Research Publications (Management Sciences)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10321/217

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State-owned enterprises in Africa and the economics of public service delivery
(2022-11-2) Netswera, Fulu; Fagbadebo, Omolulu; Dorasamy, Nirmala; Dorasamy, Nirmala
The African continent is a paradox. Despite its vast natural and human resources, it ranks among the poorest economies in the global system. In terms of human development, African countries are lagging. Most African citizens live in poverty, with harsh economic realities (World Poverty Clock 2020). Most African countries are struggling to fight hunger, exacerbated by the excruciating pain of poverty. Thus, with traits of state fragility, these countries are vulnerable to implosion (Fragile State Index [FSI] 2019). A considerable proportion of the countries in Africa rank among the least developed countries (Kazeem 2017). The above are the consequences of poor service delivery, occasioned by mismanagement of the public sector resources. In the annual Corruption Perception Index of Transparency International (TI), a preponderance of African countries has records of high-level corruption (Corruption Perception Index 2019). The development of the post-colonial ‘third-world’ countries – and Africa in particular – or the lack thereof has historically been premised on two praxes: 1. The underdevelopment of the colonies was a direct outcome of the colonial powers’ economic and political power dominance and influence (Rodney 1972). 2. The post-colonial governance chaos that ensued as a result of, among others, greed, coup d’état, corruption, poorly performing economies and poor or lack of credible governance institutions (Fanon 1963; O’Kane 1993). As the era of democracy comes of age in Africa and the era of coup d’état slowly fades into the background, underdevelopment and poor economic performance seem to have taken on a new form and meaning, that is, in the form of embedded corruption in the state procurement machinery. This book focuses on the performance and activities of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in relation to their service delivery responsibility. Despite its vast natural and human resources, Africa ranks among the poorest economies in the global system, with its attendant effect on human development. The above are the consequences of poor service delivery occasioned by mismanagement of the public sector resources. The rampant cases of corruption and mismanagement of public resources are associated with warped procurement systems in state institutions, especially the SOEs. State supply chain management (SCM), also commonly referred to as procurement, is a source of devastating corruption implications on the African governments. Poorly managed and corruption-led procurement systems have a major consequence on these fledgling economies, negatively affecting employment and economic growth. Poor service delivery by these SOEs has cumulative effects on society’s growth and the citizens’ well-being. This book focuses on the SOEs’ performance and activities in relation to their service delivery responsibility. Despite its vast natural and human resources, Africa ranks among the poor economies in the global system, with its attendant effect on human development. These are the consequences of poor service delivery occasioned by mismanagement of the public sector resources. This book provides a continuous assessment of the crisis in governance in Africa. As it is, there are huge deficits in the capacity of the African state to harness the vast human and material resources to promote good governance. This manifests in pervasive corruption, collapsed service delivery, collapsed state-owned enterprises, eroded social trust, capital flight, escalating levels of poverty and wars, human insecurity and stunted growth. The public sector is the pulse of service delivery because the entire governance system revolves around sourcing materials and services, mostly from the private sector, to achieve its public policy intents. Therefore, the procurement process ordinarily ought to yield positive economic outcomes and an efficiency-driven system in favour of the government itself and its service recipients. However, this is often not the case. Despite its enormous wealth, the African continent is in an economic quagmire, a dilemma that requires multifaceted research activities. This is the motivation for this volume. The authors of the chapters address the challenges associated with the performance of the SOEs from different perspectives and contexts that indicate the various unethical practices prevailing across the respective countries. While corruption in the activities of the SOEs and other public sector institutions across the continent is a common phenomenon, the forms and intensities differ. This provides deeper insights into the factors that engender the failure of government in public service delivery. This book, therefore, seeks to present multiple viewpoints on the intensity and consequences of failed public sector institutions in African states. It lays bare the incidents of the failure of state institutions for all to see, understand, learn from and avoid the pitfalls that have incapacitated states in Africa
An empirical investigation into the effect of lodging establishment attributes on water conservation efforts in Zimbabwe
(IGI Global, 2024-6-28) Sucheran, Reshma; Ushamba, Kudzai Norman; Kumar, Pankaj; Gupta, S.K.; Rout, Prakash; Madhurima
Water conservation is a global concern, particularly in regions like Zimbabwe grappling with water scarcity. The hospitality industry is pivotal in sustainable water management with its diverse lodging establishments. This research examines the effect of lodging establishment features on water conservation efforts in Zimbabwe. Based on survey responses from 203 lodging facilities, the empirical investigation reveals significant associations between various lodging facility attributes and water conservation practices. Established lodging businesses demonstrate a propensity for standardised water sustainability initiatives, while higher-graded establishments focus on more advanced practices. The study also reveals that newer lodging facilities are more likely to embrace advanced water conservation methods due to accessibility to technological advancements. The findings contribute valuable insights into the dynamics influencing water conservation practices within the lodging sector seeking to address sustainability challenges.
