Browsing Research articles (Dept of Management) by Title
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Temtime, Z.T. (Faculty of Business, University of Botswana, http://www.ub.bw/ord/ord_journals.cfm?pid=540&rf=545, March NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: Although the relationship between planning and profitability is inconclusive, there is much consensus in the strategic management literature that no firm can survive in todayâ s turbulent and competitive markets without some form of business planning. This paper examines the business planning practices of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with special reference to the planning processes and contents. Data were collected from 87 SMEs in three cities in the Republic of Botswana through a structured interview. The findings of the study indicated that owner-managers of SMEs are not actively involved in the planning process. Instead they use external consultants and advisors to prepare their business plans, which they use primarily for the purpose of external validation and legitimacy. Although both small and medium sized firms put greater emphasis on operational and short-term survival oriented issues than strategic activities, the study found that there is a positive relationship between firm size and planning practices. As a firm grows in market share or number of employees, owner-managers tend to actively engage in the planning process. The study stresses the critical importance of business planning process rather than business plans in developing strategic thinking and awareness in SMEs. Some suggestions and implications for future research are also discussed. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/179 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)temtime_BJB_2004.pdf (2.774Mb) -
Temtime, Z.T.; Mmereki, R.N. (Emerald Group Publishing Limited, www.emeraldinsight.com, NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the degree of satisfaction and perceived relevance of the Graduate Business Education (GBE) programme at the University of Botswana. Design/methodology/approach – A self-administered questionnaire and face to face interviews were used to collect data from Master of Business Administration (MBA) participants on their reason for studying MBA, level of satisfaction, and the extent to which the skills and experiences obtained correlate with those required by the corporate world. The data were analyzed using simple descriptive statistics. Findings – The majority of the respondents are male adults attending part time MBA classes and working full time in administrative positions in the public and private sectors. The study found that improved managerial skills, career development and broader business insights are major reasons for joining the MBA programme, while employability and economic gains were ranked low as driving forces. Even though the overall satisfaction with the programme is mixed and inconclusive, the MBA programme has assisted participants to develop basic management and administration skills. However, the programme puts greater emphasis on conceptual, technical and analytical skills than on problem solving, innovation, communication and entrepreneurial skills which are perceived to be most needed by employers, implying a relevance gap. What the MBA participants learnt does not correlate with what they perceived to be most needed by employers. Research limitations/implications – Since the findings are based on perceptions of MBA participants, the conclusions drawn from these findings must be considered tentative and interpreted with care. Future research must include representative sample of all MBA stakeholders such as faculty, students, graduates, employers and administrators to get rich information about quality of inputs, processes and products of MBA programme. Practical implications – There is strong need for the MBA programme to integrate traditional management and administrative skills with experiences and skills relevant for today's world of work. Bridging the growing theory-practice gap requires attracting professors with practical business experience, revising staff recruitment policies and procedures, establishing formal partnership with external organization, and develop long-term strategies to reduce teaching load and staff turnover. Originality/value – Most of the studies on the relevance and quality of GBE programmes are conducted in western higher education institutions, very little has been done in African universities. This is the first of its kind in the context of Botswana, an important contribution to existing literature and foundation for further advanced studies in the area. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/860 Files in this item: 1
Temtime_QAE19_2011.pdf (1.911Mb) -
Marobela, M. (Botswana Journal of Business, Faculty of Business, University of Botswana, September NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: In Africa as in other parts of the world critical management research is assuming a lot of significance. There is now a felt need to break away with positivist or empiricist research, which has over years assumed hegemonic status in the philosophy of science. Positivist blind insistence on experimentation and causality as the hallmark of rigorous research is no longer credible and sustainable. One of the apparent problems with the traditional view of research is that it conflates philosophy with methodology and methods. This paper examines a new research paradigm called critical realism. A key component of realism is that it embeds research methods in philosophy, for realism ontology matters. It is argued that realism provides an important metaphysical depth to research. Its theoretical perspective grounded on generative mechanism and stratification and emergence is crucial in explaining contemporary global changes and their impact on organisations. By integrating the macro and the micro domain critical realism offers a new dynamic in the conceptualisation of management where events that we see occurring at the surface level are traced to the deeper unobservable mechanisms, which shape phenomenon. Some weaknesses of critical realism are also discussed, especially its failure to historicise the dialectics of labour and capital. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/61 Files in this item: 2
