Masters Degrees (University of the Free State: Business School)
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Item 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.Item 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.Item 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.Item 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.Item 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.Item 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.Item 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.Item Open Access Critical success factors for medium- and large-scale farmers in Lesotho(University of the Free State, 2019) Matsoetlane, Thabang; Peters, M. J.Agriculture contributed 40% to Lesotho's Gross Domestic Product in 1995 and then declined to contribute only 1.8% to 2018s Gross Domestic Product. Agriculture is the backbone of the rural community of which 70% derives their income from it. There, therefore, is a need to revive and improve commercial farming in Lesotho. The objective of this study was to identify critical success factors for medium to large-scale farmers in Lesotho. The study was conducted using quantitative research and data were collected using questionnaires that were personally administered to the farmers. A sample of 100 was selected from the total population. The study found that critical success factors include capital, technology, market access, diversification, innovation, financial performance, management, marketing, and government policies and regulations. The study also found that skills such as networking, self-management, and conceptual thinking are critical for farmers. Most farmers comprehend that these factors are critical but still do not realise the importance of diversification and technology. It is recommended that farmers must consider the combination of factors that creates success for their operation or benchmark on a combination that works for other farmers with similar operations. It is also recommended that farmers diversify into farm tourism to increase sources of income and improve the rural economy. They are also encouraged to specialise in a marketable product and find a niche market for such a product. Farmers could also consider adding value to products by processing their products into different kinds of end-products. They should then package and brand those products to give them an identity and become more competitive. It is also recommended that farmers should unite nationwide to develop an application that will give them a platform to sell their products country-wide. The application would give a platform to both urban and rural farmers.Item Open Access A business generator for online undergraduate programme offering at a Dual-Mode University(University of the Free State, 2020) Saayman, Herman; Barnard, D.In the current economic climate, public higher education institutions cannot afford to carry on doing business as usual. This is not only due to increased costs and decreased government funding, but also because the world is increasingly digitalised. Digitisation in the higher education arena has been intensified during the Covid-19 pandemic where staff and students very quickly had to adapt to the so-called “new normal” of working and studying from home, and this trend is likely to continue. Online learning indeed offers a unique opportunity for public higher education institutions to expand their programme offerings, and thus also increase their income. Online programme delivery comes with its own cost, and these must be considered when decisions are taken about this mode of delivery. The main purpose of this study is thus to compare the current financial model used at the distance education campus of one institution with models used by other online universities around the world to improve its ability to inform decision-making with regard to future fully online structured programmes accurately. In addition, the researcher aimed to review knowledge on current financial models available in the literature and described the importance of current financial model variables incorporating the view of other higher education institutions worldwide. A mixed-method approach was used in the study: the qualitative data was collected through interviews and the quantitative data by means of an online survey. Findings suggest that the model used by the institution compares well with other models. All financial model variables included were also included by the other institutions from which respondents hailed. Some important insights were the suggestion to include a market analysis, to ensure higher accuracy with the estimation of student numbers along with the finding regarding the importance of the experience and knowledge of the person capturing the data in the financial model. In conclusion, the study highlighted that the current South Campus business Generator financial model used by the University of the Free State are useful in providing information with regard to future online structured qualifications, especially in the absence of any replacement model. Future developments should include making it more user friendly and establishing an accountability culture where section heads will take responsibility for the information submitted.Item Open Access The implementation challenges of a performance management system at Standard Lesotho Bank(University of the Free State, 2018) Polanka, Thabo J.; Peters, M. J.Most organisations are committed to increasing shareholders’ value and remaining competitive by continuously improving profitability, providing excellent service to their clients and increasing efficiency in order to build sustainable businesses. It has been realised that in today’s business environment, organisations should have effective implementation of a performance management system in place, as this has been identified as one of the essential factors in ensuring that the businesses perform well by meeting their strategic goals and objectives. Therefore, this study was undertaken to identify and explore the challenges that may hinder the successful implementation of a performance management system at Standard Lesotho Bank. However, this study was not limited to identification of those factors, but