A Study Of How The Utilisation Of Optimal Cost Management Techniques Influence Medical Scheme Administrators

Within today’s competitive and cost-driven business environment, Medical Scheme Administrators are under tremendous pressure to ensure their operations are at the pinnacle of financial performance, through stable but profitable business structures, whilst achieving maximum return for member’s contributions. The purpose of the study was to identify the factors that affect the optimal cost management practices is to ensure that organisations have a true understanding of costs, so that it can continuously make the right decisions with regards to product mix, price and market. This research uses a qualitative methodology to uncover how the South African Medical Scheme Administrators currently use costing principles. This is achieved through semi-structured interviews with individuals, who are directly responsible for this function within their respective organisation. The study concluded that a conceptual cost management framework, which is made up of a number of key models to assist an organisation, is more frequently used in more mature organisations.&nbsp

Investigate an index to measure the integrity of investment companies investing responsibly

Abstract: Stakeholders realise the value and impact of Responsible Investment upon making informed decisions about investments. Due to this more organisations are pressured to report on RI performances and positive and/or negative strategies to address ESG issues and to implement ESG policies into the primary strategy of their operations. There are many governments and organisations globally which support sustainable investment and as one such administration, South Africa has legislated to manage RI issues (www.gov.za). Recognition is given to the both CRISA and PRI as well as taking the integrated environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into the investment decision making process into consideration when assisting in identifying, managing and mitigating potential ESG risks to achieve sustainable long-term investment outcomes..

Effect of value-added services on transactional behaviour

Abstract: Traditional banking methods evolved and include services as a method of differentiation, reducing operating costs, and providing additional benefits to the customer. Banks re-invented themselves and provide innovative solutions to remain competitive. This research explores whether using value added services contributed to changes in transactional banking behaviour and was done in one of the largest banks in South Africa over a period of four months. Two banking products in the youth customer segment were selected. The control group received one treatment at the beginning of the four-month period, and the experimental group received a further three treatments at different times of each month. Two data sets (1) VAS usage and (2) bank transactions were analysed. The results showed that the intervention had a positive effect on transactional banking behaviour. Additional causative factors were identified that increased the usage of value-added services and increased transactional banking behaviour

Globalisation, internationalisation and export opportunities for South Africa

Abstract: The economic resources of capital, technology, and data as well as the exchange of goods and funds and the agriculture supply sector all become part of the ‘border-less world’. The Government and private organisations are arduously demanding factors to stimulate growth in the South African economy through various strategies and comprehend export development as a priority. The Department of Trade and Industry grow the export base and increase exports from South Africa as well as develop an approach to export expansion supported by strategic export promotion in line with global best practice resulting in the Integrated National Export Strategy (INES) or ‘Export 2030’. Within the demand for wood, South Africa has the opportunity to increase its wood supply into world markets in the future to various countries and indications are of countries and regions which might be future potential markets with this research main aim towards entering the European Union market. South Africa may enter the EU markets without any tariff barriers because it falls under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP). However, South African produce still have to meet certain requirements to enter the EU market, for example, they have to provide evidence of origin to EU customs in the form of a Certificate of Origin and the wood or articles therefore must be transported directly to the EU from the country of origin. There are a number of non-tariff measures (NTMs) for wood products, being more complex than tariffs and more difficult to gauge their impact with an even greater trade-restricting effect than tariffs. One of these measure is the use of import quotas for forest products is declining, resulting in difficulties. However, the use of export restrictions, particularly on logs, has been increasing, and had a major impact on trade in forest products

A study of how the utilisation of optimal cost management techniques influence medical scheme administrators

Abstract: Within today’s competitive and cost-driven business environment, Medical Scheme Administrators are under tremendous pressure to ensure their operations are at the pinnacle of financial performance, through stable but profitable business structures, whilst achieving maximum return for member’s contributions. The purpose of the study was to identify the factors that affect the optimal cost management practices is to ensure that organisations have a true understanding of costs, so that it can continuously make the right decisions with regards to product mix, price and market. This research uses a qualitative methodology to uncover how the South African Medical Scheme Administrators currently use costing principles. This is achieved through semi-structured interviews with individuals, who are directly responsible for this function within their respective organisation. The study concluded that a conceptual cost management framework, which is made up of a number of key models to assist an organisation, is more frequently used in more mature organisations

Student funding model used by the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS) at universities in South Africa

Abstract: Purpose The purpose of this research is focused on evaluating NSFAS as student funding at South African Universities. Problem Investigated Public universities in South Africa witnessed student protests on campuses during 2015 and 2016. These were orchestrated by students demanding additional funding assistance from the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS), zero-fee increases and the scrapping of student debt by universities. In 2012 a report for feefree university education for poor people was handed to the Minister of Higher Education and Training (DHET, 2012). It suggested that fee-free higher education would be possible if more funds were injected into the NSFAS (DHET, 2012:49). It is not currently known how much funding is required to fund both the poor students and the missing middle students who earn beyond the NSFAS eligibility threshold. Methodology A quantitative research method was used. Information on student funding at a specific period, was collected using different universities to corroborate the data received in order to solve the research problem. The approach assisted in identifying how student funding is allocated per university in a specific academic year. Value of the research The higher education sector is constantly evolving. The past struggle of universities was to ensure that they attracted the best academics and students. The focus has now changed to the student struggle on matters of academic exclusion, financial exclusion and the decolonising of universities. The study of student funding in South..

