Abstract
M.Ing.
The purpose of this research dissertation is to test the hypothesis that entrepreneurial engineers are not familiar with innovation, growth and business planning strategies, or simply do not apply them. The hypothesis is investigated with the help of case studies and published works; outlining the different methods and principles employed by relatively new business ventures to ensure continued success. The scope of this research dissertation is limited to why there is a need for well managed growth, continual innovation and the strategic positioning and
planning in business. The form of research design chosen for the experimental program is characterised and based upon the "Method of Data Collection", outlined in Cooper and Schindler: Business Research Methods, 7iT h Ed., 2001. The
refined method is based upon a Two Stage Design incorporating a Non probability, Convenience Sample. The literature review of this research dissertation will be viewed as the Exploratory Section of the Two Stage Design, as outlined by Cooper and Schindler. The results of the survey which was carried out indicate that entrepreneurial engineers have an equal chance of being familiar or not familiar with the concepts of innovation and growth. Those who were familiar with the concepts were more likely to have knowledge of the entrepreneurial strategies regarding the concepts and to implement the strategies. Entrepreneurial engineers were likely to be familiar with business strategies, and those who were familiar, were more likely to have strategic architecture and intents, but less likely to have company missions than those who were not familiar. There seemed to be no correlation between the field of engineering or the field of business, and the likelihood of familiarity with the concepts. However, engineers who had business and management experience prior to starting their business ventures were more likely to be familiar with the concepts, but no more likely to implement them than engineers without prior experience. The literature review and the survey carried out agree with the initial hypothesis that entrepreneurial engineers starting relatively new business ventures either were not familiar with the concepts of innovation, growth and strategy, or simply did not apply them. However the agreement between the survey results, and the hypothesis and literature review, are not to the extent that was originally expected.