bjb_marobela.pdf (167.1Kb)license.txt (1.998Kb) -
Ongori, H.; Agolla, J.E. (Academic Journals, http://www.academicjournals.org/AJBM, July NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: Workforce diversity is a primary concern for most of the businesses. Today's organisations need to recognise and manage the workforce diversity effectively. Many articles have been written about this topic but there is specific definition of workforce diversity. The main purpose of this article is to review the literature of workforce diversity. What is workforce diversity? What are the benefits of workforce diversity in organisations, what management can do to enhance workforce diversity in organisations? What are the disadvantages of workforce diversity? These questions are the main purpose of this article. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/813 Files in this item: 1
Ongorri_AJBM_2007.pdf (723.3Kb) -
Temtime, Z.T.; Chinyoka, S.V.; Shunda, J.P.W. (Journal of Management Development; Emerald Group Publishing Limited; www.emeraldinsight.com/0262-1711.htm, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: There is a general consensus among public policy makers, academics and researchers that entrepreneurship is a vital route to economic advancement for both developed and developing economies. As a result, a host of small business assistance programs are conducted by public, private and nonprofit organizations. Although the need for integrating these programs has always been a high priority on the national agenda for public policy and research in entrepreneurship, their implementation particularly in developing economies is characterized by fragmentation and lack of coordination. Small business assistance will be meaningful if they are designed in a holistic and systematic way and implemented with a view to achieve long term sustainable development. This paper offers a conceptual framework for designing an integrated model of small business assistance. The paper identifies the major characteristics of small firms and potential small business assistance programs, and presents a decision tree model that matches the characteristics of firms with appropriate assistance program(s). A case study of small business assistance programs in the Republic of Botswana was conducted to provide an empirical evidence of the need for an integrated design or model. Finally, conclusions, discussions and the implications of the model for policy makers, practitioners and further research are presented. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/12 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)temtime_decision_tree.pdf (5.483Mb) -
Pansiri, J. (Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam.; www.elsevier.com/locate/tourman, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: This study examines the effects of characteristics of alliance partners on perceived strategic alliance performance. Alliance relationships were explored within and between the travel sector, and other tourism sectors of accommodation and transport. Study results indicate company executives' high level of satisfaction with alliances performance. Commitment and capability has been found to positively influence general satisfaction with alliance performance, market share and profitability, and overall alliance performance while trust positively influence general satisfaction with alliance performance. Control was found to have an influence on satisfaction with technology transfer and alliance operational performance while compatibility was positively associated with general satisfaction with alliance performance. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/79 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)Pansiri_TM_2008.pdf (5.794Mb) -
Temtime, Z.T. (Science Publications / ANSI Journals; http://www.ansijournals.com/3/c4p.php?id=1&theme=3&jid=jas, NaN, 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: Although environmental scanning is a key concept in management research, its application and importance, particularly in developing African countries, is not well investigated. Scanning the company's external environment for the purpose of exploiting opportunities and minimizing threats in a precondition for the survival and success of firms in the developed economies. Does this precondition also apply to African developing countries like Botswana? Are firms in Botswana formulating their strategies for the attainment of organizational goals without scanning their environment? If not, what are their scanning behaviours? Data were collected from a randomly selected sample of 44 firms in Botswana. Findings indicated that companies in Botswana do scan their environment and use the information in major managerial decision-making processes, particularly in strategy formation. Though more importance is attached to the customer / market, competition and economic sectors, corporate leaders in Botswana tend to rely more on impersonal and internal sources as opposed to personal and external sources to analyse an increasingly uncertain sector, This scanning practice calls for the attention of researchers in strategic management in developing countries. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/187 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)temtime_pjas_Jul2001pdf.pdf (715.6Kb) -
