Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

This research dissertation presents a study which increases the understanding of how corporate firms in Botswana can develop and enhance entrepreneurial innovations and encourage entrepreneurial activity within their organisational boundaries. By so doing such organisations create an entrepreneurial oriented firm where pursuit for innovating opportunities thrive, thereby increasing their competitiveness as well as performance. This study aims to determine how such organisations culture a dynamic link between the pursuit of innovation and the essence of Corporate Entrepreneurship (CE) Orientation as a conduit to building the entrepreneurial organisation. Existing studies carried out in the area of entrepreneurship in Botswana mirror on the areas of financing entrepreneurial firms and types of ownership. A search conducted on internet sources, University of Botswana data base as well as literature journals revealed no evidence of CE studies in Botswana. Therefore, there exists a literature gap in the area of CE studies on Botswana which this study seeks to bridge. Models established by studies in the area of CE elsewhere are used instrumentally in this study. The study addresses the research problem by examining how existing firms in Botswana represent the concept of an entrepreneurial organisation within the sphere of corporate entrepreneurship. The intention is to identify and seek the knowledge, attitude and belief of the individual’s potential as corporate entrepreneurs, their ability to be innovative and how such innovation is brought to fruition in such settings. The study adopted a cross sectional, formal study approach using primary data sources. It targeted a sample of 100 individuals operating within the sample frame of a corporate organisation in Botswana which employs over 100 employees. A research instrument in form of a questionnaire was used to obtain data. Simple random sampling was employed. The resulting data set was analysed and presented by means of descriptive and quantitative statistics using SAS package software of the University of Pretoria. The study proves the inextricable link between CE orientation and the pursuit of innovation as a conduit to enhancing entrepreneurial activities in companies in Botswana. The findings however show that the level of innovation is affected by the perception of the innovation process comprising opportunity identification, generation and exploitation. The findings of the study helps large corporate companies in Botswana to appreciate and develop entrepreneurial organisations. In such organisations, Corporate Entrepreneurial Orientations are an essential base which leads to the pursuit of innovation within corporate borders. In essence, the corporate entrepreneurial activity inherent within corporate borders raises immunity against complacency and bureaucracy. It affords the organisation the impetus for coping with a variety of simulated strategies and options in the competitive arena in which the organisation finds itself. Breeding entrepreneurial activity within corporate borders also leads the organisation to new and innovative ways of responding to the windows of opportunities that enhances potential for growth as well as contributing to the organisations performance through maximising utilisation of the inherent internal capacities and deriving a strategic fit therefrom. / Dissertation (MPhil)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Business Management / unrestricted

Corporate entrepreneurship (CE) is seen as an important facet of strategic renewal, profitability, innovativeness and growth of organisations. This study examined the relationship between CE, Market Orientation (MO), Organizational Flexibility (F) and Job Satisfaction (JS). The outcomes of the influence of CE, organisational flexibility and market orientation on job satisfaction were also assessed. The Corporate Entrepreneurship Assessment Instrument (CEAI) developed by Hornsby, Kuratko and Zahra (2002) was used to measure CE. Market orientation was measured by the Market Orientation Scale developed by Kohli, Jaworski and Kumar (1993). The Organisational Flexibility Scale developed by Khandwalla (1977) was used to measure flexibility of organisations. Job satisfaction was measured by the means of the short form of the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire developed by Weiss, Davis, England and Lofquist (1967). Data were gathered from 333 respondents representing four different sectors namely, life assurance, information technology, transport and education. Factor Analysis was employed to revalidate the structure and internal reliability of each instrument used in the study. This resulted in a five-factor solution for the CEAI, named management support, work discretion, rewards/reinforcement, time availability, support for innovation and work improvement. A three-factor solution emerged in the case of market orientation, named intelligence generation, inertia and responsiveness. A two-factor solution was identified for the organisational flexibility scale, namely formality and authoritarianism. The two components of job satisfaction were identified as extrinsic and intrinsic job satisfaction. Pearson Product Moment Correlation was done, investigating the relationship between corporate entrepreneurship, market orientation and flexibility and job satisfaction sub-scales. Multiple Regression Analysis investigated the prediction of job satisfaction by means of corporate