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Evaluating project management techniques in SMEs' delivering infrastructure : a research project

- Agumba, J. N., Adegoke, I. O., Otieno, F., Fester, F. C.

Evaluating project management techniques in small and medium enterprises delivering infrastructure in South Africa construction industry

- Agumba, Justus N., Adegoke, I. O., Otieno, F. A. O.

The impact of research and innovation on SMMEs in Gauteng Province South Africa

- Agwa-Ejon, John Francis, Mbohwa, Charles

  • Authors: Agwa-Ejon, John Francis , Mbohwa, Charles
  • Date: 2015-03-19
  • Subjects: Small business - South Africa
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:5233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/14661
  • Description: Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) have always played a key role in the economies of major industrial societies in both Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employment levels. Their survival and growth depended mainly on extensive research and innovation. As we enter the 22nd century, globalisation has become an influential force in world trade. It is important to view SMMEs as instruments capable of responding to globalization. While it is true that globalization creates opportunities for SMMEs to be effectively involved in global markets, it also poses numerous challenges and problems. While their flexibility and adaptability promise their success in global trade, SMMEs can only achieve this through effective research and innovation, hence making them competitive in terms of price, quality of goods and their ability to meet delivery requirements. Research and innovation is particularly important especially in the developing countries such as South Africa where SMMEs are important contributors to the economy. They provide employment opportunities and create economic wealth resulting in poverty reduction and increased employment. In order to succeed and prosper, SMMEs need to establish continuous research and innovation strategies in-order to allow them to evolve and adapt to the global stature. This paper therefore seeks to reveal a deeper understanding of the strategies being used to encourage SMMEs in the Gauteng Metropolitan area to invest in research and innovation. The study therefore aims to improve the level of research and innovation in Small, Micro and Medium enterprises in Gauteng province. The data used in the study was gathered by administering structured questionnaires to businesses within the Gauteng Metropolitan, selected randomly through probability sampling method. The analysis of the results was based on descriptive statistics arrived at through SPSS tools. The results indicated that most SMMEs in the Gauteng Metropolitan are not adequately involved in research and innovative activities due to various reasons including lack of skills and expertise. Recommendations were made for Business owners to have workshops and to share innovative ideas. A one stop shop centre for SMMEs to have access to new ideas and to learn more about the current trends in research and innovation was suggested. Finally policy matters were also considered and suggestions made to policy makers.
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Creating shared value in South AfricaA : a case study of Rustenburg and Emahlahleni regions

- Chingono, Tatenda T., Mbohwa, Charles

The role of training and empowerment of automotive artisans : a case of Winterveld Enterprise Hub

- Chitambala, Chikamutenga Chanda

  • Authors: Chitambala, Chikamutenga Chanda
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: Automobile mechanics - Training of - South Africa , Occupational training - South Africa , Small business - South Africa , Community development - South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/423682 , uj:36204
  • Description: Abstract: This research project aimed to evaluate the contribution of a skills development and training programme in empowering informal automotive artisans and unemployed community members, offered by the Winterveld Enterprise Hub (WEH), situated in the north of Pretoria, Gauteng province. The WEH is managed by the Automotive Industrial Development Centre (AIDC). This research is rooted in the field of Local Economic Development (LED), specifically in Pillar 4 (Enterprise development and support) of the National Framework for Local Economic Development 2017-2022. This pillar recognises the importance of entrepreneurship and small business support in the context of LED. The strategic importance of this pillar is based on the significance placed on small businesses as a vehicle for economic growth and development. .. , M.Com. (Local Economic Development)
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Financing strategy for small, medium and micro-enterprises