Pansiri, J. (Elsevier Ltd, www.elsevier.com, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper gives an insight into the practical process of identifying the research philosophy, methods and research topic by doctoral students. The paper draws from personal experiences on the dilemma and challenges of the doctoral research process in the tourism management. I argue that finding the gap in the literature is a journey negotiated with the literature until the final days of the doctoral thesis. However, not all my experiences are captured in this paper. Therefore, it cannot be claimed that all experiences that doctoral students go through were evaluated, especially that the paper is based on the account of one person - myself. Other students may have different experiences. The significance of this paper is that it identifies the ways in which doctoral studies evolve and identifies further research opportunities in multi-disciplinary research in tourism. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/812 Files in this item: 1
Pansiri_TM_2009.pdf (1.189Mb) -
Temtime, Z.T. (Science Publications / ANSI Journals; http://www.ansijournals.com/3/c4p.php?id=1&theme=3&jid=jas, October NaN, 2001)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper reviews the usefulness of the project management approach in promoting organisational and managerial flexibility in traditional organisations in developing countries. Three aspects of project management, viz. organisational structure, organisational behaviour, and planning and control tools, that have immense potential to alleviate these problems are reviewed. The need for indigenous managerial approaches in developing countries, and addressing some of the problems that hinder organisations from exploiting the potential benefits of the project management scheme are discussed. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/186 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)temtime_pjas_Oct2001pdf.pdf (611.1Kb) -
Temtime, Z.T. (WileyInterscience, http://www.wileyinterscience.com, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: Today’s business environment is characterized by stiff competition, rapid technological advancements, and changing requirements of customers and employees. To grow and survive in this turbulent environment, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) must balance the emphasis they put on the improvement of short-term operational efficiency and long-term competitiveness. Due to the apparent lack of resources and expertise, most SMEs pay very little attention to long-term competitiveness and dynamism. Preoccupied with operational bits and pieces, SMEs lack strategic awareness and orientation. Strategic awareness is a mental process of continually evaluating organizational and environmental factors and improving on how they are identified, recognized, influenced, and interpreted, and consequently used in making strategic business decisions. The widespread use of short-term oriented, non-formal business planning practices indicates lack of strategic awareness and competitiveness among SMEs. This paper examines the degree of emphasis attached by SMEs, during their business planning, to the achievement of long-term competitive advantages by presenting evidence from a recent empirical study based on data collected from 91 SMEs and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation. The findings indicated that SMEs put greater emphasis on short-term profitability and operational efficiency than developing strategic awareness and long-term competitiveness. Although this could be attributed to the relative lack of resources required for the implementation of strategic planning, policy deployment, and positioning, SMEs should be assisted to think and act strategically if they are to survive and grow in today’s turbulent and dynamic markets. Government agencies, policy-makers, consultants, non-governmental organizations, and other small business support agencies must redirect their efforts toward bridging the gap between short-term operational efficiency and strategic competitiveness and sustainability. This paper provides managerial and policy implications for SMEs, SME support agencies, government and non-government agencies, and future research. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/841 Files in this item: 1
Temtime_SC17_2008.pdf (1.252Mb) -
Pansiri, J. (WileyInterscience, www.wileyinterscience.com, NaN, 2007)[more][less]
Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of company executive characteristics in strategic alliance formation in the tourism sector of travel. A survey of Australian travel sector businesses was carried out and the result indicate a high level of interaction through alliances between various sectors of the Australian tourism industry. Top managers' characteristics (experience, ownership,and risk taking attitude)were found to be influential in taking strategic decisions of whether to form alliances or not. These characteristics do not play an important role in determining the number of alliances an organisation has and their geographical location, as much as company characteristics do. The findings of this paper imply that company characteristics are important in determining alliance formation. Managers should thoroughly consider these characteristics when deciding not only to form alliances, but also the type of alliances that could help their organizations to be more competitive, give limited resources. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/821 Files in this item: 1
