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

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Open Access
The influence of mindfulness on employees’ resilience at Eskom, Northern Cape
(University of the Free State, 2023) Motaung, Mophomotseng Millicent; Kleynhans, Ronel
International trends such as globalisation, epidemics, and rapid technological developments impact individuals locally and internationally on all levels of society, with electricity companies experiencing increased challenges. The various challenges and stressful working conditions lead to employees experiencing exhaustion when trying to cope with the demanding work environment. Therefore, resilience, defined as one’s capability to adapt to changes, adhere to, and accomplish objectives despite existing challenges, is necessary for survival in such a turbulent environment. For Kelly et al. (2019), mindfulness is the antidote to resilience. Mindfulness is one of the individual qualities advocated to assist employees in properly managing psychological stress in the workplace and is a critical psychological resource for improving employee performance. Thus, mindfulness can be viewed as a unique personal feature of employees that protects them from negative emotions connected with a demanding workload and stressful work conditions, thereby reducing emotional tiredness. Therefore, this study aimed to determine if mindfulness influences employees’ resilience at Eskom, Northern Cape (NC). The study also aimed to determine if a relationship exists between mindfulness and resilience among employees at Eskom, NC. Lastly, using a non-experimental research design, the study aimed to determine if gender differences exist in career resilience among employees at Eskom, NC. A non-experimental quantitative survey research design was utilised to obtain the data from employees at Eskom (a large electricity company) in Northern Cape, South Africa (SA). Questionnaires used to obtain the data included the demographic questionnaire, the Adult Resilience Indicator (ARI) questionnaire, and the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS) questionnaire. Data was analysed using regression analyses, correlational analyses and the t-test for independent groups. The results indicated that mindfulness positively influences career resilience. Furthermore, the results indicated no significant differences in resilience in terms of gender. The study thus provides new knowledge on the relationship between mindfulness and resilience. It also presents the rationale for implementing mindfulness training in organisations to assist employees in positively adapting to the pressures experienced by electricity companies in South Africa.
Open Access
Identifying a sustainable risk management strategy for private student accommodation providers in Bloemfontein
(University of the Free State, 2023) Musundire, Simbarashe; Sarpong, P.
The research investigated the risks prevalent in the private student accommodation industry in Bloemfontein with the aim of establishing sustainable risk management strategies to improve viability as well as impact knowledge to enable private student accommodation providers to incorporate risk management into their business strategy. The study showed that the majority of private property investors did not conduct due diligence before in investing in private student accommodation while overlooking potential risks associated with the growing industry. As a result, students have been subjected to dilapidated living conditions. Properties in Brandwag, Willows and Universitas have been left in dilapidated states as property investors fail to cope with both systematic and unsystematic risks prevailing in the industry. Various risks faced by private student accommodation including cashflow challenges, financial management, liquidity and default risk, were identified as major risks in the private student accommodation sector in Bloemfontein. Focus and emphasis was on identifying and managing the risks to ensure that investors making investments in this sector of the property industry would understand and properly evaluate the risks associated with investments in this sector of the real estate industry. A fuzzy inference system model was used to determine impact of the risks associated with the industry. The findings showed that the majority of private student accommodation providers with a few years operating experience and minimal knowledge of the industry were highly exposed to cashflow, liquidity, regulatory and operational risks. Low rental income as a result of a NSFAS rental ceiling and delayed payments resulted in cashflow mismatches as the majority of the students were NSFAS funded. The research concludes by providing sustainable risk management strategies to address the anomaly of increasing demand and declining supply for private student private student accommodation in Bloemfontein.
Open Access
Importance of social media marketing on SMEs in South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2023) Nadkar, Ashna; Janse van Vuuren, P.
This research study illuminates the dynamics of social media marketing in the context of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and provides insight into the qualitative aspects thereof. The prime objective of this research study was to investigate, through an in-depth qualitative analysis, how SMEs experience, conceptualise and apply social media marketing strategies in the contemporary business environment in which they find themselves. The research design adopted a qualitative approach by utilising in-depth interviews to gain an understanding of the experiences of SMEs. The motivations, challenges and results concerning social media marketing were uncovered by capturing the narratives of SME owners and managers. The research design adopted facilitated a holistic understanding of the experiences of SMEs when they engage with social media marketing. The study revealed the multifaceted nature of the obstacles encountered by SMEs, ranging from time constraints to the need to adapt to the fast-paced digital landscape. This research study underscores the pivotal role and transformative power of social media marketing for SMEs in the current digital space. The qualitative approach highlighted the nuances in the dynamics of the social media strategies of SMEs, emphasising the importance of tailoring the approaches that align with the distinct characteristics and objectives of each business. The research study concluded that SMEs should be encouraged to embrace the interactive nature of social media to foster meaningful connections with their target audience and establish a strong online presence. In essence, this research study reveals valuable insights into the qualitative dimensions of social media marketing within the landscape in which SMEs are situated. The purpose, design, findings and conclusions of this research study were addressed and a practical guide for SMEs looking to navigate the complexities of social media in a way that aligns with their specific objectives was also provided.