Historicising coup d’etats in Africa
(Springer Nature Switzerland, 2024) Fagbadebo, Omololu
Since the 1952 military putsch in Egypt, Africa has witnessed 214 military coup attempts. Out of these, 104 were successful while 108 failed. Most of the coups were consequent upon the fragile colonial state and governing structures bequeathed on African countries. This chapter takes a historical excursion into the era of military coups and government in Africa since 1952. While colonialism and the nature of decolonisation prepared the context for political instability, post-independent African states were victims of internal socio-political rivalries among the political and military elites. This development, fuelled by the attitudinal disposition of the elites to state power, has remained a defining feature of African governance. The chapter submits that while successive military regimes failed to correct the mistakes of their predecessors, the civilian regimes that succeeded military autocracy continued to falter in the promotion of good governance.
Qualitative analysis of motivation on employee efficiency and productivity : insight from a selected FMCG organisation in South Africa
(Bussecon International Academy, 2025-03-07) Okeke-Uzodike, Obianuju Ebele; Anusi, Happiness Ifunanya
Organisations are experiencing significant transformations that necessitate modern strategies to maintain pace. Motivation has emerged as an essential element of the workplace for organisational success. Motivated employees are often more effective and productive in achieving corporate goals and objectives; nonetheless, this concept continues to pose a challenge for contemporary businesses. The research investigated the impact of motivation on staff efficiency and production inside a specific Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) company in South Africa. Data were gathered through interviews utilising a non-probability quota sampling method from a sample of 11 people in a qualitative study. Thematic analysis was conducted on the data, facilitating the identification of patterns and the development of themes. The findings indicate that (i) the motivational strategies predominantly employed by the FMCG organisation pertain to the workplace environment, remuneration, well-being, and professional development; (ii) elements such as training and development, sense of belonging, equity and fairness, and career advancement significantly impact the efficiency and productivity of the study participants, with training and development being the most essential. Despite the beneficial effects of motivation, apprehensions arose regarding diverse training requirements and team management. The report advocates for a requirements assessment to identify and address skill deficiencies, prioritise good team management, and cultivate a culture of continuous learning, and improve employee engagement through a sense of belonging, equity, justice, and career advancement. These proposals synchronise motivational tactics with organisational objectives, hence enhancing staff productivity and competitive edge. This study provides valuable insights into improving staff efficiency and productivity through motivation in the dynamic FMCG sector in South Africa, with extensive implications for managerial practices and employee engagement.
Are perceptions of organizational communication color-blind? : A race comparative through a Chaos Theory lens
(Bussecon International Academy, 2024-10) Du Plessis, Yachal; Rawjee, Veena Parboo
With the global trend to prioritize tailoring communication strategies to meet the ever-changing diverse workforce, the study reveals a more nuanced reality. While much focus is placed on addressing communication differences, this papers position is that not enough focus is on our basic human need to communicate. This paper aims to evaluate whether certain aspects of the flow of information and communication are racially shared perceptions. Furthermore, through a Chaos Theory lens, evaluate the influence of managerial and organizational control mechanisms on various internal communication perceptions. A quantitative method was adopted, and data was collected from 63 non-management respondents in an automotive group in Kwa-Zulu Natal, by a closed-ended 5-point Likert scale. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics to identify racially shared and divergent perceptions of organizational communication and the statistically significance. Key findings conclude that the free and accurate flow of information is a shared perception, regardless of race, and thus, a basic human need. Furthermore, the study demonstrates the significant influence managerial and organizational control mechanisms have on aspects of organizational communication, and challenges current academic positions that similar race dyads experience higher levels of trust. Finally, the paper concludes that the significant negative perception to control mechanisms, such as informal idea-sharing processes, flexible communication between levels, and active participation in SOPs and policy development, is a racially shared perception.