also to making further contributions to the organisation and to those people interested in the topic. The research was conducted using the qualitative method in the form of a case study by means of interviews which were conducted at Standard Lesotho Bank. The researcher used these interviews to collect the primary source of data. He also used secondary data which was collected from other sources such as articles, journals and books. The researcher used the non-probability sampling method which is based on the researcher’s own judgement, experience and knowledge as well as convenience. The main research findings and recommendations from this study as detailed below could serve as guiding principles for organisations and other interested parties to help their businesses to benefit fully from the successful implementation of the performance management system in order to meet their strategic goals and objectives and to have sustainable, profitable and competitive businesses. As a result, it has been found that successful implementation of the performance management system is of critical importance as it may help organisations to optimise performance, efficiency, and growth of their business. The main research findings are as follows: o Shortfall in commitment and support on the implementation of a performance system o Ineffective communication and constructive feedback o Critical success factors in the implementation of the performance system o Insufficient competencies and a lack of skilled resources to run the system o Deficiency in staff recognition and rewards based on the performance management system outcomes o Inadequate staff training and awareness o The link between a performance management system and a company’s strategy o Organisational culture and change management It has been emphasised that further research could be undertaken to validate the premise that the successful implementation of a performance management system would lead to sustainable, profitable and competitive businesses.Item Open Access Employee reward system in the corporate and investment banking sector of Standard Lesotho Bank in Maseru region(University of the Free State, 2020) Sebete, Tumelo; Markham, L. G.Banks today are faced with intense competition for talent as the banking industry evolves and certain skills become more critical. One of the most significant ways to attract, motivate and retain the talent is through the strategic use of rewards. However, looking at the disruption that has been brought by the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) and the presence of all four generations in the workplace at the same time for the first time, organisations are faced with a challenge to rethink their entire reward systems and align them with the future demands. Despite the apparent need to transform the reward systems, very few organisations have taken the necessary steps towards the transformation of the reward systems. This study evaluated the reward system at Standard Lesotho Bank (SLB) for Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) employees in Maseru, Lesotho. The study did this by establishing the views and perceptions of CIB employees regarding the reward system and investigated whether the SLB CIB reward system will still be effective in the fourth industrial revolution and in meeting the demands and preferences of the younger generation of the workforce. A qualitative approach in which semi-structured interviews were conducted was employed. The research findings mainly revealed that the SLB reward system is still very traditional and CIB employees do not perceive it as one of the best in terms of attracting, motivating and retaining the bank’s workforce. Participants cited lack of transparency, fairness and innovation in the reward system as the major problems. The employees expressed great desire to have reward strategies tailored to their needs. The results further revealed that the reward system is not on par with the 4IR demands and not lucrative enough to attract the younger generation to choose SLB as their preferred employer. The study concluded that there is a need for SLB to re-imagine the reward system and come up with refreshed ways of rewarding people aligned with individual preferences to facilitate the retention and attraction of talented employees. This paper recommended the adoption of transparent personalised rewards that accommodate individual employee needs, are appealing to the young generation and relevant to the workplace and workforce of the fourth industrial revolution.Item Open Access The use of WhatsApp as a social communication medium in the context of ethical values in a healthcare facility business environment in the Northern Cape(University of the Free State, 2020) Stulting, Andries Andriessen; Van Zyl, H.; Crous, C.The primary research objective of the research study was to analyse ethical values in a healthcare facility business environment with particular reference to WhatsApp as a social communication medium in the Northern Cape. The study was guided by the following secondary research objectives, namely: (i) To discuss social media as a communication medium, with particular reference to WhatsApp; (ii) To identify the current problem areas in the use of WhatsApp in the healthcare facility in the Northern Cape; (iii) To identify the understanding of leaders in a private healthcare facility about the optimal use of WhatsApp in a healthcare facility in the Northern Cape; and (iv) To implement guidelines for the safe use of WhatsApp in the healthcare facility in the Northern Cape. In order to reach the primary objective of this study, a qualitative research design was followed. Semi-structured interviews were held with members of the healthcare facility's Core Management Team which consist of two parts. The first part is a selfadministered section, which consists of closed-ended questions in a Likert scale format. The answers provided in this section allowed the researcher to ask more indepth questions in the second part of the interview, to gain a deeper understanding of the responses provided in the self-administered portion of the interview. The majority of participants felt that using WhatsApp to reach a patient is acceptable