Investigating the competitiveness of small and medium-sized management consulting enterprises in serving state-owned enterprises: subtitle if needed. If no subtitle follow instructions in manual
- Authors: Mpapele, Fanisa Monaliza
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa , New business enterprises -- Management , Business consultants , Government business enterprises -- South Africa Government corporations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65811 , vital:74270
- Description: This dissertation examines the competitiveness of management consulting (MC) of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in serving state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in South Africa (SA). The research focused on the preparedness, scalability, and sustainability of MC SMMEs in addressing the strategic challenges faced by SOEs. The mixed-method approach combined self-administered interviews with management consultants and a comprehensive literature review. The qualitative research method allowed for an in-depth exploration of the factors influencing the competitiveness of MC SMMEs. The interviews revealed that MC SMMEs possess the necessary technical expertise and skills, yet they face hurdles related to scalability and sustainability inherent in SMMEs. These challenges include limited access to funding, inadequate marketing capacities, and delayed payment for services rendered. The study highlights that MC SMMEs can handle high-value projects for SOEs but they encounter difficulties within the SOE environment, which is marked by ethical concerns. It emphasises the importance of vigilance and maintaining discipline in service delivery to address these challenges. Additionally, the research provides practical recommendations for SOEs to support and facilitate the growth of MC SMMEs, enabling innovative solutions in their services. By evaluating the competitiveness of MC SMMEs in serving SOEs, this research contributes to understanding the MC industry landscape in SA. It aims to assist in strengthening the capabilities and credibility of local MC SMMEs, fostering their growth and sustainability. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, industry practitioners, and stakeholders seeking to enhance the role of MC SMMEs in driving economic growth and innovation within the context of SOEs. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
- Authors: Mpapele, Fanisa Monaliza
- Date: 2023-12
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa , New business enterprises -- Management , Business consultants , Government business enterprises -- South Africa Government corporations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65811 , vital:74270
- Description: This dissertation examines the competitiveness of management consulting (MC) of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in serving state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in South Africa (SA). The research focused on the preparedness, scalability, and sustainability of MC SMMEs in addressing the strategic challenges faced by SOEs. The mixed-method approach combined self-administered interviews with management consultants and a comprehensive literature review. The qualitative research method allowed for an in-depth exploration of the factors influencing the competitiveness of MC SMMEs. The interviews revealed that MC SMMEs possess the necessary technical expertise and skills, yet they face hurdles related to scalability and sustainability inherent in SMMEs. These challenges include limited access to funding, inadequate marketing capacities, and delayed payment for services rendered. The study highlights that MC SMMEs can handle high-value projects for SOEs but they encounter difficulties within the SOE environment, which is marked by ethical concerns. It emphasises the importance of vigilance and maintaining discipline in service delivery to address these challenges. Additionally, the research provides practical recommendations for SOEs to support and facilitate the growth of MC SMMEs, enabling innovative solutions in their services. By evaluating the competitiveness of MC SMMEs in serving SOEs, this research contributes to understanding the MC industry landscape in SA. It aims to assist in strengthening the capabilities and credibility of local MC SMMEs, fostering their growth and sustainability. The findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, industry practitioners, and stakeholders seeking to enhance the role of MC SMMEs in driving economic growth and innovation within the context of SOEs. , Thesis (MBA) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, Business School, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-12
Investigating Funding Challenges Experienced by SMMEs in Komani, South Africa
- Authors: Doku, Daniel Korku
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa , Economic development projects--Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61165 , vital:69790
- Description: All around the world there are small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) that help by creating jobs and contributing to gross domestic product. However, funding is a major problem that limits the growth and development of SMMEs. Funding challenges have increased, hence the need for research to be conducted in Komani, in South Africa‟s Eastern Cape Province, to see how the challenge can be overcome. This research aims at investigating the funding challenges experienced by SMMEs in Komani. The objectives of the research were to: evaluate the effect of funding challenges on the number of people employed in SMMEs; establish reasons why SMMEs fail to obtain funding from major financial institutions; to examine the avenues available for funding SMMEs; and to recommend to policymakers and SMMEs how to solve the problem of funding. However, previous research in Komani has not managed to investigate this problem with regard to the research process and the method used. This research is based on the positivistic paradigm and used the quantitative method to investigate the funding challenges. The research population was 441 SMMEs; of them 82 SMMEs were sampled using questionnaires. Data collected was analysed using Excel and Stata. Pearson Chi-square test of association from Stata and Excel Analysis ToolPak were used. The study found that most SMMEs use retained earnings and informal funding to finance their operations. It also found that most SMMEs were unaware of government support agencies like SEFA. The research recommends that more must be done to raise awareness on a regular basis to make sure that all SMMEs are aware of the financial support system that the government has for the SMMEs. Financial institutions will need to lower their requirements when SMMEs apply for finance. Finally, SMMEs are supported financially by both the government and the private sector to employ more people. However, the government could also create a guarantee scheme for SMMEs to ensure successful credit applications , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
- Authors: Doku, Daniel Korku
- Date: 2023-04
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa , Economic development projects--Finance
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/61165 , vital:69790
- Description: All around the world there are small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) that help by creating jobs and contributing to gross domestic product. However, funding is a major problem that limits the growth and development of SMMEs. Funding challenges have increased, hence the need for research to be conducted in Komani, in South Africa‟s Eastern Cape Province, to see how the challenge can be overcome. This research aims at investigating the funding challenges experienced by SMMEs in Komani. The objectives of the research were to: evaluate the effect of funding challenges on the number of people employed in SMMEs; establish reasons why SMMEs fail to obtain funding from major financial institutions; to examine the avenues available for funding SMMEs; and to recommend to policymakers and SMMEs how to solve the problem of funding. However, previous research in Komani has not managed to investigate this problem with regard to the research process and the method used. This research is based on the positivistic paradigm and used the quantitative method to investigate the funding challenges. The research population was 441 SMMEs; of them 82 SMMEs were sampled using questionnaires. Data collected was analysed using Excel and Stata. Pearson Chi-square test of association from Stata and Excel Analysis ToolPak were used. The study found that most SMMEs use retained earnings and informal funding to finance their operations. It also found that most SMMEs were unaware of government support agencies like SEFA. The research recommends that more must be done to raise awareness on a regular basis to make sure that all SMMEs are aware of the financial support system that the government has for the SMMEs. Financial institutions will need to lower their requirements when SMMEs apply for finance. Finally, SMMEs are supported financially by both the government and the private sector to employ more people. However, the government could also create a guarantee scheme for SMMEs to ensure successful credit applications , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of business and economic sciences, 2023
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2023-04
The implications of utilising small, medium and micro sized enterprises on construction projects
- Authors: Kampman, Juan
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Management Construction industry -- Economic aspects Construction industry -- Cost effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30698 , vital:31031
- Description: The National Development Plan envisages that eleven million jobs will be created in South Africa by small and medium enterprises (SME) by 2030. This vehicle aims to generate employment opportunities, redistribute income and contribute to poverty alleviation. This research highlights the main hurdles associated with the appointment of small, medium and micro-enterprise (SMME) contractors while providing recommendations geared towards the development of a sustainable industry. This study focuses on the cost, quality, programme, and health and safety implications of utilising SMMEs on construction projects. The study is seen from the perspective of the client’s representatives on construction projects and it focuses on South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) projects in the Eastern Cape. The respondents answered a structured web-based questionnaire which included open and closed questions. The research determined that in order to provide the best quality work, at the best price, on time, and in a safe manner, SMMEs who are employed on construction projects should be experienced or should be trained and mentored, or both. To ensure that SMMEs function at the required level with regard to the cost of their service, the quality of work, construction duration, and health and safety, it is fundamental to train and mentor the SMMEs. In order to assist SMMEs, they should be supported by providing construction material, the required tools, and personal protective equipment at the start of a project. It was proposed that SMME guidelines be drafted in order to standardise implementation methodologies which can be applied throughout the construction industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Kampman, Juan
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa , Construction industry -- Management Construction industry -- Economic aspects Construction industry -- Cost effectiveness
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/30698 , vital:31031
