This thesis investigates the role of serendipity, effectuation, and entrepreneurial marketing in fast-growth entrepreneurial firms. Using a qualitative paradigm, multiple case studies and cross-country approaches, the study aims to explore the interrelationships among these constructs and answer the main research question relating to their contribution to fast growth. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty fast-growth firms in New Zealand and Iran from a range of sectors, and causal mapping method was used to map out the growth trajectory of each firm. Causal maps enable the researcher to find in what manner the firms achieved fast growth and what factors contributed to their growth. The results suggest that serendipity is a precursor to fast growth and occurs generally at the start of a growth process. Serendipity is likely to take place at any stage of a firm life cycle, but more likely at the early stage of formation, alongside networks, pure luck, perseverance, environment and high-quality products and services. In addition to reviewing the three patterns of serendipity that are well-known in accidental scientific discoveries, we identify and introduce “Entrepreneurial Serendipity” as another distinctive pattern in entrepreneurship, whereby entrepreneurs look for any opportunity to start a business and explore an appropriate opportunity that comes along. Further analyses illustrate that entrepreneurs believe in the occurrence of serendipity in their day-to-day business; however, it indirectly contributes to fast growth mediated by two important elements: effectual thinking and entrepreneurial marketing. The causal maps demonstrate that the combination of effectuation and entrepreneurial marketing directly and indirectly lead to fast growth. A majority of fast-growth firms start business effectuatively, often with limited resources and relying on whatever available means they possess, but over time, they shift to causation logic with more planning and strategic decisions. Starting from an effectuation base, the participants had an entrepreneurial mindset at the outset and used specific tactics, such as an adapted marketing mix, relying on networks, innovation, ensuring a presence in the market, pro-activeness, and market intelligence through personal observation. These entrepreneurial marketing practices have led to fast growth and were widely employed by entrepreneurs, irrespective of firm size and age. The thesis sheds some light on how fast-growth firms achieve considerable growth by looking at the relationship of serendipitous opportunity exploration and effectuative exploitation using entrepreneurial marketing. It contributes to the literature on serendipity and its development in entrepreneurship, and identifies serendipitous sources of opportunity in fast growing firms. The study confirms that effectuation logic and entrepreneurial marketing are instruments by which entrepreneurs exploit new opportunities and market products or services. Entrepreneurs from both New Zealand and Iran share similar growth trajectories, however, some Iranian entrepreneurs believe that spiritual values are important in exploring new opportunities and achieving fast growth. Finally, the study confirms that growth may start with a serendipitous exploration and continues with effectuation logic and entrepreneurial marketing.

Pharmacy in South Africa changed dramatically the past decade. Legislative changes include the amendment of The Pharmacy Act in 2003 allowing for nonpharmacists to own pharmacies. This opened the door for national chain stores to change their business model by including a dispensary in their retail service offerings. The regulation of medicine prices impacted the profitability of the pharmacy industry. This caused a double edge sword to retail pharmacy – not only do they need to compete with national supermarkets on front shop products, their products, namely scheduled medication also are regulated in dispensaries. In an environment of rapid change and shortened product and business model lifecycles, the future profit streams from existing operations are uncertain. Businesses need to consistently seek out new opportunities and therefore firms may benefit from adopting an entrepreneurial orientation. Entrepreneurial orientation of retail pharmacists operating in corporate and independent pharmacies’ might play a role in survival of pharmacy business as a professional services provider for which a fee may be charged. The entrepreneurial orientation of retail pharmacists in independent and corporate pharmacies is explored. A literature study on the field of Entrepreneurship is conducted. The term entrepreneurial orientation, consisting of five constructs, namely autonomy, innovation, pro-activeness, risk-taking and competitive aggressiveness is defined. Perceived success of the industry is defined in terms of growth and development. An entrepreneurial orientation questionnaire was distributed among retail pharmacists operating in corporate and independent environments. Both ratings of the constructs and their evaluation of the perceived success of the industry has been measured, analysed and reported. The results obtained from the questionnaire and the in-depth interviews in conjunction with the literature review are used to draw conclusions and make recommendations. / Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