while confidential patient information should only be shared via WhatsApp with the consent of the patient. Additionally, management also seem to understand the use of WhatsApp as a communication tool as they felt equipped to use WhatsApp as a social medium platform. Although a current policy at the healthcare facility addresses the use of Facebook as a social media platform for communication, there is no official policy for the use of WhatsApp as a social media communication tool. Recommendations for the implementation of WhatsApp as communication tool thus included the implementation of a policy that specifically state that no personal information should be communicated via WhatsApp. This policy should be communicated to all staff as well as extensive training in the use of WhatsApp should be offered in an effort to align the awareness and consistent implementation of such a policy.Item Open Access Employee engagement at the Land Administration Authority Lesotho(University of the Free State, 2021) Majoro, Peter Qobo; Massyn, L.The Land Administration Authority Lesotho (LAA) has been plagued by high employee turnover and an inability to recruit and retain the best talent. The main issue at the LAA is a lack of employee engagement, as shown by the rising staff turnover rate which reached around 20% in 2018. The primary objective of the study was to determine employee engagement at the LAA. The secondary objectives of the study were to analyse literature on employee engagement, determine the level of employee engagement at the LAA, and to determine the particular drivers that can improve employee engagement at the LAA. The study further presented the drivers of employee engagement, models of employee engagement, and factors influencing engagement. The quantitative study using the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) was undertaken to determine the level of employee engagement within the LAA. The results of the UWES indicated that the overall level of employee engagement at the LAA was average. The study has identified several strategies which the management of the LAA can adopt in order to enhance employee engagement. Leadership should become active in the different activities of the organisation in order to make an impression and encourage workers. Management of the LAA should set work goals that employees will be able to reach.Item Open Access Challenges faced by SMME's during Covid-19 pandemic in Mangaung Metro Municipality(University of the Free State, 2022) Moipolai, Letshego Merriam; Mundy, M.Small, medium, and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) are important economic drivers in South Africa. SME's account for 95% of all businesses worldwide and contribute 40% of all economic activity. South Africa's small businesses are a major source of job creation. The COVID-19 Pandemic, also known as Coronavirus, has had a significant impact on business operations as well as customer activities and trends. Because of the virus's rapid spread, the Pandemic has had immediate socioeconomic consequences in both developed and growing countries and is now the new normal. The study aims to investigate and identify challenges faced by SMME during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Mangaung Metro Municipality, the effects it has on business development, and identifying possible solutions to these challenges. This study was executed using a qualitative approach. Purposive sampling was used, which allows participants to be chosen solely on the essential characteristics that make them the holders of the data needed for the study. A sample size of 20 SMMEs within Mangaung municipality was used. This sample included representatives from Bloemfontein, Thaba-Nchu, and Botshabelo. Open-ended questions were used in conjunction with other interviewing techniques to delve deeply into topics, allowing participants to elaborate and express their views freely. Qualitative interviews were based primarily on patterns and recognising the point of data saturation. South Africa's SMMEs were faced with many challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, these challenges include but not limited to lack of access to funding, limited access to local and international markets, strict Legislations and regulations, lack of training and education and access to technology. Themes and interpretive analysis were performed. The inability to obtain financing was identified is one of the main challenges that SMMEs in Mangaung Metro Municipality face. This severely impedes the development and expansion of these businesses. To survive in this region, SMMEs must acknowledge the importance of trying to access markets locally and internationally, as well as have the necessary skills and resources while pursuing government support. Perception and sample size were two of the limitations, and recommendations includes increased market accessibility, skills development, access to proper infrastructure, and technology advancement in SMME development. Future research may investigate the challenges that SMMEs may face if these findings are not addressed in future.Item Open Access Influence of stakeholder management on project success in the Northern Cape Operating Units (NCOU) projects of eskom(University of the Free State, 2020) Lesesa, Masekoala; van Zyl, h.The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of stakeholder management on project success in Eskom NCOU since the year 2000. Eskom is South Africa's electricity public utility, as well as the largest producer of electricity in Africa. The company has implemented a variety of projects to increase its capacity and to ensure that all plants are fully maintained and operating at optimum levels. Eskom has not been engaging properly with its stakeholders and that has resulted in delays of project deliveries as well as work stoppages. In addition, this has caused social unrest among citizens in various municipalities. The objectives of the study were to ascertain the influence of stakeholder management on projects. The historical background and objectives of the stakeholder management on Eskom projects were explained through the literature review. The instrument used to collect data in this research was semi-structured