39624 research outputs found
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The influence of knowledge management on project success in the construction industry 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, 2025The study aimed to establish the influence of knowledge management on project success within the construction industry in South Africa. The construction sector contributes significantly to the South African economy's development but faces challenges that affect project outcomes. Thus, the study aimed to address the influence surrounding knowledge management on project outcomes to understand that the roles of subject matter specialists or knowledge workers partake in implementing project management best practices, which could lead to project success for organisations managing complex construction projects in South Africa. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, and the study identified key knowledge management strategies, the impact of organisational culture and leadership, and the challenges organisations face in implementing best practices. A phenomenological research methodology was utilised for data collection through semi-structured interviews with industry subject matter specialists. The study presents findings that demonstrate a significant relationship between knowledge management practices and project success. These results underscore the importance for construction organisations to adopt innovative approaches to knowledge sharing and utilisation. The research concludes with practical recommendations aimed at helping organisations in the construction industry enhance project outcomes—ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of the South African construction sector.MM202
Probabilistic human health risk assessment of PM25 exposure in communities affected by local sources and gold mine tailings
No full textThe Moderating Influence Of Gender Bias On Factors Determining Choice Of Successor In South African Family-Owned Businesses
No full textA research report submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Management in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, in the Faculty of Commerce Law and Management, Wits Business School, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2025Family businesses play a crucial role in South Africa’s economy, contributing to job creation and growth. However, patriarchal norms often favour male successors over equally qualified female family members, creating challenges in equitable succession planning. This study explores how gender bias moderates the relationships between succession determinants: successor preparation, planning-control activities, cultural-family dynamics and succession outcomes. Guided by Human Capital Theory and Gender Theories, the study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional design. Data was collected via structured online questionnaires from stakeholders in family-owned businesses across South Africa. Stratified random sampling ensured geographic diversity, and regression and moderation analyses were conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics. The findings reveal that gender bias weakens the positive effects of succession planning efforts. Patriarchal stereotypes often limit opportunities for female successors, despite their qualifications. However, businesses with inclusive practices like gender-neutral policies, experience smoother leadership transitions and greater sustainability. This study contributes to Human Capital Theory by showing how gender bias limits leadership development and extends Gender Theories by illustrating how cultural norms shape succession outcomes in South African family businesses.MM202
Graduate employee adaption to organisational culture and performance
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 outlined the integration of graduate employees into organisational culture and performance system settings, focusing on a South African retail organisation. This research explored the distinctive contributions that graduates, with contemporary academic knowledge and new insights, can offer to the dynamics, culture and operational performance of the organisation. This case study probed graduate integration, the influence of graduate integration on organisational culture in the medium term, performance indicators for the immediate to medium term, and the challenges and opportunities presented during the induction process. The central aim of the inquiry was an assessment of how organisational leadership, mentorship and onboarding processes facilitate or hinder assimilation into existing corporate frameworks. The study portrays the dual role of graduates as disruptors and enhancers of organisational culture, underlining the potential contributions of graduates in driving innovation, process improvement and collaboration, while gaps in soft skills and cultural misalignment act as potential barriers. These findings provide recommendations that can be acted upon by corporate leaders, HR professionals and policymakers in their quest to optimally integrate and develop graduate talent while reinforcing a culture of inclusion, continuous learning and performance excellence. The research contributed a deeper insight into workforce development strategies and their implications for organisational growth and adaptability within a dynamic and competitive business environment.MM202
Deconstructing otherness: A decolonial inquiry into the experiences of immigrant students
No full textBurning Cleaning Dumping and Dissolution Site Formation Processes and Stratigraphy of pre110000YearOldMSA 1 Deposits in Cave 1 Klasies River Main Site in South Africa
No full textThe impact of Covid19 pandemic on mortality among adults receiving care for chronic health conditions in rural South Africa findings from Agincourt health and sociodemographic surveillance systems
No full textReport of a missense TJP2 variant associated to PFIC4 with a pronounced phenotypic variability Focus on the structural effects on the protein level
No full textLeadership styles that promote innovation performance among engineers during the energy transition 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 thesis investigates the relationship between leadership styles and innovation performance among engineers within the energy transition sector in South Africa, focusing specifically on sensing capabilities, seizing capabilities, transforming capabilities, and learning capabilities as core variables. The research is grounded in the context of the global shift toward renewable energy and the increasing pressures on organizations to innovate amidst evolving technological landscapes. The study aims to explore how various leadership styles—transformational, transactional, and participative—can foster the dynamic capabilities of engineers to enhance innovation performance within this rapidly changing environment. Using a quantitative research methodology, data were collected via surveys from a sample of engineers actively working in the South African renewable energy sector. Factor analysis, reliability testing, and other quantitative methods, including tests for normality and multicollinearity, were employed to ensure robust data analysis. Key insights into the role of leadership in fostering innovation within the energy transition sector were uncovered, revealing the critical importance of leadership in nurturing organizational capabilities necessary for innovation. The findings suggest that leadership styles promoting learning and adaptability, such as transformational leadership, are particularly effective in driving innovation performance. Moreover, the study demonstrates the interconnectedness of the sensing, seizing, transforming, and knowledge-sharing capabilities within engineering teams, particularly in the context of rapid technological changes, regulatory demands, and sustainability goals in South Africa’s energy landscape. This research contributes to the body of knowledge on leadership and innovation within the energy sector and offers actionable recommendations for industry leaders aiming to optimize their teams' performance during the energy transition. It highlights the need for leadership strategies that not only address current challenges but also prepare organizations for future innovations. In addition to providing insights into how leadership styles can enhance innovation performance, the thesis identifies areas for future research, including the exploration of leadership's influence on long-term innovation outcomes and how leadership can further support the energy transition’s sustainability objectives. The study also considers the ethical implications of leadership decisions in the context of engineering projects, particularly in relation to environmental and social impacts.MM202