An empirical analysis of corporate ‘derivatives’ effects on the underlying stock price exposure : South African evidence
(EnPress Publisher, 2024-11) Chikwira, Collin; Rawjee, Veena Parboo
In order to diversify a portfolio, find prices, and manage risk, derivatives products are now necessary. There is a lack of understanding of the true influence of derivatives on the behavior of the underlying assets, their volatility consequences, and their pricing as complex instruments. There is a dearth of empirical research on how these instruments impact company risk exposures and inconsistent findings. This study examines corporate derivatives’ impact on stock price exposure and systematic risk in South African non-financial firms. Using a dataset of listed firms from 2013 to 2023, we employ Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (GARCH) models to assess the effect of derivatives on return volatility and beta, a measure of systematic risk. Additionally, we apply the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) to address potential endogeneity between firm characteristics and derivatives use. Our findings suggest that firms using derivatives experience lower overall volatility and reduced systematic risk compared to non-users. The results are robust to various control factors, including firm size, leverage, and macroeconomic conditions. This study fills a gap in the literature by focusing on an underrepresented emerging market and provides insights relevant to global risk management practices.
The influence of social media use on corporate reputation at a higher education institution
(Bussecon International Academy, 2024-04-12) Maboee, Lerato Relebohile; Naidoo, Paulene; Ramlutchman, Nisha; Rawjee, Veena Parboo
The use of social media in organisations can assist in the creation and maintenance of a good brand, reputation and image largely due to the potential of developing interactive relationships with various stakeholders. This not only aids in building stakeholder relationships, but also in increasing an organisation’s visibility. The aim of this research was to assess how a higher education institution, specifically the Durban University of Technology (DUT) in South Africa, uses social media platforms to build and maintain a positive corporate reputation. Additionally, the research examined how the institution actively engages with their target audience on social media platforms. A quantitative methodology was adopted with a sample population of 180 students from the DUT. Data was collected through the distribution of questionnaires to students and analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Findings revealed that social media plays an important role for organisations as a vital tool to build and maintain corporate reputation online, as well as communicating effectively and actively with various target audiences. The research recommends that organisations prioritise investing in social media platforms and communicate effectively and actively with their audiences online. </jats:p>
Exploring the effects of foreign direct investments on South Africa economic growth
(International Institute for Science, Technology and Education, 2023-1) Muzuva, Meshel; Balkaran, Rishi; Rawjee, Veena Parboo
Foreign direct investment flows have grown rapidly as the global economy has become more integrated. Developing countries consider FDI as a driving force to economic growth as it contributes to technology transfer, infrastructure improvement, employment creation and trade performance. However, it has been of great concern to many economists on how FDIs affect the economic growth of the host country. The study examines the effect of FDIs on South Africa’s economic growth using annual time series data for the period 1980 to 2021. The autoregressive distributed lag model (ARDL) bounds testing approach to cointegration was used to test the long run relationship between economic growth, foreign direct investment, and exchange rate. The study found that FDI has a positive effect on economic growth rate thus validating the FDI-induced growth nexus in the South African economy, while exchange rate had a negative significant impact on economic growth. This study suggests that policymakers adopt policies aimed at infrastructural development that will attract more FDIs and enhance the country’s economic growth. Though there is a prime need to attract more foreign investors in South Africa, it is important to concede that attracting inward FDIs alone is not enough for sustainable economic growth and development. The government will have to undertake reforms with clear objectives and commitments.
Water infrastructure installation and maintenance challenges : perceptions of division managers and contractors
(Forscher Publication, 2026-1-20) Mokgobu, Matlou Lesley; Mason, Roger Bruce
The objectives of this paper were to identify the challenges experienced by the municipality of the City of Tshwane, South Africa, during and after the installation of water infrastructure, to explore the root causes of the identified challenges, and to rank their importance. The research strategy is exploratory and qualitative, applying purposive sampling to collect data via twenty semi-structured interviews with City of Tshwane water and sanitation division managers and staff, and from two focus groups from the water division contractors; one comprising seven managers and the other seven employees from these contractors. The collected data were analysed through NVivo, Excel graphs, and tables. The findings revealed that the City of Tshwane faces multiple challenges with regard to the sustainability of their water infrastructure, including old and dilapidated water infrastructure, political interference, community interference, lack of management intervention and technical skills, poor communication, poor record keeping, inadequate project management, staff shortages, tender nepotism, violation of service level agreements, poor security, vandalism, and corruption. In summary, the study showed a lack of project management and communication, especially inadequate planning and control policies and systems, which threaten the long-term sustainability of the City of Tshwane. Recommendations for improving the installation and maintenance procedures are provided.
