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A framework of digital marketing for small businesses in the retail sector
Full text linkSmall businesses play an essential role in the South African economy, driving economic growth, job creation and community development, while significantly impacting national wealth, investment and trade. Comprising 79% of small businesses, the retail sector is a major contributor to employment in the country. However, small businesses face challenges such as limited financial resources, poor marketing skills, and complex government regulations, leading to high failure rates and minimal digital marketing efforts. Furthermore, there is limited research on digital marketing and small businesses in the retail sector. Against this background, the primary objective of this study was to build a framework for small businesses in the retail sector to implement digital marketing practices optimally. This study aimed to address the research gap by conducting an in-depth discussion of digital marketing compared to previous studies. It aimed not only to identify but also to explore and deepen the understanding of how small retail businesses can optimally implement digital marketing by examining the challenges and enablers they faced, ultimately, creating a framework to guide optimal digital marketing implementation. The current study adopted an interpretivist philosophy and descriptive research method as well as an inductive approach for theory development. It also utilised a mono-qualitative methodology, employing a survey research strategy to gather perceptions on digital marketing from small business owners/managers. A cross-sectional time horizon was adopted, with data collected from a single point in time. The secondary data was sourced from books, journals and articles for the literature review, while primary data was obtained through semi-structured interviews for the empirical investigation from participants who were all owners of small businesses. A thematic content analysis was employed to analyse the collected data. The main findings were presented as challenges and enablers of digital marketing. Four themes emerged as challenges and three themes emerged as enablers of digital marketing. These were also discussed by means of sub-themes, where applicable. Following the discussion on the challenges and enablers of digital marketing, to attain the study’s primary objective, the study presented a framework for small businesses in the retail sector to implement digital marketing practices optimally. The framework highlighted the most relevant digital marketing practices for small retailers and revealed the importance of knowledge, trust and communication when implementing and using digital marketing practices and tools. The study presents recommendations, based on the challenges, enablers and the framework, to ensure the optimal implementation of digital marketing.Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 202
Using the multi-system model to rethink resilience in the vulnerable communities of Chimanimani district of Zimbabwe
Full text linkThis thesis scrutinised the applicability of the multi-system model to enhance resilience among the vulnerable communities in the Chimanimani District of Zimbabwe, who have endured cumulative disasters such as cyclones, floods, and pandemics. Despite the significant mental health impacts of such disasters, resilience within these contexts remains insufficiently explored, particularly in the developing countries. Employing a convergent parallel mixed methods design grounded in a pragmatic philosophical stance, this study comprised a sample of 368 participants for the quantitative phase and 26 participants for the qualitative phase. The quantitative data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), while a thematic analysis approach using Atlas coding software was implemented to conduct an in-depth examination of the participants' narrative data. Through this mixed methods approach, the research identified the critical factors that enhance resilience within these communities, thereby effectively advancing the study's objectives. Firstly, the study examined the nature of psychological distress, by revealing a significant prevalence of depression, as well as anxiety symptoms, and feelings of helplessness. Secondly, the research identified the intra-individual, the interpersonal, and the socio-ecological elements as the essential resilience factors that mitigate psychological distress. Thirdly, the qualitative findings illuminate the community's mental health needs, emphasising the necessity for culturally sensitive interventions that are tailored to specific diverse requirements. Lastly, the study highlights the vital social factors that foster resilience such as family support, community engagement, and the access to healthcare. The findings highlight the need for sustained psychological support and interventions to address the long-term mental health impacts of disasters. They advocate for targeted interventions to enhance resilience, particularly among the individuals with lower resilience levels, ultimately aiming to reduce psychological distress and to promote mental well-being. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the interplay between resilience and psychological health, thereby informing the development of effective strategies and policies that mitigate the adverse effects of disasters and pandemics on mental health. vii 5oreover, the study aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly with Goal 3, which promotes well-being for all. In advocating for culturally sensitive, community-centred initiatives, the study addresses the complexities of the mental health needs in the vulnerable populations while supporting the broader global agenda for resilience and well-being. The Chimanimani Resilience Advancement Framework (CRAF) proposed in this study serves as a roadmap for the evidence-based practices that enhance resilience and mental health, by emphasising the importance of local research in contributing to global well-being.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Behavioural & Lifestyle Sciences, 202
Fatigue life and whip peen process parameter influence as applied to 21CRMOV5-7 turbine rotor steel