Open Access
Exploring project leadership through team engagement and cohesion at Hillside smelter
(University of the Free State, 2024) Ndandani, Zintle; Delport, Marthinus
The primary purpose of this study was to identify leadership behaviours that enable project leaders to foster team cohesion and engagement among project teams. At Hillside, project leaders are expected to be knowledgeable about technical processes and skilled in their applications to achieve demanding deadlines, anticipate restrictions, overcome financial constraints, and ensure quality requirements. A qualitative case study research design was therefore used, and structured interviews with current project leaders were conducted to learn more about their leadership behaviours that are critical for team performance, team cohesiveness, and team engagement. Participants in this study were project representatives from different departments that enabled project execution at the Hillside plant in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal across various levels of leadership. The inquiry engaged 10 project team members through structured interviews. Key findings showed that planning and coordination, building a collaborative and supportive work environment, diversity management and interpersonal sensitivity were enablers of team cohesion and engagement in Hillside project teams. In contrast, limited resources and working in silos were identified as potential pitfalls to team cohesion and engagement. The adoption of practicable tools and procedures that improve the efficiency of the planning and coordination of teams was recommended. The second recommendation was for the organisation to cultivate a culture in which project team members actively acknowledge not only each other’s contributions and needs but also those of their leaders and managers. The last recommendation is that project leaders prioritise effective communication strategy that promotes both personal and business interactions to facilitate ongoing cohesion and engagement efforts in Hillside smelter project teams.
Open Access
Onboarding Gen Z at the Centre for Teaching and Learning at the University of the Free State
(University of the Free State, 2023) Ridgard, Melanie Ingrid; Massyn, L.
The youngest and latest entrants into the workforce are known as ‘Generation Z’. This generation faces various challenges and obstacles when they are being integrated into the workplace. There is insufficient information and confusion about their expectations, challenges, obstacles, characteristics, work values and preferences, which hinder effort to attract, recruit and retain this generational cohort in the organisation. This study aims to assess the expectations and challenges that accompany the onboarding programme at the Centre of Teaching and Learning (CTL) of the University of the Free State (UFS). Furthermore, the study wishes to propose strategies for an onboarding programme at this centre in the hope of addressing the issues mentioned above. This study adopted a qualitative method and purposive sampling was employed to sample the participants. The sample size was thirteen Gen Z employees between the ages of eighteen and twentyfive years and seven Gen Z supervisors participants, who supervise Gen Z employees, were between the ages of twenty-five to forty, all employed at the CTL. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data and a thematic analysis was used to analyse the results. Evidence from the interviews reveals the expectations and challenges Gen Z employees experience when they enter the workplace; the expectations and challenges Gen Z supervisors have in working with Gen Z employees versus the experience of working in the workplace and how these experiences differ. Additionally, this research explores participants’ understanding and experience of participating in an onboarding programme, whether a programme could be created for the CTL and what this programme would look like. Moreover, the study recommends that the CTL, together with the Human Resources Division at the UFS, pilot an onboarding programme for all new employees.
Open Access
Improving customer satisfaction at MS Fabrications and Engineering
(University of the Free State, 2023) Sekhesa, Motlatsi; Peters, Mark
Customer satisfaction for companies and institutions of any size is an important marker of how they connect with their clientele. In some cases it could be the difference between success and failure in business. This study sought to determine how to improve customer satisfaction at MS Fabrications and Engineering (MSFE). It is a mechanical engineering company operating from the capital city, Maseru, Lesotho. In the past few years, the company experienced stagnation in terms of growth across its strategic objectives. Logically, customer engagement and subsequent customer satisfaction became the primary research objective. The study employed a qualitative research design, together with non-probability sampling, and semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. Three categories of participants were purposively selected. The first group comprised a mixture of both high and low performing customers of MSFE. Meaning companies who do repeat business, places orders with MSFE regularly. While low performing customers give orders occasionally. The second group of participants were employees of MSFE at managerial level. The last group comprised experts on customer issues from a variety of companies and institutions. The major findings of the study show that it is possible to achieve customer satisfaction but fail to realise economic gains, particularly when the customer base is not big enough. The other key finding is that all the customer groups were satisfied with the service that MSFE was offering. However, the need for MSFE to diversify its offering and consider expanding to new markets were also revealed. The study concludes that the management of the company needs to ensure the expansion of their customer base through marketing, venturing into new markets, diversifying offering and expanding services to the existing customer base.