The primary objective of this study was to assess the attitude of grade 12 learners towards entrepreneurship. This primary objective was achieved through the discussion and evaluation of the secondary objectives. The secondary objectives included the literature review relative to entrepreneurship, the empirical study and making practical recommendations. The study was conducted in a selected area in the North-West province, with a specific focus on the region as clustered by the Department of Education of the Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality. A comprehensive literature review was conducted. In the literature review entrepreneurship was defined based on an entrepreneur’s point of view and also as a process. The literature review also discussed the current state of entrepreneurship in South Africa, education and training models including measures to fast track entrepreneurship adoption among learners, and various models of entrepreneurial development. The assessment of attitude, entrepreneurial intentions of learners and opportunity recognition were other subjects covered in the literature review chapter. After the literature review, the empirical study was conducted by means of a self- completion questionnaire administered to grade 12 learners. The questionnaire was distributed to a total of 299 learners, and the feedback accumulated to 274 respondents, which represent a good response rate of 92%. Chapter 3 focused on the empirical research by discussing the results obtained from the questionnaire. The questionnaire was structured in such a way that it firstly deals with the respondents’ demographic information, after which it assesses attitude towards entrepreneurship, followed by ways of seizing entrepreneurial opportunities, and establishing the entrepreneurial environment in secondary schools including in South Africa. Furthermore, relations were determined between demographic variables and the constructs used to measure attitude towards entrepreneurship. Following the detailed analysis of chapter 3, conclusions and recommendations were summoned to chapter 4. Overall, the results indicated a view that learners are not entirely pruned to entrepreneurship due influential factors such as their parents’ or guardian’s lack of involvement in business. Furthermore, it also indicated that if learners are afforded constructive mentorship, they can be more inclined to entrepreneurship. Similarly, if they are financially assisted or motivation is provided by the government and private sectors, they can be able to venture into business. / Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Pharmacy in South Africa changed dramatically the past decade. Legislative changes include the amendment of The Pharmacy Act in 2003 allowing for nonpharmacists to own pharmacies. This opened the door for national chain stores to change their business model by including a dispensary in their retail service offerings. The regulation of medicine prices impacted the profitability of the pharmacy industry. This caused a double edge sword to retail pharmacy – not only do they need to compete with national supermarkets on front shop products, their products, namely scheduled medication also are regulated in dispensaries. In an environment of rapid change and shortened product and business model lifecycles, the future profit streams from existing operations are uncertain. Businesses need to consistently seek out new opportunities and therefore firms may benefit from adopting an entrepreneurial orientation. Entrepreneurial orientation of retail pharmacists operating in corporate and independent pharmacies’ might play a role in survival of pharmacy business as a professional services provider for which a fee may be charged. The entrepreneurial orientation of retail pharmacists in independent and corporate pharmacies is explored. A literature study on the field of Entrepreneurship is conducted. The term entrepreneurial orientation, consisting of five constructs, namely autonomy, innovation, pro-activeness, risk-taking and competitive aggressiveness is defined. Perceived success of the industry is defined in terms of growth and development. An entrepreneurial orientation questionnaire was distributed among retail pharmacists operating in corporate and independent environments. Both ratings of the constructs and their evaluation of the perceived success of the industry has been measured, analysed and reported. The results obtained from the questionnaire and the in-depth interviews in conjunction with the literature review are used to draw conclusions and make recommendations. / Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

The primary objective of this study was to assess the attitude of grade 12 learners towards entrepreneurship. This primary objective was achieved through the discussion and evaluation of the secondary objectives. The secondary objectives included the literature review relative to entrepreneurship, the empirical study and making practical recommendations. The study was conducted in a selected area in the North-West province, with a specific focus on the region as clustered by the Department of Education of the Kgetlengrivier Local Municipality. A comprehensive literature review was conducted. In the literature review entrepreneurship was defined based on an entrepreneur’s point of view and also as a process. The literature review also discussed the current state of entrepreneurship in South Africa, education and training models including measures to fast track entrepreneurship adoption among learners, and various models of entrepreneurial development. The assessment of attitude, entrepreneurial intentions of learners and opportunity recognition were other subjects covered in the literature review chapter. After the literature review, the empirical study was conducted by means of a self- completion questionnaire administered to grade 12 learners. The questionnaire was distributed to a total of 299 learners, and the feedback accumulated to 274 respondents, which represent a good response rate of 92%. Chapter 3 focused on the empirical research by discussing the results obtained from the questionnaire. The questionnaire was structured in such a way that it firstly deals with the respondents’ demographic information, after which it assesses attitude towards entrepreneurship, followed by ways of seizing entrepreneurial opportunities, and establishing the entrepreneurial environment in secondary schools including in South Africa. Furthermore, relations were determined between demographic variables and the constructs used to measure attitude towards entrepreneurship. Following the detailed analysis of chapter 3, conclusions and recommendations were summoned to chapter 4. Overall, the results indicated a view that learners are not entirely pruned to entrepreneurship due influential factors such as their parents’ or guardian’s lack of involvement in business. Furthermore, it also indicated that if learners are afforded constructive mentorship, they can be more inclined to entrepreneurship. Similarly, if they are financially assisted or motivation is provided by the government and private sectors, they can be able to venture into business. / Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

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.

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.

This dissertation, comprised of the cover story and the four separate but interrelated articles, focuses on exploring the development of entrepreneurial competence. Building on the assumption that purposeful engagement in entrepreneurial action potentially leads to the acquisition of specific entrepreneurial competencies, this thesis investigates the mechanisms facilitating and enabling entrepreneurs’ acquisition of entrepreneurial expertise, and the consequences of this process. As such, it unpacks the entrepreneurial learning process. In particular, building on Bandura’s (1986) social  cognitive theory (SCT), this study explores the role of deeply held beliefs, goal orientation and social networks (role models) in shaping entrepreneurs’ behavior, specifically their ability to create new means-ends frameworks (cf. Sarasvathy, 2001). The research included in this dissertation provides insight into the complexity of entrepreneurial competence development by connecting multiple theoretical perspectives, utilizing two different qualitative datasets situated in the context of gourmet restaurateurs and abductively building theory by developing explanations of the phenomenon of interest. This is one of the first attempts to open the ‘black box’ of entrepreneurial learning by simultaneously incorporating the contextual variables and the cognitive properties and practices of entrepreneurs in exploring their learning process. By combining SCT with entrepreneurship theory, the thesis develops an integrating model of entrepreneurial competence development that explains the relation between the preferred learning mode, action-control beliefs, the perceived role identity and role models. The findings suggest that attainment of entrepreneurial competence, and ultimately expertise, is facilitated by changes in action-control beliefs; and by the development of entrepreneurial identity. The findings also suggest that the role model’s perceived function changes depending on the entrepreneur’s goal orientation. Thus, one of the most important implications of the study is the idea that entrepreneurs need to become agents of their own development. Overall, this dissertation provides an explanation of the mechanisms of entrepreneurial competence development by suggesting that changing action-control beliefs and the formation of entrepreneurial identity are crucial in the development of entrepreneurial competence. In addition, access to role models and learning goal orientation facilitate this process.