Barriers that hinder the success of women entrepreneurs in Gauteng, South Africa
- Authors: Akhalwaya, Ayisha
- Date: 2012-06-05
- Subjects: Women entrepreneurs , Success in business , Failure in business , Businesswomen
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2448 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4906
- Description: M.Tech. , Women in South Africa account for more than half the population, yet traditionally have been excluded from the formal environments of business. Women entrepreneurs in play a critical and important role in the economy and their contribution is limited to more traditional businesses such as crafts, hawking, personal services and the retail sectors. For women entrepreneurs to contribute positively to the South African economy, the environment in which they operate needs to be understood. Women business owners are faced with many challenges iv that hinder their success. The objective of this study is to identify and investigate the success factors and relevant barriers facing women entrepreneurs and to determine to what extent these barriers affect their success to starting, managing and growing their ventures taking into account their bio-graphics.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Akhalwaya, Ayisha
- Date: 2012-06-05
- Subjects: Women entrepreneurs , Success in business , Failure in business , Businesswomen
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2448 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4906
- Description: M.Tech. , Women in South Africa account for more than half the population, yet traditionally have been excluded from the formal environments of business. Women entrepreneurs in play a critical and important role in the economy and their contribution is limited to more traditional businesses such as crafts, hawking, personal services and the retail sectors. For women entrepreneurs to contribute positively to the South African economy, the environment in which they operate needs to be understood. Women business owners are faced with many challenges iv that hinder their success. The objective of this study is to identify and investigate the success factors and relevant barriers facing women entrepreneurs and to determine to what extent these barriers affect their success to starting, managing and growing their ventures taking into account their bio-graphics.
- Full Text:
Gaining and sustaining a competitive advantage in an optometric practice
- Authors: Alberts, Nicolaas Francois
- Date: 2010-11-09T07:22:11Z
- Subjects: Optometric practice , Competition , Success in business
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:6982 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3489
- Description: M.Comm. , Kotler (1997:53) defines competitive advantage as " ...acompany's ability to perform in one or more ways that competitors cannot or will not match". Companies strive to build sustainable competitive advantages. Those that succeed deliver high customer value and satisfaction, which lead to high repeat purchases and therefore high company profitability. Competitive positioning is important and crucial in the rapid changing environment wherein organisations find themselves. Differentiation of service or product is ofutmost importance to satisfy current clientele and to draw new business. Any organisation unable to differentiate to offer something unique finds itself part of a vast majority of "middle-of-the-road" organisations on the road to nowhere, even ifgeneral quality ofservice and productis acceptable. The study is aimed at developing a model by which a competitive advantage can be gained and sustained in an optometric practice. Different ways of gaining and sustaining competitive advantage is explored through current literature review in order to establish and develop the suggested model. Quantitative research was done in the greater Gauteng region by means of a mail survey to a random sample of optometrists. Two hundred and fifty questionnaires were sent out with a 19,2% response rate. The highest conformity amongst respondents is given to the Employee dimension with the least conformity given towards the Market dimension. Respondents thus value the Employee dimension as the most important factor in gaining competitive advantage. It is suggested that Porter's Value Chain be altered to have Human Resource Management forming the foundation ofthe value adding activities. Human Resource Management thus plays the most important role in adding value as it is utilised as medium through which value is passed on to clients. This view is in contrast with Porter's where Human Resource Management only served as a supporting function.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Alberts, Nicolaas Francois
- Date: 2010-11-09T07:22:11Z
- Subjects: Optometric practice , Competition , Success in business
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:6982 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3489
- Description: M.Comm. , Kotler (1997:53) defines competitive advantage as " ...acompany's ability to perform in one or more ways that competitors cannot or will not match". Companies strive to build sustainable competitive advantages. Those that succeed deliver high customer value and satisfaction, which lead to high repeat purchases and therefore high company profitability. Competitive positioning is important and crucial in the rapid changing environment wherein organisations find themselves. Differentiation of service or product is ofutmost importance to satisfy current clientele and to draw new business. Any organisation unable to differentiate to offer something unique finds itself part of a vast majority of "middle-of-the-road" organisations on the road to nowhere, even ifgeneral quality ofservice and productis acceptable. The study is aimed at developing a model by which a competitive advantage can be gained and sustained in an optometric practice. Different ways of gaining and sustaining competitive advantage is explored through current literature review in order to establish and develop the suggested model. Quantitative research was done in the greater Gauteng region by means of a mail survey to a random sample of optometrists. Two hundred and fifty questionnaires were sent out with a 19,2% response rate. The highest conformity amongst respondents is given to the Employee dimension with the least conformity given towards the Market dimension. Respondents thus value the Employee dimension as the most important factor in gaining competitive advantage. It is suggested that Porter's Value Chain be altered to have Human Resource Management forming the foundation ofthe value adding activities. Human Resource Management thus plays the most important role in adding value as it is utilised as medium through which value is passed on to clients. This view is in contrast with Porter's where Human Resource Management only served as a supporting function.
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Building and validating a competency model delivered by a corporate university
- Authors: Brits, David Wilhelmus
- Date: 2013-07-10
- Subjects: Industrial management , Success in business , Competency-based educational tests
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7600 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8466
- Description: D.Phil. (Leadership in Performance & Change) , Over the past four to five years, the role of central banks has grown increasingly important globally in respect of national and international financial and economic stability. The recent financial crises have emphasised the critical role that central banks, in particular their bank supervisors and regulators, could and should play in stabilising the financial sector to curb the potential spread of economic and financial instability internationally. Though many central banks agree on what the core functions of a central bank should be, there is little or no consensus globally about what constitutes a “competent central banker”. It is for this reason that this study was undertaken. More specifically, the study was intended to enable central banks to have a “common language” for describing central banker competencies. A validated central banker competency model could also help to align and create in central banks a common focus on ensuring effective human resources management. Furthermore, there is a need in central banks for an integrated learning and development delivery model which could deliver the critical competencies required by central bankers, in particular the use by central banks of the corporate university model as the principal learning and development delivery mechanism. In this regard, the study discusses the core features that underpin the principles on which most corporate universities are based, namely (a) a learning business driven by and focusing proactively on real-time business needs; (b) the custodian of the intellectual equity of the organisation as expressed in its core organisational competencies and its people’s skills, knowledge and expertise; (c) the seamless merging of learning/teaching and business action into a single, connected process; (d) the adoption of a comprehensive, integrated learning/teaching perspective on the business and its respective role players; and (e) a key enabler to, catalyst of, and institutor of organisation-wide change at the strategic, managerial and operational levels. Against the above background, the two-fold problem statement of the study was, firstly, to develop and validate a central banker competency model for central bankers; and secondly, to identify and assess a suitable learning and development delivery model which could effectively deliver these competencies, and more specifically the suitability of a corporate university in playing this delivery role for central banks.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Brits, David Wilhelmus
- Date: 2013-07-10
- Subjects: Industrial management , Success in business , Competency-based educational tests
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7600 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8466
- Description: D.Phil. (Leadership in Performance & Change) , Over the past four to five years, the role of central banks has grown increasingly important globally in respect of national and international financial and economic stability. The recent financial crises have emphasised the critical role that central banks, in particular their bank supervisors and regulators, could and should play in stabilising the financial sector to curb the potential spread of economic and financial instability internationally. Though many central banks agree on what the core functions of a central bank should be, there is little or no consensus globally about what constitutes a “competent central banker”. It is for this reason that this study was undertaken. More specifically, the study was intended to enable central banks to have a “common language” for describing central banker competencies. A validated central banker competency model could also help to align and create in central banks a common focus on ensuring effective human resources management. Furthermore, there is a need in central banks for an integrated learning and development delivery model which could deliver the critical competencies required by central bankers, in particular the use by central banks of the corporate university model as the principal learning and development delivery mechanism. In this regard, the study discusses the core features that underpin the principles on which most corporate universities are based, namely (a) a learning business driven by and focusing proactively on real-time business needs; (b) the custodian of the intellectual equity of the organisation as expressed in its core organisational competencies and its people’s skills, knowledge and expertise; (c) the seamless merging of learning/teaching and business action into a single, connected process; (d) the adoption of a comprehensive, integrated learning/teaching perspective on the business and its respective role players; and (e) a key enabler to, catalyst of, and institutor of organisation-wide change at the strategic, managerial and operational levels. Against the above background, the two-fold problem statement of the study was, firstly, to develop and validate a central banker competency model for central bankers; and secondly, to identify and assess a suitable learning and development delivery model which could effectively deliver these competencies, and more specifically the suitability of a corporate university in playing this delivery role for central banks.
