39624 research outputs found
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The role of organisational culture in talent management at selected Johannesburg engineering firms
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Business Administration, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, Wits School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025With intense competition for talent globally, more than simply concentrating on traditional aspects like compensation for managing talent is required, and other factors must be considered. Literature suggests that consideration must be given to organisational context when addressing the challenges associated with talent management, where, among other factors, organisational culture can be leveraged to facilitate talent management. Several scholars’ interests have unequivocally focused on exploring talent management practices and the impact of organisational culture on several organisational outcomes. Minimal attention was directed to empirically testing the relationship between organisational culture (OC) and talent management (TM). The literature deficiency in OC and TM in the context of engineering firms in Johannesburg, South Africa, resulted in a gap in the literature. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between OC and elements of TM (recruitment, employee retention and training & development) and to understand the general perceptions of employees regarding cultural practices in their respective organisations. A concurrent mixed method was adopted in this study, with primary data collected through a questionnaire survey from employees in different engineering firms located in Johannesburg. A significant and positive relationship was found between organisational culture and talent management elements. Organisational culture influences talent management; therefore, culture should be considered in strategic decisions. The study demonstrated that organisational culture is crucial in recruiting, retaining, training & developing employees. Hence, organisations need to focus on improving cultural elements to ensure success.MM202
Exploring informal street traders’ perceptions of digital banking in the City of Johannesburg Municipality
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Management in the field of Digital Business, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025This study explored informal street traders’ perceptions of digital banking in the City of Johannesburg (CoJ) Municipality, with a focus on the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory and associated perceptual theories, including self-perception, dissonance, beliefs and influence, and harmonisation theories. The research examines how informal traders perceive digital banking, their knowledge and attitudes toward its adoption, and the factors that shape their understanding of digital banking services. Specifically, the study investigates the DOI constructs such as awareness, persuasion, decision, implementation, and continuation, and their influence on the adoption of digital banking among informal traders. Additionally, the research explores how DOI characteristics— relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, trialability, and observability also influence informal street traders' perceptions and adoption of digital banking services. The study also considers how self-perception, dissonance, beliefs, and influence theories provide insight into the emotional and cognitive factors that drive or hinder adoption. Using a quantitative methodology, surveys were distributed to informal street traders within the CoJ key areas (Johannesburg CBD, SOWETO (Jabulani Mall), Randburg Taxi Rank, Midrand Taxi Rank, Lenasia, Sandton Taxi Rank, and Alexandra) with close-ended questions to collect measurable data. The findings revealed that all hypotheses were accepted, except for the third hypothesis, indicating a generally positive correlation between the DOI adoption process and traders' beliefs, self-perceptions, and harmonisation of digital banking. However, the adoption process was found to have a negative impact on dissonance factors. This research contributes to understanding the role of DOI and perceptual theories in digital banking adoption and suggests avenues for future studies in the context of informal traders in urban environments inundated with informal street traders.MM202
Evaluating the Use of Mid Infrared Spectroscopy in Predicting Soil Carbon, Nitrogen Contents, and Soil Texture in Varying South African Soil Samples
No full textA thesis submitted in partial fulfilment requirements for the Degree of Master of Science by research, to the Faculty of Science, School of Geography, Archaeology, and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025There is a growing need for soil information to help address problems such as soil nutrient depletion and incorrect fertilizer inputs which affect yields and threaten food security and the environment. Low soil fertility is a significant issue in main grain-producing regions in South Africa. Routine soil analysis addresses these issues as farmers are provided with valuable information to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability. However, lack of efficient and cost effective soil testing infrastructure is a limitation in South Africa. Soil spectroscopy has proven to be an efficient soil analysis method that complements traditional methods of soil analysis. It is more cost-effective than analytical laboratory procedures since measurements may be completed faster, and multiple soil parameters can be deduced from a single spectral measurement (Nocita et al., 2015). This research aimed at developing a spectral library of South African soils and to test the ability of mid-infrared (MIR; 4000 – 500cm-1) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy coupled with machine learning algorithms to predict total carbon, total nitrogen, and soil texture. Soil samples for this study were selected from the ARC-SCW archive using the Kennard-Stone algorithm to ensure diversity. Chemical analysis of total carbon (%) and nitrogen (%) was conducted through total combustion with a CHNS-O analyser, while physical properties (sand (%), silt (%), and clay (%) content) were determined through the hydrometer analysis technique. This data was then used with corresponding spectra to develop PLSR (partial least squares regression) and MBL (memory-based learner) predictive models. During model assessment, the criteria used to determine a good predictive model was that an R2 value had to exceed 0.7, RMSEp < 10% of the range of the independent validation dataset and RPIQ > 1.7. Predictive regression models were developed successfully, the results for clay, silt, and sand contents showed that soil texture can be predicted well with diffuse reflectance MIR spectroscopy. The highest R2 values were 0.80, 0.78, and 0.81 for clay, silt, and sand contents respectively. Based on these results, these models can be used in real world situations for accurate predictions of sand, silt, and clay content. The best sand and clay content models were developed with UVS- elected variables, selected from a raw spectra dataset. On the other hand, during model assessment, the results were poor for predicting TC (total carbon) and TN (total nitrogen). The highest R2 values were 0.51 and 0.61 for TC and TN respectively. This meant that the predictive models developed in this study for predicting TC and TN were unreliable and may not be applicable for predictions. This poor result was due to highly variable and limited data used during model training. Compared to results obtained with full-spectrum, Boruta, and CARS-selected variables datasets, the raw spectra UVS-selected variables datasets produced better results. Generally, MBL produced better results than PLSR. Pre-processing the spectra with either Savitzky-Golay first derivative filter (SG) or standard normal variate (SNV) was proved to be ineffective in improving model performance. Soil spectroscopy is a data hungry analysis method, therefore it is recommended to develop predictive models with many samples such that the number of samples is greater or equal to the number of predictor variables especially when the data is diverse.Agricultural Research Council Institute for Soil, Climate, and Water (ARC-ISCW)Department of Science and Innovation (DSI)MMM202
