69348 n Da Vinci research Report · 8 DA VINCI RESEARCH REPORT 5 RESEARCH POSITIONING AT DA VINCI Research at Da Vinci focusses on assisting students to realize their own core and

2 DA VINCI RESEARCH REPORT

Research office

Foreword

Da Vinci supervisors

Da Vinci purpose, dream and brand promise

Research positioning at Da Vinci

Research philosophy

Institutional research output

Da Vinci organogram

Research policies and procedures

Innovation and Technology awards programme

The Da Vinci TIPS framework

Externally funded research projects

The 2015 annual Da Vinci Council awards

Research publications

Conferences

Research development

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CONTENTS


1 RESEARCH OFFICE

Dr Ronel Blom, PhD

Dean: Academic Development and Research

Raymond Toga

Project Manager: Research

Dewald Kruger

Information Officer

Prof Richard Chinomona

Facilitator: Research

2014 -2015 5

FOREWORD 2

The Da Vinci Institute is proud to present its first Research

Report on studies undertaken by Masters and PhD students

who have graduated in 2015. Our research output has

steadily increased over the years, and the 2015 Research

Report reflects our considerable progress so far. In this

Report, we showcase the work of our most recent post-

graduate students. We would like to congratulate all of them

on their achievements and hope that their success will inspire

other students to undertake their own research journeys.

We have taken as a theme for this Research Report, one

of the Da Vinci’s principles, namely ‘Connesione’ – or big

picture (systems) thinking. Leonardo da Vinci maintained

that ‘everything comes from everything, and everything

is made out of everything, and everything returns into

everything’, suggesting that everything is connected in

some or other way. He therefore encourages us to focus on

the whole and to recognize that there are many parts that

make up the whole.*

These connections are reflected in the work that our

students undertook for their research: in some cases

the connections became evident as a result of a policy

decision, for example Greyling’s Masters study, while in

others, direct connections between interventions and

improvement could be made, as in the studies of Naidu-

Chetty’s, Nel’s and Paulsen’s.

Others, such as in Bhebhe PhD study, an interconnectedness

of many different elements became evident. Likewise, the

PhD study by De Swardt make the links between high level

planning, implementation and performance; and Du Plessis

shows that spiritual self-awareness in leaders in organisations

enhance the connections between self and others.

Some of the studies connect the African context with

the needs of developing countries, for example Kasu’s,

Marombeza’s and Rushesha’s PhD studies on Ubuntu-

preneurship, exogenous and indigenous knowledge, and

African entrepreneurship development in emerging African

economies – an approach which is becoming increasingly

important against the background of social and economic

development for the continent.

All the studies reflect an exciting variety of focus areas,

ranging from Mulea’s study on the impact of regulation on

industry, Rajab’s study on the world of work, the unemployed

and employability, and Ritz’ study on customer-centricity in

developing economies.

Nevertheless, regardless of the theoretical frameworks

drawn upon, in a Mode 2 higher education institution,

the students were required to address real work-based

challenges in all its forms and varieties and had to present

their findings within the context of application. The Da Vinci

Institute’s students are thus able to contribute to different

bodies of knowledge from a Mode 2 perspective. The

Institute will therefore continue to strive to inculcate all the

Leonardo da Vinci’s principles in our teaching and learning,

and research.

We would also like to take the opportunity to congratulate the

award winners for the 2014/15 academic year. These awards

are presented to students who have, over and above their

scholarly contributions, displayed exceptional characteristics.

The following awards were conferred:

• The Ann van Dyk Applied Research Award: Ms V Scholtz;

• The Leonardo da Vinci Award: Dr D C Taljaard;

• The Da Vinci PhD Excellence Award: Dr S A Lloyd

We hope that you will enjoy paging through the Da Vinci

2015 Research Report. As the Institute we are proud to be

associated with these new scholars and we are expecting

great things from them!

Ronel Blom

Dean: Academic Development and Research

* In ‘How to think like Leonardo da Vinci’, by Michael J Gelb (1998)

‘Connessione’ – A recognition of and appreciation for the

interconnectedness of all things and phenomena (systems thinking)


