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Copreneurs, defined as couples who jointly operate a business and share business-related responsibilities and decisions, represent a growing portion of family business (Fitzgerald & Muske; 2002; Marshack, 1993, 1994). However, knowledge of copreneurs remains limited in the research literature. The uniqueness of copreneurs may be particularly meaningful with respect to community social responsibility, referring to the contributions a business provides to the community beyond the products and services offered (Besser, 1999). This study explores the potential differences between the socially responsible behaviors of copreneurial and noncopreneurial businesses using the Sustainable Family Business Theory as a framework. Analysis focuses on the influence of business owner, business, community, and family characteristics on the community social responsibility of copreneurs and noncopreneurs. Data from the 2000 panel of the National Family Business Survey (NFBS) was used. Findings indicate that certain characteristics and contexts influence community social responsibility, although copreneurship is not a significant predictor.

The capital structure debate has been live for decades, with the key point of contention for many researchers being whether capital structure positively or negatively impacts firm value. Much of the literature on this question takes its departure from the seminal writings of Modigliani and Miller (1958) and their Theorem of Irrelevance. Many researchers have subsequently argued their case for and against the optimal value capital structure. The purpose of this research is to evaluate whether in a South African context an increase in financial leverage positively or negatively impacts firm value. Furthermore, given the high level and volatility of the current local interest rate market, this report also considers how the volatility of the local interest rate impacts on capital structure. This research was conducted using secondary data sourced from the McGregor BFA database for the period 1998-2007. The sample included 113 Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) listed firms, which were stratified by industry in order to distinguish between different industries dynamics in this regard. Regression analysis was carried out for both tests It was found that an increase in financial leverage is negatively correlated with firm value. The study on the impact of interest rates on capital structure proved to be inconclusive. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

Prior research on capability upgrading in developing country firms has emphasised the importance of gaining legitimacy in the public domain. For technology-based firms this implies disclosure of knowledge assets through patents and scientific publications. In the absence of a managed approach to intellectual property (IP) protection, this disclosure often takes place in a desultory manner with disappointing results. Therefore, this research focuses on the formalisation of IP as a key indicator of the evolution of a developing country technology-based MNC using Sasol as a case study. The paucity of research into South African firms compared to the abundance of literature on the evolution of firms from other developing countries provides further justification for this study. Patent and publication data associated with Sasol (1955-2005) was analysed using multidimensional scaling and multiple regression techniques in order to examine the nature of disclosure. Patent value was estimated using forward citations and an adaptation of Putnam’s Value Index, while journal impact factors served as a proxy for the value of scientific publications. The role of international connections was investigated by examining co-authorships. The evidence suggests that formalisation of IP promotes an awareness of the purpose of disclosure, enhancing indigenous capability to appropriate returns from R&D and gain legitimacy within the global research community. This evolutionary trajectory may be accelerated by leveraging international research connections. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

Black Economic Empowerment is a strategy aimed at substantially increasing meaningful Black participation at all levels in the South African economy. South Africa is characterised by remarkably low levels of entrepreneurship. As entrepreneurship is associated with wealth generation and job creation, increased entrepreneurial activity can contribute significantly to address unemployment and societal inequalities. This study explores the relationship between Black Economic Empowerment and entrepreneurship in South Africa in an attempt to investigate whether Black Economic Empowerment promotes entrepreneurship. A qualitative approach was adopted to gain insights into the lived experiences of Black Business Leaders and Black Entrepreneurs through a phenomenological analysis of the data. Data was also collected from Experts, in an attempt to strengthen the findings and validity of the study through triangulation. Research instruments included open-ended questionnaires to ascertain the views of Experts and face-to-face, in-depth interviews to promote storytelling by Black Business Leaders and Black Entrepreneurs. The results revealed that Black people are entrepreneurial in nature. Black people are motivated to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities by, inter alia, financial reasons, their contribution to society and the creation of wealth in order to leave a legacy. It is evident that Black Economic Empowerment can develop Black entrepreneurs, Black Businesses and Black intrapreneurs. A diagrammatic presentation of the relationship between Black Economic Empowerment and entrepreneurship is proposed that depicts the key linkages established by the findings from this study. / Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / unrestricted

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Since 1994, tourism has become one of the most benefited industries among the overall of the South African economy. However, the industry is still far from being an example of transformations. The tourism industry in South Africa is still dominated by white-owned large enterprises, leaving limited space for the development of black-owned small tourism businesses. The existing literature identifies that government support represents a key variable regarding small tourism business development, specifically among black entrepreneurs. This study evaluated the role of provincial government support in the development of black-owned small tourism businesses in the South Africa, with a focus on Cape Town.

