A research report submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Management in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation Johannesburg, March 2017 / The underlying problem of the empirical study is with the perceived influential relationship between technological opportunism and firm performance in a context of the banking institution in South Africa. The study combines the resource based view theory and dynamic capabilities perspective to investigate the mediating and moderating roles of strategic entrepreneurship in the influence of technological opportunism on firm performance. Quantitative data for the research was collected from the employees of the banking institution through an online research survey. The researcher adopted multiple regression models to study the data of 347 respondents. The study demonstrates that the banking institution is perceived to hold a positive relationship between technological opportunism and firm performance through mediating and moderating effects of strategic entrepreneurship. However, the higher levels of strategic entrepreneurship weaken the relationship between technological opportunism and firm performance. Firm performance was measured based on a collective indicators of new product success rates, return on investment (RoI), revenue growth rates, market share and profitability. Overall, the research provides fresh theoretical and practical insights. Firstly, the study is fundamental to academic research advancement and refinement of existing theories in technology, strategic management and entrepreneurship in a context of an emerging economy. Secondly, the development of technology sensing and responding resources and capabilities to leverage technological opportunities has to be viewed as a strategic enabler to organizational business performance, competitive advantage and this bodes well for the objectives of national economic developments. Thirdly, the study of an interdependence of strategic management and entrepreneurial orientation to technological opportunism is imperative to understanding how could these innovative practices be leveraged within an existing organizational ecosystem. / MT2017

Thesis presented in partial fulfilment for the degree of master of management (in the field of public sector monitoring and evaluation) to the faculty of commerce, law, and management, university of the Witwatersrand. March 2016 / Generally, we can trace the Science Park idea to the 1950s when Silicon Valley, with the support of Stanford University, transformed an agricultural valley into a semiconductor industry. Science parks offer infrastructure and incubation support to entrepreneurs for the development of new technology based companies (Lindelöf & Löfsten, 2002; Durão et al., 2005). Specifically, The Innovation Hub project in Gauteng province is an economic development intervention, modelled on the science park idea with the aim of promoting socioeconomic development and competitiveness of the province through innovation. The Innovation Hub project delivers its services through the incubation programme whose purpose is to provide a catalytic incubator that facilitates commercialisation of research and technology ideas into new business ventures. Similar to any other development intervention, it is important to determine whether the Gauteng science park incubation programme is delivering on its objectives of creating jobs and promoting small and medium enterprises, as mandated by the Gauteng government. This study examines the evaluability of the incubation programme based on the theory of change and results chain framework to determine if the programme can achieve its desired outcomes and if the programme has adequate information to enable a credible and meaningful evaluation of the programme. A qualitative study is undertaken to clarify a theory of change for the incubation programme based on the understanding of the programme stakeholders from the Department of Economic Development and the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency as well as the perspectives of The Innovation Hub Management Company’s internal managements. The study reveals that results-based management is not used within the incubation programme. The study tests if the theory of change of the programme is plausible, do-able and testable and we find that these conditions are currently not in place. The evaluability assessment recommends that the incubation programme improve by adapting results based management planning techniques to redesign as well as determine performance information for the programme. Programme implementation should improve with emphasis on providing a capacitated management team for the entrepreneurs and improving the services rendered in the programme. Author: Kutala Pangwa Thesis title: Evaluability assessment of the Gauteng science park incubation programme / GR2018

A research report submitted to the Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management, University of the Witwatersrand Business School, in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation 28th July 2015 / In South Africa today there are many rural economies in decline. Despite the recognition internationally, since the 2nd World War internationally and since 1994 in South Africa specifically, of the value that can be added by specifically targeting Local Economic Development and Entrepreneurship as strategies for an answer to the decline in local economies, success has been limited. More success has in fact been seen in rural communities that have developed through the natural flows of the market than from direct intervention. This progression takes a long time though and the South African situation with all its history cannot wait this long for development. The question asked is why interventions fail, what are the basic factors that make up the local economic development paradigm and how are they affecting the interventions. Information is key to planning and planning is key to successful interventions. A literature review is done in order to establish the basis of LED historically, theoretically and specifically with regards to the South African rural environment, in order to assist in the development of the information required for successful planning of LED interventions. With the most prominent factors derived from this literature review tabled and applied into established Case Study models, a questionnaire is developed for application into rural economies through Community Entrepreneurship programmes or LED vehicles. In order to establish firstly the relevance of the factors and secondly the relevance of the questionnaire, it is reviewed, scored and commented on by a select group of industry practitioners in LED. The opinion of these individuals further validates the use of the factors and questionnaire in baseline LED intervention planning.