Open Access
The impact of government social expenditure on economic growth in South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2023) Setouto, Daniel Kabelo; Mudiriza, Gibson
South Africa has been facing persistent socio-economic challenges, including high levels of unemployment, poverty, and income inequality. To tackle these issues, the government has allocated significant resources towards social spending programmes but socio-economic challenges have persisted. It is against this background that this study aims to examine the impact of different components of government social spending on economic growth in South Africa. The study investigated this relationship for the period 1985 to 2019 before the Covid-19 effects. To establish the relationship between government social expenditure and economic growth, the study adopted the Johansen Cointegration Analysis and Vector Error Correction Model. This study further employed the Granger Causality test, the Variance Decomposition and the Generalised Impulse Response function to assess the causation, to trace the response of the dependent variable to shocks in the error term and the time path of the variables in numerous shocks. Government social protection, educational expenditure and health expenditure were used as the major components of government social expenditure. The empirical results obtained in this study indicate that aggregate government expenditure, social protection expenditure and gross fixed capital formation have positive significant effects on the performance of the economy. This implies that an increase in these variables promotes economic growth. Conversely, government health expenditure adversely and significantly affects economic growth. Surprisingly, government educational expenditure was not statistically significant. Moreover, looking at the variance decomposition findings, the results indicate that although the changes in economic growth are influenced by aggregate government expenditure, government education expenditure and gross fixed capital formation shocks, in the long-run, its shocks largely contribute to the fluctuations of economic growth. In other words, the changes in economic growth are largely influenced by changes of the previous economic growth. The results of this study underscore the critical role of government social protection expenditure in fostering long-term economic growth in South Africa. Accordingly, the results suggest that the government should prioritise and potentially increase investments in social safety nets and welfare programs, given the positive impact of social protection expenditure on economic growth. On the other hand, the adverse and significant effect of government health expenditure on economic growth warrants careful consideration. The findings suggest a need for a more efficient allocation of health resources or a revaluation of health expenditure policies to ensure that government spending in this sector aligns more effectively to promote and sustain economic growth. This could involve exploring ways to enhance the effectiveness of healthcare spending or identifying areas for improvement in the health sector to mitigate any negative impact on economic growth. The insignificance of government educational expenditure suggests a potential need for targeted reforms or enhanced efficiency in the educational sector to align it more closely with economic growth objectives. Overall, this study provides valuable insights for policymakers seeking to optimise the impact of social spending on economic growth in South Africa.
Open Access
Challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises in Lesotho
(University of the Free State, 2023) Seturumane, Thabo; Peters, Mark
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are considered the main catalysts behind economic growth and overall national development as they are renowned for addressing socio-economic issues confronting a specific country. As a result, different governments in developed and developing countries leverage the SME sector to expand the employment grid and tackle poverty-related issues. As such, creating an enabling environment for the success of SMEs is one of the main policy agendas world-wide, and governments constantly seek to develop policies that address SMEs’ challenges to ensure their sustainability. However, in light of these efforts, SMEs still encounter several challenges that limit their growth, subsequently failing to fulfil their mandate of addressing the socio-economic challenges. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to determine the challenges SMEs in Lesotho face. The study assumed a quantitative approach. A survey questionnaire was used as a primary data collection instrument, utilising a database of SMEs in Lesotho using emails compiled from their online presence. A sample of 400 SMEs was chosen using a simple random sampling technique from a population of 76 000 SMEs in Lesotho. The study employed descriptive statistics to determine the characteristics and distribution of the data. The data analysis employed the Chi-Square test and the Pearson Correlation test to reveal the associations and relationships between the challenges faced by SMEs and SMEs' performance, the relationship between the government of Lesotho (GoL) intervention and SMEs' access to finance, and the relationship between the challenge of access to finance, including several other challenges. Based on the Chi-Square test, the study's findings revealed associations between the challenge of access to finance, workplace skills, employee retention, marketing challenges, technological challenges, and other challenges (e.g., Covid-19, crime rate, labour law), including SMEs’ performance. Furthermore, the study established associations between GoL intervention and SMEs' access to finance. Lastly, the study determined associations between the challenge of access to finance and several challenges confronting SMEs in Lesotho. The Pearson-Correlation test found statistically significant negative relationships between the challenge of access to finance, workforce skills, technological challenges, and other challenges (e.g., Covid-19, crime rate, labour law) and SMEs’ performance. Also, a significant negative relationship was established between GoL intervention and SMEs' access to finance. Finally, the study discovered significant positive relationships between the challenge of access to finance and workforce skills, including technological and other challenges (Covid-19, Crime rate, labour law).
