Internationalisation strategy : South African service firms venturing into Africa

Abstract : Studies on internationalisation of decisions and how organisations make these decisions have been more prevalent in literature in the last decade. Most studies have explained how pull and push factors assist both services and manufacturing cross-border organisations in their decision processes, but few have recognised the ever-changing trend of these factors, which means that certain factors that were critical in the past cease to be the most critical in such decisions today. It is important to recognise this aspect, especially in the fast-changing global business environment that organisations now operate in. This study recognises that factor and makes recommendations based on empirical findings. Using the mixed methodology, the study collates the responses of 38 internationalisation managers of South African international service organisations and statistically analyses them. The findings show that certain factors that were never that critical have assumed paramount importance in internationalisation thought processes, while some factors remain important in such decisions.M.Com. (Business Management

Understanding the threat of cybercrime: A comparative study of cybercrime and the ICT legislative frameworks of South Africa, Kenya, India, the United States and the United Kingdom’

As broadband infrastructure investments in developing nations intensify and barriers to accessing the internet diminish, the more they increasingly become the quintessential destination for cybercrime. For their lax cyber laws and general cybercrime illiteracy, developing nations such as South Africa, Kenya, and India have become the destination of choice for cybercriminal enterprises. The focus of this dissertation is to comparatively analyse South Africa’s ICT regulatory framework against those of developing and developed nations and to determine its effectiveness in addressing the threat posed by cybercrime. This dissertation hopes to contribute towards establishing a greater understanding and appreciation of the scourge of cybercrime by studying the frameworks, structures, and arrangements, installed to safeguard against the threat of cybercrime in both developing nations, namely Kenya and India, and developed nations, namely the United States of America and the United Kingdom. Some of the key challenges identified in the dissertation, arising from the analysis of South Africa’s cyber laws and policy framework, point to legislation that is out of date and in desperate need of revision, a lack of definitional clarity for cybercrime related terminology, jurisdiction limitations to investigate international cybercrimes, no harmonisation with international laws, standards, and a poor record of implementing strategy and policies. The dissertation concludes that the battle against cybercrime cannot be won without first understanding what cybercrime is. Developing a common understanding of cybercrime and related terminology, and recommends the revision of the necessary ICT strategies, policies, and regulatory frameworks. Concluding international cooperation and mutual assistance agreements to assist with transnational cybercrime investigations and prosecutions is paramount. Establishing cross-sector, intra-ministerial, public-private, and multinational partnerships is also vital to managing the threat of cybecrime. Lastly, this dissertation recommends the development of dedicated cybersecurity and cybercrime mechanisms for the prosecution and safeguarding of the nation’s critical information infrastructure, the mission critical information of corporates and the personal information of citizens against cybercrime

Isolation and characterization of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Brevibacillus species and their potential to biodegrade polyethylene material

This study was conducted to screen for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Brevibacillus species from soil and investigate their ability to biodegrade low density polyethylene materials. The organisms were isolated using phenotypic characterization and molecular identification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR confirmed the presence of two different strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and absence of Brevibacillus specie from the soil sample. The bacteria were inoculated in a nutrient broth to which 2% polyethylene was amended for a period of three weeks in a shaker incubator at 180rpm. Effect of temperature, pH and concentration of polyethylene on the biodegradation process was also studied. The initial and final dry weights of the polyethylene were recorded and the % degraded was calculated. It was found that both strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were capable of degrading the polyethylene. Strain C3 produced a maximum degradation of 20% at 37°C and pH 6. Strain B3 achieved a maximum degradation of 15% at 37°C at pH 6 and 7. In addition, it was found that both strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were able to survive up to 6% of polyethylene producing a maximum degradation of 55%. Therefore strains B3 and C3 of Pseudomonas aeruginosa can be effective in biodegradation of polyethylene in dump sites if their potentials are well exploited

Investigating South African Vendors’ Cloud Computing Value Proposition to Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises: A Case of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality

While Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are known to contribute significantly to economic growth and reduction of unemployment worldwide, South Africa experiences high failure rate, stagnation and limited growth of SMMEs. Cloud computing, which promises cost efficiencies for SMMEs through its unique outsourcing based business model, is emerging as a viable solution and an excellent value proposition to SMMEs. This study investigated the value proposition of cloud computing vendors to South African SMMEs. The problems addressed in this research are: - investigating whether the concept of cloud computing and its related key terms are being comprehended by South African SMMEs, - investigating and identifying the cloud computing applications/services that are most valuable and critical to the growth and development of South African SMMEs, - investigating and determining the main influences against adoption of cloud computing by SMMEs. Quantitative research using questionnaires was conducted and the findings of this study inter alia revealed that SMMEs in South Africa do not understand the basic key terms and concepts of cloud computing

