Research suggests that the position of subsidiaries within the multinational corporation (MNC) network has been strengthened over time and as a result, the subsidiary’s ability to exert influence over decisions taken by headquarters and other MNC entities has improved. One of the drivers behind this changed corporate structure is the need of the MNC for innovation, which has lead MNC headquarters to recognize entrepreneurial activities at subsidiary level. In this paper, the connection between subsidiary entrepreneurship and subsidiary influence is examined and it is argued that internal traits held by subsidiaries, which promote entrepreneurial performance, can function as a resource that other entities within the MNC network become dependent upon. From this dependence, influence is received by the subsidiary holding this resource, in accordance to resource dependence theory. Hypotheses are formed and tested using data collected through 60 questionnaires completed by subsidiary managers. The analysis suggests that a quite large portion of the influence subsidiaries obtain can be explained by their internal entrepreneurial capabilities. Recommendations for future research are suggested.

Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

Speed and measure of the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0) is bringing about shifts in power, wealth and knowledge. For entrepreneurs, who are known to drive innovation, Industry 4.0 offers a wide scope of opportunities in the future. As a middle-income country, South Africa needs to use its knowledge and innovations to sharpen its innovative edge in order to compete globally and stimulate innovation. Hence, this research attempts to determine the relationships between entrepreneurial competencies, entrepreneurial absorptive capacity and innovation capacity. Three conceptual frameworks of the interrelationships between these constructs were synthesised from the literature. As ample research on entrepreneurial competencies is widely available, a Delphi study was employed, together with a concept matrix to determine which entrepreneurial competencies should be included specifically significant for innovation within the 4IR context in South Africa. Four entrepreneurial competency categories emerged: cognitive (knowledge), functional (skills), social (attitudes and behaviours) and meta (facilitating learning) categories. Using a survey method, the analysis on a sample of 452 innovative entrepreneurs in South Africa was mainly done by empirically testing the causal linear relationship through structural equation modelling (SEM). Furthermore, an Artificial Neural Networking (ANN) technique which tests non-linear relationships and develop pattern recognition as well as modelling was conducted to compare the results of a non-linear relationship with those of a linear relationship. However, explorative comparisons of the performance of linear SEM models with non-linear NN indicated that the SEM models in this case performed better in explaining the variance in the dependent variables than did the ANN. Through the theories of innovative performance, person-entrepreneurial fit and knowledge spillover, the findings of the study indicate the importance of incorporating a unified entrepreneurial competency typology perspective on innovation. The cognitive, functional, social and meta competencies as well as entrepreneurial absorptive capacity are significant predictors of innovation capacity. The implications of this extend to transmitting knowledge through absorptive capacity, which allows entrepreneurs to identify and exploit opportunities, identified from new knowledge sources and incorporated into new innovations. Additionally, entrepreneurial absorptive capacity mediates the relationship between social, meta, and functional competencies and innovation capacity. Entrepreneurial absorptive capacity was also found to be a moderator between cognitive competencies and innovation capacity. Therefore, the development of certain entrepreneurial competencies, significant for innovation, is crucial for improving the strength of the relationship between entrepreneurial absorptive capacity and innovation capacity of entrepreneurs. These results have important implications for Industry 4.0 entrepreneurs, educators, policy makers as well as entrepreneurship models. / Thesis (PhD (Entrepreneurship))--University of Pretoria, 2020. / Business Management / PhD / Unrestricted