Open Access
Assessment of the effectiveness of risk management processes used to develop a COVID-19 risk strategy at XYZ Public Health Care Facility
(University of the Free State, 2024) Thejane, Mosebi Alexis; Njenga,Samuel
This study's objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of the risk management procedures employed in the development of a COVID-19 risk management strategy at the XYZ public health care (PHC) facility in a YZ district in the Free State Province (FSP), South Africa. The findings and knowledge acquired from this study will be utilised to enhance the risk management procedures of the Department of Health and give other public health care facilities advice on how to create flexible and responsive risk management plans in the event that they encounter similar calamities in the future. The exploratory sequential design, a mixed methods research methodology that combines qualitative and quantitative research approaches, is used in this study. This hybrid research methodology was used to comprehend the effectiveness of the risk management processes implemented by the XYZ PHC facility in effectively addressing COVID-19 infections. To determine the elements of enterprise risk management and the crucial success factors for its effective implementation, a thorough literature review was carried out. Key references included established practices such as ISO 31000, COSO Integrated Enterprise Risk Management frameworks, Department of Health’s five-year strategic plan, annual performance plans, and other relevant literature materials. The XYZ PHC facility’s enterprise risk management processes were determined by examining the Department of Health’s Enterprise Risk Management Guideline and Framework. In this study, both research methods received equal priority (weighting). Qualitative method was used to provide a comprehensive understanding of the research question. The research question was fully understood through the application of the qualitative method by conducting in-depth interviews which extracted detailed information and contextual insights regarding the enterprise risk management processes utilised, which may not be available in the records and data but can be derived from the participants’ experiences, knowledge, and understanding of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. The researcher utilised enterprise risk management's important critical success factors as a tool to inform the interview questions in order to enhance the depth and rigour of the conversations. Since risk management is a strategic function, face-to-face interviews targeted 20 senior and middle managers who were actively engaged in risk management activities and processes at the XYZ PHC facility. The outcomes of the first phase were then linked to the second phase by means of a questionnaire that was given to roughly 54 middle and upper managers based on the findings of the interviews. This helped with the interpretation of the qualitative findings. 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: ERM process used to develop COVID-19 RM strategy in XYZ PHC facility was effective. In order to strengthen ERM processes, there is a need to cascades ERM to lower levels, use of quality improvement plan ‘s tools and interactive Information and Communication Technology and engage different stakeholders in the processes. Four critical success factors were identified for effective ERM implementation. 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: Eight elements of ERM are present and functioning in the facility, while majority of top and middle staff have a fairly good ERM experience and are involved in ERM activities.
Open Access
Challenges faced by TVET entrepreneurship graduates in establishing their own businesses
(University of the Free State, 2023) Tondi, Nonkululeko Mamphela; Madikane, Thandekile
It is challenging not to include the direct impact on the economy and the dependence on government assistance when assessing youth unemployment in any country. In a developing country like South Africa, it is necessary to acknowledge some of the interventions set in the nation's development plan that aims at supporting youth economic empowerment. Acknowledging that most businesses face challenges when starting up, the main purpose of this research was to analyse the inherent challenges that TVET entrepreneurship graduates face when attempting to establish their businesses. A qualitative design was sought for this study. The study was conducted with the participation of 20 entrepreneurship graduates and utilised a non-probability sampling method to determine the sample size. Data was collected by means of a focus group where the participants were interviewed by means of answering 7 open-ended questions. This research revealed that factors such as high youth unemployment rates and a lack of economic opportunities for young people have gradually begun to turn to entrepreneurship as a viable alternative to looking for a job after graduation. government's attempts to address economic problems have not been the only thing to support this; passion and intent have also been demonstrated to have an impact. Limited resources, a lack of mentorship, lack of transparency, lack of financial literacy, a traditional theoretical teaching approach, a lack of specially designed workspaces with sufficient resources, lack of dependable support, and a lack of readiness to deal with business challenges were among leading causes of failure in starting a business for entrepreneurship graduates. Furthermore, the findings also revealed that partnerships between entrepreneurially focused businesses and TVETs were deemed contributing factors to limited entrepreneurial world exposure. Despite government efforts, some issues will persist, which will keep causing youth-owned enterprises to fail because remedies are not properly put into place, followed up on, and reviewed over time. As the research is of the idea that to promote entrepreneurship as a career rather than a module, the DHET needs to take a thorough look at the research-related theories and their recommendations for viable ways to support entrepreneurship, particularly at TVET colleges. The study thus concluded by recommending that both the government and private sector be encouraged to enhance the nation's entrepreneurial activity proactively. An approach that would ensure that college graduates are only trained in skills related to the needs of the South African market before redesigning the current curricula that will align with the desired kind of entrepreneurial education. Furthermore, the research recommends that each TVET college build its own incubator as a joint effort to help new enterprises succeed when they first launch as this approach will improve the entrepreneurial climate at higher education institutions, particularly TVETs.
