University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB)

Permanent URI for this community

https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/75

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 482

13 Ways to turn people on
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch Business School, 2010) Swart, Marinda; Louw, Johan
2050 Scenarios for long-haul tourism in the evolving global climate change regime
(Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI), 2012-12) Vorster, Shaun; Ungerer, Marius; Volschenk, Jako
Tourism and its “midwife”, aviation, are transnational sectors exposed to global uncertainties. This scenario-building exercise considers a specific subset of these uncertainties, namely the impact of the evolving global climate change regime on long-haul tourism (LHT), with a 2050 horizon. The basic problematique is that unconstrained growth in aviation emissions will not be compatible with 2050 climate stabilisation goals, and that the stringency and timing of public policy interventions could have far-reaching impacts—either on the market for future growth of LHT, or the natural ecosystem on which tourism depends. Following an intuitive-logic approach to scenario-building, three meta-level scenarios that can be regarded as “possible” futures for the evolution of LHT are described. Two of these, i.e., the “grim reaper” and the “fallen angel” scenarios, are undesirable. The “green lantern” scenario represents the desired future. Long-haul tourist destinations should heed the early warning signals identified in the scenario narratives, and contribute towards realising the desired future. They should further guard against being passive victims if the feared scenarios materialise, by adapting, repositioning early upon reading the signposts, hedging against risks, and seizing new opportunities.
3 USB students conquer mighty USA
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch Business School, 2007-02) Matthee, Amanda; Swart, Clayton
After six years of taking part in the National Black MBA Association’s Case Competition in the USA, USB brings the honours home. AMANDA MATTHEE and CLAYTON SWART tell the story.
35 years of socially responsible investing (SRI) research : general trends over time
(AOSIS, 2012) Viviers, S.; Eccles, N. S.
This article describes 35 years of academic research into investment practices that in some way integrate a consideration of environmental, social and corporate governance issues. A review of 190 academic papers was undertaken to identify trends in five domains, namely ‘Primary Name’, ‘Research Themes’, ‘Ethical Foundations’, ‘Research Approach’ and ‘SRI Strategies’. The evidence reveals that more than half the researchers refer to such investment practices as Socially Responsible Investing (SRI) and for this reason the name is used in this review as a generic term for the genre. A myriad of other names were also identified. In terms of research themes, one particularly dominant theme was that of financial performance, which was often discussed in relation to fiduciary responsibility and legal aspects. Although the primary ethical foundation was not always directly observable, the majority of papers implied utilitarianism or ‘the greatest good for the greatest number’. Increased mention of ethical egoism (self-interest) is observed in later periods. An equal split between qualitative and quantitative research methodologies was noted, with a qualitative approach being more favoured in recent years. Three SRI strategies have dominated academic discussions over the past 35 years, namely negative screening, positive screening and shareholder activism. Gaps in the literature have been identified and suggestions for future research made.
50 Jaar van USB se bestaan
(2013-10) Matthee, Amanda
As ’n voorsmakie van ’n jaar vol herinneringe in 2014, wanneer die USB sy 50ste bestaansjaar herdenk, kyk ons terug na enkele foto’s van die afgelope 50 jaar – van die eerste MBA-groep tot hoe die USB nou lyk
Access to remedy through consensual processes
(2018) Ganson, Brian
A growing number of non-judicial mechanisms purport to address the grievances of individuals and communities whose human rights may be adversely impacted by a business enterprise. Whether and how such mechanisms can provide effective remedy is a topic of substantial concern. The discussion becomes particularly pointed in the many contexts in which there is no meaningful access to judicial remedy, and therefore effective remedy depends fundamentally on the consent of the company to both the process and the outcome of a non-judicial mechanism. This discussion document intends to help advance this debate in constructive ways. It first draws on a variety of formal and informal inputs to explore common themes and questions that frequently arise in discussions of remedy for negative human rights impacts through non-judicial mechanisms, seeking to illustrate the logical relationships among them and to lay the ground for identifying a way forward in a complex debate. It then briefly explores two challenges that consent-based mechanisms face that appear fundamental: their inter-dependence with adjudicative mechanisms, and the necessity that stakeholders have confidence in both their processes and their outcomes on a sustainable basis. Moving from descriptive to prescriptive mode, the discussion document recommends exploration of the possible value of guidance on the evaluation of consent-based remedy systems and outcomes. It suggests that more structured scrutiny of systems design, systems outcomes and systems governance may be one way to increase accountability for effective remedy within non-judicial mechanisms, while respecting the need for stakeholders to sustainably implement mechanisms which they agree are appropriate to and legitimate within their particular context.
Adoption factors and moderating effects of age and gender that influence the intention to use a non-directive reflective coaching chatbot
(SAGE Publications, 2022-06) Terblanche, Nicky; Kidd, Martin