The purpose of the study was to investigate how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) involved in local procurement create supply chain value. The study investigated supply chain value creation (SCVC) by testing three initiators of SCVC: entrepreneurial competencies; supply chain collaboration; and supply chain trust as well as the moderation effects of trust on SCVC. Feedback from a cross-sectional survey of 294 respondents in the construction, furniture and fitting, food processing and agricultural sectors was utilized to test hypothesized relationships. The study employed factor analysis and structural equation modelling to conduct analysis. The unit of analysis was an SME and level of analysis was the SME owner-manager. The results show that building value-driven supply chains in Uganda’s local procurement context requires SME owner-managers to integrate competencies, share information with customers, communicate collaboratively with suppliers and build an optimal level of trust. Supply chain trust is highly regarded in facilitating the exchange of resources within local communities but the owner-managers’ perspective – which differs in terms of how they view customers and suppliers – alters how managers assess trusted customers and suppliers, and what different tactics they may employ in building trust in customer, as opposed to supplier, relationships. The research findings demonstrate how managers, who trust customers on the basis of transparency and reliability, by contrast trust suppliers on the basis of operational flexibility, fairness and market credibility. The study contributes to existing knowledge by separating out and defining the key competencies most important in the management of local SME supply chains: opportunity competence and commitment competence. These are what the study has named Entrepreneurial Supply Chain Value-creating Competences (ESCVC). In addition, the study illuminates how trust increases the value suppliers create for the focal firm. Finally, by demonstrating that cost and goal congruence are not key value drivers, the research provides compelling evidence for why managers should instead focus on developing competencies, facilitating the flow of information and building trust in order to optimally benefit from local supply chains. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2017. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / PhD / Unrestricted

This master thesis investigates how independent coworkers, such as entrepreneurs and freelancers, develop their entrepreneurial competencies through social and professional interactions in a coworking space. Since its early beginnings in 2005, coworking spaces have grown to a global phenomenon. Hence, a continually increasing number of individuals work from these spaces. The reason for this is, that coworking spaces help people to feel more socially integrated and to get social and professional support. In the empirical part, this thesis focuses on coworking spaces of mid-sized cities in Sweden. By conducting a qualitative research, we identify professional developments that can be clustered in different entrepreneurial competencies. As stated in the findings, these competencies particularly develop through a combination of the following three theories: (1) experiencing a social community, (2) receiving professional knowledge, and (3) exchanging professional knowledge. In more detail, five types of entrepreneurial competencies have been found: (A) openness, (B) being socially inclined, (C) entrepreneurial thinking, (D) planning, and (E) self-selling. Professionals from 5 different coworking spaces participated in the empirical study. The findings are a result of a research method based on social constructionism with 13 qualitative, semi-structured interviews. In addition to presenting empirical findings and a conclusion, the thesis has a thorough discussion by highlighting theoretical and managerial implications, and the influence of coworking spaces for society and its potential future developments. Moreover, limitations of this study and areas for future research are outlined at the end.

This research explores which entrepreneurial competencies are important for independent consultants to succeed in their projects. The topic is important because independent consultants' businesses are facing a high failure rate. Understanding which entrepreneurial competencies contribute to independent consultants' projects success can therefore increase their clients' satisfaction and impact the sustainability of their businesses. Although entrepreneurial competencies have been linked to the survival and success of new businesses, current research has not sufficiently examined which entrepreneurial competencies influence independent consultants’ project success. To our knowledge, there is a scarcity of qualitative research in this area. This gap limits our understanding of which entrepreneurial competencies are required for independent consultants to achieve success in their projects. Further exploration, particularly through qualitative methods, is needed to bridge this gap and provide deeper insights to the topic. To fulfill this, we formulated thefollowing research question: Which entrepreneurial competencies do independent consultants need to execute their projects successfully? We believe the more nuanced knowledge about this topic can help enhance project success and long-term business sustainability for independent consultants. In this research we hold a subjectivist and interpretivist perspective, and utilize an inductive and exploratory approach to explore the subject. The European Commissions’ framework “Entrepreneurship Competence Framework” (EntreComp) is used as a base to help us frame the interview guide and analysis. EntreComp helps us identify and understand entrepreneurial competencies. Taking the initiative, working with others, learning through experience, self-awareness & self-efficacy, mobilizing others, and creativity were found to be the key entrepreneurial competencies for independent consultants to succeed in their projects. Our findings also highlight the interconnectedness of these, along with other entrepreneurial competencies. This emphasized the importance for independent consultants to consider the entrepreneurial competencies interrelated relationships to achieve success in their project. Our research found that the entrepreneurial competencies vision and valuing ideas could be interpreted as having little to no importance for independent consultants and their project success. We also identified communication as an additional entrepreneurial competency of importance, previously not mentioned, and suggest its possible inclusion. Our research contributes to the field as it provides practical guidance for independent consultants in enhancing their project success, and may mitigate the risk of their business failure. The research can also foster discussion among academics, policymakers, and business support organizations about the support mechanisms needed to enhance the survival of new ventures. Lastly, it advocates for the development and integration of entrepreneurship education and training programs aimed at equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with essential entrepreneurial competencies to effectively navigate the competitive business environment.

