Assessing company strength in South Africa using value added: 1990-2000

This article aims to determine if value added-based ratio analysis could be used to measure organisation strength and be useful as a tool in corporate strategy formulation. The areas of investigation included productivity of production factors, reinvestment in capital and overall business control.Productivity measurement provides insight into the capital and labour intensity of organisations. Some organisations were able to exert high value added to sales ratios, but they did not perform as well when their productivity levels were measured. Reinvestment in capital tries to establish if organisations have the means to uphold and strengthen their present asset base, which also includes its human capital. Margins on sales and value added are used to measure overall business control and provide insight into the ability of organisations to add value through their own production skills or by command of lucrative contracts with suppliers. Organisations that are able to show high values on both ratios are said to display a high degree of overall business control.The formulas used in this article are a replication of those used by the mentioned authors. The models as developed by Bryant are specifically used to see how they fit in the South African context and to draw conclusions about their use for future purposes.

Download Full-text

Oil Companies and Climate Change: Inconsistencies between Strategy Formulation and Implementation?

Global Environmental Politics ◽

10.1162/glep.2007.7.3.42 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 42-62 ◽

Cited By ~ 26

Author(s):

Ingvild Andreassen Sæverud ◽

Jon Birger Skjærseth

Keyword(s):

Climate Change ◽

Strategy Formulation ◽

Oil Companies ◽

Corporate Strategies ◽

International Climate ◽

Framework Conditions ◽

High Degree ◽

The Relationship ◽

Level 2 ◽

Insight Into

This article examines major oil companies in terms of climate strategies and their implementation. More specifıcally, it takes a critical look at Shell, BP, and ExxonMobil, and the relationship between rhetoric and action regarding investments in climate-friendly activities. Empirical evidence indicates a generally high degree of consistency between what these companies say and what they do, but interesting differences are also found: ExxonMobil has done somewhat more than its climate strategy formulations would suggest; Shell has done somewhat less; whereas BP's activities are mainly in line with its statements. Factors at three levels contribute to explaining these differences: (1) the company level, 2) the political framework conditions in the various regions where the companies operate, 3) international climate cooperation. The fındings and explanations, although restricted to the three oil companies with regard to climate change, provide insight into the relationship between corporate strategies and implementation more generally. They offer understanding and analytical categories for assessing how well and why such multinational entities put into practice stated objectives.

Download Full-text

The readability of integrated reports

Meditari Accountancy Research ◽

10.1108/medar-07-2017-0165 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 25 (4) ◽

pp. 629-653 ◽

Cited By ~ 31

Author(s):

Elda du Toit

Keyword(s):

South African ◽

Stock Exchange ◽

Value Added ◽

Complex Nature ◽

Integrated Reporting ◽

Content Type ◽

Johannesburg Stock Exchange ◽

New Findings ◽

African Context ◽

Informed Reader

Purpose This is an exploratory study to investigate the readability of integrated reports. The aim of this paper is to assess whether integrated reports are accessible to their readership and add value to stakeholders. Design/methodology/approach Readability analyses are performed on the integrated reports of all companies listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange for 2015 and 2016. Readability results are compared by means of a correlation analysis to the results of the Ernst & Young Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards for 2015. Findings The results show that the complex nature of the language used in integrated reports of listed companies impairs readability and, as an implication, affects the value stakeholders can derive from the information. The results from the correlation with the Ernst & Young Excellence in Integrated Reporting Awards indicate that an integrated report is considered of higher quality if it is written using complex language. Research limitations/implications The main limitation of the study lies in its exclusively South African setting, which is the only country where integrated reports are recommended as part of stock exchange listings requirements. Another limitation is the fact that integrated reports are mainly aimed at informed users and is thus compiled with the informed reader in mind, which impacts on general readability. Practical implications The results present new findings regarding integrated reporting practice, which is of interest to firms, investors, regulators, amongst others. The findings show how the value-added by integrated reports could be improved. Originality/value This study is the first to investigate the readability of integrated reports in a South African context. The results indicate that integrated reports are difficult to read and are only useful to a portion of the total intended population.