3 DA VINCI SUPERVISORS

Clifford Adamson

Bennie Anderson

Sue Armstrong

Alan Barnard

Andre Bekker

Bharath Belle

Mayur Bisani

Sadhvir Bissoon

Ronel Blom

Ivor Blumenthal

Peter Bonfrer

Jan Bosman

Andre Botha

Cory Botha

Andy Brauer

Henk Bredell

Andrew Brough

Tim Brown

Dirk Burger

Ola Busari

Mark Bussin

Nonhlanhla Cele

Hlupheka Chabalala

Ernest Chetty

Blessing Chikwiri

Richard Chinomona

Linda Chipunza

Michael Clark

Robin Clark

Ferdie Coertze

Johann Coetzee

Lize Frances Coetzer

Jacob Cornelius

Rabelani Dagada

Attilio Dalvit

Deon De Beer

Nico De Klerk

Andre De Kock

Patrick Devine

Jeann Dickinson

Ralf Dominick

Charlene Downing

Mlungisi Sizwe Duma

Grant Easton

Sydney Eckley

Emeka Egbeonu

Pierre Esterhuysen

Sean Fenn

Keith Ferguson

Tanja Ferreira

John Fogelin

Erna Fourie

Leon Fourie

Howard Fox

Pieter Geldenhuys

Hendri Geldenhuys

Alex Georgiev

Karel Gevers

Nceba Ggaleni

Paula Goatley

Gillian Godsell

Wynand Goosen

Dalray Gradidge

Bill Graham

Keith Gray

Carel Grove

Wilma Guest-Mouton

Marc Gush

Mehmood Haffejee

Nico Harris

Paul Anthony Hearn

Marius Herholdt

Stefan Jacobs

Steve Kada

James Keevy

Hlamalani Jimmy Khoza

Rikus Kloppers

Johan Klut

Raymond Kodi

Jan Kruger

Dirk Kruger

Quintin Laljit

Victor Lawrence

Brave Leballo

Steve Lennon

Ronald Lessem

Simon Letsoalo

George Lindeque

Elijah Litheko

Dumisani Magadlela

Elias Mahlasela

Mike Maile

Willie Majola

Azwi Mammanyuha

Ntavhanyeni Samuel Managa

Anton Maneschijn

Debra Lynn Marais

Roy Marcus

Motlalepula Matsabisa

Gilbert Matsabisa

Dan Matsapola

George Mavunga

Nonhlanhla Mbatha

Linda Meyer

Ismail Mohamed

Katse Rodney Moloko

Mothai Amos Monareng

Vanessa Moodley

Julian Moses

Morne Mostert

Fredrick Mphephu

Bulumko Msengana

Chidara Paul Muchineripi

Sean Michael Mulcahy

Zubair Munshi

Nikesh Nageshar

Pat Naidoo

Veni Naidoo

Loffie Naude

Ozias Ncube

Shannon Nell

Louise Niemand

Emile Notnagel

Blondel Nyamkure

Sanjeev Orie

Logan Padayachee

Shanita Padayachee

Roy Page-Shipp

Paddy Pampalis-Paisley

Andre Parker

Phillip Parsons

Mary-Lou Penrith

Morris Pereira

Ratnik Pesic

Ditlhake Phiri

Willem Pienaar

Winston Plaatjes

Ismail Poolo

Craig Potgieter

Norman Prince

Melanie Prinsloo

Gerard Prinsloo

Hannelie Rabie

Lorraine Rajagopaul

Priya Rajmoney

Piet Retief

Ian Rheeder

Wolfgang Richrath

Laetitia Rispel

Norma Romm

Nkqubela Ruxwana

Alexander Schieffer

Willie Scholtz

Cindy Scott

Michele Serfontein

Victor Shikoana

Derek William Shirley

Sixtus Sibethe

Sidney Owen Siphman

René Smit

George Smith

David Smith

Nkazimulo Sokhulu

Stephen Sproule

Gill Staniland

Paul Steyn

Colin Steyn

Robin Stoutjesdyk

Barend Taute

Fransie Terblanche

Thaabit Toefy

Makgopa Freddy Tshehla

Len Turner

Andries van der Linde

Pieter van der Walt

Jaco van der Westhuizen

Rex Van Olst

Joanee van Wyk

Bernie van Zijl

Jay van Zyl

Terrence van Zyl

Andre Vermaak

Rica Viljoen

Pamela Vythelingam

Conrad Walker

Salegh Williams

Dennis Yao Dzansi

2014 -2015 7

DA VINCI PURPOSE, DREAM AND BRAND PROMISE 4

Purpose

To cultivate managerial leaders

Dream

To contribute to the development of

a sustainable society

Principles

Seeking the truth (Curiosita)

Taking responsibility (Dimostrazione)

Sharpening awareness (Sensazione)

Engaging the shadow (Sfumato)

Cultivating balance (Corporalita)

Embracing holism (Connessione)

Brand promise

To co-create reality


5 RESEARCH POSITIONING AT DA VINCI

Research at Da Vinci focusses on assisting students to

realize their own core and call to address the burning issue

or work-based challenge set within the context of their own

ontology, epistemology, organisation, community and society

at large – taking the world view into account.

As a scholarly community we join the student on the

research journey to co-create and move from the mess that

is, to where the ideal hopes to be. It combines current data

collection methods, Design thinking and The Management

of Technology, Innovation, People and Systems (TIPS)

modules to create a Mode 2 university level research

journey as applied to different contexts.

The research journey contributes towards innovation and

transformation of the person, enterprise, community and

society.

Our contribution: facilitating the development of a holistic

ecosystem for enterprise innovation, open and transparent

knowledge creation, equitability, healthy and participatory

co-existence and sustainable livelihoods.

Researchers are required to have ethical clearance of their

projects. Therefore, The Da Vinci Institute is committed to;

• undertake and promote research that will benefit all

communities at large

• being guided by integrity, accountability and rigour in

research

• promoting an institutional ethos that is conducive to

critical discourse, intellectual curiosity, tolerance and a

diversity of views

• maintaining an environment for researchers in which

they may be autonomous and ethical in their work

2014 -2015 9

The institution strives for excellence in research that can

withstand public scrutiny and espouses the constitutional

values of human dignity, equality, social justice and

fairness. As an institution we also affirm the constitutional

principles of academic freedom and freedom of scientific

research.

It is a well-known fact that research can be regarded as

an important game changer within the global economy,

contributing significantly to the enhancement of a knowledge

economy and ultimately, the development of communities.

The Da Vinci Institute has positioned itself as an institution

of higher learning, specialising in The Management of

Technology, Innovation, People and Systems (TIPS). The

core objectives informing the research agenda at Da Vinci

include:

• Upholding the TIPS framework and the facilitation of TIPS

related research initiatives

• Conducting applied research as informed by industry and

business

• Establishing associations with business, industry and

government

• Creating knowledge in the context of a Mode 2 Knowledge

Generation methodology

• Facilitating scholarly engagements for students and

supervisors alike

• Research projects leading to TIPS qualifications

In essence the research development agenda at Da Vinci is

directed towards:

• Enhancing scholarly work of researchers and supervisors

• Building capacity amongst new researchers at The

Institute

• Expanding the enrolment of Masters and PhD students at

The Institute

• Contributing to the body of knowledge.


Research at The Da Vinci Institute is defined as a process of

critical analysis to solve an industry/work-based challenge. This

approach embodies the search for and the generation of new

knowledge through scholarly work supported by partnerships

with business and industry.

Being a Mode 2 educational institution, The Institute is

focused on the creation of knowledge that is trans-disciplinary

in nature, socially relevant and of which the intent is to solve

practical problems and to contribute towards the professional

development of the people involved.

It is in this context that The Institute facilitates a journey of self-

discovery for prospective business leaders and entrepreneurs.

As a Mode 2 institution Da Vinci is characterised by knowledge

production in the context of professional applications, trans-

disciplinary engagements, heterogeneity and organisational

diversity, enhanced social accountability and a broad based

system of quality control.

6 RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY

INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH OUTPUT 7

Master of Science (MOTI): HEQSF - NQF LEVEL 9

2014 -2015 11

BANGAAR, Dhanum

Near Field Communication (NFC) payment system imple-

mentation: An innovation perspective

Academic supervisor: Mr AP Vermaak

Field supervisor: Mr A Georgiev

BOTHA, Riaan - Cum Laude

Guidelines for sustainable Contract Management: A survey

of Eskom’s coal-fired power stations

Academic supervisor: Dr MA Monareng

Field supervisor: Dr R Clark

COETZEE, Kim - Cum Laude

Customer loyalty in a price sensitive market: The Rand-Air

Case Study

Academic supervisor: Dr MG De Kock

Field supervisor: Mr L Erasmus

The following dissertations and theses were completed and registered by the NRF in 2015.