Predictive ability of current earnings and cash flows

This research investigated the ability of current earnings and cash flows to predict future cash flows and future share prices. The investigation was conducted used financial information of JSE listed companies over a period between 2001 and 2011. The objectives of the research were to establish the predictive ability of current earnings and cash flows on future cash flows and share prices. This study was motivated by the findings of Kim and Kross (2005) where they consolidated the earlier findings by Collins et al. (1997) and Dechow et al. (1998).It was predetermined that the study would add to the body of knowledge in financial statements analysis and the application of earnings and cash flows as the predictive financial variables, Earnings are regarded as an essential measure of company of company‘s performance and cash flows from operations as a measure of the company‘s ability to generate cash flows from their operations. It was noted that investors do study and analyse these financial elements when investment decisions are made (Higgins, 2009; De Fond and Hung, 2003).It was found that earnings did not have the predictive ability on future cash flows but proved to possess high predictive power over future share prices. The results were not in agreement with the previous studied on the same subject. The average of R-square on current earnings ability to predict future cash flows were R2=0.27 and 0.38 in the long run and short run, respectively. The predictive ability on future share prices were R2=0.44 and 0.54 in the long and short run, respectively. Current cash flows on the hand indicated low predictive ability on future share price where the average R2=0.24 and 0.33 in the long and short run respectively. The predictive ability on current cash flows over future cash flows proved to be higher, which was not consistent with the previous researchers. The average R2 were 0.44 and 0.46 in the long and short run. It was noted that these financial elements proved to possess higher predictive abilities in the short run.Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2012.Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)unrestricte

The management of physical resources by principals in the rural secondary schools of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

This research study examined whether the physical resources in rural secondary schools are adequate and are managed properly by the school principals, for quality education to be achieved in the Eastern Cape Province. The dramatic changes in South Africa recognized that the future depends on an education system which develops the full potential of all learners. Although the Constitution of South Africa is advocating for equal education for all, there are disparities which are evident in the quality of the infrastructure, especially in remote rural areas where the fundamental requirements for effective education are lacking such as, water, electricity, sanitation and basic educational equipment. This shows that, although policy and legislative frameworks for transforming the education system have been put in place, managing the change is still a key challenge especially that of physical resources. Management of physical resources illustrates the problems facing principals by pointing to the lack of basic facilities in many rural secondary schools. In terms of the provision and management, many challenges remain, like most schools do not have adequate physical facilities. School buildings such as classrooms are inadequate or unsafe with no toilets, libraries, laboratories and many learners and teachers do not have learner teaching support materials (LTSMs). On the other hand, in terms of the Constitution, the Department of Education is responsible for bringing redress, equality and to upholding the Constitutional values such as shared decision-making, transparency, shared accountability and empowerment for equal partnership with other stakeholders. The physical resource management is one of the major responsibilities of principals. Their leadership is largely about ensuring that a clear and shared sense of direction is developed for both leadership and management. The school viii system meant that schools have moved nearer to the communities they serve and this has led to schools being more accountable to their communities. This study further investigated whether there is a significant correlation between the management of physical resources and quality education as well as the eradication of poverty in the rural secondary schools of the ECP. The proper execution of the management tasks of planning, organizing, leading, and controlling (POLC) by the principals have contributed extensively to the success of the schools. Therefore, this will mean that the act of managing physical resources through POLC and the process of working with or through SGBs, teachers, parents, learners, EDOs and the community at large to achieve set goals of education of relevance, excellence and quality education by effectively and efficiently using the physical resources in a school climate and environment that is collegial. The study showed that there is a link between management tasks (POLC) and collegial style of leadership in the school. The literature reviewed supported the view that the invitational style of leadership and collegiality increase the potential of a school to manage its physical resources economically, efficiently and effectively, particularly in a climate where the resource handlers take ownership of the school especially in remote rural settings. The 255 out of 300 subjects (85%) chosen to participate in this study were selected on the basis of their accessibility. Convenience sampling was used to conduct the study as this ensured that the population represented stakeholders that manage physical resources at schools, such as deputy principals, head of departments and teachers. Questionnaires were distributed, completed and collected personally. The questionnaires were analyzed and gaps such as the effects of lack of physical resources and how the learners’ profile were affected were reinforced by individual and group interviews that were semi-structured as ix well as participant observations from principals at O.R Tambo, Chris Hani and Amathole District Municipalities were conducted. It was deduced from the statistical data presented that there is a significant correlation between the principals’ management tasks and the quality of education. This shows that the more the principals blend properly planning, organizing, leading and control management tasks the more the physical resources will be managed better, that is, effectively, efficiently, economically and transparently and the less the bringing together of management tasks the less the meaningful management of physical resources will be. The study supported the hypothesis that a combination of management tasks performed by the principals positively influences the proper management of physical resources in rural secondary schools of ECP. The study rejects both null hypotheses that there is no significant correlation between planning, organising, leading and controlling as leadership functions of PRs and the quality of education in rural secondary schools of ECP as well as, that principals of rural secondary schools are not expected to possess adequate leadership knowledge and skills to effectively manage available PRs in their rural secondary schools. This study affirms the view that adequate physical resources are crucial as well as the appropriate management skills of principals for high quality education to be achieved in rural secondary schools. Without adequate physical resources, proper handling of the limited physical resources and the possession of management skills by principals, rural schools are less likely to succeed in their efforts to improve education