Full text linkSteam turbines are susceptible to Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) and fatigue failure during their life in-service. As a result, over the years, a variety of maintenance techniques have been used to guarantee their continuous production of electricity. Among these techniques, the grinding method stands out as the most used technique in the refurbishment of steam turbine rotors. The grinding process was used in this study to create grooves to remove cracks that were caused by SCC before they matured to fatigue failure. In addition, post the grinding process, a novel technique employed by eNtsa, called whip-peening, was utilised as a surface treatment to introduce a compressive surface layer to prevent crack initiation. This study considered all variables relating to the serration grinding process, developed by eNtsa, for refurbishment of stress corrosion damage. However, the main research focus was directed at developing a combination or a set of feasible whip-peening process parameters to restore compressive residual stress conditions along the grinding path, post the crack removal through grinding. Additionally, fatigue data was analysed to describe any shift in the fatigue life as a function of peening cycles. The research focused on determining the ideal number of peen or sweep cycles to improve the fatigue life of a grooved 21CrMoV5-7 alloy steel material used to produce steam turbines. Two peening parameters were selected, namely, 10 and 40 peening sweeps. The residual stresses were measured using the iXRD system to study the improvement of residual stresses from ground coupons to peened coupons. The induced residual stress results confirmed peening to improve the residual stresses from tensile to compressive, namely, from 200 MPa to -500 MPa. There was no significant difference between the 10 and 40 induced compressive residual stresses. These stresses were found to be satisfactory to enhance the fatigue life of the 21CrMoV5-7 alloy steel.Thesis (MEng) -- Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment, and Technology, School of Engineering, 202
Improving the survival of SMMEs in the New Brighton township of Gqeberha through support partnerships
Full text linkTownships in South Africa are home to a significant proportion of the country's population and have historically been recognized as vital areas for economic development. With untapped potential to become thriving economic hubs, these regions hold the promise of addressing pressing socio-economic challenges such as unemployment and poverty. The SMMEs in New Brighton Township, Gqeberha, are diverse and primarily consist of retail, service-based, and informal businesses. Key sectors include spaza shops, street vendors, hair salons, small-scale manufacturing, automotive repair services, and hospitality (such as taverns and fast-food outlets). These enterprises play a crucial role in local economic development, providing essential goods, services, and employment opportunities despite facing challenges like limited funding, infrastructure constraints, and market competition. These include limited access to funding, inadequate infrastructure, regulatory burdens, and insufficient strategic support. This study focused on the New Brighton Township in Gqeberha, a region with considerable economic potential yet constrained by significant socio-economic challenges. Using a qualitative research methodology, this study explored the barriers to SMME sustainability and the role of support partnerships in overcoming these challenges. Purposive sampling was employed to select 12 SMME owners in New Brighton, and semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather in-depth insights. These interviews provided valuable perspectives on the specific obstacles faced by SMMEs, the influence of support partnerships on their survival, and the broader impact of franchised businesses on local enterprises. The findings revealed that barriers such as limited financial support, lack of capacity-building opportunities, and insufficient community engagement impede SMME growth. Conversely, collaborative support partnerships between government, private sector stakeholders, and local entrepreneurs were identified as critical to enhancing SMME sustainability. This research highlights the need for tailored interventions to address the unique challenges faced by township based SMMEs. Recommendations include the development of strategic alliances that provide financial support, training programs, and community-oriented business strategies. By fostering robust support partnerships, stakeholders can help SMMEs in New Brighton achieve resilience, stimulate local economic growth, and contribute to inclusive development. This study contributes towards bridging the knowledge gap on township based SMMEs, offering actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners committed to empowering these vital economic drivers.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
Covid-19 pandemic and livelihoods of SMME owners in the retail food and beverage industry in Gqeberha
Full text linkThis study aimed to investigate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on Small Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) in the retail food and beverage industry in Gqeberha, South Africa. The study’s objectives were to determine the effects of COVID-19 on SMMEs, examine the challenges faced, investigate the pandemic's effects on performance, identify resilient strategies adopted, and develop livelihood coping strategies for SMME owners. The study explored existing literature, developed a conceptual framework, infused theoretical grounding, and described the operationalisation process and data collection methods. The study follows an interpretivist research philosophy and uses sustainable livelihood and capability approaches to ground the study theoretically. The research adopts a hybrid methodology, incorporating a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and qualitative semi-structured interviews with purposively selected participants in Humewood, Walmer, Gqeberha Central Business District (CBD), and the Summerstrand suburbs of Gqeberha. The methodology, including data collection and ethical considerations, is thoroughly explained and prioritised throughout the study. The study also conducted a bibliometric analysis and selected 192 peer-reviewed articles for the global SLR, 6 grey literature (newspaper articles), and 2 articles for the Gqeberha SLR. The study population comprises SMME owners/managers with 5 to 200 staff in