- Description: The National Development Plan envisages that eleven million jobs will be created in South Africa by small and medium enterprises (SME) by 2030. This vehicle aims to generate employment opportunities, redistribute income and contribute to poverty alleviation. This research highlights the main hurdles associated with the appointment of small, medium and micro-enterprise (SMME) contractors while providing recommendations geared towards the development of a sustainable industry. This study focuses on the cost, quality, programme, and health and safety implications of utilising SMMEs on construction projects. The study is seen from the perspective of the client’s representatives on construction projects and it focuses on South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) projects in the Eastern Cape. The respondents answered a structured web-based questionnaire which included open and closed questions. The research determined that in order to provide the best quality work, at the best price, on time, and in a safe manner, SMMEs who are employed on construction projects should be experienced or should be trained and mentored, or both. To ensure that SMMEs function at the required level with regard to the cost of their service, the quality of work, construction duration, and health and safety, it is fundamental to train and mentor the SMMEs. In order to assist SMMEs, they should be supported by providing construction material, the required tools, and personal protective equipment at the start of a project. It was proposed that SMME guidelines be drafted in order to standardise implementation methodologies which can be applied throughout the construction industry.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Working for ecosystems: an account of how pathways of learning lead to SMME development in a municipal social-ecological programme within a green economy context
- Burger, Margaret Hendrieka Margo
- Authors: Burger, Margaret Hendrieka Margo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Working for Ecosystems (South Africa) , Small business -- South Africa , Environmental education -- South Africa -- Durban , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Durban
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7735 , vital:21291
- Description: Global climate change alters climatic zones to the extent that species invasion and, in particular, invasive alien plant growth, is regarded as one of the biggest threats to ecosystem functioning. Socio-ecological adaptive management practices have emerged from these threats as opportunities in developing countries where the immediacy of poverty relief acts as a political drawcard and potential for job creation. Local workers in the eThekwini Municipality’s ‘Working for Ecosystems’ biodiversity management programme (WFE) are emerging as micro-enterprise contractors (SMMEs). The transition from worker to entrepreneur has been part of the ethos and long-term planning of the Working for Ecosystems programme at a management level with a view to economic inclusion and realising long-term sustainable livelihoods. Evidence from narratives support claims of transformative outcomes. The findings of this study show that transformation is accessed at various levels: at a management level, at a well-established SMME level and from worker-to- SMME level. These show an “articulation of learning pathways and the connections that are made without a formally structured pathway of learning being in place” (Lotz-Sisitka & Ramsarup, 2013, p. 33). The routes followed to knowledge, practice and sustainability competences by participants in Working for Ecosystems are examined within the complex constellation of material- economic, social-political and cultural-discursive structures and are conceptualised as learning pathways. To fully appreciate the evolving and multidimensional nature of the emergence of SMME practice learning in the Working for Ecosystems programme, relational ontology as a perspective was introduced, with the intention of emphasising the relationship between practice, knowledge and context. Narrative enquiry and extensive data analysis was used as the method to examine workplace learning pathways. These workplace learning pathways can be enriched by more explicitly integrating observation of local and indigenous knowledge of biodiversity in everyday work and practice. However, intermittent contractual work causes disruption in learning pathways formation and results in a lack of stability in conflict with the aims of the programme’s objectives of building capacity and robustness. Findings show that skills development in terms of workplace learning with intersecting, diverse levels of participation and knowledge flow, is particularly important for learning pathways development in the field of invasive alien plant control where divergent values, norms and levels of practice are operational. Prior knowledge, of either indigenous plants or business functioning mechanisms, scaffolds SMME skills through relevance and connected learning in the two fields of practice pertaining to the Working for Ecosystems programme. Clarity of management roles and solidarity within management enhances SMME functioning and learning pathway development for all participants. The Expanded Public Works Programmes (such as Working for Ecosystems) are examined as an opportunity for acquisition of knowledge, competence and new skills development. A prime competence for sustainability understanding is interpersonal skills as these form an essential link with most other competences and as such should be foregrounded in training and learning pathway development. Site selection and time in the programme is a critical factor for expansive learning pathways and environmental stewardship development. Ultimately, in examining and reflecting on the Education for Sustainable Development and green economy potential, it is apparent that learning pathway development needs more support to realise the possibility of entrepreneurship and its political and social significance in terms of sustainable livelihoods. There is a need to recognise diversity, multiple ways of knowing and learning, in learning pathways development “to build joint capacity to cope with complex sustainability challenges” (Wiek, Withycombe, & Redman, 2011).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Burger, Margaret Hendrieka Margo
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Working for Ecosystems (South Africa) , Small business -- South Africa , Environmental education -- South Africa -- Durban , Sustainable development -- South Africa -- Durban
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/7735 , vital:21291
- Description: Global climate change alters climatic zones to the extent that species invasion and, in particular, invasive alien plant growth, is regarded as one of the biggest threats to ecosystem functioning. Socio-ecological adaptive management practices have emerged from these threats as opportunities in developing countries where the immediacy of poverty relief acts as a political drawcard and potential for job creation. Local workers in the eThekwini Municipality’s ‘Working for Ecosystems’ biodiversity management programme (WFE) are emerging as micro-enterprise contractors (SMMEs). The transition from worker to entrepreneur has been part of the ethos and long-term planning of the Working for Ecosystems programme at a management level with a view to economic inclusion and realising long-term sustainable livelihoods. Evidence from narratives support claims of transformative outcomes. The findings of this study show that transformation is accessed at various levels: at a management level, at a well-established SMME level and from worker-to- SMME level. These show an “articulation of learning pathways and the connections that are made without a formally structured pathway of learning being in place” (Lotz-Sisitka & Ramsarup, 2013, p. 33). The routes followed to knowledge, practice and sustainability competences by participants in Working for Ecosystems are examined within the complex constellation of material- economic, social-political and cultural-discursive structures and are conceptualised as learning pathways. To fully appreciate the evolving and multidimensional nature of the emergence of SMME practice learning in the Working for Ecosystems programme, relational ontology as a perspective was introduced, with the intention of emphasising the relationship between practice, knowledge and context. Narrative enquiry and extensive data analysis was used as the method to examine workplace learning pathways. These workplace learning pathways can be enriched by more explicitly integrating observation of local and indigenous knowledge of biodiversity in everyday work and practice. However, intermittent contractual work causes disruption in learning pathways formation and results in a lack of stability in conflict with the aims of the programme’s objectives of building capacity and robustness. Findings show that skills development in terms of workplace learning with intersecting, diverse levels of participation and knowledge flow, is particularly important for learning pathways development in the field of invasive alien plant control where divergent values, norms and levels of practice are operational. Prior knowledge, of either indigenous plants or business functioning mechanisms, scaffolds SMME skills through relevance and connected learning in the two fields of practice pertaining to the Working for Ecosystems programme. Clarity of management roles and solidarity within management enhances SMME functioning and learning pathway development for all participants. The Expanded Public Works Programmes (such as Working for Ecosystems) are examined as an opportunity for acquisition of knowledge, competence and new skills development. A prime competence for sustainability understanding is interpersonal skills as these form an essential link with most other competences and as such should be foregrounded in training and learning pathway development. Site selection and time in the programme is a critical factor for expansive learning pathways and environmental stewardship development. Ultimately, in examining and reflecting on the Education for Sustainable Development and green economy potential, it is apparent that learning pathway development needs more support to realise the possibility of entrepreneurship and its political and social significance in terms of sustainable livelihoods. There is a need to recognise diversity, multiple ways of knowing and learning, in learning pathways development “to build joint capacity to cope with complex sustainability challenges” (Wiek, Withycombe, & Redman, 2011).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
An entrepreneurial development framework for SMEs in South Africa
- Authors: Pyper, Regina Christina
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Sustainable development -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5411 , vital:20838
- Description: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are engines of growth. It has been determined globally that these enterprises are the largest employers in economies. Small and Medium Enterprises fail fundamentally to succeed in South Africa. Many challenges and barriers were identified as the reason why the enterprise fails to survive or succeed for at least 42 months. Poor performance of the SMEs could be blamed on the lack of meaningful support including an over-regulated environment, red tape and the poor quality of education and training. A number of Small and Medium Enterprise owners in Turkey were interviewed to determine if the enterprise development support system contributed to success and economic growth. The government succeeded to improve the economy of Turkey profoundly by investing and supporting this very important sector. Turkey is positioned 17th in the world based on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The purpose of this study was to develop an entrepreneurial development framework for SMEs in South Africa. The government needs to support and implement this framework to stimulate economic growth, to address the poor quality of education and training and to establish a system to measure the performance of critical success factors. A case study research approach was employed to address five propositions that were investigated in this research project. Semi-structured interviews studied the perceptions and experiences of the SME owners in Turkey. The study found a positive relationship between economic growth, a meaningful enterprise development support system, education and training, critical success factors and entrepreneurship and the perceived success of entrepreneurial ventures in South Africa. The establishment and implementation of an entrepreneurial development framework will encourage the creation of new ventures. The government will be able to achieve the goal of economic growth as set out in the National Development Plan. The establishment of SMEs will result in employment, social stability, economic growth and the generation of tax revenues. The purpose of an entrepreneurial development framework is to ensure the sustainable economic development and prosperity of South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Pyper, Regina Christina
