The political processes with regards to black economic empowerment creates a very favourable business environment both for start-ups and already established black companies The service industry is the fastest growing industry around the world. In South Africa, the demand for technically skilled technicians in the information and communication industry is huge. III The challenge facing most black start-up is the sustainability of these companies in view of changing economic, political, social.and indeed technological environment. Franchising has been hailed as the best business growth strategy in many countries and particular for black owned small businesses in South Africa. The Franchise Association of South Africa is the authority with regards to franchising in South Africa. The Association has developed detailed and easy to follow guidelines towards franchising. Outsourcing non-core business activities enables a company to focus on its core business. Once a company focuses on its core business, it is then able to save on operational costs, focus on developing new products and offering better services. Both business-format-franchising and outsourcing are not perfectly suitable for Qinos ,and/or sustainable in the long run. The recommended strategic option is outsourcing with a mentoring programmed embedded in the strategy implementation, herein referred to as the hybrid strategy. The hybrid strategy suggests the creation of a network of subcontractors to whom Qinos shall out source some of its activities. The Subcontractors Network shall be a strategic alliance offield service providers in the ICT sector based in KwaZulu-Natal, initiated and mentored by Qinos. Qinos shall manage outsourced operations on behalf of companies that are outsourcing their field maintenance services, in the ICT sector, to these credible SMEs. The Subcontractors Network are small, owner-managed black owned companies that can provide the basic infrastructure for running a field maintenance service in the ICT sector. They have the competencies or are able to acquire the vendor-required competencies within a short period of time not exceeding six months. They provide world-class service quality, are profitable and sustainable. / Thesis (MBA)- University of Kwazulu-Natal, 2004.

The building industry in South Africa especially in the sector of smaller operators in the residential alterations and additions market is subject to poor perception in the market place. The low barriers to entry and the attractiveness of the market make it susceptible to a large number of new entrants. The concomitant extreme rivalry has led to many cost cutting measures, creating an overall impression of lack of quality and poor standards. The ease of exit in this market has often left dissatisfied clients with no recourse or redress in rectifying poor workmanship and subject to an additional cost of hiring another builder to repair problems. As a growth strategy, franchising has shown great potential over various types of industries. However, the building industry, and in particular the residential alterations and additions market has not been explored in this light. The most attractive feature of franchising as a growth option is the lack of capital required for the franchisor. The least attractive option is overcoming the seemingly fixed mindset of the public on price as the overriding factor when considering a contractor. Experience in the industry has shown that advertising in the form of word of mouth is the most effective means of gaining new clients, however with the nature of franchising being more pervasive, it is envisaged that client awareness of the franchise will increase exponentially with each exposure in the form of building contracts. To introduce a standard of quality and excellence in this market in a cost effective manner may be achievable through the introduction of franchising with its benefits of economies of scale, high management standards and, most importantly, the franchisee's will to succeed. This work will investigate fully the ramifications of the franchising option, test the feasibility, acceptability and suitability of the strategy, making a final recommendation on the franchising model to be adopted, should the research validate the strategic option. / Thesis (MBA)-University of Natal, Durban, 2003.

This diploma thesis is focused on a franchising business establishment, particularly on the business establishment of a fictive coffe house which could become a well known franchising concept on the Czech market. Primary advantage of franchise compared to the other types of business cooperation is mainly risk reduction for the investor (franchisee) who obtains proven model of the business. For the franchisor the franchise means an easier way how to widen his business without taking higher lability. The main reason for choosing this topic is an attractivity of this field. Correct preparation and serving of a cup of coffee is not an easy process and there is not a big number of coffee houses and restaurants which can offer such a coffee. By offering high-quality and delicious coffee at user acceptable price our company would like to achieve its objectives and be a successful. The primary objective of this diploma thesis is to analyse and define strategy, mission, vision, marketing activities, product strategy and price policy of a new coffee house. These factors should be used for successful enter to the market. Secondary objective is to determine necessary initial capital, planned costs analysis and investment rate of return.

The thesis deals with business activities led by individuals or partners in companies and corporations, and franchise business. The theoretical part of the work is to describe and compare the different legal forms with respect to legal and economic aspects. Another aim is to describe the development of franchise business in the Czech Republic and to characterize the various terms associated with franchising. The aim of the practical part is to show the example of the Czech company, which is a gastronomic concept of restaurants Lokál, how a franchise system is created in the Czech Republic.