by So Ying-lun. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 82-91). / ABSTRACT --- p.ii / TABLE OF CONTENTS --- p.iii / Chapter / Chapter I. --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Focus of the Study / Chapter 1.2 --- Importance of the Study / Chapter II --- LITERATURE REVIEW --- p.4 / Chapter 2.1 --- Definitions --- p.5 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Illegal or Unethical? --- p.6 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Public Sector vs. Private Sector Corruption --- p.8 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- What are 'Private' Gains? --- p.10 / Chapter 2.1.4 --- Defining Corruption for This Study --- p.11 / Chapter 2.2 --- Extent of the Problem of Corruption in the PRC --- p.12 / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Official Figures on Corruption --- p.13 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Perceptions of the Seriousness of Corruption in the PRC --- p.14 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Open Admission of Direct Experience of Corruption in China --- p.16 / Chapter 2.2.4 --- Extent of the Problem in Terms of the Amount of Briber Taken --- p.17 / Chapter 2.3 --- Causes of the Problem in China --- p.18 / Chapter 2.4 --- Characteristics of Corruption in the PRC --- p.21 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Generalizations about the Details of Corruption in the PRC --- p.21 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Factors Affecting Frequency of Corruption Encountered --- p.22 / Chapter 2.5 --- Different Considerations Relating to How Graft is Handled --- p.23 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Ethical Issues --- p.24 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- Legal Considerations --- p.29 / Chapter 2.5.3 --- Political Considerations --- p.36 / Chapter 2.5.4 --- Pressures of the Marketplace --- p.38 / Chapter 2.6 --- Coping with Corruption --- p.39 / Chapter 2.7 --- Research Questions --- p.43 / Chapter III. --- METHODOLOGY --- p.45 / Chapter 3.1 --- Research Approach --- p.45 / Chapter 3.2 --- Data Collection --- p.46 / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Sampling --- p.46 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- The Interview --- p.47 / Chapter 3.3 --- Data Analysis --- p.50 / Chapter IV. --- RESULTS --- p.52 / Chapter 4.1 --- Informants' Perception of the Extent of the Problem --- p.52 / Chapter 4.1.1 --- How Serious is the Problem? --- p.52 / Chapter 4.1.2 --- Seriousness in terms of Effects on PRC Business --- p.53 / Chapter 4.2 --- Respondents' Perception of the Causes of the Problem --- p.54 / Chapter 4.3 --- Characteristics I: Details of Corruption in China --- p.55 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Who and How are Bribes Initiated? --- p.55 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- What Favours are Provided y Bribes? --- p.56 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Corruption Becoming More Organized --- p.57 / Chapter 4.4 --- Characteristics II: Factors Affecting Level of Corruption Encountered --- p.58 / Chapter 4.4.1 --- Country of Origin of Foreign Company --- p.58 / Chapter 4.4.2 --- Location in China --- p.59 / Chapter 4.4.3 --- Experience in Dealing with Foreign Companies --- p.60 / Chapter 4.4.4 --- Size of the Deal --- p.60 / Chapter 4.4.5 --- Degree of Government Regulations --- p.60 / Chapter 4.4.6 --- Size and Reputation of the Chinese Partner --- p.60 / Chapter 4.4.7 --- Other Factors Influencing the Level of Corruption Encountered --- p.60 / Chapter 4.5 --- Considerations Leading to A Decision on How to Handle the Problem --- p.62 / Chapter 4.5.1 --- Importance Placed on Each Aspect --- p.62 / Chapter 4.5.2 --- Ethical Aspects --- p.63 / Chapter 4.5.3 --- Legal Aspects --- p.63 / Chapter 4.5.4 --- Political Aspects --- p.64 / Chapter 4.5.5 --- Profitability Considerations --- p.65 / Chapter 4.6 --- Coping with Corruption --- p.66 / Chapter 4.6.1 --- Standing Firm --- p.66 / Chapter 4.6.2 --- Besides Saying “No´ح --- p.67 / Chapter 4.7 --- Expectations About the Future of Corruption in the PRC --- p.68 / Chapter V. --- DISCUSSIONS --- p.70 / Chapter 5.1 --- Extent of Problem --- p.70 / Chapter 5.2 --- Causes of the Problem --- p.72 / Chapter 5.3 --- Characteristics I: Details of Corruption Encountered --- p.72 / Chapter 5.4 --- Characteristics II: Factors Affecting Level of Corruption Encountered --- p.73 / Chapter 5.5 --- Considerations Leading to A Decision on How to Handle the Problem --- p.76 / Chapter 5.6 --- Coping with Corruption --- p.77 / Chapter 5.7 --- Causes and Future Development of the Problem --- p.77 / Chapter VI. --- CONCLUSION --- p.80 / Chapter 6.1 --- Where Do We Go from Here --- p.80 / Chapter 6.2 --- Limitations of the Study --- p.80 / APPENDIX --- p.92 / REFERENCES --- p.91