Download Full-text

Dimensionality of interpersonal trust and its relationship to innovativeness

The Journal for Transdisciplinary Research in Southern Africa ◽

10.4102/td.v9i1.223 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Marita Heyns ◽

Andrew Jearey

Keyword(s):

South African ◽

Interpersonal Trust ◽

Sampling Technique ◽

Business Studies ◽

Competitive Edge ◽

African Context ◽

Organisational Behaviour ◽

Positive Correlations ◽

The Relationship ◽

Insight Into

Companies striving for a competitive edge need to have insight into factors that best promote innovativeness. Our quantitative study explored the relationship between sub- dimensions of interpersonal trust and innovativeness on both lateral and vertical organisational levels. The convenience sampling technique (N=95) focused on the members of the maintenance and production teams of a division within a large petrochemical company. Data were gathered through previously validated, structured questionnaires.Research on the specific combination of sub-dimensions and organisational levels has, to the best of our knowledge, neither been linked within the same study, nor within a South African context, before.Results revealed practically significant positive correlations between several sub- dimensions of trust and innovativeness that can assist management in developing more focused strategies to develop a competitive edge.Keywords: Interpersonal trust, vertical trust, lateral trust, cognitive-based trust, affective-based trust, organisational innovativenessDisciplines: Organisational behaviour, Innovative studies, Business studies

Download Full-text

Geloofsvolharding en moreel-etiese agteruitgang in die lig van die kenmotief in 2 Petrus 1:8-11

In die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi ◽

10.4102/ids.v34i4.616 ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 34 (4) ◽

Author(s):

D.G. Breed ◽

G.J.C. Jordaan

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

South African ◽

The Other ◽

South African Context ◽

Peter 1 ◽

God's Will ◽

African Context ◽

2 Peter ◽

Positive Effect ◽

Insight Into

Spiritual perseverance within the situation of moral-ethical degeneration as seen in the light of the motif of knowing in 2 Peter 1:8-11 The purpose of this article is to reflect on the significance of the motif of knowing in 2 Peter 1:8-11 for the current South African context. The motif of knowing in 2 Peter 1:8-11 gives special insight into the manner in which Christians in South Africa can be motivated to live according to God’s will. Believers must realize that a life style according to God’s will will have a positive effect on their knowledge of Jesus Christ, steadfastness in their belief and the certainty of their pretemporal election. On the other hand, somebody who lives according to his sinful desires disregards the meaning of his baptism. In this article an attempt is also made to show that Peter linked a life lived according to God’s will to enter into the eternal kingdom.

Download Full-text

Perceptions of a selected group of relatively affluent blacks regarding certain aspects of tourism

South African Journal of Business Management ◽

10.4102/sajbm.v19i3.980 ◽

1988 ◽

Vol 19 (3) ◽

pp. 109-114

Author(s):

C. Boshoff ◽

A. P. Du Plessis

Keyword(s):

South African ◽

Black Market ◽

Negative Influence ◽

Tourism Industry ◽

Marketing Strategies ◽

Market Segment ◽

The South ◽

High Degree ◽

Insight Into

Recent international and local developments have had a negative influence on the South African Tourism industry, particularly regarding the number of overseas tourists visiting the country. To compensate, the industry has renewed its interest in local options - particularly the potential and opportunities the black market offers. However, there appears to be a high degree of uncertainty about utilizing its potential. This study is an attempt to gain some insight into the tourism needs and requirements of a particular market segment, namely relatively affluent blacks. The findings reveal that affluent blacks do not exhibit tourism needs which are unique to that particular market segment, but do suggest definite needs and preferences. Information pertaining to these needs is essential for the marketer of tourism to ensure that appropriate marketing strategies are formulated which will allow for proper utilization of opportunities to the advantage of both marketer and consumer.

