Abstract
M.Tech.
Activities in the manufacturing sector are the bedrock of an economy and the driver of
development. Within the manufacturing sector, production operations skills are deficient
in a number of contexts and many times are the cause of failures in entrepreneurship
development. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship
between the levels of production and operational skills and SMME [Small Medium and
Micro Enterprises] sustainability. The gap that has been identified abides in productions
operations skills development of SMME entrepreneurs.
Building on previously established literature on entrepreneurial skills development,
production operations management and empirical findings, a framework was then
proposed. Within this framework an instrument was developed and tested for the sole
purpose of assessing the level of production operations skills amongst SMME
entrepreneurs.
Principal literature reviews indicate that, despite South Africa’s [SA] favourable
regulatory environment, a high failure rate amongst SMME’s still persists. The analysis
of the data indicates that entrepreneurs with no or poor production and operation skills
are most likely to be unsuccessful whilst entrepreneurs with production and operation
skills are most likely to be successful. The study was limited to the manufacturing
SMME’s in the Vaal Triangle Region [VTR] and the sample frame was supplied by the
Gauteng Enterprise Propeller [GEP] – Vaal Branch.
The implications for policymakers encouraging the development of sustainable
entrepreneurs in SA, is that due consideration should be given to factors that would
enhance production operations skills and, in so doing, contribute to sustainability.
Entrepreneurs, educators and service providers will benefit from a better understanding
of how various factors merge into the intent of creating a successful production
operation environment. Training entrepreneurs to be aware of the multiple influencing
factors will raise the level of skills and the ability to correctly gauge and manage
opportunities.
Since, thus far, a very limited study has been executed in the field of production
operation management, the synthesis of the variables proposed in this framework offers
an introductory roadmap to guide future research in this field.