The Graduation ceremony took place on 10 September 2015.

GREYLING, Dorothy Margaret - Cum Laude

The National Credit Act and rental companies: A retro-

spective analysis

Academic supervisor: Dr MG De Kock

Field supervisor: Ms B Loubser

KHAN, Farouk

Capturing critical pipeline failure data for optimal main-

tenance management of a water supply network: A Rand

Water proposition

Academic supervisor: Dr M de Kock

Field supervisor: Mr M Haffajee


MODIKA, Constance

Determining why Water Service Authorities do not utilise

the proficiency testing scheme of the South African Bureau

of Standards

Academic supervisor: Mr M Matsapola

Field supervisor: Mr BM Sehlapelo

MUNILALL, Anandran - Cum Laude

The steady state electromagnetic and thermal effect of

galvanised steel wires in low voltage (LV) single phase

concentric cables

Academic supervisor: Dr V Lawrence

Field Supervisor: Mr H Scholtz

NAIDU-CHETTY, Thavabashini - Cum Laude

The implementation of ISO9001 standards to reduce risk

within Altech Multimedia

Academic supervisor: Dr V Naidu

NEL, Hendrik Jacobus - Cum Laude

The Benefit of a Centre of Excellence in Outage Maintenance

Management for Eskom’s Generation Division

Academic supervisor: Mr K Gevers

Field supervisor: Mr S Williams

PAULSEN, Louis Michael - Cum Laude

Planned behaviour as a predictor of flight performance: A

South African Airline Case Study

Academic supervisor: Dr R Viljoen

Field supervisor: Prof JJL Coetzee

RHEEDER, Denis Ian

Creating an alternative model for leadership development

Academic supervisor: Dr D Magadlela

Field supervisor: Dr N Levy

ROSSOUW, Andre Johannes

Eskom innovation expediting wealth creation

Academic supervisor: Dr A van der Linde

Field supervisor: Dr V Lawrence

SEEKOE, Lemone Dan

Assessing challenges facing fruit and vegetable street

traders within South Africa: The Buffalo City Metro

Municipality Case Study

Academic supervisor: Dr Thakathi

Field supervisor: Mr M Clark

7 INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH OUTPUT

2014 -2015 13

ABRAHAMS, Rashid

A framework for broadband fulfilment and assurance in the

telecommunications environment: A South African case study

Telkom SA faces a situation in which slow revenue

growth is experienced primarily due to the decline in

telecommunications traffic proceeds, while expenditure

is escalating. The combined results of Telkom SA’s

inability to rapidly respond to changing market

conditions, shifting customer requirements and the

decline in fixed-line business have affected profitability.

For Telkom SA to succeed and stay relevant it should

re-invent itself by continuously transforming from within

a traditional telecommunications services provider

paradigm by employing innovative services, state-of-

the-art technology and skilled people. The focus of

the research was to benchmark the current network

technology against international Next Generation

Networks (NGN), and explore the present skills capacity

and transformation of Telkom SA’s Fulfilment and

Assurance services. It was to determine capabilities

and capacities that could expand Telkom SA’s ICT

services, and significantly reduce its fault and repeat

report rates. Research findings and recommendations

are presented in a framework for implementation of

essential strategic imperatives. Timeous deployment of

strategies could lead to building an invincible network,

resulting in the successful turn-around of the current

Broadband Fulfilment and Assurance service offering,

and significantly enhancing Telkom SA’s broadband

customer experience.

Academic supervisor: Dr MG De Kock;

Field supervisor: Mr DC Phiri


Doctor of Philosophy (MOTI): HEQSF - NQF LEVEL 10


BHEBHE, Vulumuzi

Total early stage development of small, micro and medium

enterprises (SMMEs): Creating a sustainability framework for

emerging economies

The study investigated the total early stage development of

SMMEs in emerging markets, and the tributary objective

of this thesis is to create a sustainability framework.

The study’s pinnacle focus was on five constructs

(Internal Market Capacity; Relationship Marketing

Capacity; Innovative Capacity; Customer Satisfaction

and Business Performance) that affected sustainability

and performance of start-ups and SMMEs in emerging

markets. These business performance constructs are

comprised of one predictor variable (Internal Marketing),

three mediator variables (Relationship Marketing,

Customer Satisfaction and Innovative Capacity) and

one outcome variable (Business Performance). The

research results reveal that all the business constructs

(Internal Marketing, Relationship Marketing, Innovative

Capacity and Customer Satisfaction) are antecedents of

business performance. However, it was also observed that

paramount and central to these constructs for business

performance is Customer Satisfaction. The analysis

revealed that Internal Marketing positively influences

the mediators and outcome variable in a significant

way. Academic discernments drawn and pragmatic

implications provided are based on the thesis’ findings.

Academic supervisor: Prof R Chinomona;

Field supervisor: Dr M Ncube


2014 -2015 15

CHINNIAH, Jennitha

Data privacy and the Energy Distribution Market: Revisiting

implications of the Smart Grid Framework

The study explores best practise information security and

privacy principles as a systemic solution to the issues

presently experienced in the smart grid. The Delphi

technique was utilised to collect information from an

expert information security panel to construct a SAFE

framework implying Supporting Service; Assurance;

Functional requirements and Enterprise Security Strategy,

Architecture and Governance. This culminated from

data being interpreted and constructed with the intent to

outline all of the critical security considerations already

in place. The assurance is data privacy in the automated

metering infrastructure (AMI) and more specifically in

the home area network (HAN). The interview technique

combined with the outcomes of the SAFE framework was

tested against three utilities that are currently rolling out

AMI in South Africa. The findings were then presented

by benchmarking three case studies against the SAFE

framework demonstrating that the SAFE framework can

be implemented to provide an assurance to other utilities

on national and international level.