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Constructions of career progression by women leaders in a corporate context
- Authors: Carvalho, Ana
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Leadership in women , Career development , Success in business
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/246157 , uj:25511
- Description: Ph.D. (Industrial Psychology) , Abstract: In the context of increased representation of women in the job market and the underrepresentation of women at the most senior positions of executive leaders, an understanding of how women leaders in the corporate sphere construe career progression is particularly germane. The aim of this study was to explore women leaders‘ constructions of career progression in a corporate environment from three traditions embedded within the constructionist tradition: personal constructivism, social constructionism, and constructivism grounded in subjective lived experience. To this end the aim was further sub-divided into three sub-aims: (a) to explore women leaders‘ shared (constructed) mental models of the career progress of others in a corporate environment; (b) to explore women leaders‘ collective (―ours‖) co-construction of career progression in a corporate environment and (c) to generate a constructivist grounded theory of women leaders‘ own career progression based on their subjective experiences. Taken together, the study seeks to offer a holistic and in-depth account of the constructions of career progression by women leaders in a corporate environment. A qualitative research design using a case study research strategy was employed in a large financial institution in South Africa. A purposeful sampling consisting of women leaders in lower, middle and senior management positions was utilised. To address the stated aim and sub-aims of the study the research design was formulated and is presented as three sequential research phases, each consisting of an independent but related study. Given the three-phased nature of the study, more than one data collection technique was applied, with data being analysed through qualitative methods. In Phase I, data were collected by means of the repertory grid technique, the methodological application of personal construct theory, and analysed by means of qualitative content analysis and the core-categorising procedure. In Phase II, data were collected using the Appreciative Inquiry method, which included semi-structured paired interviews, small group discussions, plenary discussions and written activities. Data were analysed using a collaborative data analytic approach. In Phase...
- Full Text:
- Authors: Carvalho, Ana
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Leadership in women , Career development , Success in business
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/246157 , uj:25511
- Description: Ph.D. (Industrial Psychology) , Abstract: In the context of increased representation of women in the job market and the underrepresentation of women at the most senior positions of executive leaders, an understanding of how women leaders in the corporate sphere construe career progression is particularly germane. The aim of this study was to explore women leaders‘ constructions of career progression in a corporate environment from three traditions embedded within the constructionist tradition: personal constructivism, social constructionism, and constructivism grounded in subjective lived experience. To this end the aim was further sub-divided into three sub-aims: (a) to explore women leaders‘ shared (constructed) mental models of the career progress of others in a corporate environment; (b) to explore women leaders‘ collective (―ours‖) co-construction of career progression in a corporate environment and (c) to generate a constructivist grounded theory of women leaders‘ own career progression based on their subjective experiences. Taken together, the study seeks to offer a holistic and in-depth account of the constructions of career progression by women leaders in a corporate environment. A qualitative research design using a case study research strategy was employed in a large financial institution in South Africa. A purposeful sampling consisting of women leaders in lower, middle and senior management positions was utilised. To address the stated aim and sub-aims of the study the research design was formulated and is presented as three sequential research phases, each consisting of an independent but related study. Given the three-phased nature of the study, more than one data collection technique was applied, with data being analysed through qualitative methods. In Phase I, data were collected by means of the repertory grid technique, the methodological application of personal construct theory, and analysed by means of qualitative content analysis and the core-categorising procedure. In Phase II, data were collected using the Appreciative Inquiry method, which included semi-structured paired interviews, small group discussions, plenary discussions and written activities. Data were analysed using a collaborative data analytic approach. In Phase...
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Entrepreneurial leadership in dynamic markets
- Authors: Davids, John Peter
- Date: 2013-05-01
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Leadership , Success in business , Organizational change
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:7490 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8349
- Description: M.Comm. (Business Management) , Entrepreneurial Leadership has become an important source of sustainable competitive advantage. The generally dynamic nature of the South African business environment, the low entrepreneurial activity and the high failure rate of small and medium-sized businesses in the country suggest that (i) the importance of Entrepreneurial Leadership is not recognised, (ii) Entrepreneurial Leadership capabilities are insufficient, and (iii) perceptions about the business environment are not clear. The purpose of the study is to explore Entrepreneurial Leadership and its importance in small and medium-sized businesses in South Africa. Using the survey methodology, the empirical study was conducted amongst leaders and managers of small and medium-sized businesses operating in the Johannesburg region. The objectives of the study were to answer the following three research questions: 1. Is Entrepreneurial Leadership regarded as important? 2. Are Entrepreneurial Leadership capabilities exhibited? 3. Is the business environment regarded as dynamic? The findings of this study suggest that: (i) Leaders and managers of small and medium-sized businesses operating in the South African business environment perceive Entrepreneurial Leadership as significantly important. (ii) The perceptions of leaders and managers of small and medium-sized businesses operating in South Africa are that they exhibit Entrepreneurial Leadership capabilities. (iii) Leaders and managers of South African small and medium-sized businesses operating in South Africa appear indifferent about market dynamics.
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- Authors: Davids, John Peter
- Date: 2013-05-01
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Leadership , Success in business , Organizational change
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:7490 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8349
- Description: M.Comm. (Business Management) , Entrepreneurial Leadership has become an important source of sustainable competitive advantage. The generally dynamic nature of the South African business environment, the low entrepreneurial activity and the high failure rate of small and medium-sized businesses in the country suggest that (i) the importance of Entrepreneurial Leadership is not recognised, (ii) Entrepreneurial Leadership capabilities are insufficient, and (iii) perceptions about the business environment are not clear. The purpose of the study is to explore Entrepreneurial Leadership and its importance in small and medium-sized businesses in South Africa. Using the survey methodology, the empirical study was conducted amongst leaders and managers of small and medium-sized businesses operating in the Johannesburg region. The objectives of the study were to answer the following three research questions: 1. Is Entrepreneurial Leadership regarded as important? 2. Are Entrepreneurial Leadership capabilities exhibited? 3. Is the business environment regarded as dynamic? The findings of this study suggest that: (i) Leaders and managers of small and medium-sized businesses operating in the South African business environment perceive Entrepreneurial Leadership as significantly important. (ii) The perceptions of leaders and managers of small and medium-sized businesses operating in South Africa are that they exhibit Entrepreneurial Leadership capabilities. (iii) Leaders and managers of South African small and medium-sized businesses operating in South Africa appear indifferent about market dynamics.