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Sustainable development -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5411 , vital:20838
- Description: Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are engines of growth. It has been determined globally that these enterprises are the largest employers in economies. Small and Medium Enterprises fail fundamentally to succeed in South Africa. Many challenges and barriers were identified as the reason why the enterprise fails to survive or succeed for at least 42 months. Poor performance of the SMEs could be blamed on the lack of meaningful support including an over-regulated environment, red tape and the poor quality of education and training. A number of Small and Medium Enterprise owners in Turkey were interviewed to determine if the enterprise development support system contributed to success and economic growth. The government succeeded to improve the economy of Turkey profoundly by investing and supporting this very important sector. Turkey is positioned 17th in the world based on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The purpose of this study was to develop an entrepreneurial development framework for SMEs in South Africa. The government needs to support and implement this framework to stimulate economic growth, to address the poor quality of education and training and to establish a system to measure the performance of critical success factors. A case study research approach was employed to address five propositions that were investigated in this research project. Semi-structured interviews studied the perceptions and experiences of the SME owners in Turkey. The study found a positive relationship between economic growth, a meaningful enterprise development support system, education and training, critical success factors and entrepreneurship and the perceived success of entrepreneurial ventures in South Africa. The establishment and implementation of an entrepreneurial development framework will encourage the creation of new ventures. The government will be able to achieve the goal of economic growth as set out in the National Development Plan. The establishment of SMEs will result in employment, social stability, economic growth and the generation of tax revenues. The purpose of an entrepreneurial development framework is to ensure the sustainable economic development and prosperity of South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A proposed framework for mentoring in black-owned small businesses in South Africa
- Authors: Matabooe, Makatleho Julia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Mentoring in business -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6520 , vital:21101
- Description: In view of the important role that small businesses play in the economic development of most economies in the world, including South Africa (Adeniran & Johnston, 2012:4088; Kongolo, 2010:2290), as well as the survival challenges that they face, the purpose of this study was to propose a framework for effective mentoring. This framework can be used to develop the business management skills of black small business owner–managers which will eventually increase the survival of small businesses in South Africa. As such, the primary objective of this study was to gain an understanding of the conditions required for effective mentoring of black-owned small businesses by empirically identifying the factors that influence effective mentoring of these businesses. If mentoring programmes for black-owned small businesses can be effective, the high failure rate of these businesses could be reduced, which may influence the South African economy positively. This study sought to review previous findings and theories on mentoring and small business development, and then contextualise these to black-owned small businesses. A comprehensive literature review revealed potential factors which could influence the effectiveness of mentoring of black-owned small businesses. Four categories of these factors were identified, namely relational-based, non-relational based, cultural and demographical factors. These factors guided the collection of primary data in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Matabooe, Makatleho Julia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Mentoring in business -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/6520 , vital:21101
- Description: In view of the important role that small businesses play in the economic development of most economies in the world, including South Africa (Adeniran & Johnston, 2012:4088; Kongolo, 2010:2290), as well as the survival challenges that they face, the purpose of this study was to propose a framework for effective mentoring. This framework can be used to develop the business management skills of black small business owner–managers which will eventually increase the survival of small businesses in South Africa. As such, the primary objective of this study was to gain an understanding of the conditions required for effective mentoring of black-owned small businesses by empirically identifying the factors that influence effective mentoring of these businesses. If mentoring programmes for black-owned small businesses can be effective, the high failure rate of these businesses could be reduced, which may influence the South African economy positively. This study sought to review previous findings and theories on mentoring and small business development, and then contextualise these to black-owned small businesses. A comprehensive literature review revealed potential factors which could influence the effectiveness of mentoring of black-owned small businesses. Four categories of these factors were identified, namely relational-based, non-relational based, cultural and demographical factors. These factors guided the collection of primary data in this study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Exploratory study : how do Somali shop owners (SSO) succeed in running businesses in Soweto : a South African perspective
- Authors: Mokitlane, Ofentse Clifford
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Business enterprises, Foreign -- South Africa , Small business -- Management , Small business -- South Africa , Foreign workers -- South Africa , Employment in foreign countries , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:842 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015653
- Description: This is a qualitative study which seeks to understand how Somali shop owners run successful businesses in the township of Soweto in South Africa. This research report has three sections, namely (1) the academic paper which comprises a shortened literature review, the research method, findings, and the discussion; (2) an extended literature review and (3) the research methodology. It is important to mention that these three sections are related and not necessarily stand-alone sections. Despite the hostilities faced by the Somali shop owners from the host communities in South Africa, it is notable that they are successful, small-sized entrepreneurs in most townships of South Africa (SA). Previous research on Somalis has predominantly focused on their assimilation into the societies in their host countries, and on how they are led into self-employment because of the unfavourable labour markets in the host country. In this vein, there is a need to understand how they run successful businesses in the townships of SA. This study seeks to answer the following research question: How Do Somali Shop Owners Succeed in Running Businesses in Soweto, South Africa (SA)? In pursuit of answers to the above research question, this study was confined to three locations in Soweto, namely Orlando West, Chiawelo and Rockville which have a relatively high number of Somali entrepreneurs who have been in operation for longer than three years. This qualitative study explored the multiple perspectives of reality of Somali shop owners. Purposively, 14 Somali shop owners were identified initially using purposive sampling. Subsequently, theoretical sampling was used to identify Somali shop owners who were interviewed regarding how they successfully run their businesses in the locations of Orlando West, Chiawelo and Rockville in the township of Soweto. A total of eighteen semi-structured, in-depth and face-to-face interviews were conducted with these shop owners as a means of gathering data to the point of saturating their perspectives. Data collection ceased when new perspectives were no longer evident as interviewees were being repetitive. Open-coding and constant comparison was used to analyse the data. The findings of the study show that ethnicity plays a predominant role in the success of the Somali shop owners. The intra-ethnic networks and trust-based support systems are pivotal to how Somali shop owners run successful businesses in Soweto. The key findings manifested showed that various forms of support came from Somali communities, family and fellow countrymen which were also central to their success. Another key finding showed that Somali shop owners run their businesses by complementing, rather than predominantly competing with the other local businesses, which ultimately differentiates them in this way. The study also revealed that responsiveness to local customer needs by enhancing the value of their business to the locality is also characteristic of how Somali shop owners build customer loyalty. This study contributes to our understanding of how Somali entrepreneurs conduct successful businesses in a hostile host country. The findings have implications for business development training and programmes which support immigrant entrepreneurs. The findings may also be extended to inform how business development programmes would be designed to equally support local entrepreneurs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Mokitlane, Ofentse Clifford
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Business enterprises, Foreign -- South Africa , Small business -- Management , Small business -- South Africa , Foreign workers -- South Africa , Employment in foreign countries , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:842 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1015653
