining whether they would recommend the product to a friend, colleague or relative. Last, price sensitivity was measured by determining each respondent’s likelihood to purchase 100g of the product at R30, R45 and R60. It was found that the overwhelming majority of respondents indicated that they liked the product and that they would recommend it to a friend, colleague or relative. Respondents indicated inelastic demand between the R30 and R45 price points and elastic demand between R45 and R60. Findings from this study could be used in conjunction with further internal analysis of the business' supply curve in order to establish the optimal price point to launch the new product.
Open Access
The influence of HIV/AIDS on succession planning within the sales and marketing department at Coca Cola Fortune, Free State
(University of the Free State, 2014-11) February, Aidan; Markham, Lyle
The primary objective of the study is to investigate the perceived impact of HIV/AIDS on succession planning at Coca Cola Fortune, Free State within the sales and marketing department. This topic was prompted by the high prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS in South Africa and the anticipated impact that this would have on the labour force. The cost associated with recruiting new staff in relation to the time it takes to obtain talent has bearing on this study. A quantitative approach and methodology was used, with a structured questionnaire as data collection method to obtain responses from the population. The questionnaire was divided into three sections, biographical, succession planning and HIV/AIDS. The responses were used to draw conclusions. Non-probability sampling was used in the research design and more specifically convenience sampling. The population was 57 and 53 respondents responded. The findings found from the questionnaire are divided into two sections, succession planning and HIV/AIDS. The succession planning scores were very high indicating a culture of strong succession planning within the organisation. This creates a dynamic platform for opportunities within the organisation. The HIV/AIDS scores were lower and more works needs to be done around education, this will lead to perception of HIV/AIDS being replaced with a factual knowledge base.
Open Access
The impact of poor data quality on the successful implementation of a customer-relationship management system in the banking environment: an application to a major South-African bank
(University of the Free State, 2014-11) Jafta, Zanele; Coetzee, Johan
Data quality is critical in business decisions, especially in formulating marketing, customer-relationship and sales strategies. Consistency and the quality of customer data are critical pillars for any business that is looking at introducing a client relationship management (CRM) system. For any successful CRM implementation, it is very important to have a single, integrated view of the customer even though the source data might come from different databases. This study explores the impact of poor data quality on the successful implementation of the customer-relationship management (CRM) system in one of the major banks in South Africa. The study will also determine data improvement and data-management frameworks in CRM systems.
Open Access
The monitoring and evaluation of NPOs by the Department of Social Development Northern Cape
(University of the Free State, 2014-11) Monyane, Thabiso Joseph; Jacobs, Danie
The primary objective of this study was to determine whether the Department of Social Development in the Northern Cape Province implemented effective monitoring and evaluation at Non-profit Organisations. The study was prompted by the high levels of non-compliance by NPO‟s with the reporting requirements as set out in the Non-Profit Organisation Act, Act 71 of 1997. Due to these high levels of non-compliance, majority of NPO‟s were deregistered. The deregistration simply meant that these entities may no longer operate as such and may also not request financial assistance using the NPO certificate thus leaving the poor who depend on social service from these organisation with no protection against poverty. Using qualitative method, the research aimed to determine whether the department implemented effective M&E at NPO‟s. Data was collected during focus groups conducted with both NPO‟s and officials from the department. Responses from participants were narrated and classified into different categories using research questions as a guide. The classification was critical in determining common themes or common responses from the same research question and therefore determining dominance. The results indicated that no evaluation took place and that the current monitoring implemented was not effective. Stakeholders were not identified in the M&E process and therefore not involved in determining what must be monitored, evaluated, how, the frequency, etc. A participatory M&E is recommended for implementation by the department. This M&E system involves stakeholders and beneficiaries‟ participation in determining M&E objectives, what must be monitored, evaluated, how, frequency, etc. The M&E tool used must be aligned to the logframe. Objectives must be clearly identified and capacity levels at both NPO‟s and departmental officials improved.
Open Access
Expatriation and repatriation of employees at group technology
(University of the Free State, 2014-11) Matrose, Zwelinjani Apostle; Massyn, Liezel
The primary objective of the research is to determine the preparedness of Group Technology’s employees for expatriation and repatriation. This is in response to the fact that there is a view that the employees at Group Technology are not adequately prepared for expatriation to and repatriation from long-term international assignments, leading to delays; cross-cultural tension; career uncertainty issues; decrease in productivity; and ultimately, resignations. This study falls within the Human Resources Management (HRM) sphere. The population of this research was all Group Technology employees that are expatriates and repatriates. A sample of 52 employees was drawn from the population of 79 employees that were on the expatriate database. A comprehensive sampling method was used. The criteria used to take the sample from the population were that an employee had to be a permanent employee, had to be on a long-term assignment (six months or longer) and the employee had to be on an international project. A quantitative research method and a structured questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale was used to gather responses on the levels of satisfaction of the expatriates with the expatriate process at Group Technology. Descriptive statistics were applied in the analysis of the data gathered and a software tool called SPSS was used to analyse the data. The model – identified as a model of choice for the research – is a four-stage expatriate cycle. The stages of the expatriate cycle are: selection, preparation, support and repatriation. The expatriates and repatriates rated Group Technology’s expatriate process as being fair for all four of the expatriate cycle stages. As a new entrant into the international market (compared to peers), Group Technology still has a long way to go in improving its process. However, it has been proven that the fair rating received from its employees is comparable with multi-national companies in all regions.
Open Access
The methods employed by construction professionals in analysing delay claims under the JBCC's principal building agreement
(University of the Free State, 2014-11) Le Roux, Jacobus Cornelius; Van Wyk, Jacques
Resolving extension of time claims amicably and expeditiously seems an elusive concept for parties involved on construction projects. In the absence of generally accepted standards of practice and techniques for evaluating the extension of time claims in the construction industry, the methods of evaluation currently used by principal agents lead to disputes that tend to result in litigation and arbitration. The aim of this research study was to determine the manner in which practitioners from a portion of the construction industry in South Africa perform the analysis of extension of time claims within the JBCC standard form of contract. As there are currently no standards of practice regarding delay analysis or schedules in South Africa, some international standards were expanded upon in order to establish local norms in comparison to international standards. Within the contexts of the aims of the research, the researcher selected a mixed-method approach by utilising both qualitative and quantitative methods to investigate the current methods and delay analysis techniques employed by professionals in the construction industry in South Africa. The researcher used a purposive sampling method with the aim of targeting construction professionals who could specifically contribute towards the objectives of the study. Data collection was performed by analysing the literature and utilising semi-structured interviews. The semi-structured interviews were selected because of the perceived amplification of objectivity when obtaining responses. A pilot study was also conducted with an esteemed academic and experienced JBCC professional, which assisted in significantly refining the questions that constituted the semi-structured interview. The findings of the research were that in this absence of a standard form of analysis, professionals in a portion of the South African construction industry have no knowledge of any formal analysis techniques when evaluating claims. Moreover, the research demonstrated that the absence of this standard, results in a portion of the industry applying different methods to the same extension of time claim, thereby creating inconsistent results for both contractors and employers to follow. Although the iii research indicated a lack of knowledge of any of the formal delay analysis techniques, it was discovered that principal agents unknowingly use either the As Planned Impacted or the As Planned But For technique when they evaluate claims. The latter of which were the preferred technique. The significance of the data within the context of the problem statement is that the two techniques, namely As Planned Impacted and the As Planned But For technique differ quite substantially in terms of the risk, additional cost and penalties they infer upon both parties to the building contract and the research confirms that there is a definite need for an objective standard in terms of delay claim adjudications.