The Effect of Using Multi-Skilled Workforce on the Flexibility of Project Resource Scheduling and Project Costs

The introduction of multi-skilling within organisations is normally conducted with the aim of improving efficiency, quality, production and cost-effectiveness. The study addressed the effect of using multiskilled workforce in the execution of project activities by studying the changes in project execution resource scheduling flexibility and project costs in response to workforce multi-skilling strategy. A quantitative research design was used, to test the concept of workforce multi-skilling to predict its influence on project resource scheduling, project cost saving, project duration, effect on optimal utilization of project technicians and members if adopted at Eskom PTM Central Group department. An electronic questionnaire was distributed to collect data and statistical analysis of data was conducted. The hypothesis testing performed concluded as follows; H1: The use of multi-skilling provides for flexible project resource scheduling; the research hypothesis was accepted. H2: Multi-skilling has a positive effect on the project cost savings; the research hypothesis was rejected. H3: The use of multi-skilling has no significant impact on project duration; the research hypothesis was rejected. H4 (i): The findings show that a positive relationship between multi-skilling and job redesign exists, and H4 (ii): Multi-skilling therefore has a positive impact on the adoption of multi skills; both research hypotheses were accepted

Consumer Buying Behavior at Shopping Malls: Does Gender Matter?

 The development of shopping malls is a major social and global phenomenon that has unearthed a novel facet for customer satisfaction and their consequent or relative buying behavior. The aim of his paper was to explore the gender differences in consumer buying behavior at selected Durban shopping malls. It is an observational cross-sectional study carried out on 700 randomly selected respondents to study buying capacity, buying behavior and shopping experience of male and female consumers at shopping malls in the city of Durban, South Africa. Data was collected through pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire with closed ended questions. The study revealed that there are notable gender differences, which shape shopping behavior among men and women. Time and money spent at the mall was significantly high among female as compared to male consumers. Consequently, the results attributed that personal attributes and shopping mall attractiveness factors played a crucial role in influencing customer shopping behavior amongst the mall shoppers. The study concludes that gender differences are prevalent in the buying behavior of customers at the select shopping malls in Durban, South Africa. Average time spent by female is high as compared to male which also affect their average money spent at shopping mall. Psychological, Social and Cultural factors are highly influencing customers’ buying behavior at shopping malls.&nbsp

Global Multinational Companies Expansion into Africa: A Study of Marketing Strategy

The primary objective of this study was to understand what marketing strategies global multinational companies should follow and how those strategies could be effectively implemented. A quantitative approach with the use of an electronic questionnaire was adopted. As part of the research strategy, a positivism approach was also adopted due to the principle that truth and reality are free and independent of the viewer and observer. This study followed a probability approach as it includes any selection method where sample members were selected from the targeted population on a purely random basis. For this research study, primary data collection and the use of a self-administered questionnaire to gather data were the most preferred options. The literature review investigated the general institutional framework on the African continent and highlighted many disparities with developed markets where the majority of the global MNCs come from. Global enterprises have great ambition for growth and they have identified Africa with exceptional potential in their expansion plans. This study accentuates the significance of institutions as critical mechanisms in the regulatory framework of any country, as well as the potential implication for foreign MNCs wishing to enter that market. It is hoped that this research will assist in enhancing the growing research interest within the context of international business theory

A study of South African revealed comparative advantage of exports within the BRICS.

There is much debate about the long-term benefit of South Africa’s membership to the BRICS partnership. Generally, there has been a perception that all the other BRICS partner countries are growing to the detriment of the South African economy. The focus of this article is to analyse the growth trend of an exclusive group of export goods that were identified to have a high revealed comparative advantage for South Africa within the BRICS bloc in 2012. These were identified to be potential growth area for South Africa within the BRICS trading bloc. This research aims to assess if there is a significant change in the performance of these exclusive exports since they were identified. A non-probability sample of 20 South African export product categories was drawn from the full population of 37 export categories that possess a revealed comparative advantage. Statistical analyses revealed that out of the twenty export categories identified to have a high revealed comparative advantage for South Africa in 2012; eight have grown while five have declined over the period under review. The value for tourism to South Africa and BRICS nations per se, is also unpacked to a limited extent since the study has bearing on it. There is clearly much scope to conduct further research to explore the countries that require deeper diplomatic engagement to create access to markets for South African exporters

Impact of Public Private Partnerships on CommunityBased Tourism Projects: Jozini Tiger Lodge Case Study.

