https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/19909 2026-05-01T16:26:03Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32251 Assessing the level of innovation practices in built projects to create value for the market and to ensure sustainability and recovery of the construction industry within a recession: a case of JC van der Linde and Venter projects in the Tshwane region Niemand, Marjorie Iris Due to a weak economic climate, it has become increasingly difficult for construction companies to sustain their business and stay competitive by using innovation in their daily operations. Hence, the construction sector is lagging in innovation, it has become increasingly important to look at innovative strategies to stay competitive. The study examines the opinions of employees in JC van der Linde and Venter Projects, and their assessment of the significance of the use and relevance of innovation strategies in the construction sector. The data collected in respect of employees’ perceptions of innovation suggest the importance and relevance thereof. An explanatory research design was adopted where the primary instrument for data collection was a questionnaire. A sample of 75 employees were collected from a target of 236 employees in different construction project sites in Tshwane region. The study found respondents understood the importance of innovation, but lacks understanding of how innovation frameworks fit into the organisation as the organisation lacks a formal innovation framework linked to strategic priorities. The study is therefore in agreement that the industry is slow to innovate A synthesis of expertise is needed in different domains to grow and innovate the company. This is a major concern that must be addressed at a strategic level as innovation have to be initiated from a managerial with clear strategic innovation plans incorporated in the strategic plan of the company. The study recommends that construction firms must invest in research and development to exploit the potential of innovation for organisational growth and sustainability. The study concludes that innovation must form part of a strategic plan and driven by top management for it to be effective. Implementation of any innovation plan can only be instituted from the top, hence if innovation plans are not formalised it will not be effective without a formal framework. Therefore, it is recommended that the 70/20/10 rule of innovation must be incorporated into strategic objectives to make innovation part of a formal process, which can be measured in terms of Key Result Areas (KRAs) in the form of a Balanced Scorecard. 2024-01-07T00:00:00Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32250 Industrialization of plug-in electric vehicles (PEV) in South Africa Magazi, Lazola Sipelele The study intended to investigate the Industrialization of Plug-In Electric Vehicles (PEV) in South Africa. The study aimed at determining whether PEVs in South Africa (SA) could be industrialized using local resources. The study also intended to identify the possibility of industrialization, the socio-economic factors and localization. South Africa previously had a Joule Electric Vehicle that had failed to industrialize to due lack of government support, the study had learned lessons from the Joule Electric Vehicle. SA automotive industry has an important role in SA’s economy, it contributes about 4,9% to the GDP, it produces close to 1% of the global car manufacturing and exports 60% of its manufactured cars to the European market. SA is currently facing a problem of losing its major markets that is Europe Union (EU) and United Kingdom (UK). The EU and UK took a political decision that by 2030 they will only accept cars that will reduce green-house gas emissions by 55% and by the year 2035 they will only accept 100% electric vehicles produced in SA. In order for SA to retain its major market it has to shift from the production of Internal Combustion Engines to Electric Vehicles. The study aimed at determining the capacity of PEVs to drive Industrialization, to identify the socio-economic factors and to establish the impact of localization. The study was conducted through qualitative research method where the data was collected using face-face interviews and had a population size of 41 participants and a sample size of 21 participants. The study interviewed participants from Department of Transport, Automobile Industry and Department of Trade, Industry and Competition. In addition, the interviewees were Chief Executive Officers, Executive Managers, Senior Managers and Middle Managers. The study recommended future research areas that included implementation of policy, localization of PEV components and emissions caused by the manufacturing of PEVs. 2024-01-08T00:00:00Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32249 An investigation into the causes of failure and strategies for survival and growth of small medium and micro enterprises (SMMES) in South Africa: the case of Msunduzi Local Municipality Zondi, Sibonelo Motivated by the alarming rate of failure of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs), despite the significance accorded to them, in the economic growth and development of economies, this study sought to investigate factors contributing to SMME failures and identify effective survival and sustainable growth strategies for SMMEs in Msunduzi Local Municipality (MLM). The significance of this study lies in its potential to identify impediments to small business growth and propose strategies to enhance their performance in MLM. Contributing to the existing knowledge on SMMEs, the research informs small business policy development and benefits businesses through the implementation of identified strategies. Utilising a quantitative method approach, the results of the study highlight challenges faced by SMMEs as limited access to finance and skilled labour, inadequate marketing and promotional strategies, and complying with regulatory requirements. Survival strategies uncovered include adapting to changing market trends, engaging in research and development, and exploring new market segments; while sustainable growth was found to be enabled by fostering positive organisational cultures and encouraging innovation, continuous improvements of products/services, and effective risk management practices. In conclusion, the study emphasised challenges like inadequate access to finance for small business and underscores that survival strategies require adapting to market trends, while sustainable growth involve cultivating positive organisational cultures. The design of financial support with low interest, especially by financiers, is, therefore, recommended to address challenges like inadequate access to finance. The SMMEs in MLM are recommended to establish robust systems for continuous monitoring of internal and external environments for survival strategies like adapting to market trends; and provide leadership training for owners for sustainable growth like fostering positive organisational culture. 2023-12-23T00:00:00Z https://ir.unisa.ac.za/handle/10500/32248 Factors affecting the online buying behaviour of females: the case of south African online retailing industry Nduna, Sandile This study addressed a research gap in the South African clothing retail industry, where limited research has focused on the factors influencing online consumer buying behaviour. Despite the rapid growth of e-commerce and the increasing significance of online shopping, understanding these factors remains essential for the industry's growth and success. The purpose of this research was to identify the key factors affecting the online buying behaviour of female consumers in South Africa's online clothing retail sector. Employing a quantitative research approach, a convenience sampling method was utilised to gather data via online questionnaires from female online clothing shoppers in Pretoria and Johannesburg, resulting in a usable sample of 121 respondents. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyse the data. The study addressed two primary questions: Firstly, it examined the perceptions of female consumers toward online clothing shopping. The results revealed that female online shoppers in Gauteng generally held positive perceptions of online shopping, with varying degrees of consensus across various aspects of online buying behaviour. Age-related differences were also identified in these perceptions. Secondly, the study investigated the factors driving female online shoppers to purchase clothing online. It was found that online consumer attitude, trust, perceived risk, perceived benefits, and age significantly influenced online buying behaviour. Trust and perceived benefits positively affected online shopping behaviour, while perceived risk had a negative influence. Age, particularly being below 40, was associated with a greater inclination for online shopping. It was recommended that retailers should focus on building trust with their customers, emphasising the benefits of online shopping, and tailoring strategies to different age groups. These findings provide a foundation for enhancing the online clothing retail industry in South Africa, ultimately benefiting both businesses and consumers in this dynamic digital landscape. 2023-12-28T00:00:00Z