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The alignment of human resources deliverables with the business strategy of the national research foundation
- Authors: Davids, Yolanda Crisanda
- Date: 2011-10-11T07:16:01Z
- Subjects: Human capital , National Research Foundation (South Africa) , Strategic planning , Success in business
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7234 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3889
- Description: M.Comm. , The vision, values and critical success factors incorporated in the balanced scorecard (BSC) have to support the organisational strategic goals. The Learning and Growth Perspective, the foundation of the BSC, assesses organisational capital, information capital and the skills and capabilities of the Research and Innovation Support Advancement (RISA), a division of the National Research Foundation (NRF). This allows the organisation to gain insight into and understanding of what is effective and which learning and growth systems need changing. The RISA’s balanced scorecard (BSC) does not demonstrate how the Learning and Growth Perspective addresses the organisational strategic objectives. In this study, the researcher wished to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) of the Learning and Growth Perspective of RISA so as to achieve its strategic objectives. A cross-sectional, survey-based research approach was adopted. The questions formulated examined the CSFs in five critical areas of the Learning and Growth Perspective namely, information technology, leadership, organisational culture, human resources management and talent management. Two critical success areas, namely talent management and HRM were identified as having an impact on the Learning and Growth Perspective of RISA. In addressing these areas, the organisation will be able to align its organisational capital, information capital and human capital with its overall strategy.
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- Authors: Davids, Yolanda Crisanda
- Date: 2011-10-11T07:16:01Z
- Subjects: Human capital , National Research Foundation (South Africa) , Strategic planning , Success in business
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7234 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3889
- Description: M.Comm. , The vision, values and critical success factors incorporated in the balanced scorecard (BSC) have to support the organisational strategic goals. The Learning and Growth Perspective, the foundation of the BSC, assesses organisational capital, information capital and the skills and capabilities of the Research and Innovation Support Advancement (RISA), a division of the National Research Foundation (NRF). This allows the organisation to gain insight into and understanding of what is effective and which learning and growth systems need changing. The RISA’s balanced scorecard (BSC) does not demonstrate how the Learning and Growth Perspective addresses the organisational strategic objectives. In this study, the researcher wished to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) of the Learning and Growth Perspective of RISA so as to achieve its strategic objectives. A cross-sectional, survey-based research approach was adopted. The questions formulated examined the CSFs in five critical areas of the Learning and Growth Perspective namely, information technology, leadership, organisational culture, human resources management and talent management. Two critical success areas, namely talent management and HRM were identified as having an impact on the Learning and Growth Perspective of RISA. In addressing these areas, the organisation will be able to align its organisational capital, information capital and human capital with its overall strategy.
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Guest houses success: the experience of five small enterprises in a turbulent environment
- Authors: De Winter, Tina
- Date: 2010-11-09T06:17:53Z
- Subjects: Success in business , Boarding houses , Small business
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6949 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3459
- Description: M.Comm. , The study was concerned with the problem of the long-term survival and success of SMEs in the tourism industry in a turbulent global operating environment, as well as in hostile conditions, such as unexpected changes, or disaster in the operating environments of the small businesses. The study was prompted by the high failure rate of SMEs worldwide and in SA. The tourism industry has a predominance of small business and was identified by SA as the industry of choice to support for the achievement of macroeconomic goals that include economic stability, poverty alleviation and employment creation. The overall objective of the study was to explore and examine factors located within the three operating environments (macro, industry and micro), that contribute to the survival and long-term success of tourism SMEs (five guest houses on the Dolphin Coast), operating in a turbulent global environment and hostile conditions such as disaster and unexpected events. The study explored and explained factors from four interrelated perspectives, namely a macro, meso, micro and chrono contexts; to examine the way in which the guest houses engaged with their environments; to determine the role of networks and clusters in the process; and to determine the impact of industry-specific and sector-specific factors on success. The study used an embedded case study methodology to assess five tourism SMEs, guest houses, located on the east coast of SA in a region known as the Dolphin Coast. The area was studied over a three year period from 2005 to 2007, a period of favourable economic and industry conditions globally and nationally (SA). Slowing economic conditions, severe coastal storms, rates increases and changes in the external environment provided conditions of turbulence and hostility in which to assess the responses of the guest houses, compared to activity and perceptions in the prior stable conditions. Porter’s (1980; 1990; 1996; 2000) theoretical frameworks, including the Diamond Model, the Five Forces Model and augmentations to these models were used to guide the research and interpretation of results. The study concluded that various sets of interlinked factors located in the macro, industry and internal (micro) operating environment of the firm, contributed to the success and constraints experienced by the guest houses. The presence of elements in the environments does not facilitate or ensure success, but success is dependent on the actions and choices of leaders and managers. These actions and choices are, in turn, guided by the values and culture present in the environment and are affected by human agency and efficacy.
- Full Text:
- Authors: De Winter, Tina
- Date: 2010-11-09T06:17:53Z
- Subjects: Success in business , Boarding houses , Small business
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6949 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3459
- Description: M.Comm. , The study was concerned with the problem of the long-term survival and success of SMEs in the tourism industry in a turbulent global operating environment, as well as in hostile conditions, such as unexpected changes, or disaster in the operating environments of the small businesses. The study was prompted by the high failure rate of SMEs worldwide and in SA. The tourism industry has a predominance of small business and was identified by SA as the industry of choice to support for the achievement of macroeconomic goals that include economic stability, poverty alleviation and employment creation. The overall objective of the study was to explore and examine factors located within the three operating environments (macro, industry and micro), that contribute to the survival and long-term success of tourism SMEs (five guest houses on the Dolphin Coast), operating in a turbulent global environment and hostile conditions such as disaster and unexpected events. The study explored and explained factors from four interrelated perspectives, namely a macro, meso, micro and chrono contexts; to examine the way in which the guest houses engaged with their environments; to determine the role of networks and clusters in the process; and to determine the impact of industry-specific and sector-specific factors on success. The study used an embedded case study methodology to assess five tourism SMEs, guest houses, located on the east coast of SA in a region known as the Dolphin Coast. The area was studied over a three year period from 2005 to 2007, a period of favourable economic and industry conditions globally and nationally (SA). Slowing economic conditions, severe coastal storms, rates increases and changes in the external environment provided conditions of turbulence and hostility in which to assess the responses of the guest houses, compared to activity and perceptions in the prior stable conditions. Porter’s (1980; 1990; 1996; 2000) theoretical frameworks, including the Diamond Model, the Five Forces Model and augmentations to these models were used to guide the research and interpretation of results. The study concluded that various sets of interlinked factors located in the macro, industry and internal (micro) operating environment of the firm, contributed to the success and constraints experienced by the guest houses. The presence of elements in the environments does not facilitate or ensure success, but success is dependent on the actions and choices of leaders and managers. These actions and choices are, in turn, guided by the values and culture present in the environment and are affected by human agency and efficacy.
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Die formele sakeplan se bydrae tot sakesukses
- Du Plessis, Stephanus Johannes
- Authors: Du Plessis, Stephanus Johannes
- Date: 2012-10-18
- Subjects: Business planning , Success in business
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:10406 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7873
- Description: M.Comm.
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- Authors: Du Plessis, Stephanus Johannes
- Date: 2012-10-18
- Subjects: Business planning , Success in business
- Type: Mini-Dissertation
- Identifier: uj:10406 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/7873
- Description: M.Comm.