Download Full-text

Organising Against Precarity: The Life of a South African Labour Broker Worker

Work Employment and Society ◽

10.1177/09500170211015081 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 095001702110150

Author(s):

Carin Runciman ◽

Khongelani Hlungwani

Keyword(s):

South African ◽

Trade Unions ◽

New Labour ◽

Trade Union Movement ◽

Institutional Power ◽

Labour Rights ◽

Union Movement ◽

African Context ◽

Permanent Workers ◽

Insight Into

This article presents Khongelani Hlungwani’s experiences of working as a labour broker worker and his struggle to become a permanent worker in Gauteng, South Africa. His account provides a lens through which to understand the shopfloor divisions between permanent and labour broker workers. These divisions are, as Hlungwani’s account demonstrates, compounded by a trade union movement that largely sidelines the interests of precarious workers in favour of permanent workers. This has led many workers, like Hlungwani, to be distrustful of trade unions. Thus, when new labour rights were introduced in 2015, which provided an impetus for labour broker workers to organise, many, like Hlungwani, chose to do so outside of trade unions. The article demonstrates how it was possible, in the South African context, to utilise the institutional power of new labour rights to build associational power outside of trade unions. The article provides insight into both the strength and the fragility of these forms of organising through an account of the strike that Hlungwani participated in in solidarity with unionised workers at his workplace.

Download Full-text

EFFECTIVENESS OF STRATEGIC ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (SEA) IN SOUTH AFRICA

Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management ◽

10.1142/s146433320700269x ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 09 (01) ◽

pp. 83-101 ◽

Cited By ~ 39

Author(s):

FRANCOIS RETIEF

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

South African ◽

Practical Experience ◽

South African Context ◽

The South ◽

Research Results ◽

High Profile ◽

African Context ◽

High Degree ◽

Lost Opportunity

South Africa is regarded as a leading developing country in terms of SEA practice. However, the lack of empirical research to evaluate and learn from this wealth of practical experience can be considered a major lost opportunity not only for South Africa but also for the development of our understanding of SEA in the developing world. This paper provides the research results of an effectiveness review of six high profile SEA case studies within the South African context. Measured against four key performance areas (KPAs) and nine key performance indicators (KPIs) the research results show a high degree of ineffectiveness across all six cases in terms of 'direct outputs'. The main areas of weakness were the inability to influence the contents of plans and programmes as well as decision making in general. It can thus be concluded that based on the 'poor' direct effectiveness results SEA is not achieving its objectives within the South African context. However, certain 'indirect outputs' also emerged such as highlighting deficiencies and gaps in existing policy as well as examples where SEA facilitated capacity building and raised awareness of sustainability issues. Moreover, SEAs also contributed significantly to information generation and sharing. The research results suggest that practitioners need to either redefine the purpose of SEA, or fundamentally rethink the way in which SEA is being applied within the South African context. The paper concludes by making proposals for future international research.

Download Full-text

Appropriating spiritual help for traditional healing: why ancestors are needed

Religion, ethics and communication in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic - Pharos Journal of Theology ◽

10.46222/pharosjot.102.111 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jaco Beyers

Keyword(s):

South African ◽

Healing Process ◽

Traditional Healers ◽

Traditional Healing ◽

The Other ◽

South African Context ◽

Evaluative Study ◽

African Context ◽

Culturally Influenced ◽

Insight Into

This study investigates the use of traditional medicine by traditional healers in a South African context in the fight against Covid-19. Appropriating spiritual help in fighting the symptoms of the virus would be part of the treatment prescribed by traditional healers. This is not an evaluative study to judge whether traditional healing methods are valid or not. This is a descriptive exercise to show how traditional healers appropriate the help of the spiritual realm in the process of healing. Two different worldviews are discussed to indicate under which conditions the help of the spiritual realm is required in the healing process. The discussion of the porous and buffered worldviews provides insight into how people perceive their reality, and the influence of the spiritual realm in it. By describing how healing functions in an African (porous) worldview by adopting help from the spiritual realm, the importance of rituals as mediating actions, are emphasised. A porous worldview is not only found among African communities; several examples illustrate this. The conclusion drawn is that all illnesses and healing systems are culturally influenced, and one cannot be judged as being better or more efficacious than the other.

Download Full-text