Chatbots are increasingly applied in various contexts including helping professions, such as organizational and life coaching. Coaching facilitates individual wellness, behavioral change, and goal attainment in a reflective, non-directive manner, and is considered one of the fastest-growing professions. The use of knowledge imparting service chatbots have been studied; however, the application of chatbots in coaching has received scant research attention, raising the question about which factors and moderating effects play a role in the adoption of reflective, non-directive coaching chatbots. In this study, we applied a modified Unified Theory of the Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model to determine factors and moderating effects of age and gender that influence the adoption of a goal-attainment coaching chatbot. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used for the analysis of a cross-sectional UTAUT survey (n = 226). Performance expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions had significant roles as direct determinants of intent to use the coaching chatbot. Gender moderated performance expectancy and age showed a moderation tendency on effort expectancy. This study on non-directive, reflective chatbots in the organizational, and life coaching domains contributes to our understanding of how to design chatbots aimed at helping people find their own answers.
Adult attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder : why should we pay attention
(AOSIS Publishing, 2017) Schoeman, Renata; Albertyn, Ruth; De Klerk, Manie
Background: Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, with a chronic, costly and debilitating course if untreated. Limited access to diagnosis and treatment for adults with ADHD contributes to the cost of the disorder and the burden of disease. Aim: This study aims to identify the barriers to care for adults with ADHD. Methods: A qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with 10 key opinion leaders in the field of adult ADHD in SA was conducted to obtain narratives regarding frustrations experienced when treating adults with ADHD and needs of patients regarding management of ADHD. Qualitative content analysis was completed using Atlas.ti (version 7). Results: Four key themes which emerged from the interviews were ‘lack of recognition of the disorder’, ‘lack of access to diagnosis’, ‘lack of access to treatment’ and ‘a life of perpetual failure’. Core to these themes are the lack of knowledge amongst health care professionals, funders, and society at large. Conclusion: Our findings expand on previous research regarding the need to increase the knowledge base on adult ADHD. A collaborative stakeholder approach is needed to provide research and training for improved diagnosis and treatment for adults with ADHD in the South African context.
Africa and project management hurdle
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, University of Stellenbosch Business School, 2012-12) Leuvennink, Jaco
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: South Africa is planning infrastructure projects worth thousands of billions of rand while it is widely accepted that Africa needs an infrastructure boom period of a decade or so to realise its emerging growth potential. Jaco Leuvennink looks at the role of project management in the outcomes of these development expectations.
Africa is different
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch Business School, 2007-02) Links, Eltie
Africa pressing foward as an emergent power
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch Business School, 2010) Nkuhlu, Wiseman
African wisdom at work
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, University of Stellenbosch Business School, 2012-12) Mgayi, Bongani
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Bongani Mgayi takes a look at African wisdom. Does it add value in the workplace? Must special provision be made for it?
Albei blink eenders
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch Business School, 2008-02) Matthee, Amanda
Die een bestuur ’n groot ysterertsmaatskappy en die ander maak die kunste vir mense toeganklik. Wat het hierdie twee uitblinkeralumni in gemeen? AMANDA MATTHEE het gaan vra.
Analysis of sources of return in South African private equity
(AOSIS, 2009) Van Niekerk, J. R.; Krige, J. D.
Private Equity is rapidly growing as an asset class for investors in South Africa. Local and international literature presents overwhelming evidence to suggest that Private Equity offers superior risk-adjusted returns and portfolio diversification benefits. This study addresses the question of how exactly Private Equity managers are able to achieve superior returns. A sample of 46 individual completed investments representing large buy-outs in South Africa in the period 1992 to 2007 was selected and analysed to quantitatively investigate the relationship between some of the identified sources of return and the realised internal rates of return in the case of each investment. These relationships were not found to be as strong as expected and in many cases were not supportive of the findings in the literature. Only earnings growth and an increase in the earnings multiple had a significant impact on the internal rates of return achieved according to the sample analysed. The authors conclude that investing in Private Equity is too interdisciplinary to distil the sources of return into a few concise elements. Proprietary knowledge, expertise, superior management skills, relationships and experience all seem to play a role in providing Private Equity managers with a competitive edge over their public market participants.
The analysis of the 2008 US financial crisis : an intervention approach
(International Foundation for Research and Development, 2018) Makatjane, Katleho Daniel; Molefe, Edward Kagiso; Van Wyk, Roscoe Bertrum
The current study investigates the impact of the 2008 US financial crises on the real exchange rate in South Africa. The data used in this empirical analysis is for the period from January 2000 to June 2017. The Seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) intervention charter was used to carry out the analysis. Results revealed that the financial crises period in South Africa occurred in March 2008 and significantly affected the exchange rate. Hence, the impact pattern was abrupt. Using the SARIMA model as a benchmark, four error metrics; to be precise mean absolute error (MAE), mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), mean error (ME) and Mean percentage error (MPE) was used to assess the performance of the intervention model and SARIMA model. The results of the SARIMA intervention model produced better forecasts as compared to that one of SARIMA model.
An analysis of the applicability of the OECD Model Tax Convention to non-OECD member countries : the South African case
(AOSIS, 2017) Steenkamp, Lee-Ann