- Description: This is a qualitative study which seeks to understand how Somali shop owners run successful businesses in the township of Soweto in South Africa. This research report has three sections, namely (1) the academic paper which comprises a shortened literature review, the research method, findings, and the discussion; (2) an extended literature review and (3) the research methodology. It is important to mention that these three sections are related and not necessarily stand-alone sections. Despite the hostilities faced by the Somali shop owners from the host communities in South Africa, it is notable that they are successful, small-sized entrepreneurs in most townships of South Africa (SA). Previous research on Somalis has predominantly focused on their assimilation into the societies in their host countries, and on how they are led into self-employment because of the unfavourable labour markets in the host country. In this vein, there is a need to understand how they run successful businesses in the townships of SA. This study seeks to answer the following research question: How Do Somali Shop Owners Succeed in Running Businesses in Soweto, South Africa (SA)? In pursuit of answers to the above research question, this study was confined to three locations in Soweto, namely Orlando West, Chiawelo and Rockville which have a relatively high number of Somali entrepreneurs who have been in operation for longer than three years. This qualitative study explored the multiple perspectives of reality of Somali shop owners. Purposively, 14 Somali shop owners were identified initially using purposive sampling. Subsequently, theoretical sampling was used to identify Somali shop owners who were interviewed regarding how they successfully run their businesses in the locations of Orlando West, Chiawelo and Rockville in the township of Soweto. A total of eighteen semi-structured, in-depth and face-to-face interviews were conducted with these shop owners as a means of gathering data to the point of saturating their perspectives. Data collection ceased when new perspectives were no longer evident as interviewees were being repetitive. Open-coding and constant comparison was used to analyse the data. The findings of the study show that ethnicity plays a predominant role in the success of the Somali shop owners. The intra-ethnic networks and trust-based support systems are pivotal to how Somali shop owners run successful businesses in Soweto. The key findings manifested showed that various forms of support came from Somali communities, family and fellow countrymen which were also central to their success. Another key finding showed that Somali shop owners run their businesses by complementing, rather than predominantly competing with the other local businesses, which ultimately differentiates them in this way. The study also revealed that responsiveness to local customer needs by enhancing the value of their business to the locality is also characteristic of how Somali shop owners build customer loyalty. This study contributes to our understanding of how Somali entrepreneurs conduct successful businesses in a hostile host country. The findings have implications for business development training and programmes which support immigrant entrepreneurs. The findings may also be extended to inform how business development programmes would be designed to equally support local entrepreneurs.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Assessing the competitiveness of small and medium sized retail business in South Africa
- Authors: Herholdt, Petrus Stephanus
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Competition -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa , Chain stores -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8867 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020279
- Description: The South African economy and especially its retail environment are continuously experiencing the impact of globalisation. The continuous expansions of large public retail businesses that consist of numerous chain stores are evident in both the local and international arena. South Africa has witnessed large amounts of foreign direct investment (FDI) invested into its retail sector. The above mentioned facts hold a serious challenge for small and medium retail businesses in South Africa (SMEs). In order for SME retail businesses to stay competitive against these global retail businesses, it needs to be able to withstand the competition in the environment it operates. This is not always an easy challenge given the limited access to resources that the majority of SME businesses have access to. This study presents how South African SME retail businesses can remain competent and profitable in spite of serious competition from large retail businesses of both local and international origin. In order to suggest recommendations for South African SME retail businesses to be more competent in relation to large retail businesses, the researcher identified some areas of improvement, which is perceived to be the most important for enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs. These variables include uniqueness, entrepreneurial leadership, cost effectiveness, technology and quality management. These variables were researched to understand how they affect SME retail businesses and where tested using quantitative analysis to ascertain if managers and owners of SME retail businesses believed that these variables would help them to improve the level of competitiveness in relation to large retail businesses. The results indicated that SME owners and managers felt that uniqueness, entrepreneurial leadership, cost effectiveness, technology and quality management all contributes to the competitiveness of their business. Empirical evidence shows that owners and managers of SME retail business felt that all of the above factors will result in their SME retail business being more competitive as compared to large retail businesses. The former will lead to better chances of success which again are most likely to lead to increased probability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Herholdt, Petrus Stephanus
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Competition -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa , Chain stores -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8867 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020279
- Description: The South African economy and especially its retail environment are continuously experiencing the impact of globalisation. The continuous expansions of large public retail businesses that consist of numerous chain stores are evident in both the local and international arena. South Africa has witnessed large amounts of foreign direct investment (FDI) invested into its retail sector. The above mentioned facts hold a serious challenge for small and medium retail businesses in South Africa (SMEs). In order for SME retail businesses to stay competitive against these global retail businesses, it needs to be able to withstand the competition in the environment it operates. This is not always an easy challenge given the limited access to resources that the majority of SME businesses have access to. This study presents how South African SME retail businesses can remain competent and profitable in spite of serious competition from large retail businesses of both local and international origin. In order to suggest recommendations for South African SME retail businesses to be more competent in relation to large retail businesses, the researcher identified some areas of improvement, which is perceived to be the most important for enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs. These variables include uniqueness, entrepreneurial leadership, cost effectiveness, technology and quality management. These variables were researched to understand how they affect SME retail businesses and where tested using quantitative analysis to ascertain if managers and owners of SME retail businesses believed that these variables would help them to improve the level of competitiveness in relation to large retail businesses. The results indicated that SME owners and managers felt that uniqueness, entrepreneurial leadership, cost effectiveness, technology and quality management all contributes to the competitiveness of their business. Empirical evidence shows that owners and managers of SME retail business felt that all of the above factors will result in their SME retail business being more competitive as compared to large retail businesses. The former will lead to better chances of success which again are most likely to lead to increased probability.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Towards an information security awareness process for engineering SMEs in emerging economies
- Authors: Gundu, Tapiwa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Computer security -- South Africa , Information technology -- South Africa , Computer networks -- Security measures -- South Africa , Information resources management -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa , Engineering firms -- South Africa , Confidential communications -- South Africa , Information Security Awareness , Information Security Behaviour , Information Security Training
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: vital:11138 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007179 , Computer security -- South Africa , Information technology -- South Africa , Computer networks -- Security measures -- South Africa , Information resources management -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa , Engineering firms -- South Africa , Confidential communications -- South Africa , Information Security Awareness , Information Security Behaviour , Information Security Training
- Description: With most employees in Engineering Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) now having access to their own personal workstations, the need for information security management to safeguard against loss/alteration or theft of the firms’ important information has increased. These Engineering SMEs tend to be more concerned with vulnerabilities from external threats, although industry research suggests that a substantial proportion of security incidents originate from insiders within the firm. Hence, technical preventative measures such as antivirus software and firewalls are proving to solve only part of the problem as the employees controlling them lack adequate information security knowledge. This tends to expose a firm to risk and costly mistakes made by naïve/uninformed employees. This dissertation presents an information security awareness process that seeks to cultivate positive security behaviours using a behavioural intention model based on the Theory of Reasoned Action, Protection Motivation Theory and the Behaviourism Theory. The process and model have been refined and verified using expert review and tested through action research at an Engineering SME in South Africa. The main finding was information security levels of employees within the firm were low, but the proposed information security awareness process increased their knowledge thereby positively altering their behaviour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Gundu, Tapiwa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Computer security -- South Africa , Information technology -- South Africa , Computer networks -- Security measures -- South Africa , Information resources management -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa , Engineering firms -- South Africa , Confidential communications -- South Africa , Information Security Awareness , Information Security Behaviour , Information Security Training
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom (Information Systems)
- Identifier: vital:11138 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007179 , Computer security -- South Africa , Information technology -- South Africa , Computer networks -- Security measures -- South Africa , Information resources management -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa , Engineering firms -- South Africa , Confidential communications -- South Africa , Information Security Awareness , Information Security Behaviour , Information Security Training