- De Ponte, Joao Luis

  • Authors: De Ponte, Joao Luis
  • Date: 2014-02-05
  • Subjects: Small business - South Africa
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:3653 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/9039
  • Description: M.B.A. , With South Africa's formal economy creating only a trickle of new jobs, the small business sector would seem the only opportunity for our legions of unemployment. Despite this need the South African financial system in which both bankers and government guarantee agencies, still shy away from the sector most in need of capital. Aspiring entrepreneurs without capital or a proven track record running a business can prove difficult, The greatest challenge facing small business in South Africa, whether in its initial stage or through its growth stage, is the difficulty of obtaining finance from the banks or other financial institutions. When George Smith started his business in Roodepoort, west of Johannesburg in 1990, he entered into a partnership with his brother. They acquired a convenience store from Metcash Ltd., one of the biggest retail companies on the Johannesburg .Stock Exchange. Jazz Stores closed all its branches country wide due to major losses incurred (Smith, 1999). As young entrepreneurs they had a vision that a convenience store at a taxi rank could be profitable. Their biggest constraint was the lack of capital to finance the purchasing of the store, nevertheless the store was reopened soon after the purchase and the revamping was done in stages. Thanks to some of their friends and family who helped them financially...
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The impact of wage-setting institutions on the creation and long-term survival of small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMES) in South Africa

- Hadebe, S.P.

  • Authors: Hadebe, S.P.
  • Date: 2014-08-18
  • Subjects: Small business - South Africa , Wages - South Africa , Minimum wage - South Africa
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:12071 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11819
  • Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , The overall aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the wage-setting institutions, including bargaining councils and minimum wages, on the creation and long-term survival of small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa. The objectives of the study focused on (i) gaining an understanding of how the legislative requirements impact on SMMEs; (ii) investigating what needs to be done to assist small companies in order to cope with the burden of compliance with "the prescriptions and provisions of the law; (iii) demonstrating how the current wage setting mechan-isms are partly responsible for the promotion of capital intensive firms at the expense of small- and medium sized entities; (iv) investigating how other countries approach the issue of exemption of small businesses from the stringent requirements of labour legislation; and (v) exploring the possibility for the establishment of a separate dispensation that may be utilised to govern the wage-setting environment for the SMME sector. The study commenced with the review of different literature sources. First, the importance of the SMME sector in wealth creation and the role of the government in developing SMMEs were dealt with. Existing constraints and problems, other than labour-related factors, facing the SMMEs were identified with the sole purpose of highlighting the general conditions under which they operate. The support offered by government and other stakeholders in developing SMMEs in South Africa were also discussed. Second, an overview of wage-setting institutions that shape the South African labour market, i.e. the National Economic Development and Labour Council (NEDLAC), bargaining councils and the Employment Conditions Commission (ECC) was provided. For the purposes of this study, two case studies (i.e. Sweden and Egypt) were chosen and a comparative analysis of these case studies focusing on the wage setting environment was performed, with the hope of drawing important lessons for South Africa. The cross-case analysis revealed that there are differences and similarities in the nature of wage-setting institutions that are found in Sweden, Egypt and South Africa. The lessons for South Africa are that there is a need (i) of strengthening of the role of NEDLAC (tripartism); (ii) of recognising the fact that globalisation is not a myth but a reality, even for SMMEs; (iii) of creating an institutionalised dialogue for the SMME sector, i.e. SMME representative body; and (iv) of expanding the role of workplace forums in the South African environment to facilitate meaningful collective bargaining at local level. Following the cross-case analysis, the research findings on the effects of wage-setting institutions on SMMEs were presented. This was achieved by examining empirical evidence. First, an analysis of collective bargaining and minimum wages was conducted by focusing on the different aspects of the wage-setting institutions that may be considered to have an impact on the creation and long-term survival of small and medium enterprises. This was followed by an exploration of empirical evidence if there is a need for creating a separate dispensation, i.e. two-tier labour market, for the SMME sector in South Africa. Despite an intense scrutiny of the relationship between wage-setting institutions and their effects on SMMEs, the study found that there are no discernible impacts on small and medium businesses. As a result, this study proposes that the policy framework for developing a suitable environment for small and medium businesses in South Africa should be based on targeted strategic policy interventions rather than general measures such as tax reduction or labour market deregulation. These strategic policy interventions are given as recommendations of this study. In concluding the study, the following recommendations are made: • Strengthening of the social dialogue and collective bargaining in South Africa through the expansion of the role of workplace forums; • The establishment of a separate dispensation for SMMEs in South Africa, e.g. two-tier wage system, is not necessary; • A case is made for the establishment of a SMME representative body or bodies, independent of large companies, to collectively represent the interests of smaller businesses in general or in a particular sector of the economy or a geographical area in South Africa; • A need for a shift in small and medium-sized enterprise policy in the South Africa away from "one size fits all" approach to clustering SMMEs in economic sectors that have growth potential; and • SMME policies need to be re-focused to address the economic challenges the country faces due to external competition and globalisation, and this will ensure a more co-ordinated approach to the development of SMME policy in South Africa.
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Open innovation for manufacturing in small and medium enterprises