A decision support model for export opportunities in the South African hardwood industry

Abstract: Export opportunities have been prioritised by South African Trade and Industry in order to promote economic growth. The company used in this study (hereafter referred to as The Company) is well-known in the hardwood industry in South Africa, and indicated its strategic intent to pursue export opportunities in European countries. However, such export opportunities should be carefully considered taking into account more than just a country’s identified need for hardwood. Entering a global market competitively, whilst ensuring profitability and sustainability of the organisation, requires a clear understanding of all factors impacting on such a strategic endeavour. This is critical as the expansion of the business will in all probability take place in already existing and sometimes firmly established hardwood manufacturing markets, which implies that the execution of any strategic intent in this regard will have to aim at, among others, market growth. Optimising global market opportunities and ensuring appropriate responsiveness to its dynamic and competitive nature, guidance and support of strategic decision making and concomitant decision support models (DSM) seem to be inevitable...Ph.D. (Business Management

The forestry sector of South Africa supporting the achievement of SDG 15

Orientation: The National Framework for Sustainable Growth South Africa was introduced to re-orientate South Africa’s development path in a more sustainable direction. The South African Forestry Industry is discussed detailing commitment to ensure plantation forest establishment and management within the most socio-economically and environmentally beneficial way possible. Research purpose: The South African Forestry Industry is discussed detailing commitment to ensure plantation forest establishment and management within the most socio-economically and environmentally beneficial way possible. Motivation for the study: By identifying the way natural resources are managed, the sustainability of the forestry industry, and innovatively assisting people who directly depend upon this industry to work in safety and live under conditions of acceptable quality can be assured. Research design, approach and method: The conceptual study focusses on the Sustainable Development goals as formulated by the United Nations and specifically SDG 15. The National Framework for Sustainable Growth South Africa was introduced to re-orientate South Africa’s development path in a more sustainable direction. Main findings Although many different methods and approaches monitoring and verifying the sustainability of wood are acknowledged, verification from the Forest Stewardship Council is the preferred certification for the World Forestry Organization. The community’s increased control over forests will ensure that the UN Voluntary Positive impacts of sustainable forest management (SDG 15) will be followed. Practical/managerial implications: Industry is discussed detailing commitment to ensure plantation forest establishment and management within the most socio-economically and environmentally beneficial way possible. By identifying the way natural resources are managed, the sustainability of the forestry industry, and innovatively assisting people who directly depend upon this industry to work in safety and live under conditions of acceptable quality can be assured Contribution/value-add: Although many different methods and approaches monitoring and verifying the sustainability of wood are acknowledged, verification from the Forest Stewardship Council is the preferred certification for the World Forestry Organization. The community’s increased control over forests will ensure that the UN Voluntary Positive impacts of sustainable forest management (SDG 15) will be followed.</jats:p

Utilisation of payment instruments at a retail chain in Gauteng

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to determine the influence of race and income on the preferred payment instrument at pay points in a retail store in Pretoria Gauteng. Problem investigated: The method of payment, as well as the way these payment methods have been utilised, has evolved throughout history. Cash has stayed at the top of the payment instrument deck as a payment choice for the past 10 decades. With the expansion of technology payment instruments evolved to facilitate exchange between merchant and consumer. The preferred method of payment at a retail store in Gauteng, indicating whether consumers prefer cash payments or the use of cards was investigated. Further to this the difference in payment method between the different races and income groups was identified. Methodology: A quantitative survey research method was used. The statistical analysis entailed correlations using the Cramer’s V to test the dependency between two variables and the degree of dependency of variables, after which the Chi-Square test was also applied. Value of the research: The indication of consumer preference of payment method will have implications on which possibilities are available at the point of sale. Cash is no longer the only possible payment instrument; cards, debit and credit, are as easily used by consumers. Both banks and merchants will find this information important, since they need to make provision for different payment options. The results further distinguished consumer behaviour amongst different race groups and income groups. Conclusion: The research confirmed the previous findings in other countries that consumers have preconceived ideas on which payment instrument they would utilise at point of sale(POS.