- Description: With most employees in Engineering Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) now having access to their own personal workstations, the need for information security management to safeguard against loss/alteration or theft of the firms’ important information has increased. These Engineering SMEs tend to be more concerned with vulnerabilities from external threats, although industry research suggests that a substantial proportion of security incidents originate from insiders within the firm. Hence, technical preventative measures such as antivirus software and firewalls are proving to solve only part of the problem as the employees controlling them lack adequate information security knowledge. This tends to expose a firm to risk and costly mistakes made by naïve/uninformed employees. This dissertation presents an information security awareness process that seeks to cultivate positive security behaviours using a behavioural intention model based on the Theory of Reasoned Action, Protection Motivation Theory and the Behaviourism Theory. The process and model have been refined and verified using expert review and tested through action research at an Engineering SME in South Africa. The main finding was information security levels of employees within the firm were low, but the proposed information security awareness process increased their knowledge thereby positively altering their behaviour.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Research into entrepreneurship and small business in South Africa: current status and future challenges
- Authors: Tai-Hing, Paul
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8794 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015981
- Description: This research seeks to advance knowledge of the current state of entrepreneurship and small businesses in South Africa, and reports on a review of 32 articles and 244 research abstracts in the field. The studies as a whole indicate that entrepreneurs in South Africa require more knowledge in the fields of: Networking in business, Internationalisation of business, Entrepreneurship training. Since the 1990s, research in entrepreneurship has grown in terms of the number of articles published and conference papers presented. In many countries entrepreneurship has also become part of the political agenda as it is perceived as a possible solution to high unemployment rates. In addition, interest in entrepreneurship has heightened during the 2000s, especially in business schools. Much of this interest is driven by student demand for courses in entrepreneurship, either because of genuine interest in the subject, or because students see entrepreneurship education as a useful hedge given uncertain corporate careers. Most of the entrepreneurship research abstracts reviewed for this study focused on race, gender and ethical issues in South Africa. These three research topics focused on: Attitudes and experiences of black women: differ from other racial groups in business with the results indicating that black women were competent and highly-motivated, but lacked communication skills and Western business orientation. Many black women also desired equality although their male counterparts opposed this. Black women also lacked role models and career guidance. Different population groups participate in the economy: reflect regional, income, expenditure, skill, occupational and labour differences, including labour supply and demand. Ethics concerns: include whether it should be taught in the human resources management curricula taught in universities. From the findings it appeared that entrepreneurship research in South Africa is fairly similar to international research contexts. As entrepreneurship and small businesses are diverse and multi-disciplinary, the studies reviewed indicated a wide range of different models, theories, frameworks, and combinations of these. However, the theoretical richness of the studies reviewed was, in many cases, relatively low, and only a few of the studies could be regarded as highly-theoretical. In addition, the presentation of the various theories and models applied was very often inadequately reported. It is also important to note that altogether between 7 and 11 percent of the studies were without any well-argued theoretical framework. Thus, researchers in the field should discuss the theoretical frameworks applied in their empirical analyses, to ensure this will improve the theoretical understanding of the phenomenon. Although this study made use of the mixed-method approach to conduct the research, it is also important to note that, in 12 percent of cases, methodological issues were poorly described. Most of the studies often did not describe the data collection response rate provide sample demographic and firm size details as well as identify the target industry. These details were often missing or loosely defined. The reasons for the selection of a certain research approach were also poorly explained, making many of the research studies deficient or limited methodologically. These omissions present a challenge, not only to authors in the field, but also to reviewers and editors in academic journals, as this impacts on the scientific rigor of published papers. On the basis of published papers reviewed, it seems that, personally-administered data collection works best in South Africa. From the research studies undertaken in South Africa, it is evident that much has been researched in the areas of gender (specifically the role of women in business), entrepreneurship training and ethics in business. It is evident that during the 1980s, no research was conducted in South Africa in the areas of family businesses and entrepreneurship training, while international research focuses on these topics. During the 1990s, no research focused on networking in small businesses, and. during the 2000s, there was a lack of research on internationalisation of businesses as only six articles were published from 2000 until 2011 on these topics. This highlights a need for internationalisation research especially as it is well-documented that the South African economy cannot survive if it does not take cognisance of its international competitors. On the basis of the articles and abstracts reviewed, the current state of knowledge concerning entrepreneurship and small businesses in South Africa was assessed, especially the need for the internationalisation of South African small businesses. Moreover, research studies could also focus on the obstacles encountered in the internationalisation process of South African small businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Tai-Hing, Paul
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8794 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1015981
- Description: This research seeks to advance knowledge of the current state of entrepreneurship and small businesses in South Africa, and reports on a review of 32 articles and 244 research abstracts in the field. The studies as a whole indicate that entrepreneurs in South Africa require more knowledge in the fields of: Networking in business, Internationalisation of business, Entrepreneurship training. Since the 1990s, research in entrepreneurship has grown in terms of the number of articles published and conference papers presented. In many countries entrepreneurship has also become part of the political agenda as it is perceived as a possible solution to high unemployment rates. In addition, interest in entrepreneurship has heightened during the 2000s, especially in business schools. Much of this interest is driven by student demand for courses in entrepreneurship, either because of genuine interest in the subject, or because students see entrepreneurship education as a useful hedge given uncertain corporate careers. Most of the entrepreneurship research abstracts reviewed for this study focused on race, gender and ethical issues in South Africa. These three research topics focused on: Attitudes and experiences of black women: differ from other racial groups in business with the results indicating that black women were competent and highly-motivated, but lacked communication skills and Western business orientation. Many black women also desired equality although their male counterparts opposed this. Black women also lacked role models and career guidance. Different population groups participate in the economy: reflect regional, income, expenditure, skill, occupational and labour differences, including labour supply and demand. Ethics concerns: include whether it should be taught in the human resources management curricula taught in universities. From the findings it appeared that entrepreneurship research in South Africa is fairly similar to international research contexts. As entrepreneurship and small businesses are diverse and multi-disciplinary, the studies reviewed indicated a wide range of different models, theories, frameworks, and combinations of these. However, the theoretical richness of the studies reviewed was, in many cases, relatively low, and only a few of the studies could be regarded as highly-theoretical. In addition, the presentation of the various theories and models applied was very often inadequately reported. It is also important to note that altogether between 7 and 11 percent of the studies were without any well-argued theoretical framework. Thus, researchers in the field should discuss the theoretical frameworks applied in their empirical analyses, to ensure this will improve the theoretical understanding of the phenomenon. Although this study made use of the mixed-method approach to conduct the research, it is also important to note that, in 12 percent of cases, methodological issues were poorly described. Most of the studies often did not describe the data collection response rate provide sample demographic and firm size details as well as identify the target industry. These details were often missing or loosely defined. The reasons for the selection of a certain research approach were also poorly explained, making many of the research studies deficient or limited methodologically. These omissions present a challenge, not only to authors in the field, but also to reviewers and editors in academic journals, as this impacts on the scientific rigor of published papers. On the basis of published papers reviewed, it seems that, personally-administered data collection works best in South Africa. From the research studies undertaken in South Africa, it is evident that much has been researched in the areas of gender (specifically the role of women in business), entrepreneurship training and ethics in business. It is evident that during the 1980s, no research was conducted in South Africa in the areas of family businesses and entrepreneurship training, while international research focuses on these topics. During the 1990s, no research focused on networking in small businesses, and. during the 2000s, there was a lack of research on internationalisation of businesses as only six articles were published from 2000 until 2011 on these topics. This highlights a need for internationalisation research especially as it is well-documented that the South African economy cannot survive if it does not take cognisance of its international competitors. On the basis of the articles and abstracts reviewed, the current state of knowledge concerning entrepreneurship and small businesses in South Africa was assessed, especially the need for the internationalisation of South African small businesses. Moreover, research studies could also focus on the obstacles encountered in the internationalisation process of South African small businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The influence of copreneurial relationships on the restaurant industry : a study in the Nelson Mandela Metropole
- Von Hoffman, Ethen Langeford
- Authors: Von Hoffman, Ethen Langeford
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Couple-owned business enterprises -- Management , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8839 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020003
