| Project: |
Cost of Books Study (2007) |
| Client: |
Print Industries Cluster Council |
| Overview: |
Genesis Analytics undertook an investigation of the factors that affect the cost of books in
South Africa to identify ways in which government, industry and other stakeholders can work
together to make books more accessible to all. The study examined the five sectors of the
book value chain: paper, printing, publishing, distribution and retailing, as well as drivers of
cost in the three key market segments: educational books, academic and trade/general.
Recommendations for overall reduction in costs included the use of new technologies, more
suitable training to tackle skills shortages and the abolition of import tariffs on printing plates.
Segment specific analysis included recommendations such as the rationalisation of text-
book ordering systems, improvements in the efficiency and transparency of government contracting, dedicated funding for the purchase of local books by libraries, and closer interaction between publishers, publishers' representatives and academic booksellers.
|
| Project: |
Sector strategy for pharmaceutical manufacturing in South Africa (2007) |
| Client: |
South African Presidency |
| Overview: |
Genesis Analytics undertook a detailed analysis of the South African pharmaceutical sector
and made recommendations for a sector specific strategy. The study involved
- extensive interviews with stakeholders from across the sector, and regular
engagement with the NEDLAC subcommittee on pharmaceuticals
- an examination of the policy mandates, market description and structure, and
economic contribution currently characterizing the sector
- in-depth analysis using six key determinants of sector performance: market scale,
intellectual property rights protection, innovative capacity, availability of skills and
provision of healthcare, regulatory quality, and relative cost competitiveness.
|
|
The study noted that the South African pharmaceutical sector was globally uncompetitive and that government should encourage the industry to focus increasingly on niche areas of
the value chain where it can add real value-such as low cost drug production for infectious diseases, clinical trials, and exports into the region. This would require extensive changes to the status quo, sounder inter-government communication and alignment (especially around various aspects of social and industrial policy), a substantial regulatory overhaul and more active engagement on pricing.
|
| Project: |
Public Management Reform: A Case Study of South Africa, 1994 to 2004 (2005) |
| Client: |
The Commonwealth Secretariat |
| Overview: |
Genesis Analytics conducted a study to document the South African PFM reform experience and to develop generic guidelines for other Commonwealth countries. It involved
- an examination of a wide range of literature including the annual reports of
institutions involved in the reform process, budget reviews produced by the
National Treasury, academic articles, and a raft of relevant legislation.
- 27 personal interviews with those who were directly involved with the PFM reform
process including ministers, parliamentarians, judges, civil servants and members
of independent bodies and civil society.
|
|
The research found that the new government had set about implementing public
Finance reform by taking a measured, long-term approach based on clarity of purpose, a
planned approach, political will and strategic direction. These findings were presented to a
workshop of senior treasury/finance officials from 17 Commonwealth states, as well as
representatives of the World Bank, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and
Development, the British Department for International Development and the Commonwealth
Secretariat in 2005, and turns into published guidelines for use by commonwealth states.
|
HOME