entrepreneurship, market orientation and flexibility as independent variables. Of the six Structural Equation Models built in this study, three indicated a good fit with the data. From a managerial perspective the results of two of the models indicate that the corporate entrepreneurship factors of rewards/reinforcement, formal organisational flexibility and an intelligence generative market orientation contribute statistically significantly toward higher levels of extrinsic and total job satisfaction. Additionally the corporate entrepreneurship factor of work improvement, formal organisational flexibility and an intelligence generative market orientation contribute statistically significantly toward higher levels of intrinsic job satisfaction. Though the remaining three models showed a weaker fit with the data, indications are that extrinsic and total job satisfaction could be negatively influenced by CE factors of rewards/reinforcement, inflexible authoritarianism and a market orientation of inertia. Furthermore intrinsic job satisfaction could be negatively influenced by work improvement CE, inflexible authoritarianism and an inertia market orientation. / Thesis (DBA (Business Administration))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Human Resource Management / unrestricted

The primary objective of the study is to determine the level of corporate entrepreneurship within higher level employees at Anglogold Ashanti (Mponeng mine) in order to make recommendations regarding the encouragement of an entrepreneurial climate. A comprehensive literature was conducted. In the literature review entrepreneurship, corporate entrepreneurship and an entrepreneurial climate were defined. The establishment if a climate of corporate entrepreneurship was found to be dependent on the presence of 13 important constructs. If proposed steps are followed to promote corporate entrepreneurship in an organisation, five identified success factors will improve as a result. A historic overview of the gold mining industry including Anglogold Ashanti (Mponeng mine) was given in chapter 3. Part of the Anglogold Ashanti strategy is ?innovation?, wanting to give all employees the opportunity to contribute to improvement by sharing their ideas within the organisation. A questionnaire was adapted to test for the presence of the 13 construct of the climate of corporate entrepreneurship which were identified and to verify current perceptions regarding the organisational success of the organisation among middle managers. Empirical research was conducted which was focusing on discussing the results obtained from the questionnaires. Basic demographic information of the respondents were dealt with first, after which the perceptions of the respondents with regard to the 13 construct measuring the entrepreneurial climate and the constructs measuring the perceived success of the organisation were discussed. Furthermore, the relationships were determined between demographic variables and the constructs measured in the questionnaire. Following the detail analysis of chapter 4, it was concluded that managers participating in the survey regarded the entrepreneurial climate in Anglogold Ashanti (Mponeng mine) as being average. Based on the findings of the empirical research and the insight gained in the literature review, recommendations were made on how to foster an entrepreneurial climate within Angolgold Ashanti (Mponeng mine). / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Since the beginnings of venture creation the traditional role of the entrepreneur has evolved from only being the owner of a small business to include those individuals within a large organisation who has entrepreneurial skills and applies these to benefit the company. The focus of this research study was the assessment of corporate entrepreneurship within Sasol Polymers, a division of Sasol Ltd. A comprehensive literature review was conducted in chapter 2. In the literature review entrepreneurship, corporate entrepreneurship and an entrepreneurial climate were defined. The dimensions of corporate entrepreneurship and the 13 constructs measuring the entrepreneurial climate were discussed, after which the constructs measuring the perceived success of the organisation were presented. Chapter 2 concluded by presenting practical suggestions in which an entrepreneurial climate could be established in an organisation. A historic overview of Sasol and Sasol Polymers was then presented. Among others; the history, vision, strategy, technology and innovation was discussed. The chapter concluded with the unique causal factors of Sasol Polymers that prompted this study. Empirical research was conducted after the literature review and background to the organisation. The empirical research focused on discussing the results obtained from the corporate entrepreneurship questionnaire. Top, middle and lower level managers of Sasol Polymers were selected as the sample population for this study and a 50% response rate was achieved. Basic demographic information of the respondents were dealt with first, after which the perceptions of the respondents with regard to the 13 constructs measuring the entrepreneurial climate and the constructs measuring the perceived success of the organisation were discussed. Furthermore, relationships were determined between demographic variables and the constructs measured in the questionnaire. Following the detailed empirical analysis done in chapter 4, it was concluded that managers participating in the survey regarded the constructs vision and strategic intent, strong customer orientation and entrepreneurial leadership as the most prevalent in Sasol Polymers. The least prevalent constructs required for an entrepreneurial climate were resource availability and accessibility, tolerance for risk, mistakes and failure and sponsors/champions. No practical significant difference could be found between the mean values of any of the demographical categories and the constructs measured in the questionnaire. The study concludes with practical recommendation, a measurement of the achievement of objectives and suggestions for future research. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