Field supervisor: Dr H Geldenhuys



DE SWARDT, Marlo

Strategy formulation, performance implementation and performance

execution: Developing an integrated framework to enhance

organisational performance

The researcher conducted a quantitative study applying a

positivist research paradigm combining the philosophy of

ontology, epistemology, and axiology in order to understand

the social phenomena resulting in the failure of performance

management systems in organisations. The rationale for the

study was based on global evidence of the high failure rate

of strategic planning processes where it is noted that almost

70% of strategic plans are not implemented successfully.

A detailed survey of the planning, implementation and

execution processes was undertaken across a spectrum

of organisations. Through the use of a cross correlational

check between the research findings and a comparison with

the findings in the literature it was concluded that key to the

failure is the disjuncture between the strategic plan and the

performance management system. Further it was noted that

the failures were compounded by a linear approach to the

planning process itself in which the views of key stakeholders

were not considered. The study culminated with the

development of an integrated framework which provides the

key linkages between a well-developed strategic plan and an

executable performance management system. The findings

are significant and will make a demonstrable contribution to

the sustainability of businesses.

Academic supervisor: Prof RM Marcus;

Field supervisor: Dr AJ Parker


2014 -2015 17

DU PLESSIS, Rean

The spiritual self of the corporate leader

The researcher initiates this study from a deep existential

question: How does the transpersonal impact on corporate

leadership within the context of deep ecology? The

researcher convincingly follows Geisler and Geisler (2014)

in separating spirituality from religion in defining spirituality

as the ontological essence of the self, but from a functional

stance, as ‘a yearning for guidance and connection with

God’. The term God is understood simply as a cause

greater than self. This anthropologically seated need is

necessitated by the overwhelming issues that confront

the corporate leader today. The researcher argues that the

current complexities of life and management per se require

a normative system that transcends human abilities. In

this regard the content fully reflects the title of the script

and the research focus makes a promising contribution

to the development of a more holistic understanding of

corporate leadership. The researcher found a qualitative

approach, with reference to grounded theory, the best

methodological angle to yield inductive research findings.

In doing so the outcome is co-determined by corporate

leaders with the potential of funding new theories that may

serve as indicators for the future. Epistemological issues,

ethical norms and personal values and world views are

all synthesized into a coherent whole that follows a logical

development of the train of thought. Due consideration is

given to applicable matters one would expect to be covered

by the study such as spirituality and God and the potential

role of religion.

Academic supervisor: Prof B Anderson;

Field supervisor: Prof JJL Coetzee



FURUMELE, Musa Stefane

Front-end governance of large water infrastructure investments within

developing economies: A South African perspective

The study aimed to offer insights into how front-end

governance could be improved in pursuit of better project

outcomes. It follows a qualitative exploratory research

approach and embraces critical realism to emphasise

the interface between the natural and social sciences.

The study focused on multiple-case designs concerning

large water infrastructure projects in their real settings.

Sources of evidence include interviews and case related

documents. Research findings indicate that six salient

elements of front-end governance influence the outcomes

of large water infrastructure investments: 1) Large water

infrastructure investments should be approached in a

cross-cutting manner and planned to be multi-purpose

and address broader societal challenges as access to

water will remain the rallying point for social progress,

sustainable livelihoods and poverty alleviation. 2) Clear and

well-understood project-specific objectives, responsive to

the needs and priorities of critical stakeholders contribute

to better outcomes. 3) Strategic depth and flexibility,

represented by consideration of major risks and iterative

screening of project concepts within an interactive and

adaptive decision-making process are important in

securing a robust investment case and in turn, the accrual

of favourable results. 4) While continual leadership is

important in turbulent environments, strategic and timeous

intervention is vital in salvaging those projects that seem

destined to fail. 5) Empowerment and co-production of

project outcomes with critical stakeholder as opposed to

mere consultation of stakeholders leads to better results. 6)

While a supportive policy and regulatory framework together

with enabling political, social and economic factors, is

crucial, precise definition of roles and responsibilities of key

parties and sensitivity to historical contexts is important. It

is important that critical stakeholders are empowered and

equipped to engage meaningfully during the conception

of the investments. Four important interventions are

proposed: focusing political leadership on critical points

of strategic intervention; formulating multi-dimensional

project definitions to secure robust investment cases;

building the capacity of stakeholder groups; and the

establishment of quality assurance protocols overseeing

the front-end phase.


F

ield supervisor: Dr O Busari


2014 -2015 19

KASU, Elliot

Ubuntupreneurship within rural communities: Creating community

colleges for a developing economy

The study utilised the four world rhythm, the 4Cs (Lessem

and Schieffer, 2014) and the CARE (Lessem and Schieffer,

2009) pattern in collaboration with the Tangwena

people. The ideas of ‘mushandirapamwe’ or collective

wealth generation are indeed relevant for purposes of

this thesis. The focus on ‘Zunde ra Mambo’ is a relevant

security arrangement and indeed an effective way towards

indigenous volunteering. The study has also indicated

that the use of ‘permaculture’ could assist communities to

create sustainable habitats by following nature’s patterns.

The study has demonstrated a sincere focus towards

ensuring meaningful life for the Tangwena community.

The use of African Ubuntu values as tool of solidarity and

interdependence seem to provide a solid foundation of

African economic redemption, which in turn could lead to

effective African economic humanism. The model ‘towards

co-creation in Zimbabwe’ is well argued and structured. The

story telling aspect of the research is informative which has

truly reflected traditional values while African humanism has

been well articulated throughout the thesis. The indigenous-

exogenous community based learning and innovation

research facility within the community seems to contribute

towards the institutionalisation of the community college.

The researcher followed the appropriate southern path and

effectively demonstrated a good practice of the Participatory

Action Research (PAR) aimed at community activation in

alignment with the needs of the Tangwena people. The

‘ubuntuneurial spirit of agriculture’ ideology is sound, and,

indeed an effective approach to solving communal poverty

issues, which is the strength in the study.