An analysis of public participation in the integrated development planning processes of the Hibiscus Coast Local Municipality, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

M.A. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg 2014.The importance of the concept of public participation continues to gain great momentum in the circles of local government in South Africa. Public participation is a way of ensuring that local government is responsive to that which the public prioritizes as their development needs. Public participation in South Africa is very important as it is the backbone of the democratic state that the 1994 general elections introduced. In response to the importance of public participation in the local government, the South African government has passed several statutes to ensure that substance and emphasis is given to the country’s local government sphere. These statutes include, amongst others, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, the Municipal Structures Act 1998, the Municipal Systems Act 2000 and the Municipal Finance Management Act 2003. It is at the local government sphere where the public participation is primarily applied in order to promote both good governance and a responsive local government. This research project is an analysis of public participation in the integrated development planning processes of the Hibiscus Coast Local Municipality. This study acknowledges that public participation is an important component of transformation and democratization of local government. Legislation alone cannot meet this requirement and more still needs to be done to truly enhance public participation in local government. This study found that despite legislation that provides for the structures that the public must use to participate in the integrated development planning processes in the Hibiscus Coast local municipality; there is a need for the Hibiscus Coast municipality to develop its own conceptualization and understanding of public participation. Moreover, proper mechanisms need to be established to enhance the participation of the local communities and stakeholders in the municipality’s integrated development processes. The study is primarily based on qualitative data collected from the Hibiscus Coast Local Municipality through personal interviews with councillors, officials and ward committee members, review of local government statutes and literature providing knowledge on the subject under study

The influence of IsiZulu indigenous language and culture on intellectual assessment : the psychologists’ perspective.

Master of Social Science in Psychology. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2017.The population of South Africa is diverse, comprising individuals from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds, who speak a variety of languages, practice various religions and have different political orientations. Such diversity poses challenges within the field of psychological assessment. This includes the appropriate use and interpretation of intellectual assessment measures. These challenges also emanate from the history of apartheid where there was an unequal distribution of resources, including psychological assessment measures. As such, the linguistically and culturally appropriate use and interpretation of intellectual assessment has been compromised. This study investigated the influence of the isiZulu language and cultural background on intellectual assessment. The research was conducted obtaining psychologists’ perspectives on using intellectual assessment measures on the isiZulu linguistic and cultural group. A sample of six psychologists was considered for this study, and interviews were conducted with each participant. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the psychologists’ responses. The themes that emerged from the interview data were namely; a) the use of assessment measures b) language and culture as a barrier and, c) interpretation of the assessment measures. The above issues seemed to concern most psychologists, as they evidently influenced the intellectual assessment process with individuals who are from diverse language and cultural backgrounds. Even though the focus of the study was on the isiZulu indigenous language and cultural group, the findings from the data were based on all the South African linguistic and cultural groups. The study concluded that the limited availability of linguistically and culturally appropriate intellectual assessment measures is a challenge for both the client and psychologists in South Africa. Furthermore, concerns were raised about the need for psychologists to play a role in appropriate administration through obtaining contextual knowledge. Consequently, both the assessment measure and the administrators can negatively influence the effectiveness of the assessment procedure. Nonetheless, psychologists believe that intellectual assessment still have their place, however, they equally have their challenges that psychologists have individually tried to overcome

HIV pathogenesis in the female genital tract during chronic HIV infection : the impact of inflammation, T cell memory differentiation status and homeostatic cytokines on mucosal T cell immunity

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 124-150).The female genital tract serves as the major portal of entry for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Local immune factors unique to the mucosal micro-environment such as the genital tract cytokine milieu or the activation/differentiation status of T cells may play a significant role in heterosexual transmission of HIV and subsequent pathogenesis. Elucidation of the mechanisms underlying the persistent recruitment, activation and differentiation of mucosal T cells will give crucial insight into potential therapeutic targets to restore effective local immunity