Employee commitment is a concept that seeks to capture the nature of the attachments formed by individuals to their employing organisations. Researchers such as Porter have attempted to identify what factors influence the formation of employee commitment in individuals and how employee commitment (once formed) influences important organisational consequences, particularly employee turnover and business success. In a highly committed workplace, employees understand and agree with the company's strategic goals, are clear about how their work fits into making those goals a reality, are motivated to go beyond narrow job definitions to meet those goals and are confident that their efforts will be recognised and rewarded by their peers, managers and the organisation as a whole. A workplace with committed employees exhibits an 'all for one, one for all' spirit that encompasses both their colleagues and customers - a place where employees do whatever is necessary to ensure the continuous high performance and success of their organisation. In today's business environment, it is imperative that organisations learn to attract, motivate and retain the key talent needed to meet aggressive business goals. Committed employees are more productive and work with a focus on quality to increase customer satisfaction and the profitability of their organisation. High employee commitment also leads to superior performance. Money certainly plays a part in reinforcing employee commitment, but it is clearly not enough in today's work environment. Praise and recognition also tend to build employee loyalty and commitment. People want to feel that they make a difference. The purpose of this study was to determine whether employee commitment is an imperative for business success or not. A literature study was conducted by combining the views of different authors. Following the literature study, a survey was conducted in order to determine employee commitment levels at a wholesale company in Gauteng. The information obtained was reviewed statistically. The key results of the research findings revealed that there is a strong relationship between employee commitment and business success. The employees at the company that was studied are highly committed, and stay at the company because they want to. These commitment levels indicate a workforce that is highly committed and the employees will think twice before they leave. In chapter one, a general introduction to the study will be given, providing aims, problem statements and a description of terms to be used in the study. In chapter two, an in depth literature study will be done and the different elements of employee commitment will be identified and its importance to an organisation. In chapter three, the empirical study and statistical analyses of the data undertaken will be discussed. In chapter four, current situations will be discussed in order to form a synthesis between the literature study and the survey results. In chapter five, conclusions are made, limitations of the current research are discussed and recommendations for future research are put forward. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Most small new firms face problems in surviving the gestation process and achieving a viable performance thereafter because of the very fact of their smallness and newness. Due to a lack of internal resources, entrepreneurs of small new firms find it necessary to seek resources from outside the firm through their external social network. The theory of social capital that prescribes valuable resources are embedded in social relations is, thus, particularly relevant to the small business start-up situation. The embedded resources within an external network are hypothesized to have a positive impact on the business performance of these new firms. The main objective of the present study is to empirically investigate the impact of external networks, and in particular the initial social network of entrepreneurs, to the success of small firm start-up in Hong Kong. The second objective is to determine whether there is any interaction effect of the entrepreneur’s networking capability with the external network structure on the start-up success of small Hong Kong firms. / To carry out the research, this study offers a conceptual model linking initial network start-up success to initial network structure of start-up, and including an interaction effect from the entrepreneur’s networking capability. The study operationalizes social capital in four types of network constructs: network size, trustworthiness, network support and network diversity. A series of hypotheses relating to these four dimensions asserting external network determinants of the start-up success of small firms is posited. Other hypotheses which assert the interaction effect between an entrepreneur’s networking capability and the initial network structure on the success of small firm start-up, are also posited. A field survey, administered to 1,000 small Hong Kong firms of various industries, is used to gather the data. The questionnaire survey was developed in two languages – Chinese and English – to ensure a good level of understanding in the bilingual business environment of Hong Kong. Of the 1,000 questionnaires dispatched, a final sample of 89 small firms was used to empirically test the hypotheses using multiple regression analysis and multiple hierarchical regression analysis. Control variables such as entrepreneurs’ experiences and education prior to the firm start-up are included. / Empirical results indicate that the verification of social capital theory’s prescription for start-up success cannot be supported unequivocally. The results suggest that some initial network conditions such as initial size of strong tie network, network support and network diversity are positively associated with some measures of start-up success, but trustworthiness of network ties and the size of weak tie network do not figure among them. No evidence is found to support that entrepreneurs’ networking capability can positively enhance the effect of the initial network structure on start-up success. Overall, the study raises some questions on the positive linear relationship of certain operationalized constructs such as network size and trustworthiness of social capital with start-up success. Following the findings of this research, future studies may choose to further investigate social capital theory on small start-up success by refining the operationalization of social capital, and verify other interaction effects of entrepreneurs’ networking capabilities.