- Description: Entrepreneurship plays an important role in the South African economy, especially in light of the recent global recession. For family businesses, namely copreneurs in the restaurant industry, to be afforded a better opportunity to perform better and be viable and sustainable, a deeper understanding and insight into their dynamics is required. Researching and implementing strategies or recommendations to improve the influence of copreneurial relationships in the restaurant industry is fundamentally important to the growth and sustainability of restaurants in the hospitality industry, in the Nelson Mandela Metropole (NMM). However, no known studies have been performed in this area of copreneurship. This study sought to present exploratory research in the rapidly expanding and critically important sector family business, namely copreneurships specifically in the restaurant industry in the NMM, in South Africa. The primary research objective of this study is to gain a deeper understanding and insight into the influence of copreneurial relationships in the restaurant industry in the NMM. A phenomenological, or qualitative, research paradigm, through the use of focused one-on-one interviews, was employed to probe and analyse relational factors of copreneurial relationships. A qualifying questionnaire was constructed to determine the most effective sample for the study followed by an extensive questionnaire constructed to probe into the demographics and the specifically identified relational factors of the ten qualifying copreneurships. The collected data was then analysed and inferences were derived from the findings of the study. The findings revealed that what restaurant copreneurships perceive to be the most important relationship factors are very closely linked to the relationship factors perceived important to personally work on and improve. Of the relational factors considered for this study, namely: Commitment, communication, conflict, division of labour, emotional attachment, relationship bond, respect, spousal harmony, trust and the spousal values system, several factors stood out as those baring greatest influence on copreneurial relationships and their business. This study, from an analysis of the collected interview data and subsequent findings, determined communication to stand out above all other factors as being the most critical to copreneurial relationships. All other factors emanated as important but division of labour, values system, respect and relationship bond were revealed as extremely important, just behind communication. In light of these findings, as well as the discovery of other affecting factors, the study concluded that the viability and sustainability of restaurant copreneurships is of paramount significance. In order to facilitate this, copreneurial couples must cherish their relationships with each other, understand the dynamics of the relational factors affecting their relationships, invoke relational improvements for their viability and sustainability, not neglect family responsibilities and preservation in light of business needs and work together as a team.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Von Hoffman, Ethen Langeford
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Couple-owned business enterprises -- Management , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8839 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020003
- Description: Entrepreneurship plays an important role in the South African economy, especially in light of the recent global recession. For family businesses, namely copreneurs in the restaurant industry, to be afforded a better opportunity to perform better and be viable and sustainable, a deeper understanding and insight into their dynamics is required. Researching and implementing strategies or recommendations to improve the influence of copreneurial relationships in the restaurant industry is fundamentally important to the growth and sustainability of restaurants in the hospitality industry, in the Nelson Mandela Metropole (NMM). However, no known studies have been performed in this area of copreneurship. This study sought to present exploratory research in the rapidly expanding and critically important sector family business, namely copreneurships specifically in the restaurant industry in the NMM, in South Africa. The primary research objective of this study is to gain a deeper understanding and insight into the influence of copreneurial relationships in the restaurant industry in the NMM. A phenomenological, or qualitative, research paradigm, through the use of focused one-on-one interviews, was employed to probe and analyse relational factors of copreneurial relationships. A qualifying questionnaire was constructed to determine the most effective sample for the study followed by an extensive questionnaire constructed to probe into the demographics and the specifically identified relational factors of the ten qualifying copreneurships. The collected data was then analysed and inferences were derived from the findings of the study. The findings revealed that what restaurant copreneurships perceive to be the most important relationship factors are very closely linked to the relationship factors perceived important to personally work on and improve. Of the relational factors considered for this study, namely: Commitment, communication, conflict, division of labour, emotional attachment, relationship bond, respect, spousal harmony, trust and the spousal values system, several factors stood out as those baring greatest influence on copreneurial relationships and their business. This study, from an analysis of the collected interview data and subsequent findings, determined communication to stand out above all other factors as being the most critical to copreneurial relationships. All other factors emanated as important but division of labour, values system, respect and relationship bond were revealed as extremely important, just behind communication. In light of these findings, as well as the discovery of other affecting factors, the study concluded that the viability and sustainability of restaurant copreneurships is of paramount significance. In order to facilitate this, copreneurial couples must cherish their relationships with each other, understand the dynamics of the relational factors affecting their relationships, invoke relational improvements for their viability and sustainability, not neglect family responsibilities and preservation in light of business needs and work together as a team.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
Assessing BEE policy's viability in advancing establishment and survival of SMMes in South Africa
- Authors: Waithaka, Stephen Kiumi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4376 , vital:20591
- Description: Black Economic Empowerment is an ideology and policy that was effected so as to streamline the inequalities that were and have been left to stand after the apartheid era in South Africa. Despite the mixed reactions that would surface as a result of the underpinnings of the policy, the main focus of the policy was and still is to provide for equality and build better business among the economic minority who in this case are the “black” people of South Africa. This report focuses on the policy and the different guidelines that have been set in place to counter the inequalities in businesses and economy with focus being on SMMEs and looking at ways in which various sections, especially the score card, with regard to exemptions to small businesses, how this aids them in achieving BEE compliance. The research accomplished this by looking at the requirements of the score card, focusing mainly on the stipulations placed on SMMEs and by the use of literary reports gathered information that would show whether the exemptions give the said enterprises added competitive advantage. The research produced a couple of findings; that although theoretically the necessity of boosting economic growth and business of one of the most productive enterprise sectors in an economy and the fact that the score card has focused infinitely on the need for SMMEs not to be fully focused on a specific cluster of criterion in the score card but more on which criterion would work best for them and which ones are easy to maneuver around to ensure maximum growth and contribution, there is the loop hole that is experienced of how this criterion is met and passed with disregard to actualization of the need to adhere to the strictness of the rules of how compliance is attained. There was also the main issue of fronting which is the falsification of ownership of a company by providing misleading information about the directors and owners of the business. The main conclusions drawn from this research are that it is important not to lose the foresight that the policy is meant to enhance and grow the economic ability of a sector and build business through which the policy makes very heavy recommendations but there are shortfalls experienced with regard to how compliance is approached putting into consideration that SMMEs have been given exemptions in the number of pillars of the score card they can apply to their business. It is also important to note that the influence and bulldozing that is expected when it comes to dealing with policies of this nature is not to be sidelined. This research aims to look at the discrepancies that are set out within the structures that hold the policy together so as to attain maximum results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Waithaka, Stephen Kiumi
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4376 , vital:20591
- Description: Black Economic Empowerment is an ideology and policy that was effected so as to streamline the inequalities that were and have been left to stand after the apartheid era in South Africa. Despite the mixed reactions that would surface as a result of the underpinnings of the policy, the main focus of the policy was and still is to provide for equality and build better business among the economic minority who in this case are the “black” people of South Africa. This report focuses on the policy and the different guidelines that have been set in place to counter the inequalities in businesses and economy with focus being on SMMEs and looking at ways in which various sections, especially the score card, with regard to exemptions to small businesses, how this aids them in achieving BEE compliance. The research accomplished this by looking at the requirements of the score card, focusing mainly on the stipulations placed on SMMEs and by the use of literary reports gathered information that would show whether the exemptions give the said enterprises added competitive advantage. The research produced a couple of findings; that although theoretically the necessity of boosting economic growth and business of one of the most productive enterprise sectors in an economy and the fact that the score card has focused infinitely on the need for SMMEs not to be fully focused on a specific cluster of criterion in the score card but more on which criterion would work best for them and which ones are easy to maneuver around to ensure maximum growth and contribution, there is the loop hole that is experienced of how this criterion is met and passed with disregard to actualization of the need to adhere to the strictness of the rules of how compliance is attained. There was also the main issue of fronting which is the falsification of ownership of a company by providing misleading information about the directors and owners of the business. The main conclusions drawn from this research are that it is important not to lose the foresight that the policy is meant to enhance and grow the economic ability of a sector and build business through which the policy makes very heavy recommendations but there are shortfalls experienced with regard to how compliance is approached putting into consideration that SMMEs have been given exemptions in the number of pillars of the score card they can apply to their business. It is also important to note that the influence and bulldozing that is expected when it comes to dealing with policies of this nature is not to be sidelined. This research aims to look at the discrepancies that are set out within the structures that hold the policy together so as to attain maximum results.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
The Influence of stakeholder orientation and entrepreneurial orientation on the performance of small tourism businesses in the Eastern Cape Province