Open Access
Effectiveness of employee development of managers at a Metropolitan Municipality
(University of the Free State, 2023) Tshabalala, Kehilwe Seipati Abigail; Du Toit, Masonette
The research study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of manager development in the metropolitan municipality. Effective management is critical for the sustainable development and success of the municipality to deliver basic services to the community. There are different challenges and changes that the municipality is faced with that require managers to be agile and adaptable to ensure that the municipality remains sustainable in the long term. These challenges and changes require the municipality to invest in its managers' professional growth and development to enhance managerial skills, knowledge, and competencies to enable managers to address complex issues in the municipality effectively. This research study intends to investigate the benefits of manager's development, discuss the applicable developmental strategies at a Metro Municipality, assess the effectiveness of manager's development, and assess the challenges impacting the development of managers at a Metro Municipality. The researcher used a qualitative research method for data collection and analysis. The study used a semi-structured interview design. The data was collected using ten open-ended interview questions to assess the effectiveness of the manager’s development and obtain more insights about the topic. The findings from this study contribute to the existing literature on managers’ development in municipalities and assist management in developing and implementing more effective development strategies and programmes tailored to the specific needs and challenges faced by managers. The recommendation of the study is expected to contribute to the growth and development of managers in the municipality, ultimately leading to more effective administration, improved overall performance and efficiency of municipalities, and service delivery for the community.
Open Access
The adherence to credit control and the effectiveness of debt collection tools in an energy municipal entity
(University of the Free State, 2023) Williams, Zoe Shaloom; Zidel, David
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, promulgated in 1996, describes three government levels, namely national, provincial and local government. The accounting officer of a municipality (at the local level) is accountable for the management of municipal revenues and the enforcement of revenue collection procedures, including the reconciliation and recognition of allowed revenues of the municipal entity. Over the years, revenue collection – especially by local government – has faced serious financial management challenges, in particular in relation to prudent revenue and debt collection management and has resulted in the pressing predicament of unsatisfying service delivery due to inadequate revenue management by municipalities and municipal entities in their provision of services to their communities. For effective service delivery, a sound revenue system is essential for a municipal energy entity to render services to its customers; to maintain and sustain sufficient income to adhere to service delivery commitments; and/or to render any goods or services as legislatively mandated. The study discusses a municipal energy entity’s credit control measures and debt collection tools, that can assist the South African government in strengthening municipal revenue and maintaining a favourable cash flow, to render good service to its communities. The enhancement of income is conditioned on the effectiveness of two intrinsic elements, namely, billing-rendered services and meter-calibrated service delivery.
Open Access
Managing a multigenerational workforce at a commercial bank in the central region
(University of the Free State, 2023) Zulu, Erasmus Sikhosiphi; Massyn, L.
The multigenerational workforce presents a critical challenge for managers, and each generational has different expectations. This study aimed to explore ways to manage a multigenerational workforce at a commercial bank in the Central Region. The literature review highlighted five focus areas facing multigenerational organisations. The focus areas were grouped into various, characteristics of each generation, namely, atmosphere, and management issues. A quantitative research design was employed in the study conducted at a Commercial Retail Bank in the Central region, The sample size included 101 retail bank employees including junior employees working in the frontline, junior management, and senior management in this region, a structured questionnaire was used to collect data from. The results indicated that for generational characteristics, millennials prefer monetary recognition while pre-millennials still get motivated with non-monetary recognition. For organisational atmosphere within generations, pre-millennials were dominant in their response indicating that they are more comfortable working within their generation, this indicates that there could be potential age discrimination challenges in the central commercial bank. Lastly for management issues, pre-millennials believe that ethics is one of the sources, where they perceive millennials as less ethical than them, and this at some point leads to conflict between the two generations, The next source of conflict they believe derives from values, again pre-millennials think that old generational values and new generations values are not inline, as results when they need to work as a team, they have a lot of clashes. The following recommendations were recommended to assist the Central Commercial Retail Bank in managing its aged diverse workforce. Generational motivators: As a bank, the suggestion will be to introduce quarterly incentives that will recognise sales performance. Flexibility: Management will need to ensure that they allow some level of flexibility for task completion, as both generations indicated, this will ensure that both generations are productive. Age discrimination: To bridge the gap of age discrimination, the commercial bank must encourage knowledge sharing, management must facilitate knowledge sharing between generations by creating platforms for cross-generational collaboration, such as intergenerational task forces. This will allow employees to learn from each other’s expertise and experiences. Strategies to assist management in managing a multigenerational workforce: The recommended strategy to overcome this will be for the commercial bank to design a training curriculum for their managers, which will upskill them with information on how to manage each generational and how to identify strengths and use them for the benefit of the team and the commercial bank.