The use of competitive intelligence as a strategic tool for student recruitment in public universities
(Bussecon International Academy) Mgweba, Chulumanco; Rawjee, Veena Parboo; Naidoo, Paulene
Competitive intelligence strategies are employed by higher education institutions to assist with student recruitment. These competitive intelligence (CI) strategies help maintain or increase market share in education. Utilising competitive intelligence is crucial for firms in competitive markets, assisting in strategic planning and execution. Higher education organisations can benefit from CI to make informed decisions and develop strategic goals. The competition between selected public universities that reside in the same town has resulted in devising competitive strategies to attract grade 12 students with effective and innovative student recruitment strategies. The study sought to examine how competitive intelligence is used as a strategy to promote student recruitment at selected public universities. The study adopted a quantitative research approach where 234 first-time entering university students were used as key informants. To collect data, a questionnaire was used and is attached. It was discovered that both institutions utilised similar strategies to recruit students. Results reveal that the selected public universities employ traditional and technology-based strategies for student recruitment, relying on past success rather than a standardised approach based on competitive intelligence. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of competitive intelligence strategies in student recruitment, aiming to promote diverse communication needs among current and potential students.
Innovative financing strategies in the small and medium business sector, tapping the right sources
(Danubius University Press, 2022-12-1) Rawjee, Veena Parboo; Chikwira, Collin
Abstract: Small and medium businesses are still small due to financial incapacitation. Financial resources are the limiting factors for growth; therefore, the study explores the SMEs' sources of finance and innovative financial strategies for firm growth. The research adopted mixed methods. The structured questionnaires were used on a face to face, telephonic, email, and virtual forms. The survey was more concerned with quantitative and qualitative finance sources on both preferred and business uses. The results show that the financing preferences of owners/managers of all the selected Districts changed accordingly with the growing needs of their SMEs. At the start-up stage, they appear to have relied much on their savings and financial support from immediate families. After two years of economic viability, the SMEs have increased their reliance on the support of financial institutions. With the growth in the implementation of 4th Industrialisation and progresses in artificial intelligence, the World is now a village. Social media has reduced the distance. Therefore, the study proposed project financial strategies and trust financing were SMEs can tap into for their financing needs. Innovations in the global village induce untapped sources of financing through the currently proposed financing models for SMEs in this study.
The relationship between e-WOM and consumer online buying behaviour
(Seybold Publications, 2024-8-1) Tinonetsana, Faith; Rawjee, Veena Parboo; Govender, Jeevarathnam Parthasarathy
The growth of active users on online interactive media platforms, such as electronic Word-of-Mouth, has had a significant impact on marketers as customers are more likely to trust unfiltered e-WOM from other consumers than marketer-influenced signals like branding. There is still a debate about the impact of e-WOM on consumer purchasing behaviour; this discrepancy could be attributed to various factors, including the context in which the studies were conducted, the methodological approaches used, and the time and spatial dimensions. Other factors contributing to the lack of consensus include the fact that online content is tailored to different occasions, social groups, and even different brands. The paper seeks to establish what e-WOM is and discuss its relationship with consumers’ buying behaviour process during online buying. The study was quantitative, descriptive, and crosssectional. The self-administered questionnaires were sent via email to 400 Durban University of Technology staff and students and only 288 questionnaires were received back. A review of the literature revealed a positive relationship between e-WOM and consumer buying behaviour. The empirical findings from the structural equation modelling, which demonstrated a positive, strong correlation between e-WOM and consumer buying behaviour, further support the literature. Marketers must design tactics to increase the likelihood of their businesses creating positive e-WOM in all e-WOM stages and capitalising on the power of any favourable reviews and testimonials received.