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Effective use of the business case to enhance the success rate of business / information technology projects
- Authors: Einhorn, Frank
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Information technology projects , Information technology projects - Management , Project management , Business enterprises , Success in business
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/271762 , uj:28910
- Description: Ph.D. (IT Management) , Abstract: This thesis is about what needs to be in place for the business case to be used effectively in business projects that use information technology (referred to as ITB projects) and hence contribute to their success. Success in this context refers to project success, product success, business success and often also strategic success. The thesis is based largely on a review of representative literature. It outlines the purposes of a business case for individual projects as well as for a portfolio of projects. It shows how sound governance is not only mandated for organisations in South Africa via the King IV provisions, but also contributes to project success. The business case emerges as a key input to such governance. Simply put, the organisation needs to understand the ongoing justification for projects and also to prioritise multiple projects to optimise strategic objectives. The word ‘ongoing’ is important, as literature emphasises that business requirements, which apply to all organisations, including government, are constantly changing. It is found from literature that it is difficult to follow business case processes and that in practice the business case is seldom used effectively throughout the lifetime of the project from inception to benefits realisation. The remainder of the research sought to determine what organisations can do to rectify the situation and enhance their success rate. This was done progressively by getting a better understanding of business case processes and then the information that the processes interact with. The research shows how additional information is needed during planning, execution and benefits realisation. However, knowing the business case processes and the information required is necessary but not sufficient. There are many organisational factors that need to facilitate the effective use of the business case and hence sound governance. Having researched the facilitating factors from literature, a business case effectiveness model is proposed showing how the processes, information and factors combine. The aim of the model is to increase awareness and understanding and hence enable organisations to get value, at acceptable cost, from use of the business case. Field research was then done to assess the presence and importance of the factors and to relate them to the use of business case processes. It was possible to reduce the facilitating factors to eight major factors and to use the major factors to validate the business case effectiveness model.
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- Authors: Einhorn, Frank
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Information technology projects , Information technology projects - Management , Project management , Business enterprises , Success in business
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/271762 , uj:28910
- Description: Ph.D. (IT Management) , Abstract: This thesis is about what needs to be in place for the business case to be used effectively in business projects that use information technology (referred to as ITB projects) and hence contribute to their success. Success in this context refers to project success, product success, business success and often also strategic success. The thesis is based largely on a review of representative literature. It outlines the purposes of a business case for individual projects as well as for a portfolio of projects. It shows how sound governance is not only mandated for organisations in South Africa via the King IV provisions, but also contributes to project success. The business case emerges as a key input to such governance. Simply put, the organisation needs to understand the ongoing justification for projects and also to prioritise multiple projects to optimise strategic objectives. The word ‘ongoing’ is important, as literature emphasises that business requirements, which apply to all organisations, including government, are constantly changing. It is found from literature that it is difficult to follow business case processes and that in practice the business case is seldom used effectively throughout the lifetime of the project from inception to benefits realisation. The remainder of the research sought to determine what organisations can do to rectify the situation and enhance their success rate. This was done progressively by getting a better understanding of business case processes and then the information that the processes interact with. The research shows how additional information is needed during planning, execution and benefits realisation. However, knowing the business case processes and the information required is necessary but not sufficient. There are many organisational factors that need to facilitate the effective use of the business case and hence sound governance. Having researched the facilitating factors from literature, a business case effectiveness model is proposed showing how the processes, information and factors combine. The aim of the model is to increase awareness and understanding and hence enable organisations to get value, at acceptable cost, from use of the business case. Field research was then done to assess the presence and importance of the factors and to relate them to the use of business case processes. It was possible to reduce the facilitating factors to eight major factors and to use the major factors to validate the business case effectiveness model.
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Success factors for manufacturing and service industries in Zimbabwe
- Gudukeya, Loice K., Mbohwa, Charles
- Authors: Gudukeya, Loice K. , Mbohwa, Charles
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Manufacturing industries - Zimbabwe , Service industries - Zimbabwe , Success in business , Industrial engineering
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:6163 , ISSN 2010-376X , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13767
- Description: The paper analyses how Industrial Engineering (IE) ideas may be applied to the Zimbabwean industry and the benefits that can be drawn from this discipline in order to improve the operations in Zimbabwean Industries.
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- Authors: Gudukeya, Loice K. , Mbohwa, Charles
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Manufacturing industries - Zimbabwe , Service industries - Zimbabwe , Success in business , Industrial engineering
- Type: Article
- Identifier: uj:6163 , ISSN 2010-376X , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/13767
- Description: The paper analyses how Industrial Engineering (IE) ideas may be applied to the Zimbabwean industry and the benefits that can be drawn from this discipline in order to improve the operations in Zimbabwean Industries.
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A psycho-educational model for the development of inner strength of entrepreneurs in Southern Africa
- Authors: Hattingh, Rene
- Date: 2009-03-31T09:51:48Z
- Subjects: Executives , Success in business
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8291 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2400
- Description: D.Ed. , Entrepreneurs are people who have the ability to see opportunities and create energy when others fail to see possibilities. They are people who help to create positive experiences and thriving communities through their ventures. In the process entrepreneurs would inevitably experience challenging times. In fact, the challenges they may encounter might lead the average man on the street to believe that the venture is not viable. One of the differentiating characteristics of successful entrepreneurs is that they see opportunities and pursue them in situations where most people believe the odds are against any success (Bolton & Thompson, 2004:21; Haskins, 1998:2; Kuratko & Hodgetts, 1989:102). During these challenges, the entrepreneur will find him or herself in a lonely place, as there are few people who would be able to believe in the success of the venture, let alone be able to give support and encouragement. This situation motivated the study into the life stories of the entrepreneur from the perspective of psychology of education. A study that sets out to establish which personal qualities these people draw from; to identify the qualities and characteristics these people have in common and to describe a psychoeducational model for the development of these qualities. The primary research goal of this study is the description of a psychoeducational model for the development of entrepreneurs in Southern Africa. To achieve this goal, the following objectives were pursued, namely: a. To gain an understanding of the life story of a successful entrepreneur. b. To develop a psycho-educational model based on this understanding. c. To describe guidelines for the operationalisation of the model. In an undertaking to meet the above objectives, a theory generative, qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design were executed. The fieldwork was done by having semi-structured phenomenological interviews with successful entrepreneurs. The results obtained from the interviews were analysed and categorised and a literature study was carried out.
- Full Text:
A psycho-educational model for the development of inner strength of entrepreneurs in Southern Africa
- Authors: Hattingh, Rene
- Date: 2009-03-31T09:51:48Z
- Subjects: Executives , Success in business
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8291 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2400
- Description: D.Ed. , Entrepreneurs are people who have the ability to see opportunities and create energy when others fail to see possibilities. They are people who help to create positive experiences and thriving communities through their ventures. In the process entrepreneurs would inevitably experience challenging times. In fact, the challenges they may encounter might lead the average man on the street to believe that the venture is not viable. One of the differentiating characteristics of successful entrepreneurs is that they see opportunities and pursue them in situations where most people believe the odds are against any success (Bolton & Thompson, 2004:21; Haskins, 1998:2; Kuratko & Hodgetts, 1989:102). During these challenges, the entrepreneur will find him or herself in a lonely place, as there are few people who would be able to believe in the success of the venture, let alone be able to give support and encouragement. This situation motivated the study into the life stories of the entrepreneur from the perspective of psychology of education. A study that sets out to establish which personal qualities these people draw from; to identify the qualities and characteristics these people have in common and to describe a psychoeducational model for the development of these qualities. The primary research goal of this study is the description of a psychoeducational model for the development of entrepreneurs in Southern Africa. To achieve this goal, the following objectives were pursued, namely: a. To gain an understanding of the life story of a successful entrepreneur. b. To develop a psycho-educational model based on this understanding. c. To describe guidelines for the operationalisation of the model. In an undertaking to meet the above objectives, a theory generative, qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual research design were executed. The fieldwork was done by having semi-structured phenomenological interviews with successful entrepreneurs. The results obtained from the interviews were analysed and categorised and a literature study was carried out.