Open Access
The evaluation of organisational change management processes at the Land Administration Authority
(University of the Free State, 2022) Thaele, Nteboheng; Chamisa, S. F.
Organisational change management involves innovative strategies and a framework that are performed to regulate change. It helps to improve both organisational and individual effectiveness. Therefore, it is significant for organisations to manage any form of organisational change successfully. Managing a positive organisational change can increase employee morale and teamwork. It can help the organisation to increase productivity and quality of work. Any form of change, especially in the workplace, can be intimidating and frustrating for workers and subsequently lead to change resistance. This study focused on the development of the change management framework that will enable the Land Administration Authority (LAA) to implement change effectively and efficiently with minimum to no resistance at all. The literature review discusses models and frameworks that could be used for successful change management. It also looked at factors of the successful transition. The study sought to evaluate the organisational change management processes at the LAA. A qualitative research method was employed. To collect data, semi-structured interviews were conducted to find factors that lead to the unsuccessful change management processes at the LAA. Data was organised, presented and analysed through thematic analysis. The findings from the study can help the management to improve the organisational change management at the LAA. Results showed that there is no proper communication and information transmission. Inefficient communication can obstruct the whole change process. The recommendation is that the LAA must have in place a communication plan that outlines how the information will be disseminated and which modes will be used. A private organisation should be considered and future research should focus on several organisations in order to compare results of different samples.
Open Access
Challenges of the construction industry in the Free State
(University of the Free State, 2019) Tsimong, Tsepo Abner; Van Zyl, H.
The construction industry plays a significant role in the economy of South Africa, and it is a crucial contributor to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country. However, recent economic trends show that the contribution of the construction industry to the GDP in South Africa is declining. This poor performance is attributed to the challenges that the construction industry is currently facing. The Free State province is among the provinces where infrastructure developments are slacking. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges facing the construction industry in the Free State. The study aimed at establishing what the challenges are as well as to propose strategic interventions that may improve the performance of the construction industry in the Free State. This study followed a quantitative approach and made use of the two forms of a quantitative study, namely: descriptive research and explanatory research. The former enabled the researcher to describe the characteristics of the current situation of the construction industry in the Free State. In contrast, the latter allowed the researcher to identify the degree and nature of cause-and-effect relationships in the activities of the construction industry. The study collected data through a questionnaire survey using the online survey tool Survey Monkey. The link to the questionnaires was distributed via email and WhatsApp. WhatsApp was used as a distribution platform since most people use smartphones and have quick access to their WhatsApp messages. It therefore made it easier for many people to access the questionnaire and respond quicker. The respondents to the survey were purposely selected through the quota sampling method. This sampling method enabled the researcher to strategically select respondents based on their unique characteristics so that those sampled were relevant to the research questions. The analysis and interpretation of the collected data were based on the 104 completed and usable questionnaires received from the 200 respondents invited to participate. Univariate analysis was performed through frequency tables, bar charts, pie charts, measures of central tendency and measures of dispersion. The data were further analysed using the relative importance index (RII) method to determine the relative importance of the various factors and challenges of the construction industry in the Free State. In terms of demographics, the results showed that the majority of the respondents (63.46%) were males, while females only made up 36.54%. The RII ranking method showed that the five most important issues facing the construction industry at the time of the study according to the respondents were: (1) lack of application of proper construction management tools and techniques by consultants and project site staff (RII = 0.730); (2) poor qualifications and inadequate experience of contractors’ supervisors (RII = 0.722); (3) ineffective planning and scheduling of projects (RII = 0.720); (4) delays in producing design documents (RII = 0.717); and (5) no application of construction management procedures on the part of the client which contributes to late detection of construction problems (RII = 0.704). The results also showed that most of the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the construction industry in the Free State fail mainly due to their inability to develop long-term strategies, their lack of access to funding, delayed payments by clients, significantly high start-up costs and their inability to compete with big construction firms. Based on the results, it was concluded that the root problem of the challenges in the construction industry in the Free State lies in project management activities. The project and construction management role carries a large responsibility in construction projects because most projects fail or incur high extra costs due to poor project and construction management techniques. Thus, it was recommended that contractors must undertake regular training on effective planning and execution of construction projects, which will result in the efficient and effective management of construction projects. In the long run, construction industry performance will improve and subsequently contribute significantly to the economic growth of the Free State and the country at large.