Thesis (M. Dev.) -- University of Limpopo, 2005 / Refer to document

Thesis (M. Com. (Business Management)) -- University of Limpopo, 2013 / The purpose of the study was to assess the general enterprising qualities such as the need for achievement, need for autonomy, creative tendency, calculated risk taking and drive and determination amongst learners at selected secondary schools in the Capricorn District Municipality of Limpopo Province. The intention was to suggest strategies to be used to enhance entrepreneurial qualities and to develop these learners to become successful entrepreneurs in future. Commercial and non-commercial learners participated in the study. Data were collected from 1931 respondents constituting 31% of the population. The findings revealed that the majority of learners did not possess entrepreneurial qualities. Among others, the following recommendations were offered: • Schools should teach learners to put theory into practice by offering a learner’s mini business program within their curriculum. • Career guidance programmes should be improved and commence at grade eight and continue to grade twelve. Key concepts: entrepreneurship, entrepreneur and entrepreneurship education.

M.Tech. Business Administration. Business School.. / South Africa has high levels of unemployment. This unemployment crisis may easily be solved by thriving entrepreneurship levels. South Africa also suffers from high rates of crime. The aim of this research is to determine the existence of any relationship between high levels of crime and low levels of entrepreneurship. The main findings of this research are that crime features as a considerable deterrent to entrepreneurship development and growth in South Africa.

This study is concerned with the start-up of small business ventures and the ultimate success of these small businesses. Research was carried out in the Limpopo Province of South Africa, which is mainly a very rural, under-developed province. Unemployment is high and much of the population is faced with the challenge of earning income from means other than in formal employment. However, the failure rate of the small business start-ups is extremely high. The study addresses the question whether or not there are leading indicators that will help to predict future success in business, specifically whether the personal profile can indicate the probability of future success. In summary the research found that no significant correlation existed between business growth and personality profile when measured with the established business group, when using the DISCUSTM personality profile test. This could be due to either one or both the following reasons: • No correlation exists between personality profile, success and growth, or • the DISCUSTM personality profile test's entrepreneurial category job match is not valid and reliable, and an alternative personality profile for this particular job match category needs to be developed. Secondly, a significant relationship was found to exist between level of literacy and start-up success according to the longitudinal study of a student group. No correlation was found to exist between level of numeracy and start-up success. Although there was a correlation between personality profile test results and start-up success with the student group, it can not be stated at this stage that this is a leading indicator for future business growth and sustainability, as success was only measured at start-up. These start-up businesses need to be monitored at least over the next three years in order to measure the internal growth of the businesses as compared to those achieved by the established business group. This is an area for further research. / Thesis (M.Com.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.

Small businesses contribute towards the Gross National Product of the country and also provide jobs. More and more people are leaving schools and universities with the hope of finding jobs but this is not always possible. The best solution for these people is that they should start their own small businesses in their communities. Different businesses start because people have identified a need in their community. Good things about small businesses are that some of them become successful and eventually turned into franchise. Franchise is one way of starting a business. People are sceptical of new products, they want the tried and tested products because they can identify with them. However, the franchisee will always be provided with support from Head office to ensure that they succeed. The government has set-up organisations such as Ntsika and Khula that help the SMMEs with things such as business plans and finance. These organisations help entrepreneurs free of charge. This project seek to evaluate those aspects that make some small businesses succeed and others fail in Mafikeng and Mmabatho area and also to what extend does management skills affect small skills affect small businesses. The report also looks at how entrepreneurs use technology in their businesses. / (MBA) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2006