Academic supervisor: Dr A Schieffer;

Field supervisor: Dr PC Muchineripi



MAROMBEDZA, Mark Kenneth

The relevance of integrating exogenous and indigenous knowledge

systems within an African education system: A Zimbabwean case study

The study sought to assess the relevance of integrating

exogenous and indigenous knowledge systems within an

African education system. The problem is that the education

system in Zimbabwe is now out of step with the current

reality of life, mainly because it is dominated by Western

philosophy, values and culture. The system seems to

produce outputs which are inappropriate for the community

and society at large. The type of research that was followed

is integral research. The research path that was followed is

the Southern Relational Path whose trajectory followed the

methodologies of description, phenomenology, feminism

and participatory action research. The emancipatory

critique of the education system in Zimbabwe uncovered

the following imbalances: traditional cultural knowledge

was not part of the content of the system; the system is

still based on Western philosophy, values and culture; the

system is developing students in academic knowledge

only; and focus on individual research, education, learning,

knowledge and self-development. To the above imbalances,

St Vincent’s Secondary School embarked on building

a knowledge creating school. It adopted the concept

of societal advancement and development. The school

uncovered imbalances in its curriculum in the disciplines of

permaculture, agriculture, arts, sports, culture and music.

These imbalances were addressed by the application of

participatory action research. This has made the school to

be the pioneer in the development of a balanced education

curriculum in Zimbabwe. The positive results have proved

that it is relevant to integrate exogenous and indigenous

knowledge in an African education system.

Academic supervisor: Dr PC Muchineripi;

Field supervisor: Dr S Kada


2014 -2015 21

MHAKA, Winfrida Ndakaiteyi

Rural women entrepreneurship and sustainable development through

‘musha mukadzi’: The Case of the Svosve community in Zimbabwe

The study addressed the needs of the Svosve community

women, and aimed to truly take them out of their poverty

situation thereby making them independent while living

with dignity. The adoption of the southern relational path

was perfect for this study flowing through the layers of

descriptive, phenomenology, feminism and participatory

action research. While the description aligns with the

community social context, phenomenology assisted the

researcher to understand more of the inner experiences of

women within the Svosve community. On the other hand,

feminism allows a movement of the grassroots which in

this case are the indigenous people while the participatory

action research aimed at real social practice which is clearly

demonstrated in the research. The study clears a realistic

path towards making women more industrious as a result

of less support from men due to polygamous structures

or gross irresponsibility. The trans-cultural co-created

framework, resulting from the research process, adequately

combines SECI Spiral Nonaka (Takeuchi 2009; Lessem

& Schieffer 2014). The discussion on entrepreneurship

knowledge foundation and phenomenology duly recognizes

existing literatures which is intriguing, including the work of

Adam Smith saying ‘an entrepreneur is an economic agent

who transforms demand into supply’. The study identified

both the demand and supply side through ‘musha mukadzi’

working together in a complementary manner. The ‘musha

mukadzi’ integral community care model seems to have

the capacity to make a real life difference in community

members’ daily lives.





MULEA, RONEWA

Competition forces and regulatory constraints within the Information,

Communication and Telecommunication (ICT) industry: Developing a

repositioning framework for Telkom SA

The global ICT industry is facing numerous challenges of

which regulatory transformation is the most profound. The

primary objective of the study was to determine how ICT

businesses such as Telkom SA could reposition themselves

in consideration of existing regulatory constraints and

secondary factors such as margin pressure, globalisation,

competition, diminishing revenue and increasing cost

of doing business and convergence. Through a detailed

analysis of the global dynamics and the experience of

local executives and specialists within the ICT industry

it was concluded that the ever-changing ICT business

environment dictates the re-design of the current business

model. To create the desired outcomes for the repositioning

of an ICT business for competitiveness use was made of the

Da Vinci Design Thinking Methodology. The model draws

upon logic, imagination, intuition and systemic reasoning,

backed by the researcher’s experience within the ICT sector.

The research outcome provides a blueprint that is elegant

in its simplicity and which, if implemented effectively, could

have a profound impact on the sustainability of complex

ICT businesses within South Africa.

Academic supervisor: Prof RM Marcus;

Field supervisor: Dr R Dagada


2014 -2015 23

NYATLO, Sheila Mavis

Creating an implementation framework to improve the effectiveness of

technology transfer offices at South African Universities

The researcher focused on analysing the technology

transfer mission within South African Universities as an

important component of the National System of Innovation.

The study introduced a holistic implementation framework

to improve the effectiveness of technology transfer offices

in South African Universities. The main motivation for

institutional technology transfer is to transfer knowledge,

to ensure products and processes are implemented

to improve competitiveness, for wealth creation and to

benefit society. The technology transfer office plays a

key role in ensuring local economy stimulation through

knowledge transfer, licensing revenues and application of

technologies in the market. Through a systems approach

the study identified the technology transfer elements,

characteristics and key relationships with an objective to

move the technology transfer system from an efficient to

an effective mode as a desired technology transfer state.

Technology transfer efficiency is a state of doing things

right, whilst effectiveness would be doing the right things.

This is attained through systems, holistic approach which

ensures that all stakeholders benefit from the technology

transfer system.

Academic supervisor(s): Prof R Marcus & Dr P Parsons;

Field supervisor: Prof G Prinsloo



RAJAB, Rooksana

Contributions of the workplace in enhancing the employability of

unemployed graduates through work integrated learning (WIL)

The study made an important contribution to the emerging

practice of work-integrated learning in South Africa. The

researcher is one of only a few South African scholars that

have tackled the issue of work-integrated learning as an

approach, a methodology and an emerging pedagogy, that

seeks to enhance the life chances of unemployed young

people in tangible and pragmatic ways. The researcher

investigated the workplace as a learning environment. This

differentiates the study from other studies in the field –

most studies are undertaken from the point of view of the

institution/provider, and with the procedures put in place by

institutions to enhance successful work placements. The

researcher not only explored the workplace as a learning

site, but also discovered what those elusive ‘employability

skills’ are that seem to define what employers want from new

entrants (but are seldom able to articulate). Furthermore, it

foregrounds what workplaces need to do in order to enable

meaningful learning – learning which is not necessarily

only related to the curriculum within which the workplace-

based programme is placed. A conceptual framework

was developed, ‘WIL programme DNA’ and was tested in

a real workplace. The conceptual frame evolved from a

complex synthesis of education and workplace learning

methodologies to illuminate the workplace as an important

learning site. Furthermore, close observation, through a

variety of innovative data collection methods (including

pictorial representations by students) of how the students

change first, themselves and second, the workplaces,

are exemplary. The research question, how does the

work environment during a WIL programme contribute to

enhancing unemployed graduates’ employability?, led to an

improved understanding of the intersection of learning and

work, and the ways in which WIL practices can be enhanced

to become a pedagogic practice which links knowledge

gained in institutions, with knowledge gained in workplaces

for the benefit of both the learner and the workplace.