Open Access
Critical success factors for the implementation of Value-Based Management (VBM) in a Provincial Government Department in the Free State
(University of the Free State, 2022) Kotjomela, Tsela Edward; Peters, M. J.
Many organisations, both public and commercial, employ value-based management as a powerful management philosophy to assess their performance. Departments and agencies are challenged to improve programme and service performance at all levels of government. The ability of public sector organisations to demonstrate value generation will determine their long-term survival as they become more performance- driven and citizen-focused. To ensure the Free State province's survival in these trying economic times, provincial executives must establish a state capable of carrying out its developmental mandate within their different departments. This requires the government to conserve the planned financial resources and spend them wisely on service delivery. The purpose of this study was to examine the critical success factors for the implementation of value-based management in a provincial government department in the Free State. The critical success factors for the implementation of value-based management were investigated through the literature review to understand its applicability to the public sector environment such as provincial government departments. Through a series of interviews, a qualitative research approach was used to acquire a deeper knowledge of the essential success factors that add value to the provincial departments in the South African Free State province. Although the research study revealed that the participants understand the value drivers within the government departments in the province, most of the participants indicated the need for appropriate training and education on the concept of value- based management and the benefits thereof.
Open Access
Gender equality in top managerial positions in a South African Mining Company
(University of the Free State, 2021) Takadi, Kutlwano Gwendoline; Van Zyl, H.
Mining has been inextricably intertwined with South Africa's political economy since the advent of large-scale and profitable mining in the 1860s. A keen study of the production and trade dynamics of the mining sector and their relations with the law, social norms and government policies and regulations, and how these have contributed to and impacted the distribution of national income and wealth, and their attendant dynamics, has been a reliable bellwether of the socio-economic vibrancy of the South African Republic through successive historical epochs. A key issue through these successive epochs has been labour issues generally and the participation of women in the mining sector labour force specifically. Against this backdrop, the research reported in this dissertation had the primary objective of examining gender equality in top managerial positions in the South African mining company, Anglo American. The secondary objectives included an exploration of gender-related causes of women's non-progression to senior leadership positions; the determination of gender-related personal values among occupants of top and senior management positions in the company; and the development of a framework to reduce gender disparities within top and senior management at Anglo American. To seek answers to these objectives, the research deployed a cross-sectional survey design within a transformative research paradigm. The research established that, although Anglo American has made considerable progress in ensuring gender parity within top and senior management positions and is generally performing well above the industry average, still more needs to be done to comply with the applicable legislative and policy instruments. In distilling the insights from the research, the study formulated a framework through which the company can achieve the required gender parity at top and senior management positions.
Open Access
Factors affecting the start-up and growth of Basotho-Owned MSMEs in selected districts of Lesotho
(University of the Free State, 2020) Ramonyatsi, Teboho; Coetzee, J.