This study aims to examine corporate entrepreneurship within the risk and insurance industry, with specific reference to Marsh South Africa. An overview of Marsh South Africa is given with specific focus on the history, company structure and operating environment of the organisation. The factors that emphasises the need for corporate entrepreneurship within the risk and insurance industry is the growing demand for solutions that break the cycle of annual insurance renewals, the emergence of new exposures, and the approach taken by firms to analyse risk on a more comprehensive basis. In general the changing operating environment and the fact that Marsh operates in a regulated environment highlights the importance and need for corporate entrepreneurial strategies. The literature review defines entrepreneurship and specifically corporate entrepreneurship with particular focus on the various dimensions and determinants of corporate entrepreneurship and the crucial role that innovation plays. The core of the literature review and study in general focuses on the thirteen entrepreneurial constructs that constitutes the entrepreneurial climate and assesses an additional construct which is the perceived success of the organisation. The success of a company's entrepreneurial activity is reliant on the entrepreneurial climate that is present within the company. In this study, respondents indicates that a strong customer orientation, entrepreneurial leadership and a flat organisational structure are the most important constructs that constitute an entrepreneurial climate, which gives an indication that the company understands its clients and their needs. Resource availability and accessibility, innovation and creativity and tolerance for risks, mistakes and failure is ranked the lowest of all the constructs, indicating that certain aspects of the company's entrepreneurial climate need attention. Constructs measuring the perceived success of the organisation indicates that customer/market measures as well as process and financial measures plays a significant role. The future long-term success of the organisation and people development however requires more consideration. The study further assess any statistical significant differences between the gender, race and level of employment of the employees in relation to the entrepreneurial climate and perceived success of the organisation constructs and finds that no specific significant statistical differences exist. Several recommendations are made in order to improve the entrepreneurial climate at the organisation as it will contribute to the creation of increased organisational commitment and the future economic performance of the organisation. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

The primary objective of the study is to determine the level of corporate entrepreneurship within higher level employees at Anglogold Ashanti (Mponeng mine) in order to make recommendations regarding the encouragement of an entrepreneurial climate. A comprehensive literature was conducted. In the literature review entrepreneurship, corporate entrepreneurship and an entrepreneurial climate were defined. The establishment if a climate of corporate entrepreneurship was found to be dependent on the presence of 13 important constructs. If proposed steps are followed to promote corporate entrepreneurship in an organisation, five identified success factors will improve as a result. A historic overview of the gold mining industry including Anglogold Ashanti (Mponeng mine) was given in chapter 3. Part of the Anglogold Ashanti strategy is ?innovation?, wanting to give all employees the opportunity to contribute to improvement by sharing their ideas within the organisation. A questionnaire was adapted to test for the presence of the 13 construct of the climate of corporate entrepreneurship which were identified and to verify current perceptions regarding the organisational success of the organisation among middle managers. Empirical research was conducted which was focusing on discussing the results obtained from the questionnaires. Basic demographic information of the respondents were dealt with first, after which the perceptions of the respondents with regard to the 13 construct measuring the entrepreneurial climate and the constructs measuring the perceived success of the organisation were discussed. Furthermore, the relationships were determined between demographic variables and the constructs measured in the questionnaire. Following the detail analysis of chapter 4, it was concluded that managers participating in the survey regarded the entrepreneurial climate in Anglogold Ashanti (Mponeng mine) as being average. Based on the findings of the empirical research and the insight gained in the literature review, recommendations were made on how to foster an entrepreneurial climate within Angolgold Ashanti (Mponeng