- Kasende, Christelle Momba

  • Authors: Kasende, Christelle Momba
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Small business - South Africa , Job creation - South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/57385 , uj:16384
  • Description: Abstract: Manufacturing SMEs play a crucial role in the development of South Africa‟s economy and have become the primary source of job creation. It will be important to adopt an open innovation strategy in SMEs in order to sustain small businesses and overcome the problems that are affecting their long-term success and survival. Open innovation strategy provides incentive for firms to exploit creative ideas through various innovation modes. This strategy implements innovative offering, creates a new pathway to the market for technology and, shares competences across businesses in order to increase value creation and appropriation. The purpose of the dissertation is to investigate how manufacturing SMEs in South Africa are open when it comes to innovation. The population targeted were manufacturing SMEs operating in Strijdompark/Randburg, South Africa. The research methodology adopted was a mixed method approach which is the combination of both qualitative and quantitative research. Quantitative data was collected through closed-ended questions completed by 31 managers of the SMEs, and qualitative data was collected through interviews with 6 owners or managing director of the SMEs. The findings revealed that majority of manufacturing SMEs do not rank themselves as being very open in terms of innovation. This means that the SMEs kept their products and process development knowledge or ideas for themselves without sharing with others. Some did, however, have a few collaborative innovation partners with customers, suppliers and consultants. In addition, the results indicated that adopting open innovation strategy in SMEs assist the organisation in achieving their goals in short time and establish sustainable competitive advantage in the market. Therefore, SMEs should change their organisational structure that will allow resource sharing and encourage flexibility by empowering employees, understanding motivating factors and developing a program for rewarding innovative employees. This strategy can also be adopted in large companies. , M.Com. (Business Management)
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SMME development through productive use of domestic energy resources

- Kimemia, David K., Annegarn, Harold J.

  • Authors: Kimemia, David K. , Annegarn, Harold J.
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Productive energy services , Domestic energy , Free basic energy , Small business - South Africa
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:6120 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12417
  • Description: Productive energy services are often overlooked in domestic energy access programs; yet people cannot raise their welfare except by engaging in economic activities. Household energy demand(s) should be viewed in two components, that is, residential and productive energy services. Although the South African government prioritised electricity distribution after independence, this programme was framed in terms of domestic residential use. Thus, the supplied electrical power was limited to low amperage current, adequate only for household lighting and electronics. Intrinsically, the National Electrification Programme and the Free Basic Electricity Programme [1]) that have substantially increased electricity access in the last decade, did little to spur Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises [SMME] growth in urban penumbras and rural localities. Yet, perambulates in these areas indicate that people are engaged in enterprises that yearn for cleaner, reliable, and cost-effective energy inputs. Commercial cooking is a prevalent business in the low-income settlements, which is powered mostly by basic fuels and low efficiency combustion technologies. Although SMMEs contribute about a quarter of gross capital formation, they have a major potential in employment creation, especially within the current context of negative jobs growth in government and large enterprise sectors. This paper argues that SMME growth can be consolidated and accelerated through provision of safe, affordable and efficient energy technologies. Evidence for this claim is based on a quantitative survey that was carried out among street vendors in Alexandra Township, Johannesburg. Discussions were held with the business owners on alternative fuels and modalities for transitioning the informal business sector to use of clean energy resources. The entrepreneurs cite energy poverty and poor premises as the biggest constraints to their businesses.
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Compliance with labour legislation within the small enterprise sector