Public Private Partnership (PPP) establishments are usually prone to prolonged implementation due to their complex nature. The South African Government as well as private sector businesses play equally vital roles which, according to their efficient implementation, greatly impact on the success or failure of Public Private Partnerships. As risks are inherent in all establishments, Private Public Partnerships are even more prone to higher risks due to their natural demand for various stakeholder involvement and/or ownership. This study uncovers a case study of the Jozini Tiger Lodge to describe and explore the impact of Public Private Partnerships and their benefits to community-based tourism projects. Furthermore, the study explores Public Private Partnerships in terms of the partnerships’ stakeholders and their roles within such partnerships. The ownership and management of PPPs, PPP opportunities and constraints as well as issues of long term sustainability in Public Private Partnerships are also uncovered. A qualitative research methodology was used as an approach for data collection. The qualitative approach was used through conducting interviews as the main form of data collection for the research study. The study concludes that the Public Private Partnership of the case study of the Jozini Tiger Lodge is a success story as it has contributed to the establishment of the Jozini community and its members. As all PPPs require sound partnerships with various stakeholders, the Jozini Tiger Lodge has not only stood the test of time but has also led to the Jozini area becoming an important tourist attraction. This has served the community well through a partial alleviation of socio-economic issues such as unemployment. The purpose of this study was thus to describe and explore the impact and value of Public Private Partnerships in community-based tourism projects. The focus is on the critical analysis of impact of partnerships with all the relevant stakeholders

A cross cultural study of gender differences in omnichannel retailing contexts

This research examines gender difference in omnichannel experience in modern shopping malls, combining personal, physical and virtual encounters. It proposes a new theoretical model: the gender-based shopping mall omnichannel experience model. Data was collected using 1139 questionnaires completed by millennial shoppers in the United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates. Data was analysed using partial least squares. The results showed a shift in males shopping behaviour as they pay more attention to peer interaction on social platforms, service excellence, convenience, diversity and personalisation in shopping malls than female shoppers, while aesthetics and privacy are more important for female shoppers

Mobile Technology as a Learning Tool in the Academic Environment

Education in South Africa is not equally accessible, and the quality of education is not the same across all educational institutions. Students from low-income societies are scoring lower marks in contrast to students from higher income societies. The influence on this is the unavailability of efficient educational resources and infrastructure. This study uses a focus group of 300 students from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) School of Economics. It attempts to examine and explain the effect of the use of mobile technology in academic activities within the school of economics at UKZN. The study divides the sample size into two groups, half is given mobile technology and the remaining group is deprived of mobile technology. The data is recorded in two educational production functions, namely Ordinary Least Squares and Logistic Regression Model. The cumulative distribution function examines the probability, in form of Logit, that a student passes economic if using mobile technology for academic activities or studying. Study findings indicate that it is imperative that institutions invest in mobile technology as their learning tool to improve throughput rate and it allows efficiency in all academic activities. Mobile technology enables students to be disciplined, effective and work ready

An Examination of Exploring the Factors Influencing the Job Satisfaction of Teachers towards Learner Performance

<p>Introduction: The level of job satisfaction among teachers directly affects student achievement and instructional effectiveness. It is reasonable to argue that it is the foundation of any organization since it is an internal, positive feeling that fosters exceptional performance in any setting. There has been much discussion and disagreement over the link between performance and work satisfaction. Purpose: This study is to investigate the relationship between job happiness and student performance. It is noteworthy because it identified the reasons behind subpar student performance, which helps the education ministry achieve its goal. Methods: A qualitative design was employed because of its attentiveness, and the research approach was descriptive. The study used the purposive sampling method and data were collected using the semi- structured interview from 15 teachers and five (5) members of the management. Results: The study found that the nature of the job; teachers' workload; recognition; motivation and support; the working environment; communication and teacher participation in decision-making and the stimulus of the leadership style encouraging teachers' job satisfaction. Contribution: Study gives an insight to the role of teacher's job satisfaction on learner's performance in Africa.</p><p>Keywords:- Learning, Satisfaction, Performance, Influence and Decision-Making.</p&gt

Ocorrência de Distúrbios Fisiológicos em Manga, var. Tommy Atkins

Procurou-se determinar os fatores da relação planta/ambiente que predispõem frutos da variedade de manga Tommy Atkins a apresentarem distúrbios fisiológicos. Para isso, foram analisados os posicionamentos dos frutos na planta, estádios de maturação e a relação vigor do ramo/fruto. As avaliações permitiram concluir que: a) o posicionamento dos frutos na planta não tem influência alguma na ocorrência das desordens fisiológicas; b) existe certa relação entre vigor dos ramos e a presença dos distúrbios nos frutos; c) o percentual de ocorrência dos distúrbios fisiológicos é altamente influenciado pelo estádio de maturação do fruto à colheita, sendo que, é de pequena monta em frutos colhidos precocemente.<br>Factors of the relation plant/environment which predispose mangoe fruits, var. Tommy Atkins, to physiological disorders were determined. Therefore, fruit location in the plant, the degree of ripeness and the relation of vigor between branch/fruit were analysed. The results allowed the following conclusions: a) the fruit positioning in the plant has no influence on the occurence of physiological disorders; b) there is a certain relation between vigor of the branch and the presence of disorders in the fruit; c) the percentage of occurrence of physiological disorders is a function of the fruit ripeness degree at harvest time, being very small when the fruit is harvested early