- Maseko, Ian https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1374-1660
- Authors: Maseko, Ian https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1374-1660
- Date: 2010-12
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa , Tourism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25937 , vital:64635
- Description: Small businesses have been identified as a catalyst for the growth and expansion of both developed and developing economies. In South Africa, tourism is an important element of the economy and small tourism businesses play an integral role in this sector. However, the success of these firms is influenced by the business orientation adopted. In this regard, entrepreneurial orientation and stakeholder orientation are considered key factors in ensuring enterprise performance and longevity. The main objective of this research is to establish the relationship between stakeholder orientation, entrepreneurial orientation and the performance of small tourism businesses. In order to accomplish this purpose, the reliability and validity of the instrument was assessed, followed by a multiple regression analysis and a Pearson correlation analysis to test the proposed hypotheses. Overall findings from this study suggest that one dimension of stakeholder orientation and entrepreneurial orientation has a positive significant relationship with small firm performance. The results also confirm that stakeholder orientation dimensions and entrepreneurial orientation are positively correlated. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2010
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010-12
- Authors: Maseko, Ian https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1374-1660
- Date: 2010-12
- Subjects: Small business -- South Africa , Tourism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/25937 , vital:64635
- Description: Small businesses have been identified as a catalyst for the growth and expansion of both developed and developing economies. In South Africa, tourism is an important element of the economy and small tourism businesses play an integral role in this sector. However, the success of these firms is influenced by the business orientation adopted. In this regard, entrepreneurial orientation and stakeholder orientation are considered key factors in ensuring enterprise performance and longevity. The main objective of this research is to establish the relationship between stakeholder orientation, entrepreneurial orientation and the performance of small tourism businesses. In order to accomplish this purpose, the reliability and validity of the instrument was assessed, followed by a multiple regression analysis and a Pearson correlation analysis to test the proposed hypotheses. Overall findings from this study suggest that one dimension of stakeholder orientation and entrepreneurial orientation has a positive significant relationship with small firm performance. The results also confirm that stakeholder orientation dimensions and entrepreneurial orientation are positively correlated. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2010
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010-12
Copreneurships in South African small and medium-sized family business
- Authors: Eybers, Carey
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Couple-owned business enterprises , Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9285 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1207 , Couple-owned business enterprises , Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa
- Description: Taking cognisance of the increasingly important role that copreneurial businesses play in national economies, the unique challenges that they face, and the lack of research attention given to such spousal teams, the purpose of this study was to contribute to the more effective functioning of copreneurships in South Africa by identifying the factors that impact on their success. Consequently, the primary objective of this study was to investigate the factors that influence the Perceived success of copreneurships in South Africa, as well as the conditions required for the effective and harmonious functioning of such spousal partnerships. This study seeks to incorporate previous findings and studies on team effectiveness and spousal relationships into a comprehensive conceptual model. After conducting a comprehensive literature study, as well as examining the different teamwork models proposed and the study by Farrington (2009), it became clear that successful teams have validated their proficiency with regard to two types of factors, namely, relational-based and organisational-based factors. Within these two categories of factors, 14 independent variables were identified and hypothesised to influence the measures of effectiveness of copreneurships, namely the dependent variable Perceived success; and the intervening variable Financial performance. All of the factors in this study were clearly defined and operationalised. Reliable and valid items sourced from Farrington’s (2009) measuring instrument, as well as several measuring instruments used in other studies, were used in the operationalisation of these factors. In addition, several items were self-generated from secondary sources. Respondents were identified using the convenience snowball sampling technique, and a structured questionnaire was made available to them. The data gathered from the 380 usable questionnaires was subjected to various statistical analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument was confirmed by means of an exploratory factor analysis, and Cronbach-alpha coefficients were calculated for this purpose. The original intervening variable Financial performance could not be confirmed as originally intended in the conceptual model. Instead, Financial performance split into v two separate variables which were named Financial performance and Growth performance. The original dependent variable Perceived success was confirmed by the factor analyses. The relational- and organisational-based factors could not be confirmed as originally intended in the conceptual model. Instead, seven new relational- and seven new organisational-based factors emerged, and where necessary these factors were renamed. The primary statistical procedure used to test the significance of the relationships hypothesised between the independent and dependent variables in this study, was Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Owing to the sample-size restrictions, the conceptual model could not be subjected to SEM as a whole. Instead, seven submodels were identified and subjected to further analysis. The following independent variables were identified as influencing the dependent and intervening variables in this study: • Spousal relationship • Commitment to spouse • Equal status • Commitment to the business • Emotional attachment • Non-family involvement • Personal needs alignment • Leadership • Competencies • Internal context In order to investigate the influence of the various demographic variables on the intervening and dependent variables, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Multiple Linear Regression analysis and t-tests were performed. How leadership occurs in a copreneurial business, the tenure of the business, the location of the business, the status of the copreneurship, the level of spousal involvement in the business and the vi number of employees were found to have an influence on the intervening and dependent variables of this study. By empirically investigating copreneurships, this study has added to the limited amount of family business literature on these complex partnerships. By way of the conceptual models developed in this study a significant contribution has been made towards understanding the factors influencing the success of copreneurships. As a result, this study presents recommendations and suggestions to assist couples in managing their copreneurships in such a way as to nurture their marriage relationships and at the same time enhance the performance of their businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Eybers, Carey
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: Couple-owned business enterprises , Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MCom
- Identifier: vital:9285 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/1207 , Couple-owned business enterprises , Family-owned business enterprises -- Succession -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa
- Description: Taking cognisance of the increasingly important role that copreneurial businesses play in national economies, the unique challenges that they face, and the lack of research attention given to such spousal teams, the purpose of this study was to contribute to the more effective functioning of copreneurships in South Africa by identifying the factors that impact on their success. Consequently, the primary objective of this study was to investigate the factors that influence the Perceived success of copreneurships in South Africa, as well as the conditions required for the effective and harmonious functioning of such spousal partnerships. This study seeks to incorporate previous findings and studies on team effectiveness and spousal relationships into a comprehensive conceptual model. After conducting a comprehensive literature study, as well as examining the different teamwork models proposed and the study by Farrington (2009), it became clear that successful teams have validated their proficiency with regard to two types of factors, namely, relational-based and organisational-based factors. Within these two categories of factors, 14 independent variables were identified and hypothesised to influence the measures of effectiveness of copreneurships, namely the dependent variable Perceived success; and the intervening variable Financial performance. All of the factors in this study were clearly defined and operationalised. Reliable and valid items sourced from Farrington’s (2009) measuring instrument, as well as several measuring instruments used in other studies, were used in the operationalisation of these factors. In addition, several items were self-generated from secondary sources. Respondents were identified using the convenience snowball sampling technique, and a structured questionnaire was made available to them. The data gathered from the 380 usable questionnaires was subjected to various statistical analyses. The validity and reliability of the measuring instrument was confirmed by means of an exploratory factor analysis, and Cronbach-alpha coefficients were calculated for this purpose. The original intervening variable Financial performance could not be confirmed as originally intended in the conceptual model. Instead, Financial performance split into v two separate variables which were named Financial performance and Growth performance. The original dependent variable Perceived success was confirmed by the factor analyses. The relational- and organisational-based factors could not be confirmed as originally intended in the conceptual model. Instead, seven new relational- and seven new organisational-based factors emerged, and where necessary these factors were renamed. The primary statistical procedure used to test the significance of the relationships hypothesised between the independent and dependent variables in this study, was Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Owing to the sample-size restrictions, the conceptual model could not be subjected to SEM as a whole. Instead, seven submodels were identified and subjected to further analysis. The following independent variables were identified as influencing the dependent and intervening variables in this study: • Spousal relationship • Commitment to spouse • Equal status • Commitment to the business • Emotional attachment • Non-family involvement • Personal needs alignment • Leadership • Competencies • Internal context In order to investigate the influence of the various demographic variables on the intervening and dependent variables, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Multiple Linear Regression analysis and t-tests were performed. How leadership occurs in a copreneurial business, the tenure of the business, the location of the business, the status of the copreneurship, the level of spousal involvement in the business and the vi number of employees were found to have an influence on the intervening and dependent variables of this study. By empirically investigating copreneurships, this study has added to the limited amount of family business literature on these complex partnerships. By way of the conceptual models developed in this study a significant contribution has been made towards understanding the factors influencing the success of copreneurships. As a result, this study presents recommendations and suggestions to assist couples in managing their copreneurships in such a way as to nurture their marriage relationships and at the same time enhance the performance of their businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