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An investigation into the success factors of operating a spaza shop in Hillbrow
- Authors: Kalombo, Fredy Tshiyamba
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Small business - South Africa - Johannesburg , Immigrant business enterprises - South Africa - Johannesburg , Informal sector (Economics) - South Africa - Johannesburg , Success in business
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/478373 , uj:43232
- Description: Abstract: The informal sector in South Africa plays a vital role in reducing the level of unemployment. Hillbrow, close to the Johannesburg Central Business District, inhabits many spaza shops due to the pressure and demand for job creation. This technical report investigates the success factors of running a spaza shop by immigrants in Hillbrow. The study focuses on the factors that sustain the success of the spaza shop in urban areas and the research methodology was used to explain the appropriate approach and data was collected from the African immigrant-business owners in Hillbrow with the help of questionnaires provided to them as voluntary participants. The proliferation of spaza shops in Hillbrow run by African immigrants is mainly due to unemployment. Some possess essential skills that they apply as business principles to run a spaza-type shop or small business as a source of survival or lucrative business... , M.Com. (Local Economic Development)
- Full Text:
- Authors: Kalombo, Fredy Tshiyamba
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Small business - South Africa - Johannesburg , Immigrant business enterprises - South Africa - Johannesburg , Informal sector (Economics) - South Africa - Johannesburg , Success in business
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/478373 , uj:43232
- Description: Abstract: The informal sector in South Africa plays a vital role in reducing the level of unemployment. Hillbrow, close to the Johannesburg Central Business District, inhabits many spaza shops due to the pressure and demand for job creation. This technical report investigates the success factors of running a spaza shop by immigrants in Hillbrow. The study focuses on the factors that sustain the success of the spaza shop in urban areas and the research methodology was used to explain the appropriate approach and data was collected from the African immigrant-business owners in Hillbrow with the help of questionnaires provided to them as voluntary participants. The proliferation of spaza shops in Hillbrow run by African immigrants is mainly due to unemployment. Some possess essential skills that they apply as business principles to run a spaza-type shop or small business as a source of survival or lucrative business... , M.Com. (Local Economic Development)
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An investigation into the success factors amongst small businesses in Gauteng
- Keil, Maria Clara Mauricio Pereira
- Authors: Keil, Maria Clara Mauricio Pereira
- Date: 2009-03-31T09:19:53Z
- Subjects: Small business , Success in business , Gauteng (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8230 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2342
- Description: M.B.A. , Gauteng, the smallest of the nine South African provinces, but the largest in terms of its contribution to national GDP (33.9%), generates 10% of Africa’s GDP (Gauteng Enterprise Propeller Overview, 2007) and is therefore a very important geo-economical zone. As South Africa latest unemployment rate is 25.5% (StatsSA, 2006), Government is geared towards promoting small businesses in an effort to grow the economy and reduce unemployment. It is therefore very important to the economy that small businesses succeed, grow and provide employment. Due to the fact that at present, very little research into the success factors amongst small businesses in South Africa has been conducted in South Africa, it seems appropriate at this time to investigate the success factors of small businesses in Gauteng. The problem statement in this research is that there is insufficient knowledge relating to the factors contributing to the failure or success of small businesses in South Africa, Gauteng. To conduct this research, a qualitative and exploratory approach was decided upon. A literature survey on the subject was conducted in order to ground the current research in existing theory and research. A questionnaire was sent out by e-mail to 3776 businesses in Gauteng, to which the response rate was 3.15% (119 questionnaires were returned). The questionnaire was divided into sections and covered the definition of success, entrepreneurial personality characteristics of owner/manager, use of management tools, resource availability and the classification of respondents and their businesses. Due to the small size of the sample this research is not able to conclusively achieve the primary research objective of identifying the success factors of small businesses in Gauteng, but it has nevertheless contributed to the body of research on the matter, since it established that there is a correlation between: • Entrepreneurial personality and the success of small businesses • The use of management tools and the success of small businesses • The availability of resources and the success of small businesses. In addition the following can be reported: • The owner/managers surveyed attributed their success to: - persistence and determination - experience - entrepreneurial personality - business knowledge - a great team - education • The existence and or use of the business plan and its relationship to success remains inconclusive • Financial resources do not feature prominently as a success factor, but business skills do seem to correlate with success. Further research is necessary to pinpoint conclusively which traits and behaviours are conducive to success, by comparing successful and unsuccessful business owners. Other recommendations that arose from this research were: • Research should be conducted into the assumption that economic growth is driven by the proliferation of small businesses • Research into the weight of internal factors ((personality, experience, attitude, knowledge) versus that of external factors (start-up capital, business plans, skill availability, economic and legal conditions) would contribute to the body of knowledge and could trigger a shift in approach.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Keil, Maria Clara Mauricio Pereira
- Date: 2009-03-31T09:19:53Z
- Subjects: Small business , Success in business , Gauteng (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8230 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2342
- Description: M.B.A. , Gauteng, the smallest of the nine South African provinces, but the largest in terms of its contribution to national GDP (33.9%), generates 10% of Africa’s GDP (Gauteng Enterprise Propeller Overview, 2007) and is therefore a very important geo-economical zone. As South Africa latest unemployment rate is 25.5% (StatsSA, 2006), Government is geared towards promoting small businesses in an effort to grow the economy and reduce unemployment. It is therefore very important to the economy that small businesses succeed, grow and provide employment. Due to the fact that at present, very little research into the success factors amongst small businesses in South Africa has been conducted in South Africa, it seems appropriate at this time to investigate the success factors of small businesses in Gauteng. The problem statement in this research is that there is insufficient knowledge relating to the factors contributing to the failure or success of small businesses in South Africa, Gauteng. To conduct this research, a qualitative and exploratory approach was decided upon. A literature survey on the subject was conducted in order to ground the current research in existing theory and research. A questionnaire was sent out by e-mail to 3776 businesses in Gauteng, to which the response rate was 3.15% (119 questionnaires were returned). The questionnaire was divided into sections and covered the definition of success, entrepreneurial personality characteristics of owner/manager, use of management tools, resource availability and the classification of respondents and their businesses. Due to the small size of the sample this research is not able to conclusively achieve the primary research objective of identifying the success factors of small businesses in Gauteng, but it has nevertheless contributed to the body of research on the matter, since it established that there is a correlation between: • Entrepreneurial personality and the success of small businesses • The use of management tools and the success of small businesses • The availability of resources and the success of small businesses. In addition the following can be reported: • The owner/managers surveyed attributed their success to: - persistence and determination - experience - entrepreneurial personality - business knowledge - a great team - education • The existence and or use of the business plan and its relationship to success remains inconclusive • Financial resources do not feature prominently as a success factor, but business skills do seem to correlate with success. Further research is necessary to pinpoint conclusively which traits and behaviours are conducive to success, by comparing successful and unsuccessful business owners. Other recommendations that arose from this research were: • Research should be conducted into the assumption that economic growth is driven by the proliferation of small businesses • Research into the weight of internal factors ((personality, experience, attitude, knowledge) versus that of external factors (start-up capital, business plans, skill availability, economic and legal conditions) would contribute to the body of knowledge and could trigger a shift in approach.