- Luvhengo, Nkhuliseni Elijah

  • Authors: Luvhengo, Nkhuliseni Elijah
  • Date: 2019
  • Subjects: South Africa. Basic Conditions of Employment Act, 1997 , Labor laws and legislation - South Africa , Small business - South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/291949 , uj:31719
  • Description: Abstract: The purpose of the study was to investigate how employees in the small enterprise sector can be protected, as well as how compliance with labour law – particularly with the Labour Relations Act (LRA) and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act (BCEA) – can be promoted. The study adopted a three-phased sequential mixed methods approach. In Phase 1, 17 semi-structured interviews were conducted with affiliated trade union officials of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) in the Limpopo province. The collected data were analysed using a thematic approach. During Phase 2, in which a quantitative approach was used, data from 365 owners and managers of small enterprises in the Limpopo province were selected in accordance with convenience sampling. Basic analyses such as means analysis, standard deviation and principal component analysis, were performed. In Phase 3, a qualitative approach was again used to validate the experiences of small business owners and trade union officials. A purposive sample was drawn of eight subject-matter experts in the small enterprise and labour relations fields, as well as policy makers in South African government departments. The data were analysed my means of content analyses of the interview responses. The results of the study suggest that small enterprise owners are not knowledgeable about labour laws, hence they are unable to comply with the law. A further finding was that the labour laws are cumbersome to small enterprises and, therefore different requirements should perhaps be applicable to this sector. Based on the results, guidelines are proposed which legislators could use to assist the government of South Africa in modifying, if necessary, the requirements of the LRA and the BCEA as they apply to the small enterprise sector. , Ph.D. (Employee Relations)
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Small enterprise development in South Africa : the role of business incubators

- Masutha, Mukhove, Rogerson, Christian M.

  • Authors: Masutha, Mukhove , Rogerson, Christian M.
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Small business - South Africa , Business enterprises - South Africa , New business enterprises - South Africa , Business incubators - South Africa
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:5488 , ISSN 1732–4254 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13607
  • Description: Business incubation is a relatively new phenomenon in scholarship and policy development for small enterprise development. Business incubators offer targeted business support and technical support services to accelerate the growth of emerging and small start-up business enterprises into financially and operationally independent enterprises. South Africa has adopted business incubation as one vehicle for upgrading the SMME economy. This article examines the evolution of policy towards business incubation, current progress, institutional issues and emerging geographies of business incubators as part of the unfolding and dynamic SMME policy landscape in South Africa. Considerable differences are observed between the activities of the network of state-supported incubators as opposed to private sector operated incubators.
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Patterns of empowering small businesses in Mantsopa through entrepreneurial skills development

- Mjanyelwa, Vivian Nomakheswa

  • Authors: Mjanyelwa, Vivian Nomakheswa
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Entrepreneurship - South Africa , Small business - South Africa , Community development - South Africa , Rural development - South Africa , Mantsopa Municipality (South Africa)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/403313 , uj:33791
  • Description: Abstract : Mantsopa Municipality is faced with a challenge of high unemployment and stagnant economic performance. The study explores the relationship between the entrepreneurship skills of small and medium-size business owners and business success. It assumes that if business owners lack entrepreneurial skills, then business success will be low. Therefore, a positive relationship between the two variables was assumed. Low levels of entrepreneurship skills and business success have a high chance to serve as a partial explanation for unemployment and stagnant economic performance in the Mantsopa Municipality. The technical research project identifies the relationship between the investigated variables, and analyses the existing gaps that might be related to poor business performance. An exploratory, cross-sectional survey design has been conducted. The findings confirmed that technical business skills have a strong influence on business practice to acquire a large-scale market share and to sustain business in the long term. Improving business success can enhance the potential for vibrant economic activities to impede the high level of unemployment rate that has been persistent in this local municipality of Ladybrand. , M.Com. (Local Economic Development)
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The effectiveness of government policy on the development and promotion of small business in South Africa : a case study of the Northern Province