Thesis (PhD) -- University of Western Sydney, 2001. / " A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of PhD in Marketing, University of Western, Sydney." "Submitted July 2001 and revised February 2002" Bibliography: p. 273 - 285.

This diploma thesis is focused on business success of eshops concretely usability, credibility, accessability, competitive advantage and some types of promotion(PPC, SEO, email marketing). This work also describes way of evaluation of business results and KPI-driven management. In practical part of the work there is eshop www.ceskeskolky.cz analyzed. On the basis of some methods (SEO analysis, Usability testing, etc.) particular suggestions and recommendations are made to improve business results of this eshop.

Práce představuje teorii systémové dynamiky a její nástroje vhodné pro analýzu složitých ekonomických a sociálních systémů. V praktické části je s využitím simulačního počítačového modelu prováděna analýza faktorů úspěšnosti podniku v odvětví živočišné výroby - chovu kuřat.

This study examined the relationship between success of small businesses and the educational backgrounds of their owners. A survey composed of questions concerning demographics, educational backgrounds, and business success was mailed to 1100 businesses in Dallas, Denton, and Tarrant counties in Texas. There were 228 usable responses which were analyzed by using the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS12). Data were sorted so that educational level, sales volume, number of employees, and longevity, were identified on a 5-point ordinal scale. Educational major was identified on a 5-point nominal scale. Pearson's correlation was used to determine whether relationships existed between founders' educational background and small business success. Spearman's correlation was used to determine the direction and strength of the relationships. Then educational level and major were combined with age, gender, ethnicity, and industry, to determine the relationships between founders' educational background, and business success. For this purpose a canonical correlation was used. Five opinion questions concerned influence of college education on business success among college graduates and non-college graduates were identified on a 5-point Likert scale and tested using one-way ANOVA, and independent sample t-test. When educational level and major were the only predictors of business success, a statistically significant relationship was found between years of formal education, and sales volume. When educational level and major were combined with age, gender, ethnicity, and industry, a statistically significant relationship was found between founders' educational level and age, and business success. A statistically significant and negative relationship was found between founders' educational major and industry, and business success. All opinion questions revealed statistically significant relationships between owner's college education and business success. These relationships indicate the ability for the owner to learn, adapt and maintain a successful business. The influence of a college education on small business success was noticeable and reflects the continuing need for higher education to cope with technological advances, business competition, and the changing global economy.

Native Americans start fewer businesses than do other U.S. populations, and the receipts and employment of those businesses are 70% lower than the U.S. average. However, little knowledge exists concerning Native American (NA) business success. The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the likelihood that attitudes toward entrepreneurship, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control predict business success amongst NA business owners. Understanding the factors that contribute to NA business success is imperative to developing best practices for business owners and business support agencies. The theory of planned behavior served as the theoretical framework for this study. Of the 550 invited NA business owners registered within a single tribe in the South Central United States, 79 participated in this study. A binary logistic regression analysis produced conflicting results: significant goodness-of-fit yet insignificant individual predictors. Information obtained from this study could assist NA and other underdeveloped business populations with understanding factors influencing entrepreneurial endeavors; however, readers must interpret findings with caution because of conflicting logistic regression results. NA business formation and success could enhance economic prosperity and decrease unemployment in NA communities.

Small business owners generate jobs within the local community, but half of new business owners often fail to sustain operations for the first five years. The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore strategies that small business owners in central Texas used to sustain their businesses beyond the first 5 years. Schumpeter's theory of economic development grounded the study. Data collection included semistructured face-to-face interviews with a purposeful sample of 20 small business owners due to their success in creating strategies resulting in sustaining their businesses beyond 5 years in a postrecession business environment. All interpretations from the interview data included member checking to validate the credibility of the findings. Using the van Kamm method for thematic analysis, four themes emerged that included conducting business near federal and state organizations, having a business mentor, improving competitive positioning by focusing on improving both the quality of goods and services as well as innovating the customer experience, and adapting to rapidly changing economic conditions and destabilizing events with optimism and perseverance. Of these, the two most successful strategies entrepreneurs employed to improve survivability was conducting business near federal and state organizations with concentrated levels of workforce employees for sustained levels of returning business, as well as having one or more business mentors as an external source of entrepreneurial mentorship or information. Social change implications for small business owners include the potential to provide new strategies for small business sustainability, reductions in local unemployment rates, and improved community-based networks.

Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research report consists of an analysis of the impact of talent or human capital in ensuring business success and giving organisations a competitive advantage. It examines the literature, particularly recent literature and evaluates the most current thinking and practices in the area of talent management. Talent management is analysed from four perspectives, namely conventional aspects of talent management including sourcing and succession planning; leadership; and the development of talent and organisational culture. All four aspects need to be examined if we are to develop a holistic understanding of the field of talent management. Organisations that can implement advanced organisational practices in these four areas are reaping the rewards from a business profitability perspective. The report also includes the examination of a ground-breaking survey on the importance of talent for competitive advantage to companies in the late 1990s. This survey would later lead to the well-known concept of the 'war for talent'. The pertinent issue of succession planning is also covered because it is acknowledged that a failure to adequately plan for future talent requirements is the equivalent of leaving an organisation open to an enormous risk. There are clear findings that the most successful succession planning programmes are based on developing internal candidates. The latest research thinking and insights on how to manage the most productive employees or rather high-fliers in a company are also explored. There is a clear understanding that people make a definitive contribution to business success and the most talented individuals, who have the potential to contribute extensively, must not only be understood but should also be appropriately led. The availability of quality leadership is a key challenge facing organisations presently and into the future. The critical importance of leadership in modern organisations cannot be overstated. No talent management strategy is complete without paying special attention to the leadership talent within an organisation. This report therefore deals with new areas from which to source leaders in the context of a global shortage of leadership skills. It also looks at the creation of leadership brands and the benefits to a company of establishing a leadership brand. Particular attention is paid to the issue of succession planning and the leader's responsibility in this arena. The thorny and perpetual dearth and consequences of inadequate representation of women in the leadership ranks are also explored. The report also explores concepts around the development of talent. It is not sufficient for organisations to hire the best talent. Skills need to be kept sharp and relevant for companies to have sustainable success. An under-investment in the development of talent has enormous consequences for the future of an organisation. Toyota, one of the most successful companies in the world, is also analysed to evaluate the techniques that they use to create a culture of continuous learning which leads to a virtuous cycle of continuous improvement. Google is explored as a case study of the success that can be achieved when an entire organisation is designed around the concept of development and learning. The often-misunderstood and under-valued (by business leaders anyway) yet highly relevant topic of managing the organisational culture is also analysed. One critical aspect about building a winning culture is whether businesses have a culture that supports the ongoing changes facing the modern enterprise. Modern businesses need to be able to adapt faster and better to new challenges. A culture that manages change well is therefore a prerequisite to success. The most successful organisations in the world have demonstrated that there is a link between the culture that is followed by their employees and business success. We therefore examine and discuss the key components of a high performance culture. A number of case studies from businesses that have built impressive organisational cultures are also discussed. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie navorsingsverslag bestaan uit 'n ontleding van die impak van talent of menslike kapitaal om sakesukses te verseker en organisasies 'n mededingende voordeel te gee. Dit ondersoek die literatuur, in besonder onlangse literatuur, en evalueer die jongste gedagterigtings en praktyk op die gebied van talentbestuur. Talentbestuur word uit vier perspektiewe ontleed, naamlik konvensionele aspekte van talentbestuur met insluiting van verkryging en opvolgbeplanning; leierskap; die ontwikkeling van talent en organisasiekultuur. Al vier aspekte moet ondersoek word as ons 'n holistiese begrip wil ontwikkel van die veld van talentbestuur. Organisasies wat gevorderde organisasiepraktyke op hierdie vier gebiede kan implementeer, pluk die vrugte uit die oogpunt van winsgewendheid vir hulle besigheid. Die verslag omvat ook die ontleding van 'n vernuwende oorsig oor die belangrikheid van talent vir 'n mededingende voordeel vir maatskappye in die laat 1990's. Hierdie oorsig sou later lei tot die welbekende konsep van die 'oorlog vir talent'. Die pertinente vraagstuk van opvolgbeplanning word ook gedek omdat daar aanvaar word dat 'n gebrek aan voldoende beplanning vir toekomstige talentvereistes dieselfde is as om 'n organisasie bloot te stel aan enorme risiko. Daar is duidelike bevindings dat die suksesvolste opvolgbeplanningsprogramme gebaseer is op die ontwikkeling van interne kandidate. Die nuutste navorsingsmenings en -insigte oor die bestuur van die produktiefste werknemers oftewel hoogvlieers in 'n maatskappy word ook ondersoek. Daar word duidelik begryp dat mense 'n bepalende bydrae maak tot sakesukses en dat die talentvolste individue, wat die potensiaal het om omvattende bydraes te maak, nie net met begrip behandel moet word nie maar ook toepaslike leiding moet ontvang. Die beskikbaarheid van goeie gehalte leierskap is 'n sleuteluitdaging waarvoor organisasies tans en in die toekoms te staan gaan kom. Die kritieke belangrikheid van leierskap in moderne organisasies kan nie oorbeklemtoon word nie. Geen talentbestuurstrategie is volledig sonder dat spesiale aandag gegee word aan die leierskapstalent binne 'n organisasie nie. Hierdie verslag behandel dus nuwe areas vir die verkryging van leiers in die konteks van 'n wereldwye tekort aan leierskapsvaardighede. Dit kyk ook na die skepping van leierskapshandelsmerke en die voordele wat die daarstelling van 'n leierskapshandelsmerk vir 'n maatskappy inhou. Daar word veral aandag gegee aan die kwessie van opvolgbeplanning en die leier se verantwoordelikheid in hierdie arena. Die moeilike en voortdurende tekort aan vroue in leierskapsgeledere en die gevolge van hierdie ontoereikende verteenwoordiging word ook ondersoek. Die verslag ondersoek ook begrippe rondom die ontwikkeling van talent. Dit is nie voldoende vir organisasies om die beste talent aan te stel nie. Vaardighede moet opgeskerp word en toepaslik bly vir maatskappye om volhoubare sukses te behaal. 'n Onderbelegging in die ontwikkeling van talent het enorme gevolge vir die toekoms van 'n organisasie. Toyota, een van die suksesvolste maatskappye ter wereld, word ook ontleed om die tegnieke te evalueer wat hulle gebruik om 'n kultuur van volgehoue leer te skep, wat lei tot 'n voortreflike siklus van deurlopende verbetering. Google word ondersoek as 'n gevalstudie van die sukses wat behaal kan word wanneer 'n totale organisasie ontwerp word rondom die konsep van ontwikkeling en leer. Die hoogs relevante onderwerp van die bestuur van organisasiekultuur word ook ontleed. Dit word dikwels misverstaan en onderwaardeer - deur sakeleiers in elk geval. Een kritieke aspek van die opbou van 'n wenkultuur is of besighede 'n kultuur het wat ondersteuning bied aan die voortgesette veranderinge waarvoor die moderne onderneming te staan kom. Moderne besighede moet vinniger en beter by nuwe uitdagings kan aanpas. 'n Kultuur wat verandering goed bestuur, is dus 'n voorwaarde vir sukses. Die suksesvolste organisasies in die wereld het aangetoon dat daar 'n skakel is tussen die kultuur wat deur hulle werknemers gevolg word en sakesukses. Ons ondersoek en bespreek dus die sleutelkomponente van 'n hoeprestasiekultuur. 'n Aantal gevalstudies van besighede wat indrukwekkende organisasiekulture opgebou het, word ook bespreek.

<p>Osnovni cilj istraživanja predstavlja identifikovanje faktora<br />koji utiču na uspešnost poslovanja proizvodnih preduzeća, i to<br />korišćenjem metodologije iz oblasti analize panel podataka.<br />Kao mera uspešnosti poslovanja korišćena je profitabilnost.<br />Istraživanjem je obuhvaćena analiza uticaja nekoliko internih i<br />eksternih faktora. Utvrđen je značajan uticaj kako internih<br />(veličina preduzeća, finansijska zaduženost, efikasnost<br />korišćenja imovine i stopa opipljivosti imovine) tako i<br />eksternih (inflacija, BDP i kamatne stope) faktora na<br />uspešnost poslovanja proizvodnih preduzeća.</p> / <p>The main goal of this research is identifying factors that have an impact on<br />business success of the manufacturing companies, by using the<br />methodology of panel models analysis. Profitability is used as a measure of<br />business success. Research involves analysis of several internal and<br />external factors.<br />Significant influence of several internal (size, financial leverage, efficiency of<br />assets usage and tangibility of assets) and external factors (inflation, GDP<br />and interest rates) on business success of manufacturing companies has<br />been identified.</p>