- Full Text:
Suksesbelewing by 'n finansiële instelling se seniorbestuur
- Labuschagne, Willem Jacobus Pieter
- Authors: Labuschagne, Willem Jacobus Pieter
- Date: 2012-03-05
- Subjects: Success in business , Financial institutions management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2134 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4501
- Description: M.Phil. , The purpose of this essay was to identify the components of success from the literature and to test the components in practice to see to what extent each component formed part of the success experience of a financial institution's senior management. The result was evaluated from a Personal and Professional Leadership perspective. Attention was given to the concept 'success' by describing and explaining the concept. Possible Personal and Professional Leadership guidelines to experience success was investigated and recommendations were made to the financial institution in this regard. A quantitative and descriptive research strategy was followed. The primary research methods used in the study included a survey, word and concept analysis. A word and concept analysis of the word 'success' was undertaken, while a literature study was conducted, to investigate current data documented on the subject of success. A questionairre was developed to determine the success experience of the senior managers of a financial institution. The data was analysed, compared and interpreted. The most important findings of the study are as follows: • From the literature study and the empirical results of the investigation it was found that success is not necessary prosperity or money. Although money can be an advantage it does not guarantee sustainable success. • Success is not a single component for example accomplishment or achievement. Success asks for a holistic approach constituted multiple components. From the literature, 31 components of success were identified. To experience true success balance in terms of all the life dimensions is required. • Three success factors were identified in this study. The first factor is about the "inside-out" success experience (intrinsic factor). The second factor is an "outside-in" success experience (extrinsic factor). Both factors must be acknowledged in success aspirations. The third factor is a PPL-factor. Taking action is a result of the "insideout" factor. This component is calculated, well thought through and based on an awareness of who I am; where I'm going, and why I am going there. It also includes viii • knowledge about my purpose in life, understanding my potential and realising my potensial. This action should further be build around the individual's character and principles. • Success is primarily not happiness. Success and happiness is not a goal to be achieved but a byproduct of that which is longed for. • Success is not power or influence. You could achieve success in this regard by reaching a certain position at work ant think that you have arrived. This position does not indemnify you from an empty and unfulfilled feeling. • Success is not achievement and can not only be measured against achievement alone. • Success is a journey. How do I use each day? Do I make the best of each opportunity? Do I see the opportunity around me? Do I take the necessary action? • More than two thirds of the respondents linked success with the realisation of their goals, the reaching of certain milestones, living in balance with their life dimensions. • Respondents that are 37 and older is more inclined to experience success in their emotional life in contrast with those under 37 years. • Very happy people are more inclined to experience success in terms of their social end emotional life than people that are fairly happy. From this study, it can be concluded that one must know what success is in order to achieve it. There is as many definitions of success as there are people thinking about it. Success in one area of your life does not mean overall success. Balance in all the different life dimensions of life is essential. You must know who you are, where you stand with yourself, what you would like to do and take the necessary steps to get there. All these aspects are based on the principles of Personal and Professional Leadership. The conclusion can thus be made that PPL can make an important contribution to experience success in a balanced way.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Labuschagne, Willem Jacobus Pieter
- Date: 2012-03-05
- Subjects: Success in business , Financial institutions management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:2134 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/4501
- Description: M.Phil. , The purpose of this essay was to identify the components of success from the literature and to test the components in practice to see to what extent each component formed part of the success experience of a financial institution's senior management. The result was evaluated from a Personal and Professional Leadership perspective. Attention was given to the concept 'success' by describing and explaining the concept. Possible Personal and Professional Leadership guidelines to experience success was investigated and recommendations were made to the financial institution in this regard. A quantitative and descriptive research strategy was followed. The primary research methods used in the study included a survey, word and concept analysis. A word and concept analysis of the word 'success' was undertaken, while a literature study was conducted, to investigate current data documented on the subject of success. A questionairre was developed to determine the success experience of the senior managers of a financial institution. The data was analysed, compared and interpreted. The most important findings of the study are as follows: • From the literature study and the empirical results of the investigation it was found that success is not necessary prosperity or money. Although money can be an advantage it does not guarantee sustainable success. • Success is not a single component for example accomplishment or achievement. Success asks for a holistic approach constituted multiple components. From the literature, 31 components of success were identified. To experience true success balance in terms of all the life dimensions is required. • Three success factors were identified in this study. The first factor is about the "inside-out" success experience (intrinsic factor). The second factor is an "outside-in" success experience (extrinsic factor). Both factors must be acknowledged in success aspirations. The third factor is a PPL-factor. Taking action is a result of the "insideout" factor. This component is calculated, well thought through and based on an awareness of who I am; where I'm going, and why I am going there. It also includes viii • knowledge about my purpose in life, understanding my potential and realising my potensial. This action should further be build around the individual's character and principles. • Success is primarily not happiness. Success and happiness is not a goal to be achieved but a byproduct of that which is longed for. • Success is not power or influence. You could achieve success in this regard by reaching a certain position at work ant think that you have arrived. This position does not indemnify you from an empty and unfulfilled feeling. • Success is not achievement and can not only be measured against achievement alone. • Success is a journey. How do I use each day? Do I make the best of each opportunity? Do I see the opportunity around me? Do I take the necessary action? • More than two thirds of the respondents linked success with the realisation of their goals, the reaching of certain milestones, living in balance with their life dimensions. • Respondents that are 37 and older is more inclined to experience success in their emotional life in contrast with those under 37 years. • Very happy people are more inclined to experience success in terms of their social end emotional life than people that are fairly happy. From this study, it can be concluded that one must know what success is in order to achieve it. There is as many definitions of success as there are people thinking about it. Success in one area of your life does not mean overall success. Balance in all the different life dimensions of life is essential. You must know who you are, where you stand with yourself, what you would like to do and take the necessary steps to get there. All these aspects are based on the principles of Personal and Professional Leadership. The conclusion can thus be made that PPL can make an important contribution to experience success in a balanced way.
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A comparison between the mental models of entrepreneurs involved in successful and unsuccessful entrepreneurial activity
- Authors: Le Roux, Suzette Johanna
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Organizational change , Economic development , Businesspeople , Success in business
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/374712 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/82617 , uj:18980
- Description: Abstract:Orientation As an entrepreneur/mentor, I am fascinated by the issue of why some start-up businesses flourish and others struggle to survive. In line with this and in order to increase understanding of entrepreneurial success, there is, as Bakker, Curşeu, and Vermeulen (2007) state, a need for empirical research to be conducted into the thought processes of entrepreneurs during strategic decision-making. In this study I endeavoured to discover why so many businesses fail and, subsequently, find a way to improve the success rate of novice entrepreneurs by exploring the mental models that support their decision-making. Research question The research question that guided the study investigated the differences between the mental models of entrepreneurs involved in successful businesses and those involved in unsuccessful entrepreneurial activity. Research aim and objectives The aim of the study was to explore and describe the concrete experiences and mental models of a small group of entrepreneurs, of which I was one. The following key objectives were identified for the study: To identify the critical elements of the mental models of entrepreneurs involved in successful entrepreneurial activity To ascertain the way in which the mental models of entrepreneurs involved in successful entrepreneurial activity differ from those involved in unsuccessful entrepreneurial activity To suggest interventions that would be appropriate for altering the mental models of entrepreneurs involved in unsuccessful activity so that they resemble the mental models of those involved in successful entrepreneurial activity... , D.Phil.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Le Roux, Suzette Johanna
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Organizational change , Economic development , Businesspeople , Success in business
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/374712 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/82617 , uj:18980
- Description: Abstract:Orientation As an entrepreneur/mentor, I am fascinated by the issue of why some start-up businesses flourish and others struggle to survive. In line with this and in order to increase understanding of entrepreneurial success, there is, as Bakker, Curşeu, and Vermeulen (2007) state, a need for empirical research to be conducted into the thought processes of entrepreneurs during strategic decision-making. In this study I endeavoured to discover why so many businesses fail and, subsequently, find a way to improve the success rate of novice entrepreneurs by exploring the mental models that support their decision-making. Research question The research question that guided the study investigated the differences between the mental models of entrepreneurs involved in successful businesses and those involved in unsuccessful entrepreneurial activity. Research aim and objectives The aim of the study was to explore and describe the concrete experiences and mental models of a small group of entrepreneurs, of which I was one. The following key objectives were identified for the study: To identify the critical elements of the mental models of entrepreneurs involved in successful entrepreneurial activity To ascertain the way in which the mental models of entrepreneurs involved in successful entrepreneurial activity differ from those involved in unsuccessful entrepreneurial activity To suggest interventions that would be appropriate for altering the mental models of entrepreneurs involved in unsuccessful activity so that they resemble the mental models of those involved in successful entrepreneurial activity... , D.Phil.