The development of a strategic performance measurement tool for SMEs in the construction industry
- Authors: Pooe, Molefe, M.B.A
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Performance -- Measurement , Industrial productivity -- Measurement , Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8733 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/810 , Performance -- Measurement , Industrial productivity -- Measurement , Small business -- South Africa
- Description: Research in strategic performance measurements has focused mostly on large organisations. In the last few years, there has been a widespread adoption and implementation of balanced strategic performance measurements that no longer narrowly focus on financial measurements but include other non-financial measures. Again, such improvements have focused on large organisations. This study aims to assess strategic performance measurement practices in the Small and Medium Enterprises within the construction industry. The Balanced Scorecard is used as a generic measurement framework to ascertain the current strategic performance measurements within this sector. The four perspectives of measurement; namely, financial, customer, internal process and learning and growth are used to determine the generic measurements within the construction industry. These are then used to determine to what the extent Small and Medium Enterprises in the construction industry have adopted the measurements outlined in these four perspectives. The nature and extent of strategic planning and perceived relevance of various sets of balanced measurements were also assessed. A survey was conducted in the form of a questionnaire in order to obtain primary data from a selected sample group. Using qualitative and quantitative techniques, the data was analysed to get a clear picture of current practice. From the results obtained from the respondents in the sample group, it seemed that there was some strategic planning within this sector although the process was mostly unstructured. The results also showed that the owner-manager is still solely responsible for strategic planning with little or no inclusion of other managers or employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
- Authors: Pooe, Molefe, M.B.A
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: Performance -- Measurement , Industrial productivity -- Measurement , Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:8733 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/810 , Performance -- Measurement , Industrial productivity -- Measurement , Small business -- South Africa
- Description: Research in strategic performance measurements has focused mostly on large organisations. In the last few years, there has been a widespread adoption and implementation of balanced strategic performance measurements that no longer narrowly focus on financial measurements but include other non-financial measures. Again, such improvements have focused on large organisations. This study aims to assess strategic performance measurement practices in the Small and Medium Enterprises within the construction industry. The Balanced Scorecard is used as a generic measurement framework to ascertain the current strategic performance measurements within this sector. The four perspectives of measurement; namely, financial, customer, internal process and learning and growth are used to determine the generic measurements within the construction industry. These are then used to determine to what the extent Small and Medium Enterprises in the construction industry have adopted the measurements outlined in these four perspectives. The nature and extent of strategic planning and perceived relevance of various sets of balanced measurements were also assessed. A survey was conducted in the form of a questionnaire in order to obtain primary data from a selected sample group. Using qualitative and quantitative techniques, the data was analysed to get a clear picture of current practice. From the results obtained from the respondents in the sample group, it seemed that there was some strategic planning within this sector although the process was mostly unstructured. The results also showed that the owner-manager is still solely responsible for strategic planning with little or no inclusion of other managers or employees.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2007
An analysis of factors that inhibit small and medium enterprises from exporting their products to South Africa's most important trading partners
- Muller, Franciscus Fredricus
- Authors: Muller, Franciscus Fredricus
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Export marketing -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10932 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/197 , Export marketing -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa
- Description: The research problem addressed in this study was concerned with the identification of factors that inhibit Small and Medium Enterprises from exporting their products to South Africa’s most important trading partners. To achieve this objective, a theoretical study was conducted to establish what literature reveals to be the most important trading partners, and the problems which businesses experience when they export their products to these destinations from the Eastern Cape. The information obtained in the literature study was analysed, and, in order to resolve the main problem, the research questionnaire was divided into four parts. • Part 1 consisted of biographical questions. • Part 2 consisted of questions aimed at establishing the reasons why organisations embarked on exporting. • Part 3 was concerned with what the respondents perceived as barriers to their export operations. • Part 4 was concerned with strategic decisions and the minimising of risk. The empirical results obtained indicate that, although inhibiting factors are a reality in exporting, these remain secondary to general market forces of supply and demand. It was shown that inhibiting factors do not play as big a role in the export process as the literature suggests.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
- Authors: Muller, Franciscus Fredricus
- Date: 2003
- Subjects: Export marketing -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10932 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/197 , Export marketing -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa
- Description: The research problem addressed in this study was concerned with the identification of factors that inhibit Small and Medium Enterprises from exporting their products to South Africa’s most important trading partners. To achieve this objective, a theoretical study was conducted to establish what literature reveals to be the most important trading partners, and the problems which businesses experience when they export their products to these destinations from the Eastern Cape. The information obtained in the literature study was analysed, and, in order to resolve the main problem, the research questionnaire was divided into four parts. • Part 1 consisted of biographical questions. • Part 2 consisted of questions aimed at establishing the reasons why organisations embarked on exporting. • Part 3 was concerned with what the respondents perceived as barriers to their export operations. • Part 4 was concerned with strategic decisions and the minimising of risk. The empirical results obtained indicate that, although inhibiting factors are a reality in exporting, these remain secondary to general market forces of supply and demand. It was shown that inhibiting factors do not play as big a role in the export process as the literature suggests.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2003
Identification and analysis of the factors that influence the development of female entrepreneurs in the informal sector
- Authors: Sokabo, Nobenguni B
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Women-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa , Businesswomen -- South Africa , Women in development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10907 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/98 , Women-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa , Businesswomen -- South Africa , Women in development -- South Africa
- Description: There is a remarkable increase in the participation of females in business activities due to their involvement in the informal sector. These activities appear to be insignificant and not measurable because they are outside the regulatory framework, but they also absorb multitudes of the unemployable. Notwithstanding the challenges of low levels of education, lack of skills and finance as well as the need to balance reproductive and productive roles, females are under pressure to generate income through trading in small scale businesses that can hardly grow beyond subsistence level. With the meagre earnings from their activities, they ensure the survival of their families. If female entrepreneurs are developed and brought into the economic main stream, they will bring with them their unique survivalist techniques that will contribute towards economic development and growth in the country. This report examines the constraints that affect the development of female entrepreneurs in the informal sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
- Authors: Sokabo, Nobenguni B
- Date: 2002
- Subjects: Women-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa , Businesswomen -- South Africa , Women in development -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MBA
- Identifier: vital:10907 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/98 , Women-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Small business -- South Africa , Businesswomen -- South Africa , Women in development -- South Africa
- Description: There is a remarkable increase in the participation of females in business activities due to their involvement in the informal sector. These activities appear to be insignificant and not measurable because they are outside the regulatory framework, but they also absorb multitudes of the unemployable. Notwithstanding the challenges of low levels of education, lack of skills and finance as well as the need to balance reproductive and productive roles, females are under pressure to generate income through trading in small scale businesses that can hardly grow beyond subsistence level. With the meagre earnings from their activities, they ensure the survival of their families. If female entrepreneurs are developed and brought into the economic main stream, they will bring with them their unique survivalist techniques that will contribute towards economic development and growth in the country. This report examines the constraints that affect the development of female entrepreneurs in the informal sector.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2002
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