- Mothiba, Malesela Jacob

  • Authors: Mothiba, Malesela Jacob
  • Date: 2012-08-27
  • Subjects: Small business - Government policy - South Africa. , Small business - South Africa
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:3233 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/6643
  • Description: M.B.A. , Since the first democratic elections of April 1994, the government of South Africa has been grappling with a wide range of social and economic development issues. The development and promotion of small, medium and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) is one of these critical issues. This is seen as vital for job creation, income generation and the promotion of sustainable and equitable economic growth. It is the view of government that the SIVIME sector also deserves attention because it has been neglected in the past. It is also widely acknowledged that SMMEs play a vital role in absorbing labour, penetrating new markets and expanding the economy in creative and innovative ways. The stated general objective by the government was the need to create an enabling environment in which small businesses would flourish. There was an intensive process of consultations with key stakeholders on the SMME sector. This took the form of the 1994 White Paper (discussion paper) on Strategies for the Development of an Integrated Policy and Support Programme for Small, Medium and Micro-Enterprises in South Africa, the President's Conference on Small Business in 1995 and the Second National Conference on Small Business in 1997. The highlight of these efforts was the enabling of the institutional support framework via the National Small Business Act of 1996 which aimed at providing a supportive environment for small business development. Several institutions were created under this act at national, provincial and local levels with the following aims and objectives: To coordinate the overall national policy on small business development. To mobilize the maximum involvement by all stakeholders. To facilitate the provision of financial and non-financial support services. In general, to represent the interests of the SMME sector. The aim of this study was to investigate how effective the government policy on the development and promotion of small business has been. The focus was the Northern Province, one of the nine provinces in South Africa. The researcher was specifically interested in looking at the establishment of the institutional framework at provincial and local government level, whether the products developed for small business support have been well-marketed to the SMME sector and whether the small business sector was benefiting from these products. There were three main aspects to the conduct of the study. Government officials in the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Northern Province were interviewed. Institutions that have been set up to provide support services to small business were also visited and officials at these institutions were also interviewed. Further information was obtained from existing documentation at the DTI and from the institutions offering support services to small business. A survey of the SMME sector in the Northern Province was conducted. A designed questionnaire was presented to a representative sample of small businesses. The data obtained from interviews and existing documentation has been summarized descriptively. The data from the questionnaires has been analysed statistically. Graphical illustrations have been used to enhance the presentation. Conclusions, recommendations and some final reflections are also included.
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Barriers to enterprise development : the case of SMMES operating in the South African motor body repair sector.

- Muyengwa, Goodwell, Mukhuba, Karabo, Battle, Kim, Mbohwa, Charles

  • Authors: Muyengwa, Goodwell , Mukhuba, Karabo , Battle, Kim , Mbohwa, Charles
  • Date: 2013
  • Subjects: Small business - South Africa , Enterprise development - South Africa , Automotive body repair - South Africa
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:4835 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/12483
  • Description: This research investigates perceived barriers faced by Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises operating in the South African motor body repair sector. Despite various support strategies spearheaded by both Government and private sector for the development of these small businesses, not much has been achieved in this particular sector due to lack of research. An exploratory survey was carried out to ascertain barriers to enterprise development needs of auto body repairers. Funding opportunities are still scarce, causing a negative impact on equipment acquisitions, infrastructure development and access to market. There is need for proper multiskilling training on motor body repairs. Support measures for enterprise development for auto body repairers include the need to set up; dedicated lines of credit, acquisition of appropriate repair equipment from Original Equipment Suppliers, certified training from Original Equipment Manufacturers’, specific sector focus from various small business funded programmes, procurement of proper infrastructure and employment of better marketing strategies to remove poor business perception from the public. Unless measures are taken to address these problems the disadvantaged communities will forever lumber in poverty.
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The history and development of black entrepreneurship in South Africa