Academic supervisor: Dr R Blom;

Field supervisor: Mr S Fenn


underlying epistemological perspective is influenced

by systems thinking. The relationship to the Cynefin

Framework (Snowden and Kurtz, 2006), which makes

reference to different market domains, was also referenced

and adopted for the study. The researcher identified the

customer centricity phenomenon as relevant to the Complex

and Chaotic domains where context is unordered , which

means there is no direct or obvious relationships between

cause and effect, and problem solving in these domains

is accomplished by determining emerging patterns. Lastly,

because the study was based on a particular socio-

economic context, the researcher found it appropriate to

base some of the thinking on Lessem’s (2001) principles

of the “Four Worlds”. In addition, a literature review was

carried out that confirmed the complexity of the matter

under review by looking at some constructs of customer

management (customer service, customer experience and

customer relationship management). It was established

how these components were complex in their own right.

From the same literature review, certain aspects of the

customer management phenomenon were identified, e.g.

business performance and culture. A Grounded Theory

methodology was followed utilizing a variety of data sources.

The proposed customer centric framework is based on

the findings derived from a developing context, which in

turn has been compared to a framework that was derived

from the 5 customer management frameworks utilized for

purposes of this research.

Academic supervisor: Prof B Anderson

2014 -2015 25

RITZ, Mary

Customer Management: Creating a sense making framework for

developing economies

The overriding goal of the study was to determine if the

customer management phenomenon should be treated and

managed differently in different economic environments to

improve its probability of success. This was based on the

viewpoint that most of the literature on customer centricity

seemed to be based on the developed world’s ways of

thinking and doing, and the assumptions given were that

these (often) western originated frameworks, would work

in any socio-economic environment. However, if, as part

of the study, the above was proven not to be true, the

researcher indicated her need to develop such a framework

for developing socio-economic contexts. The proposed

framework consists of attributes that were considered best

and most relevant for the developing world. Therefore, the

main objective of the study was to address the phenomenon

from a socio-economic perspective in the hope of offering

new knowledge that can possibly assist people in the

workplace to solve some of the challenges experienced

in the customer management domain. The researcher’s



RUSHESHA, Tapuwa Sherekete

African entrepreneurship development in emerging African economies:

A Zimbabwean Perspective

The study intended to create an enterprising process

that would be culturally, spiritually, socially, economically

and politically contextual. It further intended to develop

a framework that would have local application and global

integrity creating self-determination through collective

self-sufficiency and social consciousness in individuals,

communities, organisations and national and global

societies. The research method was identified as the 4C

process (Lessem & Schieffer, 2011), which builds on the

Integral Research to Innovation path (Lessem, 2011).

Integratively building on Calling and Context, the third C

emancipatorily considers the Co-creative elements of the

research community, specifically through critiquing the

research process and content, using existing knowledge

fields (literature review) and utilising Critical Theory. The

entire synthesis culminated in the Afrintuneurship-Kudzimba

framework that fully expresses African entrepreneurship.

The research manifest of an identifiable, culturally relevant,

contextual and home grown African entrepreneurship

emphasises self-sufficiency starting at the family unit level

and resulting in societal co-evolution. It synergistically

integrates indigenous and exogenous knowledge without

one dominating the other. Of particular interest is that the

singular development impulse initiated by this research

has produced a feedback loop into society that enhances

and develops its knowledge base and learning processes.

Most importantly, the resultant innovation ecosystem co-

created a number of outcomes: the aspired African form

of Entrepreneurship-Afrintuneurship has been formed; a

fundamental research institute called CISER (Zimbabwe)

has been institutionalised. All this evolves and transforms

onto the global platform through the coming together of

globally acclaimed Catalysers, Activators, fundamental

Researchers and Educators all striving for the CARE-ing

of the African Renaissance. These focused initiatives have

partially resulted in the publication of a book titled “Integral

Green Zimbabwe: An African Phoenix Rising” published by

Gower Publishing in England in November 2014.



Doctor of Philosophy (MOTI): HEQSF - NQF LEVEL 10


2014 -2015 27

DA VINCI ORGANOGRAM 8

Board

Council

StrategicAdvice

Secretariat

CommunicationAcademicDevelopmentRegistryClient

EngagementBusiness

DevelopmentOperations

OperationalSupport

Finance

HR

Bookkeeping

FacilitiesManagement

ICT

Cleaning

Key AccountManagement

Student Administration

Student Support

Reception

Project Learning Design

Research

Facilitation

Supervision

ExternalModeration

ExternalExamination

Printing

InformationCommons

Technology &Innovation Awards

ExecutiveOffice

ManagerCatering Client Engagement

Office Manager Technology &Innovation Awards

Office Manager Business Development/Communication/

Academic Development

Office Manager

Office


9 RESEARCH POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

• Research Policy Framework

• Procurement of Academic and SME supervisors

• Student supervisor relationship

• Promotion from Master to doctoral registration

• Nomination and appointment of external examiners

• Protection, management and exploitation of intellectual property

• Examination procedures

• Reasearch Ethics

2014 -2015 29


The TT100 Awards Programme, with support from

various partners (including The Department of Science

and Technology, Eskom, PwC and the IDC) was launched

in 1991 by the South African Engineering Association

(SAVI). The programme has been focused on drawing

attention to the importance of developing a local culture of

technological innovation and excellence.

TT100 has evolved into one of the foremost business

awards programmes that laud South African companies

for their prowess in the Management of Technology,

Innovation, People, Systems, Research and Sustainability,

regardless of their industry.

Entry numbers: 2015 70 companies

10 INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY AWARDS PROGRAMME

The programme is as an effective vehicle for achieving growth

and innovation advancement in our country, while raising

awareness of the critical need for South African companies

to embrace the management of technology, innovation and

people in a systemic and sustainable manner. Since 1994,

TT100 has enjoyed strong endorsement by the Department

of Science and Technology (DST) as the major government

sponsor. The TT100 Programme forms an integral part of

The Institute’s annual business operations.

