South Africa's Manufacturing Improved in June $2023.$ The manufacturing sector has demonstrated an impressive performance in June $2023,$ showing a $5\mathrm{.}5\%$ increase in production compared to the same period in the previous year. Key Takeaways: $1.$ The manufacturing sector experienced impressive output growth in June $2023.2.$ Despite a slight decrease in manufacturing sales in June $2023$ compared to the previous month, the overall quarter$-$to quarter sales have improved. $3.$ The manufacturing sector saw a $1\mathrm{.}2\%$ increase in seasonally adjusted manufacturing production in June $2023,$ contrasting with a decrease in May $2023.4.$ Petroleum, chemical products, rubber, and plastic products were notable contributors to the second quarter of $2023\text{'}$s growth, with a $4\mathrm{.}1\%$ increase and $0\mathrm{.}9$ of a percentage point contribution to the overall figure. Manufacturing Production Relatively Upbeat The manufacturing sector has demonstrated an impressive performance in June $2023,$ showing a $5\mathrm{.}5\%$ increase in production $($as per the STATSSA production and sales report for June $2023)$ compared to the same period in the previous year. This significant growth is primarily driven by key divisions such as motor vehicles, parts and accessories, and other transport equipment, which contributed $1\mathrm{.}8$ percentage points with a $19\mathrm{.}5\%$ increase. Furthermore, basic iron and steel, non$-$ferrous metal products, metal products, and machinery have also contributed $1\mathrm{.}6$ percentage points, indicating a $7\mathrm{.}5\%$ increase. The food and beverages division, a key component of the consumer staples sector, also contributed $1\mathrm{.}3$ percentage points, showing a $5\mathrm{.}8\%$ increase. On a month$-$on$-$month basis, seasonally adjusted manufacturing production in June $2023$ increased by $1\mathrm{.}2\%,$ contrasting with a $1\mathrm{.}3\%$ decrease in May $2023$ and a $0\mathrm{.}9\%$ increase in April $2023.$ This shows the sector$\text{'}$s resilience and ability to bounce back from temporary downturns. Moreover, the second quarter of $2023$ witnessed a $2\mathrm{.}3\%$ increase in seasonally adjusted manufacturing production compared to the first quarter. This growth was led by nine out of ten manufacturing divisions. Notably, petroleum, chemical products, rubber and plastic products contributed $0\mathrm{.}9$ of a percentage point with a $4\mathrm{.}1\%$ increase. Manufacturing Sales Data Mixed However, the same robust growth was not reflected in the manufacturing sales, which decreased by $0\mathrm{.}5\%$ in June $2023$ compared to May $2023.$ This is following a $2\mathrm{.}8\%$ decrease in May and a $0\mathrm{.}6\%$ decrease in April. Nevertheless, the second quarter of $2023$ showed a slight increase of $0\mathrm{.}6\%$ in seasonally adjusted manufacturing sales compared to the first quarter. This was led by food and beverages with a $2\mathrm{.}5\%$ increase and basic iron and steel, non ferrous metal products, metal products, and machinery with a $2\mathrm{.}7\%$ increase, each contributing $0\mathrm{.}6$ of a percentage point.

According to the Shaun Murison, Senior Market Analyst for IG$,$ as of June $2023,$ there has been an impressive output growth in the manufacturing sector. You are required to undertake research into the manufacturing sector. Utilising the above information and your own research through manufacturing companies$$ annual reports, websites and $/$ or direct contact, select a manufacturing company of your choice and prepare a professional report containing the following:

Question $120$Marks Provide a brief description of the company and discuss how the four $(4)$ central management functions are carried out within the selected company.

Question $220$Marks Utilising the systems theory perspective of an organisation, discuss and illustrate $($diagram$)$ the different components of the system as it relates to the selected company. In addition, assess whether the company operates as a closed or open system.

Question $320$Marks Describe Porter$$s value chain and evaluate how the primary activities are conducted within the selected company.