Most tax treaties (including South Africa's) are based on the OECD Model Tax Convention on Income and Capital and the related Commentary (the 'OECD Model'). Notwithstanding the uncertainty surrounding its legal status, the courts in many countries use the OECD Model in the interpretation of their tax treaties. The OECD launched an action plan on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting ('BEPS') in 2013, which is aimed at improving international tax cooperation between governments. In South Africa, the importance of combating BEPS is highlighted by the fact that the Davis Tax Committee has appointed a sub-committee specifically to address concerns pertaining to BEPS. South Africa's participation in the BEPS project and its tax treaty negotiations with other countries, especially OECD member states, are of the utmost importance to South Africa's National Treasury. Consequently, it is the primary objective of this article to analyse the applicability of the OECD Model to non-OECD member countries, with particular emphasis on South Africa. It will be argued that, if the treaties of non-member countries are in conformity with the OECD Model and no specific position has been taken, the non-members also accept the provisions of the Model and the Commentary as an interpretative aid.
Antecedents to the intention to quit amongst Generation Y Information Technology professionals in software development organisations in South Africa
(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-04) Booysen, Candice; Mathur-Helm, Babita; Malan, D. J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. University of Stellenbosch Business School.
ENGLISH SUMMARY : This study is positioned within the emerging field of positive organisational behaviour and explored the relationships between job embeddedness, leadership, human resources (HR) practices, and intention to quit amongst the Generation Y (Gen Y) within the information technology (IT) sector in South Africa. Numerous studies have globally been conducted to gain an understanding of voluntary turnover among Generation Y employees and, although this subject has enjoyed much attention, researchers have not been able to reach consensus about reasons for the intention of Generation Y individuals to quit their jobs, especially in the IT sector. Job embeddedness is a relatively new concept and limited empirical work exists to test its relevance for various workforce populations or cultures, hence the current study explores the role played by embeddedness in the nomological network of antecedents of intention to quit. This theory has not been previously investigated within this specific sample group – the IT sector – or within the South African context. The study utilised a mixed methods approach, using both qualitative and quantitative methods, employing an interpretivistic and positivistic paradigm for the respective phases. The salient variables identified as antecedents during the qualitative phase (Phase 1) of the research were transformational leadership, job resources, satisfaction with pay, supportive organisational climate and job embeddedness. The data was collected through a purposive sampling method and semi-structured interviews and focus groups. In the subsequent quantitative phase, standardised measuring instruments were used to measure the variables that were identified during the qualitative phase. The initial set of propositions and the proposed conceptual model were revised based on the outcomes of the qualitative phase. The quantitative phase included a pilot study (Phase 2) during which the online questionnaire was tested by making use of the purposive sample of Generation Y employees who were approached during the qualitative phase and who were willing to re-engage voluntarily. Phase 3, as part of the quantitative phase of the study, represents the main study of this research project, in that it aimed at empirically evaluating the measurement model, as well as testing the propositions relating to the proposed structural model. Data was collected through the snowball technique, where Generation Ys who participated in previous phases were asked to refer their colleagues in the software industry. A total of 270 usable questionnaires were collected and statistically analysed. During Phase 3, three models were consecutively subjected to a series of statistical analyses. Each model was evaluated by means of goodness-of-fit statistics (confirmatory factor analysis), exploratory factor analysis appropriate to the nature of the statistical question posed, and path least square (PLS)-based evaluations of the measurement and structural models. A factorially derived model was produced after the series of statistical analyses, which excluded the organisational links sub-construct of job embeddedness and highlighted the need for further development in terms of the measurement model. The constructs identified as antecedents to intention to quit were satisfaction with benefits, job embeddedness, supportive organisational climate and transformational leadership. With the unique combination of variables and the evolving construct of job embeddedness, this study can be deemed as contributing to the existing theory of and literature on job embeddedness and intention to quit. This study concludes with recommendations for future research, as well as practical interventions offered regarding the retention strategies for Generation Y employees in the software development industry in South Africa.
Are some fund managers better than others? Manager characteristics and fund performance
(AOSIS, 2004) Friis, L. B.; Smit, E. v d M.
The research objective has been to find out whether fund manager characteristics help explain fund performance and propensity to risk taking. Eight independent variables; manager age, tenure of the manager with the fund, years of education, whether the manager holds a MBA or CA/CFA qualification, management team size, fund age and fund objective are regressed on measures of fund performance and riskiness. The findings of the study are highly significant and show that fund performance and riskiness are impacted upon by managers’ qualifications. One can expect better risk-adjusted performance from a fund manager who holds a CA/CFA qualification. Results show that these managers outperform managers without these qualifications, while taking on less risk than managers with MBA qualifications.
Are you a prisoner or an option innovator
(2012-04) Ungerer, Marius
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Are you running as fast as you can to stay in the same place? Revisit modern theories of business strategy, consider your options, and get ahead.
Die armes hoef nie altyd met ons te wees nie
(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB), 2010-04) Sithole, Abel
Die samelewing raak maklik immuun teen mense se armoede. Party sal dalk sê dis deels vanweë die Bybelse argument dat ons die armes altyd met ons sal hê. Of dit kan wees dat, hoewel meer welvarende mense bewus is dat armoede bestaan, die verskynsel so veelvlakkig en ingewikkeld is – en so fi sies verwyder – dat dit moeilik is om ten volle te begryp.

Browse

Browsing University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) by Title

Results Per Page

Sort Options