study was carried out to observe issues encountered by Basotho-owned MSMEs in their quest to start and grow their businesses and to highlight the successful business strategies adopted by foreign MSME owners who outperform their local counterparts. In trying to achieve the objectives of this study, a questionnaire method for data collection was utilised with closed-ended questionnaires distributed to 142 Basotho-owned MSMEs operating in the Maseru district of Lesotho, chosen through a stratified sampling technique. Out of 142 questionnaires distributed, 131 were returned, representing a 92% response rate. In order to get a holistic view of the respondents’ perspectives and their level of agreement with specific questions, five-point Likert Scale questionnaires with options ranging from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree” were utilised. Based on the responses received through these set of questionnaires, the following findings were made: Many Basotho-owned MSMEs are survivalists and as a result their growth and expansion potential is limited. This is highlighted by the fact that 85% of the MSMEs that participated in this study employed fewer than 20 employees, with just 15% employing more than 20 people in their workforce. A big chunk of MSMEs were retailers (68%), followed by those in the services (26%) sector, wholesalers (4%) and manufacturing (2%). Furthermore, the majority of the MSMEs were owned by men, with participation by women mostly hampered by social and economic constraints. Only 17% of the respondents (MSME owners) were between the ages of 21-30, with the majority (45%) of the owners in the 31-40 age group. This indicates that there is an enormous gap in opportunities for the younger population to venture into entrepreneurship. Almost 50% of the MSMEs had been in operation for less than 5 years, while 31% had been in operation for between 6-10 years, and the rest had been in business for over 10 years. In terms of the legal status of the MSMEs, 57% were sole proprietors, while 27% were companies, followed by partnerships with 14%, and close corporations (2%) completed the total. The most common challenges faced by Basotho-owned MSMEs at start-up were a lack of access to finance, lack of business experience, high security costs to prevent crime eroding funds, and insufficient business networks. Furthermore, crime, a lack of managerial skills, lack of business training, lack of government support and difficulties in obtaining business licences were cited as additional challenges facing Basotho-owned MSMEs at start-up. Challenges encountered during the growth phase were a lack of access to expansion capital due to absence of security and high interest rate charges, increased competition from both locally and foreign-owned businesses, high taxes and sophisticated custom and trade regulations. One of the main successful business strategies used by foreign-owned MSME owners was their ability to sell products to consumers at a lower price due to them purchasing stock in bulk from suppliers, resulting in them obtaining significant trade discounts which they are then able to transfer to consumers. Other strategies they adopt include their ability to use technology and the formation of strong business relationships with their suppliers. After observing the above findings, the study concludes by offering recommendations to owners of MSMEs, the Government of Lesotho, banks and other financial institutions in order to grow and sustain Basotho-owned MSMEs and have an effective influence on the Lesotho economy.
Open Access
An analysis of virtual teams working in higher education online programme management projects in South Africa
(University of the Free State, 2019) Musgrave, Sarah; Van Zyl, H.
Virtual teams (VTs) achieve shared goals despite not being co located, by relying on electronic communicati on media. The use of VTs trans pires into higher education (HE), allowing them to participate and compete in an ever changing world. In this study, the focus is on VTs that work on higher education projects in partnership with an online programme management (OPM) company in South Africa (SA). It provides the opportunity to study VTs not only in a single organisation, but between different organisations and at different levels between organisations. The study aims to investigate VTs, in particular the advanta ges, challenges and success fa ctors that contribute towards the performance of VTs. The study was an explorative qualitative case study, making use of nine semi structured interviews followed by a thematic analysis of the data. The experience and opinions of participants in this study were, in general, not surprising, and aligned with those documented in previous research studies. The participants did, however, confirm that VTs in combination with working virtually across two different organisations (Higher Ed Partners SA and HE institu tions) present unique challenges and advantages. The interviewees shared challenges that all VTs face, e.g. the absence of face to face contact, challenges caused by technology due to bandwidth issues and unstable internet con nections, and barriers to comm unication and the building of trust. However, circumstances beyond their control such as load shedding and on campus student riots added to a more complex work environment. The participants did, despite the challenges, indicat e that these challenges are no t insurmountable and that they would prefer to continue working as VTs due to the advantages offered.
Open Access
The influence of social media on buyer choices in Maseru, Lesotho
(University of the Free State, 2020) Putsoane, ?Mahlalele Mosa; Peters, M. J. J.
Introduction: The buying decision-making process can be quick, spontaneous and done without much thought. For some buyers however the deliberate intent to buy takes time as they first research and thoroughly investigate available options before making any commitment to buy. This study aimed to assess the influence of social media platforms on the ultimate buyer decisions made particularly by young, middle-class professionals in Maseru, Lesotho. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the influence of social media from the perspectives of young, middle-class professionals in Maseru, Lesotho on buyer choices. It explored critical factors that influenced buyer choices and also if increased social media participation yielded any better returns for businesses that use social media marketing. Methodology: The research was qualitative and the sample size was limited to 12 individuals. Convenience sampling was used as per the ease of accessibility of the respondents. The sample was based on middle-class professional individuals, young men and women aged between 25 and 45 years of age who reside in Maseru, Lesotho. Findings: The respondents displayed a great level of maturity, discernment and sensibility towards social media. Although people may have their eyes peeled to what is available in the market and may from time to time listen to or read review sections, they still prefer to dig deeper, to do their own research and to rely rather on their physical inner circles than online circles. Conclusion: The researcher has, therefore, come to the conclusion that social media does indeed have a great influence on buyer's choices. Whether they use it to seek inspiration or peer reviews on certain products, ultimately they rely on social media to validate their researches. It does also have a great impact on business's performance. Businesses that did not use social media to advertise their merchandise proved to be less successful than their counterparts who used it.