Pansiri_IJTR9_2007.pdf (1.900Mb) -
Temtime, Z.T. (Journal of Management Development; Emerald Group Publishing Ltd; www.emeraldinsight.com/0262-1711.htm, NaN, 2004)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper investigates the relationship between scanning and planning, planning and TQM practices, and scanning and TQM practices by collecting primary data from 54 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through questionnaire in the Republic of Botswana. Being explanatory in nature, the study used only descriptive statistics to analyze the data and indicate the nature and direction of the relationship. The study found a statistically significant relationship between scanning and planning; and between planning and TQM practices. However, scanning is indirectly related to TQM and has a moderating impact on TQM practices. Important implications of the findings for practitioners, future research and SME support agencies are also provided. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/48 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)temtime_environmental_scanning.pdf (2.214Mb) -
Pansiri, J.; Temtime, Z.T. (Emerald Group Publications, www.wileyinterscience.com, NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper aims to examine perceived critical success factors (SCFs) affecting the performance of small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and their relationships with firm characteristics. The paper also seeks to investigate the interdependence relationship among the perceived CFSs themselves using correlation coefficients. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/801 Files in this item: 1
Pansiri_JSBED_2010.pdf (1.714Mb) -
Temtime, Z.T.; Pansiri, J. (Business Perspectives; Sumy State University (Ukraine); http://www.businessperspectives.sumy.ua/, NaN, 2005)[more][less]
Abstract: Although the discovery of diamond has propelled Botswana from one of the poorest countries in 1966 to its current stage of development as a middle-income country, the country still faces the problems of economic diversification, employment creation, income generation and distribution, and poverty alleviation. Government and non-governmental organizations have put many efforts on the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to diversity the economy away from mining, to create jobs and alleviate poverty. However, the pace of development of SMEs, after 30 years, is very slow and discouraging. The SMEs failure rate, caused by a plethora of internal and external factors, is now estimated to be over 80%. There is a general consensus among policy makers, politicians, and researchers in Botswana that this trend should not be allowed to continue indefinitely. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the perceived critical management factors (PCMFs) affecting the development of SMEs by collecting primary date from 203 SMEs in 3 cities in the Republic of Botswana by means of questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to present the demographic distribution of the sample firms, the identification, ranking and association of PCMFs. The findings showed that five PCMFs (human resources development; organizational development; managerial background; managerial leadership and competitive strategy) affect the performance of SMEs. The PCMFs are strongly related among themselves, indicating the need for a holistic and systematic approach in addressing them. Important relationships were also found between the PCMFs and firm-specific demographic variables such as ownership status, experience and operating period. Recommendations and implication of the findings for future research, policy makers, practitioners in SMEs, and SMEs support agencies and groups were also forwarded. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/188 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)temtime_PPM_2005.pdf (2.663Mb) -
Ongori, H. (Academic Journals, http://www.academicjournals.org/AJBM, January NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: Empowerment is a concept which is widely used in management and many managers and professionals in various claim to be practicing it. Nowadays empowerment has occupied a central point in many organisations of the 21st century. Employee empowerment is said to have benefited many organisations, if managed and nurtured properly especially in enhancing employee commitment and reducing employee turnover. In this era of globalisation there is need for employee empowerment in order to enable organisations to respond quickly to any changes in the macro-environments. Therefore, the aim of this paper was to find out what should be done in organisations to enhance employee empowerment and reduce employee turnover. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/814 Files in this item: 1
Ongorri_AJBM_2009.pdf (1.002Mb) -
Ongori, H.; Shunda, J.P.W. (Asian Network for Scientific Information, http://www.ansinet.org, NaN, 2008)[more][less]