The uptake of digital marketing by rural communities in flagstaff, South Africa
(Ponte Academic Journal) Noqazo, Zizipho; Madondo, Elvis; Rawjee, Veena Parboo
Abstract Retail outlets in rural South African communities are increasingly concerned about sustainability. Many of these outlets are therefore adopting digital marketing as a means to assist with sustainability initiatives. The implementation of digital marketing within this context face challenges. These challenges therefore limit the full potential of digital marketing. This study therefore set out to assess the uptake of digital marketing among consumers in rural Flagstaff. Using a qualitative research approach, data was gathered through five focus-group discussions involving an average of six participants each. Thematic analysis of the data revealed a limited adoption of digital marketing by in Flagstaff, with some consumers admitting to never having used digital devices. The main barriers cited were inadequate internet access due to poor mobile network coverage and the absence of WiFi hotspots. To improve adoption rates, the study recommends enhancing network infrastructure, offering affordable data plans, and improving access to digital devices by rural consumers. These measures may aim to increase the utilisation of digital marketing initiatives within South African retail outlets.
An exploration of the effects of foreign direct investments on South Africa’s economic growth
(La Nuova Italia Editrice, 2024-1-1) Muzuva, Meshel; Balkaran, Rishi; Rawjee, Veena Parboo
This study examines how foreign direct investment (FDI) impacts South Africa's economic growth. Interviews were conducted with experts in economics and business to gain insight into their perspectives on South Africa's FDI attraction strategy and impact on economic growth . The findings reveal both advantages and disadvantages associated with FDI. While experts acknowledge that FDI has the potential to stimulate economic growth, they also raise concerns regarding unequal distribution of benefits and potential harm to the economy. To maximize the positive effects of FDI while minimizing risks, the participants recommend several actions. These include making regulations clearer and more predictable, improving infrastructure to make South Africa more competitive, and attracting investment to growing industries. Collaboration between different groups is also seen as important for sharing knowledge, developing skills, and creating new ideas. Additionally, addressing skill shortages, making it easier for businesses to get funding, and promoting South Africa more effectively are seen as crucial. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the need for a well-rounded approach to attracting FDI, considering economic, social, and government-related factors. By implementing targeted policies and encouraging collaboration, South Africa can become more attractive to investors and achieve its full economic potential. However, it's important to constantly monitor how well these strategies work to ensure FDI truly benefits South Africa's long-term economic growth and development.
Preference for a career in retailing: a question of personality
(Informa UK Limited, 2018) Heidig, Wibke; Dobbelstein, Thomas; Mason, Roger Bruce; Jooste, Wayne
Drawing on previous findings from the field of brand personality research and employer branding, this paper aims to explore the symbolic attributes of the retail industry image in South Africa and to identify those personality traits that distinguish preferred industries from the retail industry. The research provides a contemporary overview of the current image of the retail industry in South Africa from the perspective of young university students and allows retailers to strengthen their joint communication effort accordingly. Therefore, a quantitative survey study with 1426 participants from five South African universities was conducted. Participants assessed personality characteristics of the retail industry as well as their most preferred industry. The main results suggest that retail and non-retail students hold different personality perceptions of the retail industry and that prior retail involvement accounts for this difference to some extent. Moreover, the analysis shows that retailing performs significantly worse on those personality attributes that are of major importance for future job seekers. Additionally, the study identifies those attributes that exert a strong effect on students’ preferences for the retail industry. The findings provide useful communication themes for educational institutions, retail companies, and industry associations in order to foster positive personality perceptions associated with the retail industry.
Food for thought: how culture shapes intentions to reduce food waste in South Africa
(Wiley, 2025-3) Heidig, Wibke; Dobbelstein, Thomas; Mason, Roger Bruce
In the context of increasing food scarcity, the issue of household food waste has garnered significant attention, particularly in developing nations. Despite its critical importance, there remains a paucity of empirical research exploring the underlying behavioral and cultural factors that shape individuals’ intentions to reduce food waste within their homes. This article seeks to bridge this gap by drawing on the theory of planned behavior to examine how personal cultural values impact attitudes toward food waste reduction, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control (PBC), which serve as key determinants of behavioral intention. To empirically test the proposed model, a comprehensive quantitative survey was conducted among 529 South African consumers. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling, revealing that consumers who exhibit stronger adherence to cultural dimensions such as uncertainty avoidance and long‐term orientation, coupled with lower scores on power distance, are likely, through the influence of attitude, subjective norms, and PBC, to possess higher intentions to actively reduce food waste. These findings offer valuable insights for marketers and policymakers, highlighting the potential to leverage cultural values in designing effective interventions aimed at encouraging more sustainable consumer behaviors and reducing household food waste.