- Ngcamu, Johannes Peter

  • Authors: Ngcamu, Johannes Peter
  • Date: 2012-08-08
  • Subjects: Entrepreneurship - South Africa , Black business enterprises - South Africa , Small business - South Africa , Employee empowerment - South Africa
  • Type: Mini-Dissertation
  • Identifier: uj:8967 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/5438
  • Description: M.Comm. , The specific purpose of this study is to determine and verify the extent to which black enterprise and the culture of entrepreneurship in the black community has prevailed, since the dawn of democracy in 1994, and since the adoption of the White Paper on the Strategy of Developing and Promoting the SMMEs Sector in South Africa in 1996. In order to reach the desired conclusion, the investigation also includes an examination of the effects of culture, religion and education on enterprise and entreprenuership in the black community. This will be coupled to an evaluation of the relative significance of the concept of black economic empowerment (BEE) with regard to the government's desire to address the economic imbalances of the past. On the basis of the above assumptions and conclusions, recommendations regarding the advancement of black business and the promotion of a culture of entrepreneurship in the black community will be formulated. This study commences by looking into the definition and classification of SMMEs, as well as their characteristics. A link is made between the concepts of enterprise' and `entrepreneurship', on the one hand, and economic growth, on the other, with a view to investigating the role of the African entrepreneur in South Africa. The analysis reveals that the lack of income and skills and adequate education amongst the black majority exacerbates and impedes the growth and the entry of new indigenous entrepreneurs into business. Consequently, the fight against poverty and joblessness has been effectively deferred, especially among the most vulnerable members of our society, namely the youth and the female heads of household, who — despite our new dispensation — continue to face unfair discrimination and deprivation. Therefore, it is the contention of this study that to embark on a national campaign to promote small enterprises and a spirit of entrepreneurship leaving the vast majority of the target group illiterate and unskilled seems a colossal futile exercise. The exercise of promoting entrepreneurship requires a dedicated effort from every one of us, including every social institution which has a natural audience and/or a frequent and somewhat captive audience like churchgoers of all representative religions and denominations in South Africa. In the same manner, entrepreneurship cannot be consummated without altering our education system, and also altering our mindsets and our cultural institutions, which also include our places of worships, namely churches, mosques etcetera. Moreover, economic growth and economic development is dependent on the quality of labour and the quality of enterprise as opposed to the quantity that is envisaged by government through legislation. Unskilled and untrained entrepreneurs cannot be expected to operate big or small and medium size businesses and subsequently add value to the economy. It is by investing in their training that they can be empowered to increase the value of the businesses they operate and, consequently, retain a sustainable undertaking, which could have the possibility of increasing employment.
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The impact of government incentive grants on small businesses : a case of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality

- Nxumalo, Thandeka Sibusisiwe

  • Authors: Nxumalo, Thandeka Sibusisiwe
  • Date: 2018
  • Subjects: Subsidies - South Africa , Small business - South Africa , Business enterprises, Black - South Africa , Economic development - South Africa , City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality (South Africa)
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/292338 , uj:31767
  • Description: Abstract: Small medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) are among the vital sources contributing to economic growth, creating jobs, and eradicating poverty. This phenomenon is also one of the Local Economic Development (LED) pillars in developing the economy of South Africa. There are numerous SMMEs, both established and upcoming, but these enterprises encounter many problems which affect their progress. This technical research report aimed to analyse the impact of government incentive grants, with specific reference to SMMEs in the City of Tshwane Municipality that received a grant from the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) through the Cooperative Incentive Scheme (CIS) and the black business supplier programme (BBSDP). The primary data were collected through a survey questionnaire, which was used to obtain information from SMME owners. Interviews were also conducted with DSBD officials involved in the monitoring of SMMEs. This was done to gain a deep understanding of the phenomenon under study. The results indicated that the SMMEs were small enterprises that have not been operating for long. These SMMEs have managed to create many employment opportunities. SMMEs encountered several common challenges, including market access, the grant not meeting all their needs, and a lack of skills development. , M.Com. (Local Economic Development)
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Thematic elements underlying risk perception amongst small and medium enterprise owner-managers

- Ojiako, Udechukwu, Chipulu, Maxwell, Marshall, Alasdair, Baboolall, Poonam

  • Authors: Ojiako, Udechukwu , Chipulu, Maxwell , Marshall, Alasdair , Baboolall, Poonam
  • Date: 2014
  • Subjects: Small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) , SMEs - South Africa , Business entrepreneurship , SME risk , Small business - South Africa
  • Type: Article
  • Identifier: uj:5426 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/11953
  • Description: Orientation: The article discusses the parameters that underlie the perception of risk amongst SME owner-managers. Research purpose: This article draws on research suggesting that interactions between industry-sector (situational) differences and cognitive biases may often be decisive in moulding risk perceptions. Motivation for the study: Literature suggests that one of the most significant challenges facing entrepreneurs is the development of a clear understanding of what it means to experience and conceptualise ‘risk’ within the context of business entrepreneurship. Research design, approach and method: Utilising data obtained from a random sample of 446 SME owner-managers in the south-east of England, this study employs a combination of tests, including a non-parametric test, Chi-square test and Cramer’s V statistics test, to derive a series of thematic propositions that contribute to our understanding of how these entrepreneurs perceive decision risk. Main findings: Findings highlight the situational decision factors that influence SME ownermanagers to overemphasise possible negative outcomes, thus constraining the creative imagination upon which their entrepreneurship depends. Practical/managerial implications: It is generally accepted that decisions that may be highly innovative are not necessarily risky, unless the entity concerned is innovating in order to survive and its innovations have strategic significance. Based on this, we posit that there is an urgent need for entrepreneurs to focus less on risk associated with innovation and more on comprehensive analysis of all risk and uncertainty present around business-critical decisions. Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to growing research examining the relationship between SME risk and innovation, which is at present sparse.
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The mental models of black entrepreneurs