the retail food and beverage industry in Gqeberha. The findings revealed that many SMMEs in the retail food and beverage industry had to close during the mandatory lockdown period, while others struggled to keep their businesses afloat due to the significant impact of the pandemic. Challenges such as logistics, customer compliance with health and safety regulations, sales, and staffing issues were prevalent. Some SMMEs experienced improved turnover despite initial concerns, while others faced decreased sales and customer numbers. SMMEs adopted various resilient strategies, including implementing health and safety standards, utilising social media for marketing, offering specials, and promoting takeaways to adapt to the challenges posed by the pandemic. To survive the COVID-19 challenges, SMMEs in the retail food and beverage industry must prioritise operational resilience and strategic innovation. This study provides valuable insights into the specific difficulties SMMEs face in Gqeberha and offers recommendations to assist current and future SMME owners in navigating the effects of the pandemic. The findings of the research and the proposed strategies aim to assist SMME owners in the retail food and beverage industry in mitigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and building resilience in the face of future disruptions by similar pandemics.Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
An exploration of public-private partnership (PPP) as an alternative intervention for roads infrastructure in the Eastern Cape Province: a case of the department of transport
Full text linkThis dissertation explores the effectiveness of Public-Private Partnerships as an alternative approach to the development and maintenance of road infrastructure in Eastern Cape Province, specifically focusing on the Eastern Cape Department of Transport. This study considers the limitations of existing funding models and infrastructural development methods. Furthermore, it highlights the regrettable state of backlog in terms of road maintenance and construction activities in the province. Through a qualitative research approach, this study investigates possible advantages and disadvantages related to PPP implementation, assessing how such partnerships might improve the region’s general economic growth along with its service delivery efficiency levels. It takes into account the legal framework that governs PPPs, governance issues connected with them, and risk management associated with these partnerships thus providing a detailed examination regarding their relevance within the Eastern Cape Province. The results indicate that, although PPPs offer an optimistic answer to the infrastructure problems experienced by the Eastern Cape, effective implementation would need considerable modifications to current administrative practices and proper integration with the present legal regulation. This research is significant for the area of public administration since it sheds light on various funding methods that may improve road networks within one of South Africa’s most impoverished regions.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
Factors affecting early childhood development for the new world of work: a case study
Full text linkThe rapid advancement of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) emphasises the importance of preparing children with the fundamental skills needed for the ever-changing requirements of the new world of work. Early Childhood Development (ECD) plays a crucial role in providing young learners with abilities like digital literacy, creativity, critical thinking and self-leadership, all of which are increasingly critical for future success. This examination investigates the factors impacting ECD, with a focus on incorporating modern educational methods and the influence of parental and societal engagement in promoting comprehensive child development. By using a quantitative research design, data were gathered from educators, caregivers and parents throughout South Africa. 110 participants took part in the study and all participant’s responses were accepted for analysis. The results indicate that digital literacy (p < 0.0005), parental involvement (p < 0.0005), and child-centred learning approaches (p < 0.0005) significantly affect ECD outcomes. Additionally, interpersonal skills, creativity, self-leadership and critical thinking were identified as crucial components for preparing children for the new work environment. Despite these positive findings, the study highlights ongoing challenges, including unequal access to quality ECD resources and gaps in educator training, which hinder the potential for fair development across various socio-economic contexts. The study contributes to the expanding knowledge base by presenting actionable insights for stakeholders, stressing the significance of aligning ECD strategies with future workforce requirements. Suggestions include investing in ECD infrastructure, integrating digital tools into learning environments, improving educator training and promoting collaborative efforts between families and institutions. Furthermore, a theoretical framework was created to guide the implementation of inclusive and sustainable ECD practices. This research establishes a basis for future studies to investigate the long-term effects of ECD interventions, focusing on scalability and adaptability in diverse settings. By bridging the divide between early education and workforce readiness, this studyThesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
The impact of financial sector development on unemployment: a study for South Africa from 1960 - 2021