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Neuro-linguistic programming as a communication tool for management
- Authors: Maisenbacher, Oscar Massimo
- Date: 2014-05-05
- Subjects: Neurolinguistic programming , Communication in management , Success in business
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10914 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10488
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , The outcome of the study was to explore the use of neuro linguistic programming as a communication tool that enhances communication in the workplace, and the results revealed that NLP business communications differ from the usual workplace communications. They involve communications that identify explicit and achievable outcomes, use sensory awareness to notice responses and flexibly alter behaviour to achieve outcomes. Participants were noticing and discovering new awarenesses to their communications, which they didn't realise, were available to them. Participants revealed their learnings about communication, their realities and experiences. The study discusses NLP as a communicative toolbox for business where different tools are used, depending on the context and outcome desired. It is a toolbox that brings flexibility and adaptability to solving problems and enhances our current communicative faculties. NLP as a communication tool for management is unpacked through the four primary functions of management. Communication is seen at the core. The literature reveals how the NLP tools and models can be applied across these communicative contexts: Planning: delivering strategic value with NLP; Organising: building a dynamic organisation with NLP; Leading: mobilising people with NLP; and Controlling: Dealing with change. The study highlights interpersonal and intrapersonal communications. The external communication takes place where managers, employees and the other various business stakeholders communicate with each other (interpersonal), and the internal communication (intrapersonal), within the environment even more important than the external, the manager’s mind. Internal communication plays an important role in the quality of our communications.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Maisenbacher, Oscar Massimo
- Date: 2014-05-05
- Subjects: Neurolinguistic programming , Communication in management , Success in business
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10914 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/10488
- Description: M.Com. (Business Management) , The outcome of the study was to explore the use of neuro linguistic programming as a communication tool that enhances communication in the workplace, and the results revealed that NLP business communications differ from the usual workplace communications. They involve communications that identify explicit and achievable outcomes, use sensory awareness to notice responses and flexibly alter behaviour to achieve outcomes. Participants were noticing and discovering new awarenesses to their communications, which they didn't realise, were available to them. Participants revealed their learnings about communication, their realities and experiences. The study discusses NLP as a communicative toolbox for business where different tools are used, depending on the context and outcome desired. It is a toolbox that brings flexibility and adaptability to solving problems and enhances our current communicative faculties. NLP as a communication tool for management is unpacked through the four primary functions of management. Communication is seen at the core. The literature reveals how the NLP tools and models can be applied across these communicative contexts: Planning: delivering strategic value with NLP; Organising: building a dynamic organisation with NLP; Leading: mobilising people with NLP; and Controlling: Dealing with change. The study highlights interpersonal and intrapersonal communications. The external communication takes place where managers, employees and the other various business stakeholders communicate with each other (interpersonal), and the internal communication (intrapersonal), within the environment even more important than the external, the manager’s mind. Internal communication plays an important role in the quality of our communications.
- Full Text:
Assessment of the critical success factors of joint ventures in the South African construction industry
- Authors: Manitshana, Buhle
- Date: 2013-05-28
- Subjects: Construction industry - Management , Joint ventures - Management , Success in business , Strategic alliances (Business) - Management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7565 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8427
- Description: M.Tech. (Construction Management) , The aim of the study was to assessment of the critical success factors of joint ventures in the South African construction industry. The study strived to further establish the benefits and sustainability of contractor joint ventures between established contractors and small and medium contractors in the industry. In undertaking the study, primary data relative to contractor joint ventures was obtained by means of an administered questionnaire to one hundred and twelve (112) contractor representatives in the South African construction industry that had partaken or had an involvement in a joint venture project, to both the established and small and medium contractors. The findings indicate that multiple factors lead to the successfulness of contractor joint ventures, among these however, the main factors found to be efficient planning, commitment, trust, communication and comprehension. Other findings included the main benefits of both emerging and established contractor as well as the factors that can be used to measure the success of joint ventures. The research limitations can be said to include the fact that the study focused only on contractors that had previously taken part in a joint ventures project in Gauteng.
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- Authors: Manitshana, Buhle
- Date: 2013-05-28
- Subjects: Construction industry - Management , Joint ventures - Management , Success in business , Strategic alliances (Business) - Management
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7565 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/8427
- Description: M.Tech. (Construction Management) , The aim of the study was to assessment of the critical success factors of joint ventures in the South African construction industry. The study strived to further establish the benefits and sustainability of contractor joint ventures between established contractors and small and medium contractors in the industry. In undertaking the study, primary data relative to contractor joint ventures was obtained by means of an administered questionnaire to one hundred and twelve (112) contractor representatives in the South African construction industry that had partaken or had an involvement in a joint venture project, to both the established and small and medium contractors. The findings indicate that multiple factors lead to the successfulness of contractor joint ventures, among these however, the main factors found to be efficient planning, commitment, trust, communication and comprehension. Other findings included the main benefits of both emerging and established contractor as well as the factors that can be used to measure the success of joint ventures. The research limitations can be said to include the fact that the study focused only on contractors that had previously taken part in a joint ventures project in Gauteng.