interviews. The research study unearthed that at Eskom, the use of stakeholder management is important, as it fosters relationships and communication crucial for driving projects, and also that stakeholder management improves motivation and decreases conflict. The research determined that stakeholders can play several roles in a project life cycle. The findings showed that the management of stakeholders plays a pivotal role in ensuring project success. The findings also revealed that the participants agreed that project managers should have a stakeholder management plan that is all-encompassing. The recommendations suggest that the general management of project stakeholders and project success is enhanced by improving both the project and the environment that promote the needs of project stakeholders. Effective communication between stakeholders and project leaders plays a pivotal role in ensuring that projects succeed. Project leaders should identify key stakeholders that have the capacity to stall or stop projects. They need to work hand in hand with stakeholders and address their concerns as much as possible.Item Open Access The impact of the entry of national retailers into townships on South African spaza shops in Bloemfontein(University of the Free State, 2020) Masisi, Gosiame Moanaco; Coetzee, J.Purpose: The primary objective of this research was to investigate the impact of the entry of national retailers into the Bochabela, Bloemanda, Freedom Square, Grassland, Heidedal, Joe Slovo, Namibia Phahameng, and Rocklands locations on South African-owned spaza shops in Bloemfontein. Methodology: The research methodology was positivist in nature and used a quantitative method design with a survey research strategy using a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. A simple random sampling strategy was used, and the study respondents comprised 104 spaza shop owners. The online questionnaire was distributed to all respondents using the online questionnaire. Findings: The main results confirm that spaza shops near shopping malls are more likely to be negatively impacted than those in outlying areas. In a competitive market, spaza shops are vulnerable to prices. Very few of the spaza shops have adopted business strategies in response to their larger competitor. Conclusion: Local spaza shop owners therefore need to implement measurable competitive strategies to improve competitiveness in the retail industry.Item Open Access Development needs of parliamentarians at the Lesotho parliament(University of the Free State, 2019) Maekane, Rethabile P.; Fourie, M.Skills and educations are indeed the pillars that organizations need to acquire sufficiently in order to be successful. This is the case in the parliament of Lesotho, effectiveness in the functionality of the parliament can been drawn from improved performance of the parliamentarians. Education and skills when adequately acquired enhance competence and hence effectiveness is achieved. Lesotho does not have on its electoral model academic qualifications as prerequisite for one to qualify for being elected as a member of the parliament. This has brought challenges as members come with various skills sets and educational backgrounds and it impacts on their competence and effectiveness. The study is therefore aimed at assessing and scrutinizing the development needs of parliamentarians and the focus on the Lesotho legislature. The study also brought into detail different concepts such as needs analysis, capacitation and other themes that guide the researcher on how the subject matter can be comprehended. This has also helped in identifying the gaps in the current parliamentary system under study and as such opened a platform for suggested programs that cam be adopted in the light of parliamentary strengthening for effective and efficient functionality. The qualitative approach was employed in collecting, analyzing and presenting data. The researcher used interviews as a tool to collect responses from the participants.Item Open Access The relationship between individual employee motivation and performance within Eskom(University of the Free State, 2018) Majikijela, NondzuzoThe modern business environment is increasingly becoming more dynamic and unpredictable, and organisations need to keep their individual employees motivated in performing their day to day activities in order to achieve their desired outcomes. Motivation and performance are considered to have a direct relationship and under these circumstances managers are compelled to ensure the balance between motivation and performance. According to Ferreira (2017), organisations are interested in the topic of motivation, because it increases performance and employees that are motivated impacts positively on customers, which significantly contributes to organisational success. Keeping employees motivated helps the leadership of the organisation to make the managing of people to be much easier, which in turn will contribute to the success or failure of the organisation. Employee diversity has the ability to increase performance and produce quality products (Cheruvelil, Soronno, Weathers, Hanson, Goring, Filstrup & Read 2014). Maslow (1970) conducted a study that assessed the individual levels of motivation. According to Datta (2013) in formulating of positive theory of motivation Maslow started with physiological needs in the hierarchy of needs, once the physiological needs have been satisfied other needs such as safety, belongingness, love and esteem emerge. It is considered that most of basic needs are psychological. It is difficult to try to motivate an individual who does not have food and shelter. According to Band, Shah and Sriram (2016), the following questions need to be asked with regards to promoting motivation within an organisation: Whether employees require high salaries, job security, or opportunities for growth and development, or safe working environment. The research study will focus on Eskom Northern Cape Operating Unit (NCOU), which is a unit within Eskom. Eskom is a South African electricity public utility; the company was established in 1923 under the name the Electricity Supply Commission (ESC) by the government of the Union of South Africa in