This research study investigates some of the problems or challenges faced by SMMEs in the Mafikeng and Mmabatho area of the North West province. It strives to find out the extent as to which these problems occur and the impact they have on these businesses. The research focuses on two major problems considered to be hindering the growth of SMMEs in this area, namely the lack of entrepreneurial management and financial skills. The lack of these skills in the running of small businesses results into poor business management, poor quality products or services. lack of demand for produce, lack of access to credit as well as poor marketing techniques. The absence of entrepreneurial education or sensitizing young people in a way that could encourage them to enter businesses and acquire a culture of entrepreneurship is one of the causes of the lack of these skills. A stratified random sampling method was employed, with stratifying variables being area and size of the business. Primary data were sought for this study, and gathered through structured questionnaires which were distributed to owners and managers of the sampled businesses. The descriptive statistics method of analysis was employed using a computer aided statistical analysis, the SPSS programme. Some of the significant findings of this research study are; that majority of entrepreneurs in the area do not have the necessary entrepreneurial, management and financial skills to run their businesses; that the educational and training levels of the members of top management of small businesses are relatively low; and many businesses do not have access to credit. The lack of entrepreneurial, management and financial skills can hamper the performance and growth of SMMEs in the area, which can cause many businesses' failure or closure. Education plays an important role in the overall running of a business enterprise in terms of revenues. Many entrepreneurs are unable to finance their own businesses. yet there is little support from financial institutions and government bodies. SMMEs in the Mafikeng and Mmabatho area need to be assisted in every way in order to enhance their performance, growth and sustainability. In order to achieve this. government needs to take the initiative to form collaborations with these business enterprises, in order to identify areas of need such as training and funding. This endeavour will impact positively to the economic growth, in tem1s of job creation to the entire province. / (MBA) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2005