Submitted by Nadir Basilio (nadirsb@uninove.br) on 2017-04-04T17:56:43Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Joao Gurgel de Campos.pdf: 1476147 bytes, checksum: 4276536a448b9a29344ffa0ec61a1f14 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-04-04T17:56:43Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Joao Gurgel de Campos.pdf: 1476147 bytes, checksum: 4276536a448b9a29344ffa0ec61a1f14 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-02-23 / Sport has been considered a very important product for the world economy and sports management plays a fundamental role in the development of sports and sports organizations in the world. Even with all this relevance, little is produced scientifically on the subject in Brazil. The choice for social sport clubs as a research environment is due to the fact that they are considered models of non-profit organizations whose essence is directed towards their associate. Because it is a type of organization that in its management has a hybrid model composed of voluntary statutory sports managers (president, directors and advisers), and remunerated sports managers (managers, supervisors, coordinators and leaders, among others) As management concomitantly concludes, if there are conflicts between these two levels and, to this end, it is necessary to know the actions and competencies of its leaders. Thus, this research aims to identify the competencies of managers of social sports clubs and whether these competencies are entrepreneurial. It is a qualitative research, exploratory in nature and the instrument of data collection is the interview, supported by a semi-structured script. The data were treated in the light of content analysis, according to Bardin (1977) guidelines. The results show that there is a diversity among the types of conflicts existing in social sports clubs, and through the study of Man and Lau (2005), the research mapped the entrepreneurial competences used by the managers involved. It was possible to observe applicability of the typology of entrepreneurial competences on the actions of managers in the management of conflicts. The conclusions warn of the need to develop an entrepreneurial look at the competencies of managers. The reports of sports managers also indicate that there is knowledge among them that they live in a conflicting environment, due to the organizational structure. Faced with conflict management, it was clear that there are differences between voluntary and paid managers, although both have entrepreneurial competences in their prevention and manipulation. In this way, the study contributed to the academic development of conflict management and entrepreneurial competences in relating the themes, as well as generating a still incipient material in Brazil about social sports clubs and their administrative model. / O esporte vem sendo considerado um produto muito importante para economia mundial e a gestão esportiva tem papel fundamental no desenvolvimento do esporte e das organizações esportivas no mundo. Mesmo com toda esta relevância, pouco se produz cientificamente sobre o tema no Brasil. A opção pelos clubes esportivos sociais como ambiente de pesquisa se deve ao fato de eles serem considerados modelos de organizações sem fins lucrativos cuja essência é voltada ao seu associado. Por se tratar de um tipo de organização que na sua gestão possui um modelo híbrido composto por gestores esportivos estatutários voluntários (presidente, diretores e conselheiros), e gestores esportivos remunerados (gerentes, supervisores, coordenadores e líderes, entre outros) pretende-se entender como ocorre a gestão concomitantemente, se há conflitos entre estes dois níveis e, para tal, é preciso conhecer as ações e competências de seus dirigentes. Assim, esta pesquisa tem por objetivo identificar quais são as competências dos gestores dos clubes esportivos sociais e se estas competências são empreendedoras. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa, de natureza exploratória, cujo instrumento de coleta de dados é a entrevista, apoiada em um roteiro semiestruturado. Os dados foram tratados à luz da análise de conteúdo, conforme orientações de Bardin (1977). Os resultados demonstram que há diversidade entre os tipos de conflitos existentes nos clubes esportivos sociais, e por meio do estudo de Man e Lau (2005), a pesquisa mapeou as competências empreendedoras utilizadas pelos gestores envolvidos. Foi possível observar aplicabilidade da tipologia das competências empreendedoras sobre as ações dos gestores na gestão dos conflitos. As conclusões advertem para a necessidade de desenvolver um olhar empreendedor sobre as competências dos gestores. Os relatos dos gestores esportivos indicam também que há conhecimento entre eles de que convivem em um ambiente conflitante, decorrente da estrutura organizacional. Frente à gestão dos conflitos ficou claro que há diferenças entre os gestores voluntariados e os remunerados, entretanto ambos apresentam competências empreendedoras na sua prevenção e manipulação. Desta forma, o estudo contribuiu para o desenvolvimento acadêmico de pesquisas de gestão de conflitos e de competências empreendedoras ao relacionar os temas, além de gerar um material ainda incipiente no Brasil sobre os clubes esportivos sociais e o seu modelo administrativo.