Full text linkThis study investigated the impact of financial sector development on unemployment in South Africa for the period 1960 to 2021. The study was inspired by historical events such as the great depression and the 2007/2008 global financial crisis which demonstrated a link between financial turmoil and elevated global unemployment rates. Employing an Auto Regressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, the study explored the impact of financial sector development on unemployment rate in South Africa. This technique was most suitable to this study due to its flexibility on integration order of variables and data requirements to produce robust results. Contrary to conventional economic expectations, the data suggests that an increase in domestic credit to the private sector (DCP) could worsen unemployment in the short run. In the long run, the study suggests that access to credit will have no impact on unemployment. On the other hand, results revealed that an increase in the efficiency of investments facilitated by the financial sector measured by gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) may have a negative impact on unemployment. The results demonstrated a significant and positive relationship between GFCF and unemployment in the long run. These findings suggested that the rigidities in the South African labour market and imperfection within the financial sector could be contributing to the country’s higher unemployment levels. Based on these findings, the study offers several policy recommendations. Policymakers can re-evaluate their priorities in attempts to curb unemployment. This can be achieved through promoting efficiency of investment allocation over depth. Thereby, promoting economic diversification and implementing labour market reform strategies that could address the complex interplay between financial sector development and unemployment. Continuous monitoring, research collaboration with public-private partnerships, and targeted education training programs are the proposed key instruments for refining and implementing effective policies. The study concluded by emphasising the importance of ongoing research to understand the evolving dynamics of financial sector development and unemployment, while also acknowledging the limitations of the study.Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Economics, Development and Tourism, 202
Organisational culture impacts on the performance of a commodity trading company X in South Africa
Full text linkThis research explores the links between organisational culture and company performance in Commodity Trading Company X, a multinational operating in South Africa’s dynamic and supercompetitive downstream oil and gas industry. The research acknowledges that the sector faces volatile commodity markets, regulatory complexities, and socio-economic diversity. It examines how organisational culture factors impact the company’s performance, adaptability to emerging changes, and innovation-competitiveness in the marketplace. In a quantitative methodology, 122 employees returned survey responses showing significant associations between organisational culture dimensions and performance metrics. The findings show that leadership styles, strategies for employee engagement, and the ability to adapt are related to engendering a resilient culture that promotes performance sustainability. Main insights include clear and open communication of values and organisational changes, incorporating inclusive leadership, and promoting employee work-life balance, teamwork, and cooperation between departments. These findings support that organisational culture is an enabler and a result of operational success, influencing employee morale, decision-making, and the company’s responsiveness to changes in the external markets. Recommendations are summarised under three key themes: enhancing the cultural fit to better align it with strategic objectives, hybrid organisational models, and linking culture development to performance results. These findings have relevance not only for Commodity Trading Company X but are also of contribution value for a better understanding of the role of culture as a driver of company performance in the global commodity trading sector.Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202
Mandatory enforcement of the COVID -19 vaccination on employee socio-economic conditions and job security across business industries in Gqeberha
Full text linkThis research sought to examine the impact of mandatory COVID-19 vaccination enforcement on employees' socio-economic conditions and job security across various business industries in Gqeberha. Specifically, the study explored how employee job security was jeopardised when individuals refused to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Such refusals led to restricted workplace access under mandatory vaccination policies implemented across businesses. The research was motivated by a desire to understand the full extent of the socio-economic and job security implications of mandatory vaccination, with a particular focus on the gendered experiences of employees. A quantitative research methodology was adopted for this study. An online survey questionnaire was distributed via the Question Pro platform to employees working in organisations where COVID-19 vaccination was mandated. Participation in the study was voluntary, and respondents were sampled using a probability sampling design, specifically simple random sampling, to align with the study’s quantitative approach. The sample was restricted to employees in industries where mandatory vaccination policies were enforced. The research was structured around scientifically formulated hypotheses, aiming to uncover relationships between mandatory vaccination policies and their inherent impact on employees' socio-economic conditions and job security. The study findings revealed several critical insights. First, respondents did not universally agree that mandating the COVID-19 vaccine was a necessary measure to prevent the spread of the virus. Second, many respondents confirmed that mandatory vaccination policies threatened their job security. Notably, the findings highlighted that women were more vulnerable to job insecurity, with many experiencing heightened risk of losing their employment upon refusal to vaccinate. This vulnerability had significant socio-economic repercussions, particularly for affected households The research is significant as it underscores the pressures organisations face during a pandemic to implement policies that, while aimed at public health protection, may inadvertently harm employees. The study highlights the need for organisations to reconsider their approaches to policy implementation, ensuring that mandates do not infringe on employees' constitutional rights or disproportionately impact vulnerable groups. In addition, the research provides actionable recommendations for human resources departments in corporate organisations. These include adopting more inclusive strategies for policy development, fostering transparent and open communication with employees, and ensuringThesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 202