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New opportunities through service integration into business models for manufacturing companies
- Authors: Mavodze, Nyiko Allan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Production engineering - Finance , Success in business , Business enterprises - Valuation , Commercial products - Economic aspects , Customer services
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/452617 , uj:39927
- Description: Abstract: In manufacturing, competitors can easily copy a product and reproduce it with the same or higher quality and low cost of resources, this gradually leads to intensified competition. Bundling competitiveness with increased demand of customized products, global economy, short technological cycles, manufacturing companies struggle in maintaining and growing their revenue stream. So, in order to maintain and grow the revenue stream, manufacturing companies extend their business models to deliver a combination of services and products. This research aims to validate the opportunities manufacturing companies are exposed to when introducing service into their product centric business models. To achieve, this research objective, a systematic literature review meets the requirements for this research study as it incorporates methods of identifying, evaluating and interpreting existing literature. A systematic literature review was conducted, 596 studies were retrieved from 6 electronic databases. The findings were extracted from 19 studies that were included holistically... , M.Phil. (Engineering Management)
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- Authors: Mavodze, Nyiko Allan
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Production engineering - Finance , Success in business , Business enterprises - Valuation , Commercial products - Economic aspects , Customer services
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/452617 , uj:39927
- Description: Abstract: In manufacturing, competitors can easily copy a product and reproduce it with the same or higher quality and low cost of resources, this gradually leads to intensified competition. Bundling competitiveness with increased demand of customized products, global economy, short technological cycles, manufacturing companies struggle in maintaining and growing their revenue stream. So, in order to maintain and grow the revenue stream, manufacturing companies extend their business models to deliver a combination of services and products. This research aims to validate the opportunities manufacturing companies are exposed to when introducing service into their product centric business models. To achieve, this research objective, a systematic literature review meets the requirements for this research study as it incorporates methods of identifying, evaluating and interpreting existing literature. A systematic literature review was conducted, 596 studies were retrieved from 6 electronic databases. The findings were extracted from 19 studies that were included holistically... , M.Phil. (Engineering Management)
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Validating a leadership model for stimulating innovation
- Authors: Naidoo, S.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Creative ability in business - Management , Leadership , Technological innovations - Management , Organizational change , Success in business
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/83137 , uj:19056
- Description: Abstract: The rapid changes and challenges in the macro external context, leading to an emerging new world force organisations to rethink and recalibrate on a continuous basis if they want to become competitive, and in the long term sustainable (Hewitt, 2012). Organisations recurrently mark their call to explore, create and to implement new ideas in order to remain ahead of competitors, generate profits and maintain a competitive global advantage (Slatten & Mehmetoglu, 2011). This necessitates the need amongst organisations to become more innovative; to diversify their products and services; introduce new technology and to pursue new leadership practices (Scott & Bruce, 1994; Zhao, 2005). Employees play a vital role in building an innovative workplace in terms of processes, procedures and functions. Additionally, leaders play a critical role in terms of motivating and triggering employees to accomplish a collective vision of cultivating innovative behaviour. The understanding of influential leadership behaviours and characteristics is therefore crucial in fostering successful innovative behaviour from employees within an organisation (Vroom & Jago, 2007). The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship amongst the leadership latent variables; rewards, resources and leadership vision as encapsulated in de Jong and Den Hartog’s (2007) conceptual framework for stimulating innovation. Understanding the relationship between the latent variables rewards, resources, leadership vision and innovation, allows leadership to be in a position to partially understand what might contribute to the generation and implementation of innovative ideas, thereby increasing innovation. Consequently, leaders can use these findings as managerial tools for stimulating more innovative output and thereby cultivate an innovative culture throughout the organisation. This in turn will lead to competitive high performing organisations... , M.Phil.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Naidoo, S.
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Creative ability in business - Management , Leadership , Technological innovations - Management , Organizational change , Success in business
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/83137 , uj:19056
- Description: Abstract: The rapid changes and challenges in the macro external context, leading to an emerging new world force organisations to rethink and recalibrate on a continuous basis if they want to become competitive, and in the long term sustainable (Hewitt, 2012). Organisations recurrently mark their call to explore, create and to implement new ideas in order to remain ahead of competitors, generate profits and maintain a competitive global advantage (Slatten & Mehmetoglu, 2011). This necessitates the need amongst organisations to become more innovative; to diversify their products and services; introduce new technology and to pursue new leadership practices (Scott & Bruce, 1994; Zhao, 2005). Employees play a vital role in building an innovative workplace in terms of processes, procedures and functions. Additionally, leaders play a critical role in terms of motivating and triggering employees to accomplish a collective vision of cultivating innovative behaviour. The understanding of influential leadership behaviours and characteristics is therefore crucial in fostering successful innovative behaviour from employees within an organisation (Vroom & Jago, 2007). The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship amongst the leadership latent variables; rewards, resources and leadership vision as encapsulated in de Jong and Den Hartog’s (2007) conceptual framework for stimulating innovation. Understanding the relationship between the latent variables rewards, resources, leadership vision and innovation, allows leadership to be in a position to partially understand what might contribute to the generation and implementation of innovative ideas, thereby increasing innovation. Consequently, leaders can use these findings as managerial tools for stimulating more innovative output and thereby cultivate an innovative culture throughout the organisation. This in turn will lead to competitive high performing organisations... , M.Phil.
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Organisational culture as a driver of business success
- Authors: Naidoo, Shamla
- Date: 2011-10-03T07:27:49Z
- Subjects: Success in business , Corporate culture
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7221 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3859
- Description: D.Comm. , Organisations are becoming increasingly aware of the pervasive impact that culture has on its success. Corporate cultures exhibit certain characteristics that are collectively created through years of interaction, and which unconsciously direct the activities of its employees. Research indicates that culture plays a pivotal role in an organisation, and has the ability, either to make a positive contribution to the organisation‘s success, or to be a liability. Culture is also crucial in fundamental change efforts. In current times, social, cultural, political and technological forces constantly challenge organisations to reassess and redefine their strategies. In order to counter these challenges, the focus of many local companies has been on improving their capabilities and growing skills, as they are expected to compete and survive in a dynamic business world. One of the ways to achieve this is to obtain leverage from culture, a driving force in the organisation. To this end, this study seeks to explore the role of culture in driving business success. It is anticipated that the knowledge generated from this inquiry will afford new insights, and inform higher corporate practice. The research employed a qualitative case-study methodology. Participants of this study included a purposefully selected group of eight employees who occupied various managerial roles in the organisation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and thematic analysis was employed in analysing the resultant data. The key findings highlighted the role of culture in driving the organisations past success. However, these cultural traits proved to be questionable for continued success. In order to remain competitive, the changing environment and global challenges compelled the company to redefine its strategies, and introduce innovative measures to achieve its objectives. Strategy compelled the company to move forward to adapt to the ever-increasing environmental changes, but culture posed a constraint on learning and change. Further findings are also presented, and recommendations are made for future research and business practices.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Naidoo, Shamla
- Date: 2011-10-03T07:27:49Z
- Subjects: Success in business , Corporate culture
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:7221 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/3859
- Description: D.Comm. , Organisations are becoming increasingly aware of the pervasive impact that culture has on its success. Corporate cultures exhibit certain characteristics that are collectively created through years of interaction, and which unconsciously direct the activities of its employees. Research indicates that culture plays a pivotal role in an organisation, and has the ability, either to make a positive contribution to the organisation‘s success, or to be a liability. Culture is also crucial in fundamental change efforts. In current times, social, cultural, political and technological forces constantly challenge organisations to reassess and redefine their strategies. In order to counter these challenges, the focus of many local companies has been on improving their capabilities and growing skills, as they are expected to compete and survive in a dynamic business world. One of the ways to achieve this is to obtain leverage from culture, a driving force in the organisation. To this end, this study seeks to explore the role of culture in driving business success. It is anticipated that the knowledge generated from this inquiry will afford new insights, and inform higher corporate practice. The research employed a qualitative case-study methodology. Participants of this study included a purposefully selected group of eight employees who occupied various managerial roles in the organisation. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and thematic analysis was employed in analysing the resultant data. The key findings highlighted the role of culture in driving the organisations past success. However, these cultural traits proved to be questionable for continued success. In order to remain competitive, the changing environment and global challenges compelled the company to redefine its strategies, and introduce innovative measures to achieve its objectives. Strategy compelled the company to move forward to adapt to the ever-increasing environmental changes, but culture posed a constraint on learning and change. Further findings are also presented, and recommendations are made for future research and business practices.
- Full Text: