scholarly journals Understanding the use of strategic intelligence as a strategic management tool in the long-term insurance industry in South Africa

2011 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
René Pellissier ◽  
J-P. Kruger
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
South African ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Insurance Industry ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
The South ◽  
Strategic Intelligence ◽  
Term Insurance

The purpose of this research paper was to explore the extent to which strategic intelligence is utilised within the South African long-term insurance industry and whether it could be used to identify opportunities or threats within the global environment to remain competitive, create greater innovation, and corporate advantage.The paper obtained the qualitative views and opinions of strategic decision makers, on an executive managerial level within the South African long-term insurance industry, on their organisations use of strategic intelligence. It was found that there are marked differences in the conformity and usage of strategic intelligence and its components between the organisations surveyed, with a measurable difference between large and small organisations. It is, however, generally viewed that the use of a strategic intelligence framework could greatly enhance decision-making.Data collection for the research undertaken was limited to the 82 long-term insurance companies, which were registered with the South African Financial Services Board. More specifically the focus was on the organisations listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange within the Life Assurance sector, within which a final response rate of 36.1% was achieved, including the 100% response rate from the six listed organisations.By understanding the extent to which strategic intelligence is utilised in the South African longterminsurance industry, and the benefits or problems that are experienced by implementing and using strategic intelligence as an input to the strategic management process we can comprehend the value that strategic intelligence adds in the decision making process. The originality of this work concludes in the identification and utilisation of the most important factors of a strategic intelligence framework that will greatly enhance global corporate decisionmakingand result in competitive advantage and constant innovation within the South African business environment.

scholarly journals Developing Corporate Strategies To Enable Resilience In The South African Information Systems And Technology Industry

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 913 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pieter W. Buys
Keyword(s):  
Information Systems ◽  
South African ◽  
Swot Analysis ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
The South ◽  
Role Of Government ◽  
Corporate Strategies ◽  
Technology Industry

Globalisation has contributed to many new challenges in the Information Systems and Technology (IS&T) industry, which placed increased pressure on organisational long-term sustainability. Just like their global counterparts, IS&T organisations in the South African marketplace also need to be cognisant of its competitive business environment in order to survive in a very competitive environment. However, in the dynamic business environment, organisational resilience becomes a crucial building block in achieving sustainability. The objective of this article is to identify and consider key factors in the South African IS&T industry that not only embraces a thorough understanding of the business environment, but also of corporate resilient strategies that may support its long-term sustainability. Based on a PEST and SWOT analysis, it was found that the local IS&T business environment, which includes the uncertain and unpredictable role of government together high-levels of crime and unemployment, makes for both challenging and promising times in the South African IS&T industry.

Consumer Awareness, Consumer Protection, Service Quality and Loyalty: The Case of Long-term Insurance Consumers in Namibia

2019 ◽  
Vol 118 (8) ◽  
pp. 172-189
Author(s):  
Magreth B Tjizumaue ◽  
Krishna Govender
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Consumer Protection ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Insurance Industry ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Consumer Awareness ◽  
Growth And Survival ◽  
Term Insurance ◽  
Protection Legislation

Due to the absence of appropriate Consumer Protection legislation in Namibia, there seems to be a lack of consumer protection, which may result in consumers being exploited. Since the literature reveals that Consumer Awareness, Consumer Protection, Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction influence Customer Loyalty, the aforementioned relationship was explored among consumers of long-term insurance products in Namibia. The researcher embedded the study in the Services Marketing and User’s Satisfaction/Dissatisfaction theory and developed a framework for creating a more aware consumer and thus contribute to the growth and survival of the long-term insurance industry in Namibia.  A survey was conducted using a questionnaire, among a judgmental sample of 407 long-term insurance consumers in Namibia and Structural Equation Modelling was used to analyse (eight) hypothesized relationships among the research constructs alluded to in the title of this study. In summary, it was ascertained that if the customers are fully aware (have sufficient knowledge of the products and their consumer rights), they will feel protected against unfair business practices. Furthermore, if they perceive having received quality services, they are more likely to be satisfied with the service provider and will therefore, remain loyal.

Morphology and long-term landscape evolution of the South African plateau in South Namibia

CATENA ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 142 ◽  
pp. 47-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
François Mvondo Owono ◽  
Marie-Joseph Ntamak-Nida ◽  
Olivier Dauteuil ◽  
François Guillocheau ◽  
Bernard Njom
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Landscape Evolution ◽  
The South

scholarly journals Probing strategy-project alignment: The case of the South African Social Security Agency

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerrit Van Der Waldt
Keyword(s):  
Social Security ◽  
Strategic Management ◽  
South African ◽  
Systems Thinking ◽  
Empirical Investigation ◽  
Public Institutions ◽  
The South ◽  
Project Failures ◽  
Organisation Management ◽  
Social Security Agency

Public institutions, such as the South African Social Security Agency (SASSA) increasingly function in multi-project environments to translate strategies successfully into service-delivery initiatives. However, this ‘projectification’ often causes projects to be designed and executed haphazardly. This can lead to budget and schedule overruns, and the general wastage of an organisation’s resources. Project failures often occur where organisations do not ensure that specific projects are aligned with their core strategies. The purpose of this article is to combine the theories and principles of organisation, management, strategic management, and project management in an effort to pinpoint core determinants that can help establish the extent to which an organisation manages the alignment of its strategic projects. In the present study, the author applied the principles of interdisciplinarity, systems thinking, and organisational integration. The combined core determinants that were uncovered were then used in an empirical investigation of SASSA. The purpose of this investigation is to identify particular challenges the organisation faces in aligning their strategies and projects successfully. Thereafter, a number of recommendations follow to address these challenges.

scholarly journals Strategic management controlling system and its importance for SMEs in the EU

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 362-372
Author(s):  
Miroslav Pavlák ◽  
Přemysl Písař
Keyword(s):  
Strategic Management ◽  
Financial Analysis ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
The European Union ◽  
Term Stability ◽  
Long Term Stability ◽  
Controlling System ◽  
Depth Analysis ◽  
The University

The current hyper-competitive environment offers many great opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), but on the other hand, this business environment is also hazardous. SMEs are a significant economic power and employer in the European Union. Their competitiveness and long-term stability are a crucial factor for European cohesion and economic growth. The research aim is to design a strategic management controlling system that should be implemented to SMEs and be useful for their long-term future development. The study was conducted in 2017–2020 based on data from 403 SMEs. The PAPI method was used to collect data. The implications between defined variables controlling, ROA, turnover, financial analysis, and strategic management were explained, and the results obtained from an in-depth analysis were indicated. The research was concluded by a model of strategic management controlling system tested by experimental in-practice implementation on SMEs and verified. The model and the research findings are suitable for business practice and should support the long-term stability and development of SMEs. AcknowledgmentThe paper has been prepared within the project “Risk Management in Industry 4.0” (7427/2019/02 IGA VŠFS) using the objective oriented support for specific university research of the University of Finance and Administration.

Heterogeneity and Instability: Theoretical–Methodological Outcomes of Three Investigations on Land and Agrarian Movements and the State

2021 ◽  
pp. 227797602110526
Author(s):  
Marcelo C. Rosa ◽  
Camila Penna ◽  
Priscila D. Carvalho
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Agrarian Reform ◽  
The State ◽  
Agricultural Workers ◽  
The South ◽  
The Third ◽  
Public Expression ◽  
Transnational Ties ◽  
Definition Of

The article presents a theoretical–methodological proposal to research movements and its connections based on the associations they establish. The first investigation focuses on the transformations of the South African Landless People’s Movement, the second on interactions between Brazilian rural movements and the National Institute of Colonization and Agrarian Reform, the third focuses on the transnational ties of the Brazilian National Confederation of Agricultural Workers. We produce an ontological definition of movements and the state as collectives whose existence is defined by continuous assemblages of heterogeneous and unstable elements. Those collectives are not enclosed analytical units, but contingent and contextual. Methodologically, we suggest the observation of the processes in the long term to grasp the continuous constructions of those collectives, even before they reach public expression. Controversies are analytical categories for understanding which elements allow things to take the course we analyze.

The South African Cash-In-Transit Heist Enterprise: Managing its Wellspring and Concatenation

2019 ◽  
Vol 57 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 198-224
Author(s):  
Mahlogonolo Stephina Thobane
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
The South ◽  
The Public ◽  
Reduction Strategies ◽  
Career Criminals ◽  
Risk Reduction Strategies ◽  
Master Of Arts ◽  
In Transit ◽  
Method Approach

AbstractSouth African cash-in-transit (CIT) robberies appear to be in a state of flux. According to the Minister of Police, Mr Bheki Cele, the incidence of these crimes has steadily decreased due to rapid response by the police in arresting more than 200 suspects between June and November 2018. Given the rhizomatic, eclectic nature of this crime type – and possible mechanical linkages and/or linear causality within the genesis of the crime – it is debatable whether arrests and incarceration offer a long-term solution. CIT robbers interviewed for this study reported that they were career criminals, less likely to be rehabilitated and that incarceration was only an interruption to their career. These findings were backed by life-course theories. This article contends that if the South African Criminal Justice System wants to curb CIT robberies, an investigation into proactive methods for combating the crime should be developed and risk reduction strategies crafted. After investigating possible causes of CIT robberies, this research made recommendations based on holistic measures involving the public, family, and various government and non-governmental departments. The research was conducted for a Master of Arts degree in Criminology. A mixed-method approach was followed and 40 incarcerated offenders who committed robbery with aggravating circumstances participated in the study.

The South African Political Process

1991 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 316-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. E. Spence
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Political Process ◽  
The South ◽  
African Government ◽  
International Pressure ◽  
Economic Forces ◽  
South African Politics ◽  
To Receive ◽  
Opposition Parties

Over a quarter of a century ago i was privileged to receive an invitation to contribute an article on South African politics to the first number of this journal. I recall dismissing the thesis that ‘economic forces, together with the emergence of an African middle class, will provide a long term solution to the country's problems…’ I argued thateven if we assume a lessening in international pressure, and an indefinite coqtinuation of the Republic's economic expansion, the [black] elite thrown up by this process may present the South African government (and the opposition parties) with their most fundamental challenge. In these circumstances — the most favourable South Africa can legitimately expect — the choice will still lie between yet more authoritarian methods of social control and a widening of the area of participation in the political process on terms distinctly more radical than those currently envisaged by the two major opposition parties in the Parliament based on the present electorate.

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