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Poverty and unemployment are currently serious socio-economic problems in South Africa. One way of dealing with this problem is entrepreneurial development. Growth in the tourism sector, specifically in rural tourism, has increased substantially in South Africa in the last decade. Facilities, services and products offered by entrepreneurs are part of the South African tourism industry. This trend created a need for information concerning tourists' needs regarding products and services. The primary aim of this study was thus to investigate the needs of tourists regarding products and services which can lead to entrepreneurial development in a rural tourism setting. A literature review has been undertaken to provide an in-depth report concerning the literature that forms the theoretical basis for this study. Definition of relevant terms, the link between tourism and recreation and the positive and negative impacts of tourism were discussed. Rural tourism and sustainable tourism development were discussed next, followed by literature regarding the tourist, his/her shopping behavior and the importance of crafts. Employment generation, entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial development in tourism, entrepreneurial training and the link between entrepreneurship and crafts were also discussed. The geographical demarcation of the study was the rural town of Darling on the South African West Coast and the 15 km radius surrounding the town. This region is a popular tourist destination. Despite this, unemployment is still a serious problem. A situation analysis of the available facilities in Darling was done to determine which products, services and attractions the relevant businesses and artists of the area offer to tourists. The data analysis of the information that was gathered through document analysis and structured interviews showed that the area is popular with nature as well as culture lovers. To be able to determine the needs and compile a profile of the average tourist that visits a rural town like Darling. Tourists were approached to serve as respondents for the study. A sample was taken and the respondents completed self-administered questionnaires. Frequency and contingency tables were constructed to compile a tourist profile and to identify the needs of tourists visiting a rural region like Darling. On account of this data, shortcomings were identified between that which Darling offers and the needs of tourists. Recommendations were made concerning ways to address these shortcomings in a manner that can/may facilitate entrepreneurial development and at the same time use the existing facilities in Darling. The conclusions suggest that the businesses and artists involved in this study contribute towards tourism and to a certain extent satisfy tourists' needs. Respondents indicated, inter alia, a need for products that are unique to the area. In light of the fact that a typical "Darling product" was not identified in the situation analysis, this was found to be a particularly severe shortcoming. Recommendations were made to address the identified shortcomings by way of training programmes aimed at facilitating entrepreneurial development in Darling. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Armoede en werkloosheid is wesenlike sosio-ekonomiese probleme in Suid-Afrika. Entrepreneuriese ontwikkeling is een manier om hierdie probleme aan te spreek. Groei in die toerismesektor, spesifiek in landelike toerisme, het in die laaste dekade in Suid-Afrika skerp toegeneem. Fasiliteite, dienste en produkte van entrepreneurs maak deel uit van die Suid-Afrikaanse toerismebedryf. Hierdie tendense het 'n behoefte geskep aan inligting oor toeriste se behoeftes aan produkte en dienste wat veral deur entrepreneurs aangespreek kan word. Die hoofdoelwit van die studie was dus om ondersoek in te stel na die behoeftes van toeriste aan produkte en dienste wat kan lei na entrepreneuriese ontwikkeling in 'n landelike toerisme-area. 'n Literatuuroorsig is gedoen om 'n indiepte verslag te lewer aangaande die literatuur wat 'n teoretiese onderbou vir die studie uitmaak. Relevante begripsomskrywings, die verband tussen toerisme en rekreasie asook die positiewe en negatiewe impakte van toerisme op gebiede wat besoek word, is bespreek. Landelike toerisme en volhoubare toerisme-ontwikkeling is in oënskou geneem en literatuur oor die toeris, sy/haar inkopiegewoontes en die belang van handwerkprodukte is ondersoek. Werkskepping, entrepreneurskap, entrepreneuriese-ontwikkeling in toerisme, entrepreneuriese opleiding en die verband tussen entrepreneurskap en die beoefening van handwerk is beredeneer. Die geografiese afbakening van die studiegebied sluit Darling, 'n landelike dorpie aan die Weskus van Suid-Afrika en 'n gebied binne 'n radius van 15 km om dié dorp in. Hierdie is 'n gebied wat baie toeriste lok, maar waar werkloosheid ook aan die orde van die dag is. 'n Situasie-analise van Darling se beskikbare fasiliteite is gedoen om te bepaal watter produkte, dienste en attraksies ondernemings en kunstenaars van die dorp en omgewing aan toeriste bied. Die data-analise van die inligting wat deur dokumentanalises en gestruktureerde onderhoude ingewin is, het getoon dat die gebied gewild is by natuursowel as kultuurliefhebbers. Ten einde in staat te wees om die behoeftes te bepaal asook 'n profiel saam te stel van die gemiddelde toeris wat 'n landelike gebied soos Darling besoek, is toeriste genader om as respondente vir die studie op te tree. 'n Steekproef is geneem en self-geadministreerde vraelyste is deur die respondente voltooi. Frekwensieen gebeurlikheidstabelle is opgestel om 'n toeristeprofiel saam te stel en om die behoeftes van toeriste wat 'n landelike gebied soos Darling besoek, te identifiseer. Na aanleiding van hierdie data is leemtes geïdentifiseer tussen dit wat Darling bied en die behoeftes van die toeriste. Aanbevelings is gemaak om hierdie leemtes aan te spreek op maniere wat entrepreneuriese-ontwikkeling kan/sal fasiliteer deur reeds bestaande fasiliteite in Darling te benut. Die bevindinge dui daarop dat die ondernemings en kunstenaars wat by die studie betrokke was, bydra tot toerisme en toeriste se behoeftes gedeeltelik aanspreek. Respondente het onder meer 'n groot behoefte aan produkte wat uniek aan die gebied is, aangedui. Aangesien daar nie 'n tipiese "Darling-produk" in die situasie-analise geïdentifiseer is nie, word dit as 'n groot leemte beskou. Aanbevelings is gemaak om die geïdentifiseerde leemtes deur middel van opleidingsprogramme wat entrepreneuriese ontwikkeling in Darling sou kon fasiliteer, aan te spreek.