terms of the Electricity Act (1922). The company was also called by its Afrikaans name known as Elektrisiteits-voorsieningskommissie (EVKOM). The two acronyms of ESCOM and EVKOM were combined in 1986 to the company name ESKOM. It is wholly owned by the South African government. Eskom is one of the top 20 utilities in the world by generation capacity (net maximum self-generated capacity: 41 194MW). Eskom has 3 line functions that enable the organisation to achieve its overall vision and objectives, which are: Generation, Transmission and Distribution. Furthermore Transmission and Distribution are divided into 9 Operating Units (OU's) which are based in provinces.Item Open Access Factors affecting time and cost overruns in road construction projects in a Metropolitan Municipality of the Free State Province(University of the Free State, 2020) Ndlovu, Mlondolozi; Barnard, D.Time and cost overruns in construction projects remain a significant challenge facing the construction industry worldwide. The purpose of this study was, therefore, to assess the most significant factors affecting time and cost overruns in road construction projects in a metropolitan municipality of the Free State Province to facilitate the formulation of comprehensive mechanisms to enhance project performance. The study employed a quantitative research approach and cross-sectional research design. A structured questionnaire was developed from 61 factors identified in existing literature as the leading causes of time and cost overruns in construction projects. The questionnaire was reviewed by the study supervisor and industry experts to guarantee the face validity of the study and thereafter piloted with five industry practitioners before distribution. The final questionnaire was disseminated to 66 purposively nominated participants classified into three groups, namely, client (12), consultant (21), and contractor (33). The respondents were nominated based on their direct participation in 47 selected road projects completed between July 2014 and March 2020. The response rate for the valid questionnaires was 56% (37 out of 66). The empirical data were analysed using the Relative Importance Index (RII), Importance Index (IMPI), and weighted RII and IMPI methods to identify the hierarchical order of importance of the 61 variables on the performance of the road construction projects in the municipality. The Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was employed to assess the degree of correlations of perceptions between the respondent groups on the subject. Cronbach's alpha was used to evaluate the reliability of the survey instrument. The study found that 83% (39 out of 47) of the selected projects experienced time overruns, with an average overrun percentage of 107.33%. Out of the sample projects, 44.68% (21 out of 47) experienced cost overruns with an average overrun percentage of 24.48%. Using the weighted RII and IMPI methods, the study identified the top ten variables contributing to the poor performance of projects from the collective responses of all the participants to be: appointment of contractors with political clout; contractor's cash flow; community disruptions; labour unrest; corruption; delays in progress payments; subcontracting challenges (dispute and performance); under-pricing of the work due to strategic misrepresentation; under-pricing of the work due to overconfidence in own ability; and appointment of consultants with political clout. The Spearman's rank correlation results indicated an overall high agreement between the client and consultant groups (0.79), consultant and contractor groups (0.75), and client and contractor groups (0.68) for the weighted RII and IMPI indexes. The questionnaire was found to be reliable with a Cronbach's alpha value of 0.97. The study recommends the following key measures to improve the performance of projects at the municipality: vetting bidders and supply chain management practitioners; appointing qualified and competent staff with integrity; developing a comprehensive financial plan by contractors; introducing payment guarantee clauses in contracts for advance payments and delayed progress payments; conducting a comprehensive risk assessment during the bidding process; blacklisting service providers caught practising bribery; conducting adequate public participation; introducing capacity development programmes; paying wages in line with BCCEI and standardising wages among all the contractors working in a site; ring-fencing the project budget; limiting subcontracting to projects equal to or above R30 million; appointing experienced subcontractors that are registered with the CIDB; implementing cession payments for subcontractors; and appointing competent cost estimators by the contractors.Item Open Access Employee engagement at Maluti Mountain Brewery(University of the Free State, 2020) Mashopha, Kefuoe Mathenjiwe; Massyn, L.The primary objective of this study is to investigate employee engagement at Maluti Mountain Brewery (MMB). The problem at MMB is; the declining level of employee engagement, despite changes being implemented. If employees continue to be disengaged, sales and production will be affected which will affect the bottom line. A quantitative research design was used. Questionnaires were sent to all 338 employees of MMB to collect data. The secondary objectives which were to analyse factors that influence employee engagement and to assess engagement according to their gender, age and educational level. The results from the study show that engagement at MMB is average, with absorption relatively high in all areas. According to the data collected, money and flexible hours are the factors what will keep most respondents engaged. The majority of the respondents also seem to think that MMB should improve on salaries. Respondents seem to be engaged differently according to their gender, age and educational level where money seems to be the main thing that would engage respondents followed by flexible hours. The main recommendation is for MMB to benchmarking salaries. Other recommendations included leadership training, effective use of resources, flexible working hours, alternative positions for older employees and re-evaluation of engagement.