Abstract: The main objective of this study was to find out the strategies for success of employee empowerment in organisation to reduce employee turnover. In addition, the study focusses on the benefits and criticism of employee empowerment in organisations. Nowadays, empowerment has occupied a central point in many organisations in the 21st century. In this era of globalization, there is need for employees empowerment in order to enable the organisation to respond quickly to any changes in macro-environment. The methodology adopted in this study is quantitative approach, whereby a convenience sample of one hundred employees was selected for the study. The data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics. This study will contribute greatly to existing literature specifically in inspiring managers to develop appropriate strategies to nurture employee empowerment in organisations. The outcome from the findings shows that employee empowerment is essential to assist organisations to respond quickly to any environmental changes and to reduce employee turnover. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/839 Files in this item: 1
Ongori, Shunda_IJAEF2_2008.pdf (786.4Kb) -
Temtime, Z.T. (Emerald; http://www.emeraldinsight.com/0954-478x.htm, NaN, 2003)[more][less]
Abstract: Total quality management (TQM) research has concentrated on large firms. Little has been done on the TQM practices of small- to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in developing countries. This paper investigates the relationship between TQM, planning behaviour and firm size by reviewing existing literature and collection of primary data from 54 SMEs in the Republic of Botswana. The findings indicated that the majority of SMEs understand the importance of both TQM and planning activities for their survival and growth. However, their approach to both is unsystematic, non-formal and short-term orientated. Both firm size and planning behaviour are found to have statistically significant relationships with TQM practices. As firm size increases from small to medium, and as SMEs move from operational to strategic planning, they attach greater degree of importance to TQM practices. However, the planning behaviour of SMEs is more strongly related to TQM practices as a prerequisite to the adoption of formalised TQM practices. Some implications for SMEs are also forwarded. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/193 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)temtime_TQM_2003.pdf (2.598Mb) -
Temtime, Z.T. (International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business; Inderscience Enterprises Ltd; http://www.inderscience.com/browse/index.php?journalCODE=ijgsb, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: The process of gathering and interpreting pertinent information from the environment and introducing the results into the business planning process is referred to as environmental scanning. This paper investigates the practices and perceptions of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in monitoring environmental complexities and changes through the use of different scanning sources and frequency. Data were collected from 44 SMEs in Botswana through questionnaire and analysed using simple descriptive statistics. The findings indicated that SMEs in Botswana do monitor their environment and use all the major scanning sources with different degrees of frequency. Though more importance is attached to the customer/market, competition and economic sectors, owner-managers in Botswana tend to rely more on impersonal (written) and internal sources as opposed to personal (informal) and external sources to analyse an increasingly uncertain sector. This is in contrast to previous findings, since information from these sources is less reliable for analysing unstable, turbulent and hard-to-measure sectors than personal and external sources. The use of inappropriate scanning sources could be partially attributed to the fact that most SMEs in Botswana do not have an integrated management information system designed to capture, store and analyse environmental data for use in strategic decision-making processes. Further implications for SMEs and future research are highlighted. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/49 Files in this item: 2
license.txt (1.998Kb)temtime_ijgsb_2006.pdf (157.1Kb) -
Marobela, M. (Emerald Group Publications, www.emeraldinsight.com, NaN, 2006)[more][less]
Abstract: Capitalist transformation of the public sector is global phenomenon that affects many countries. This paper seeks to examine recent public sector reforms introduced by the Government of Botswana to improve civil service performance. The underlying political philosophy behind the change in the public sector is explored by relating neoliberal ideology which is driving the reform agenda to the discourse of new public management (NPM) URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/858 Files in this item: 1
marobela_IJSE35_2006.pdf (1.480Mb) -
Ongori, H. (Academic Journals, www.academicjournals.org, NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: The aim of this study was to find out the causes, types, effects and strategies on how to manage conflicts in organisations effectively to enhance organisational performance. Therefore, it is prime responsibility of management to put in place appropriate strategies on how to minimize conflicts. This research contributes to the body of existing literature, specifically it will inspire managers to develop appropriate strategies on how to manage conflicts in their organisations effectively. The convenience sample of one hundred and thirty managers was selected for the study from government departments, parastatals, and private companies. The tabular method was used to analyze the data. The findings indicate that the major cause of organisational conflict is limited resources. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1084 Files in this item: 1
Ongori_RJBM_2009.pdf (532.4Kb)