2014 -2015 31

Excellence in the management of technology

Emerging Eurocom (Pty) Ltd

Small Smoke Customer Care Solutions (Pty) Ltd

Medium Intense Technologies (India)

Large ELB Engineering Services (Pty) Ltd

Excellence in the management of innovation

Emerging ADDaBIT

Small X/procure Software SA (Pty) Ltd

Medium Globaltrack

Large Allied Electronics Corporation Limited

Excellence in the management of people


Small X/procure Software SA (Pty) Ltd

Medium Globaltrack


Excellence in the management of systems



Medium No Award given

Large Allied Electronics Corporation Limited

Director-General’s award for overall excellence


Small X/procure Software SA

Minister’s award for overall excellence

Medium Itemate Solutions (Pty) Ltd


Minister’s award for sustainable performance

Emerging Campus Labs Pvt Ltd

Fraxion (Pty) Ltd

Innovation Agency

LucidView (Pty) Ltd


Technetium (Pty) Ltd

Verirad (Pty) Ltd

X/procure Software SA

Globaltrack

Medium ID Control Solutions cc

African Oxygen Limited

Allied Electronics Corporation

Large Altech Multimedia (Pty) Ltd

De Beers Technologies South Africa

(DebTech)

QK Meats SA (Pty) Ltd

The winners for the 2015 TT100 Awards Programme include:


Tools/Metrics

to achieve

differentiation

Human

Interface

Organisation

System

Ideation - to

create value

Performance output

ALIGNMENT

ENGAGEMENT

Workplace Integration

AGILITY

Perf

orm

ance

and

val

ue r

etur

ns

T

P

S

I

11 THE DA VINCI TIPS FRAMEWORK

2014 -2015 33

The management of technology (MOT)

The management of technology argues that we are

all technologists, every one of us who knows how to do

something in a certain way and uses tools to do it, be they

pencils or personal computers, machine tools or video

screens. Teachers, auto designers, builders of factories

or financial plans, whether we use language labs or lasers

in whatever we do, we participate in the management of

technology of our age.

The management of innovation (MOI)

This is essentially about how an organisation firstly

capitalises on the ideation process to develop an innovative

product, service, process or system and as a result to

commercialise and implement such innovation.

The management of people (MOP)

The understanding of the human bridge in implementing

organisational processes and how the organisational

human factor is leveraged, showing how and where people

make the real difference in sustaining organisational growth

and competence.

The management of systems (MOS)

The synthesis of all organisational activities and

performances systemically, in an attempt to solve unique

problems. The re-design of a competitive landscape may

result in being hyper competitive. It also assumes that one

perceives reality as a combination of known, knowable,

complex and chaotic dimensions.

In linking and integrating the above domains with each

other, Da Vinci argues that people should be able to

demonstrate the following behaviours:

Being agile

Integrating the dynamics of the management of technology

and the management of innovation such that as the

organisation develops, improves and adapts its technology

needs, appropriate amounts of innovation are applied to

generate real market value and profitability.

Being aligned

Integrating the management of technology and the

management of people by ensuring that the organisation

upskills (by acquisition or development) the appropriate

human capabilities to match and ideally exceed the

technological needs at any one time.

Being engaged

Integrating the management of people and the management

of innovation by way of evaluating the commitment and

motivation of people at the workplace. It is measured in

terms of the total incentive cost within the organisation.


Atlas COPCO

The Master of Science qualification in the Management

of Technology and Innovation is characterised by the

emphasis placed on the need for students to become

critical and creative thinkers, and eventually, elected

representatives and employees, who utilise innovative

approaches in managing their work life within their

organisations. To this end, the programme equips students

with the required competence to serve in transformation

management leadership positions, enabling them to initiate

socio-economic transformation within society.

Altron TMT

Altron TMT provided a sponsorship for Master students to

conduct research in The Management of Technology and

Innovation to serve in transformation management and

leadership positions within the telecommunications, multi-

media and information technology industry.

Eskom

Eskom provided a sponsorship for Master students to


Innovation customised for prospective managerial leaders

within the energy generation, transmission and distribution

industry.

Henley air

Henley Air provided a sponsorship for Master students to


Innovation, customised for managerial leaders within the

Aviation Industry.

South African Bureau of Standards

The South African Bureau of Standards identified the need

for a Master’s qualification in the Management of Technology

and Innovation customised for prospective managerial

leaders within the standards generation industry.

12 EXTERNALLY FUNDED RESEARCH PROJECTS FOR 2015

2014 -2015 35

The Ann van Dyk Applied Research Award

The Ann van Dyk Applied Research Award recognises

students who, through excellence in applied research,

contribute to a new understanding of what is core to the

Da Vinci Institute’s offerings in terms of Management

Leadership in Technology, Innovation, People and

Systems Thinking. The student(s) should, through re-

search activities, demonstrate an unquestionable contri-

bution(s) towards the creation of new knowledge and

application as related to the Management of Technology,

the Management of Innovation, the Management of

People and the Management of Systems (systemic way)

within a specific organisational context. The award aims

to encourage students to become business driven action

learning research activists, presenting outputs which

demonstrate excellence, quality and relevance to their

respective workplace environments.

Recipient: Ms V Scholtz

The Leonardo Da Vinci Award

This award recognises individuals who display per-

sistence, cheerfulness, a sense of adventure, tenacity,

courage and helpfulness to others and who have either

ably balanced their academic studies with extramural

activities, or have balanced their achievements with real

life challenges and opportunities in such a way to benefit

society at large.

Recipient: Dr D C Taljaard

The Da Vinci PhD Excellence Award

The aim of the Da Vinci PhD Excellence Award is firstly,

to acknowledge academic excellence demonstrated by a

Da Vinci PhD graduate; secondly, to serve as an example

of excellence for the Da Vinci students; and thirdly, to

promote The Da Vinci Institute through the quality of its

students’ work.

Recipient: Dr S A Lloyd

THE 2015 ANNUAL DA VINCI COUNCIL AWARDS 13

These awards are conferred on doctoral and master graduates who, over and above

their scholarly contributions, have displayed exceptional characteristics. These awards

are bestowed at the annual graduation ceremony.


The following contributions were published or forwarded

for publication during 2015:

1. Goosen, W. 2014. Human Capital Management: A

South African Perspective. Sociology Study, Vol. 4, No.

3, pp. 269 – 282.