Optimising Strategic Financing Strategies for Skills Development in South Africa
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Business Administration, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025This study explores strategic financing mechanisms for skills development in South Africa, focusing on the effectiveness of current funding models and potential areas for optimisation. The research examines the role of Sector Education and Training Authorities in financing skills development and assesses the challenges and barriers faced in funding allocation and implementation. The study employs a qualitative research approach, gathering insights from key stakeholders in the skills development sector, including Sector Education and Training Authorities’ executives, policymakers, and industry experts. Key themes analysed include the impact of government grants, employer levies, public-private partnerships and alternative funding models on the sustainability of skills development initiatives. The findings indicate that while government grants remain the dominant funding source, inefficiencies such as delayed disbursements, rigid application processes, and limited industry collaboration hinder optimal utilisation. The study highlights the need for innovative funding models, enhanced stakeholder partnerships, and performance-based financing strategies to ensure sustainable and impactful skills development. The research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on skills development financing and provides recommendations for policymakers and funding bodies to refine financial structures that align with industry demands and national workforce development goals.MM202
South African G20 Presidency and emerging market economies: Time to review the debt sustainability and domestic tax mobilisation framework
No full textThe G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors met on 17 and 18 July 2025 in Durban, South Africa. While acknowledging the heightened uncertainty and complex challenges of the global economy, the meeting emphasised that high levels of debt can impact economic growth, financial and price stability.1 The Communiqué after the meeting mentioned that “in light of high public debt and fiscal pressures, we recognise the need to raise long-term growth potential by pursuing growth-oriented macroeconomic policies, while building fiscal buffers, ensuring fiscal sustainability, encouraging public and private investments and undertaking productivity-enhancing reforms”.2 Debt buildup is evident from the recently published International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Global Debt Database. The global public and private debt soared to 258% of gross domestic product (GDP) in the pandemic year 2020.3. Although it declined to 235% of GDP in 2024, it remained significantly higher than the pre-COVID-19 levels of 219% observed between 2010 and 2019. In United States (US) dollar terms, the total global debt (public + private) reached US$251 trillion in 2024.4TM202
Digital Transformation in the public sector: A case study of the South African police service
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Management in the field of Digital Business, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025The growing spate of crime in South Africa presents significant challenges for police agencies, particularly in implementing effective crime control strategies. This study investigates the potential for digitalising operations within the South African Police Service (SAPS) to enhance its ability to combat crime more effectively. While there has been increasing global interest in digital transformation across law enforcement, limited research has specifically examined the barriers and opportunities associated with digitisation within the South African policing context. Using a qualitative research approach, purposive sampling was employed to select eight key participants from the SAPS Technology Management Services Division. Structured interviews were conducted to investigate the current state of digital capabilities, operational challenges, and opportunities for improvement. The findings indicate that although some headway is being made in the deployment of digital tools within the SAPS, limited infrastructure and lack of staff technological adeptness stifle the organisation’s digitalisation efforts. Additionally, financial constraints emerge as a critical barrier to deploying advanced digital solutions, limiting the forces capacity to respond effectively to modern criminal activities. The study concludes that while digitalisation is essential for improving operational efficiency, funding limitations hinder progress in this area. To address these challenges. Policymakers and stakeholders must prioritise investments in digital technologies and capacity- building initiatives. Collaboration with private sector partners could also provide innovative solutions and additional resources, enabling SAPS to bridge existing gaps and enhance public safety.MM202
Operational performance, workforce dynamics, and strategic implications for pressure piping fabrication in the South African construction industry
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Business Administration, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025This research explores the impact of automated welding technologies on operational performance, workforce dynamics, and financial viability within a mid-sized South African construction company focused on high-pressure piping fabrication. The study aims to determine whether adopting automation can improve efficiency, enhance weld quality, address workforce challenges, and deliver favourable financial returns. A mixed-methods approach was employed, incorporating qualitative interviews with management and a quantitative survey of employees alongside archival data and supplier claims. The research reveals that automation significantly reduces fabrication times (up to 73.7% for larger pipe diameters), improves weld quality by lowering failure rates to below 1%, and offers financial feasibility with a two- year payback period under optimal workload conditions. Contrary to initial concerns, the study found minimal workforce resistance, particularly among blue- collar workers, provided upskilling opportunities are available. Automation is positioned to increase capacity rather than reduce jobs, aligning with South Africa’s socio-economic need to maintain and grow skilled employment. The findings emphasise the importance of a localised approach to automation adoption, considering South Africa’s unique challenges, such as slower technology uptake and traditional investment mindsets. Recommendations include developing tools for real-time workload assessment, ensuring workforce involvement through tailored training, and exploring automation beyond welding to enhance overall fabrication efficiency. This study provides insights for industry stakeholders, contributing to the discourse on automation in construction and offering a case study on balancing technological advancement with socio-economic realities.MM202