Owing to the fact that entrepreneurship is widely considered to be a mechanism for reducing unemployment, the purpose of the study was to assess whether final-year Commerce students in the predominantly rural provinces, the Eastern Cape Province and the Limpopo Province, have the intention to start their own businesses.The study draws heavily from entrepreneurial intent models and focuses on the relationship between three key variables, namely, exposure to entrepreneurship education, awareness of entrepreneurial support and social capital to establish whether they are related to the intention of final-year Commerce studentsto start their own businesses. The literature review concentrated on entrepreneurial intent and entrepreneurial intent models; government entrepreneurial support initiatives in South Africa and in other countries and their role in the development of entrepreneurial intent, emergence of new ventures and the growth of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs); entrepreneurship education and its role in enhancing entrepreneurial self-efficacy, entrepreneurial competencies and entrepreneurial intent;the influence of social capital on entrepreneurial intent and the different stages on the new venture life-cycle; and concludes with the link between entrepreneurship and the establishment of SMMEs. A survey was conducted among National Diploma (ND): Internal Auditing, Cost and Management Accounting and Financial information systems students (IAUD, CMA and FIS) (who had six months exposure to entrepreneurship education), ND: Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management (E/SBM) (who had three years exposure to entrepreneurship education) and ND: Management (without exposure to entrepreneurship education). The respondents for the study comprised 355 final year students of which 276 were from Walter Sisulu University in the Eastern Cape Province and 79 were from Tshwane University of Technology (Polokwane Campus) in the LimpopoProvince.Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and nonparametric statistics. The findings reveal that the majority of the respondents had the intention to start a business in the future.The entrepreneurial intent of the ND: E/SBM students was v stronger than the entrepreneurial intent of the ND: IAUD, CMA and FIS students and ND: Management students. Some significant relationships were found between entrepreneurial intent and the key variables of the study. / Business Management / D.Com. (Business Management)

Owing to the fact that entrepreneurship is widely considered to be a mechanism for reducing unemployment, the purpose of the study was to assess whether final-year Commerce students in the predominantly rural provinces, the Eastern Cape Province and the Limpopo Province, have the intention to start their own businesses.The study draws heavily from entrepreneurial intent models and focuses on the relationship between three key variables, namely, exposure to entrepreneurship education, awareness of entrepreneurial support and social capital to establish whether they are related to the intention of final-year Commerce studentsto start their own businesses. The literature review concentrated on entrepreneurial intent and entrepreneurial intent models; government entrepreneurial support initiatives in South Africa and in other countries and their role in the development of entrepreneurial intent, emergence of new ventures and the growth of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs); entrepreneurship education and its role in enhancing entrepreneurial self-efficacy, entrepreneurial competencies and entrepreneurial intent;the influence of social capital on entrepreneurial intent and the different stages on the new venture life-cycle; and concludes with the link between entrepreneurship and the establishment of SMMEs. A survey was conducted among National Diploma (ND): Internal Auditing, Cost and Management Accounting and Financial information systems students (IAUD, CMA and FIS) (who had six months exposure to entrepreneurship education), ND: Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management (E/SBM) (who had three years exposure to entrepreneurship education) and ND: Management (without exposure to entrepreneurship education). The respondents for the study comprised 355 final year students of which 276 were from Walter Sisulu University in the Eastern Cape Province and 79 were from Tshwane University of Technology (Polokwane Campus) in the LimpopoProvince.Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and nonparametric statistics. The findings reveal that the majority of the respondents had the intention to start a business in the future.The entrepreneurial intent of the ND: E/SBM students was v stronger than the entrepreneurial intent of the ND: IAUD, CMA and FIS students and ND: Management students. Some significant relationships were found between entrepreneurial intent and the key variables of the study. / Business Management / D.Com. (Business Management)