Factors influencing the use of digital personal banking in South Africa
(Academy of Taiwan Information Systems Research, 2024-1-1) Ramsundra, Avikar; Mason, Roger Bruce
Financial technology improvements have simplified personal banking, allowing a range of services to be accessed anytime and anywhere. But the impact of digital financial technology on the use by consumers of digital personal banking in developing economies has been little researched. The purpose of this study is, therefore, to examine the link between the use of digital personal banking by consumers and the various drivers of digital banking use in a developing economy, namely South Africa. An online survey of 400 digital banking users in the iLembe district of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, was used to collect data. Of the eight drivers identified initially from extant literature, Online service quality, Usability, and Branch service quality were the most important, with Usability and Online service quality having the greatest positive influence, and Branch service quality having a large negative influence, on use of digital banking by the respondents.
A management model for the economic sustainability of the retail cooperative sector in South Africa
(2018-12-31) Mason, Roger Bruce; Raap, Peter John
Abstract: It is well recognized internationally that cooperatives can provide a wellspring for the development of economies. The factors enhancing the establishment, resilience, and sustainability of cooperatives in the wholesale and retail sector in South Africa are examined in this paper with the purpose of proposing a management model that could support the development and sustainability of cooperatives in this sector. The paper identifies four themes necessary to be in place for the successful establishment and sustainability of cooperatives. The research approach was qualitative, cross-sectional and descriptive. Three groups of respondents were sampled, two groups were interviewed telephonically, the third as a focus group. These included retail cooperative owners or managers and experts in the field of cooperatives in the retail sector. A questionnaire was developed around the four themes and served as the basis of a discussion guide for the focus group. The first theme, Legislation, appears to be soundly in place, while the remaining three themes: Management and infrastructural issues; Training and skills issues and Marketing issues are found to be wanting. In order to overcome these weaknesses, a management model is proposed which can facilitate the development of cooperatives in the shorter term as well as being able to capacitate the emerging cooperatives for sustainability in the longer term. Further research into possible structures for emerging retail cooperatives is suggested.
A model for wholesale and retail assessment centres in regulated occupational learning in South Africa
(Informa UK Limited, 2019-7-4) Damons, Deonita; Le Grange, Jason J.; Mason, Roger Bruce; Louw, Steven W.
South Africa's new occupational and vocational qualifications require assessment centres with a national footprint to conduct national summative assessments which are convenient and cost effective for learners. This new assessment process requires specialised facilities, but few current facilities can provide these. The research project proposed a model which is able to serve the needs of the quality assurance body and industry and be appropriate to the retail sector occupational qualifications. A qualitative method was used, involving a literature review and secondary data analysis; small focus groups; semi-structured interviews; and follow-up workshops to peer review the findings. The participants included industry experts, education providers and quality assurance experts. Two models were identified and considered, namely: Model A, which involves private businesses that can be accredited to become assessment centres; and Model B, which uses Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges for all national assessments. The overall finding was that Model B is more suitable.
Job creation in the South African retail sector
(2017) Malgas, Burton; Khatle, Tony; Mason, Roger Bruce
This paper reports on research into retail’s contribution to, and strategies for, job creation, providing an overview of employment in the South African retail industry, and its contribution to job creation. The study focused on skills as visualized by large formal businesses, informal businesses and SMME's, and on the impact of new technologies on employment and skills. A qualitative method was adopted included telephonic depth interviews with senior managers of the ten largest retailers and with student interns. In addition, SMME owners or managers were surveyed via an on-line questionnaire. The study shows that the creation of jobs requires a multi-factor approach, with the external environment playing a vital role. Political and economic factors impact on the creation or shedding of jobs based on supply and demand within the sector, and social factors play a role through support of SMME’s and emerging small businesses. Technology is a key factor, especially online shopping, e-commerce and and transport logistics. Mechanisation and automation is going to reduce some jobs, but will create other new jobs and careers. The research has dealt with the national challenge of creating sustainable jobs in the important Retail sector, which contributes about 20% of jobs in the South African market, although many are of a casual nature. The study has shown that a comprehensive and viable strategy is crucial for alleviating unemployment in the sector, especially youth unemployment.

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