2. Grundling, J. 2014. Training and Development; Com-

petency-Based HR Development. In Warnich, S.,

Carrell, R.M., Elbert, F.N & Hatfield, D.R. In Human

Resources Management in South Africa 5th edition. pp.

340 – 395; 554 – 579.

3. Mamukwa, S.E. 2014. The phoenix rising: Towards an

Integral Green Zimbabwe. In Mamukwa. L., Lessem, R

& Schieffer (eds) Integral Green Zimbabwe: An African

Phoenix Rising. Gower.

4. Muchineripi, C.R & Kada, M.H.S. 2014. The ‘Chinyika-

model’: A Case of an Integral Community and Rural

Self-Sufficiency. In Mamukwa. L., Lessem, R &

Schieffer (eds) Integral Green Zimbabwe: An African


5. Kundishora, M.S. 2014. Community-Technology-Inte-

gration: ICT-Based Rural Transformation in Chinyika

and Beyond. In Mamukwa. L., Lessem, R & Schieffer

(eds) Integral Green Zimbabwe: An African Phoenix

Rising. Gower.

6. Mandevani, M.K. 2014. Kushanya Mumamisha:

Integral Community Activation via Community-Based

Tourism. In Mamukwa. L., Lessem, R & Schieffer (eds)

Integral Green Zimbabwe: An African Phoenix Rising.

Gower.

7. Benjamin, C.E. 2014. Goko Routungamiri: The GENE

of Leadership. In Mamukwa. L., Lessem, R & Schieffer


Rising. Gower.

8. Rushesha, S.T & Mhaka, N.W. 2014. Afrintuneurship:

Towards Integral African Enterprise Development. In

Mamukwa. L., Lessem, R & Schieffer (eds) Integral

Green Zimbabwe: An African Phoenix Rising. Gower.

9. Matupire, M.P. 2014. Utungamiriri Uzere: Integral

Ubuntu Leadership as Caring for Society. In Mamukwa.

L., Lessem, R & Schieffer (eds) Integral Green

Zimbabwe: An African Phoenix Rising. Gower.

10.Mamukwa, S.E. 2014. African Knowledge Rhythms:

The Calabash of Organisational Knowledge Creation.

In Mamukwa. L., Lessem, R & Schieffer (eds) Integral

Green Zimbabwe: An African Phoenix Rising. Gower.

11. Chinyuku, M.J. 2014. Zimbabwean Industrial Ecology:

Weaving the Web of Technological and Social

Innovation. In Mamukwa. L., Lessem, R & Schieffer


Rising. Gower.

12. Marombedza, K.K.M. 2014. Permaculture: Nature

as a Guide for Community Learning and Sustainable

Livelihoods. In Mamukwa. L., Lessem, R & Schieffer


Rising. Gower.

13. Shindi, M.J. 2014. Co-creating Chinyika Valley:

Towards a Rural ‘Integral Green’ Economy Powered by

Mobile Communication. In Mamukwa. L., Lessem, R

& Schieffer (eds) Integral Green Zimbabwe: An African


14. Mugadza, G. 2015. Systems Thinking and Design

Thinking: Complimentary Approaches? Systems

Thinking World Journal: Reflection in Action. [Online

Journal].3. [Referred 2015-2-6]. Available: http://stwj.

systemswiki.org. ISSN-L 2242-8577 ISSN 2242-8577

15. Marcus, R. 2015. Unintended Consequences – A case

for hope in the future. Available at: https://www.davinci.

ac.za /publishedpublishable-articles/

16. Marcus, R. 2015. Wicked Problems. Available at: https://

www.davinci.ac.za /publishedpublishable-articles/

17. Marcus, R. 2015. Systems thinking and the 4 states

of the system. Available at: https://www.davinci.ac.za /

publishedpublishable-articles/

18. Ritz, M. 2015. Customer Centricity: A Sense Making

Framework for Developing Economies. LAP LAMBERT

Academic Publishing.

14 RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS

Researchers, including students, staff and alumni have the right and the duty to publish

research findings in scientific journals, books and/or other media.


The following interventions were held in terms of research

development for 2014 and 2015.

14.1 Publication workshops

The following workshops were scheduled and conducted

in the year 2015. The research and publishing workshops

were facilitated on the following dates.

• Publishing workshops were held on 13-14 August

2015 and 19 November 2015. Facilitated by Research

professor, Richard Chinomona and attended by Da

Vinci alumnus and students, the workshop served to

indicate certain formulas to use when writing, editing

and attempting to publish articles in journals.

14.2 Curiosita sessions

Curiosity is one of the Da Vinci principles referring to “an

insatiably curious approach to life and an unrelenting quest

for continuous learning” (Gelb, 1998)

The Curiosita forum is a monthly colloquium for con-

temporary thinking on the Management of Technology,

Innovation and People in a systemic context, hosted by

Faculty of The Da Vinci Institute. It involves a community

of enquirers including PhD students who raise burning

issues concerning their work based challenges and

application as experienced during their PhD research

journey or are interested in supporting their co-researchers

in their journey. Debates include experts from the business

environment; Da Vinci staff and other interested individuals

assemble to present and discuss interesting topics and

to provide mutual support in the quest for continuous

learning.

The Curiosita forum strives for enhanced participation and

discourse for greater experiential learning rather than just

“death by PowerPoint” - to capture Aristotle’s notion of

dialectic rather than that of rhetoric speech.

Objectives

The Curiosita sessions intend to:

• facilitate the execution of quality research by Da Vinci

students, faculty and associates

• allow an opportunity for Da Vinci researchers to obtain

experience in presenting their research verbally to

experts in the world of work, and to obtain feedback

and input on their research

• to provide mutual support by sharing knowledge,

experiences, contacts, tips and techniques within the

research and working community

• to provide formal input on research methodology to the

Da Vinci research community.

16 RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT

The research office at The Institute aims to create an enabling environment for students

and staff to conduct research and obtain new knowledge and skills.

2014 -2015 43

Da Vinci House

16 Park Avenue

Modderfontein

Johannesburg

South Africa

T: +27 11 608 1331

F: +27 11 608 1332

I: www.davinci.ac.za

E: [email protected]

The Da Vinci Institute for Technology

Management (Pty) Ltd

Registered with the Department of Higher Education

and Training as a private higher education

under the Higher Education Act,

1997. Registration No. 2004/HE07/003

institution

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