mine). / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Since the beginnings of venture creation the traditional role of the entrepreneur has evolved from only being the owner of a small business to include those individuals within a large organisation who has entrepreneurial skills and applies these to benefit the company. The focus of this research study was the assessment of corporate entrepreneurship within Sasol Polymers, a division of Sasol Ltd. A comprehensive literature review was conducted in chapter 2. In the literature review entrepreneurship, corporate entrepreneurship and an entrepreneurial climate were defined. The dimensions of corporate entrepreneurship and the 13 constructs measuring the entrepreneurial climate were discussed, after which the constructs measuring the perceived success of the organisation were presented. Chapter 2 concluded by presenting practical suggestions in which an entrepreneurial climate could be established in an organisation. A historic overview of Sasol and Sasol Polymers was then presented. Among others; the history, vision, strategy, technology and innovation was discussed. The chapter concluded with the unique causal factors of Sasol Polymers that prompted this study. Empirical research was conducted after the literature review and background to the organisation. The empirical research focused on discussing the results obtained from the corporate entrepreneurship questionnaire. Top, middle and lower level managers of Sasol Polymers were selected as the sample population for this study and a 50% response rate was achieved. Basic demographic information of the respondents were dealt with first, after which the perceptions of the respondents with regard to the 13 constructs measuring the entrepreneurial climate and the constructs measuring the perceived success of the organisation were discussed. Furthermore, relationships were determined between demographic variables and the constructs measured in the questionnaire. Following the detailed empirical analysis done in chapter 4, it was concluded that managers participating in the survey regarded the constructs vision and strategic intent, strong customer orientation and entrepreneurial leadership as the most prevalent in Sasol Polymers. The least prevalent constructs required for an entrepreneurial climate were resource availability and accessibility, tolerance for risk, mistakes and failure and sponsors/champions. No practical significant difference could be found between the mean values of any of the demographical categories and the constructs measured in the questionnaire. The study concludes with practical recommendation, a measurement of the achievement of objectives and suggestions for future research. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

This study aims to examine corporate entrepreneurship within the risk and insurance industry, with specific reference to Marsh South Africa. An overview of Marsh South Africa is given with specific focus on the history, company structure and operating environment of the organisation. The factors that emphasises the need for corporate entrepreneurship within the risk and insurance industry is the growing demand for solutions that break the cycle of annual insurance renewals, the emergence of new exposures, and the approach taken by firms to analyse risk on a more comprehensive basis. In general the changing operating environment and the fact that Marsh operates in a regulated environment highlights the importance and need for corporate entrepreneurial strategies. The literature review defines entrepreneurship and specifically corporate entrepreneurship with particular focus on the various dimensions and determinants of corporate entrepreneurship and the crucial role that innovation plays. The core of the literature review and study in general focuses on the thirteen entrepreneurial constructs that constitutes the entrepreneurial climate and assesses an additional construct which is the perceived success of the organisation. The success of a company's entrepreneurial activity is reliant on the entrepreneurial climate that is present within the company. In this study, respondents indicates that a strong customer orientation, entrepreneurial leadership and a flat organisational structure are the most important constructs that constitute an entrepreneurial climate, which gives an indication that the company understands its clients and their needs. Resource availability and accessibility, innovation and creativity and tolerance for risks, mistakes and failure is ranked the lowest of all the constructs, indicating that certain aspects of the company's entrepreneurial climate need attention. Constructs measuring the perceived success of the organisation indicates that customer/market measures as well as process and financial measures plays a significant role. The future long-term success of the organisation and people development however requires more consideration. The study further assess any statistical significant differences between the gender, race and level of employment of the employees in relation to the entrepreneurial climate and perceived success of the organisation constructs and finds that no specific significant statistical differences exist. Several recommendations are made in order to improve the entrepreneurial climate at the organisation as it will contribute to the creation of increased organisational commitment and the future economic performance of the organisation. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.