- Oliphant, Itumeleng

  • Authors: Oliphant, Itumeleng
  • Date: 2016
  • Subjects: Businesspeople, Black - South Africa , Entrepreneurship - South Africa , Small business - South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/225891 , uj:22826
  • Description: M.Phil. , Abstract: Small to medium-sized enterprise entrepreneurs continue to be an integral part of any growing economy. South Africa looks to foster its economic growth and ameliorate the socioeconomic challenges through the development of small to medium-sized entrepreneurs. Addressing economic challenges and the implementation of widespread economic development in South Africa cannot take place without the development of black entrepreneurs. This paper investigates the mental models of black entrepreneurs in South Africa. To do so, a qualitative study was conducted, where the topic of mental models was explored by means of repertory grid technique. Seven small to medium sized enterprise entrepreneurs were interviewed. The data was described qualitatively, providing a reflection of the factors that successful entrepreneurs believe have both contributed to, as well as inhibited, their entrepreneurial success. All the objectives in the study were met and the study provided themes emerging from the mental models of the entrepreneurs in this study. Recommendations were also provided, as well as suggestions for future research. Main Findings: seven themes were identified in the mental models of the entrepreneurs that took part in the study. They were opportunities-risk; visions and goals; relationships and/or partnerships; autonomy; people/human capital; brand management; and planning. Furthermore, there was found to be a interconnectedness of all these themes.
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Assessment of lean concepts in the South African construction industry

- Ramaru, Pretty

  • Authors: Ramaru, Pretty
  • Date: 2020
  • Subjects: Small business - South Africa , Entrepreneurship - South Africa , Construction industry - South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters (Thesis)
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/453006 , uj:39975
  • Description: Abstract: The South African construction sector has been confronted with the issues of not meeting project schedules, budget and specifications set by the client and architect or engineer. Several studies have demonstrated that the applied models of project management and tools it employs fail to deliver projects on time, at agreed budget and at desired quality. Lean construction promotes the construction development and accomplishing the project objectives by reducing waste. However, in spite of the potential benefits of lean construction and assuming its awareness among stakeholders, little has been reported regarding its execution for performance enhancement and the successful fulfilment of clients’ needs in the South African construction industry. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess lean concepts and to recommend the most effective options for lean concepts’ adoption in South Africa. A quantitative approach has been used for this study. The data used in this study was derived from primary sources using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed both physically and using Google Forms. Out of the 200 questionnaires distributed, 152 were returned. However, only 151 questionnaires were usable, representing a 75.5% response rate. The data collected were analysed using the descriptive statistics (mean item score) and multivariate statistics (exploratory factor analysis) and Cronbach's alpha reliability test. Findings from the data revealed that there is a high level of awareness of lean principles and there is an average level of awareness of lean techniques within the South African construction industry. The study also revealed that there is an average level of application of lean principles while there is a low level of usage of lean techniques within the South African construction industry... , M.Tech. (Construction Management)
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'n Model vir die bemagtiging van klein-, medium- en mikro-ondernemings in Suid-Afrika

- Riekert, F. B.

  • Authors: Riekert, F. B.
  • Date: 2012-09-12
  • Subjects: Small business - South Africa
  • Type: Thesis
  • Identifier: uj:10114 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7497
  • Description: M.Comm. , Hierdie studie het ten doel om die volgende te bereik: Om 'n oorsig te bied oor die geskiedenis van KMMO's in Suid-Afrika Om 'n kritiese beskouing te bied oor die makro- en mikro- ekonomiese omgewing waarbinne KMMO's in 'n hedendaagse Suid-Afrika funksioneer Gegrond op die voorafgaande doelwitte, om hipotese stellings te formuleer wat die basis sal vorm vir 'n model vir die bemagtiging en instaatstelling van KMMO's in Suid-Afrika, met die oog op verdere studie.
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