Background Exploring the literature stream of the knowledge perspective as well as that of start-ups andincubation, and subsequently bringing the two together. Aim To construct propositions regarding the process of developing managerial capability in incubatedstart-ups. Methodology The study entails 3 start-ups that provide a high technology product. The development ofmanagerial capability was explored through a comparative case study in which founders, businesscoaches and externally recruited employees where interviewed. Findings The process of managerial capability development in incubated start-ups can be deconstructedinto two processes, knowledge acquisition and knowledge integration, where each process presentdistinct attributes in different stages of development of the start-up. This managerial capabilityformation is an incremental process that drives growth.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In today's fast and highly competitive business environment, every manager is placed under increasing pressure. Managers are being confronted on a daily basis with situations where their management skills are tested to the utmost and critical decisions need to be made. These decisions are not always to everybody else's approval. In order to conquer these trying situations, it is necessary for every manager to equip himself by strategically planning how he is going to handle these situations. This study aims to present these critical managerial areas in a practical functioning model. From this model, certain levels indicating the different aspects having an influence on managerial performance, as well as their build-up, are discussed. In the various levels of the model, the possible tools enabling the manager to prepare himself, is presented through questionnaires, processes and models of self examination. Hereby every manager can preventatively plan and prepare himself to avoid personal stress and underperformance. The processes will support optimal managerial performance. The awareness of the different areas, as well as the use and application of the models, will enable every manager to identify areas of weakness in his personal performance. The importance of every area, as well as possible aspects to be kept in mind, is discussed in this study. As one can1 truly separate work and personal life, the tools proposed in this study will also greatly benefit personal development in every facet of life. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In die hedendaagse snelveranderende en hoogs kompeterende bestuursomgewing word al hoe meer eise aan bestuurders gestel. Hulle word daagliks gekonfronteer met verskeie toetse en situasies, waartydens die mondering van bestuurders tot die uiterste getoets word en moeilike besluite geneem moet word. Hierdie besluite dra dan ook nie altyd almal se goedkeuring nie. Ten einde hierdie eise baas te raak, is dit nodig dat bestuurders hulleself moet toerus deur strategies hiervoor voor te berei. Hierdie studie het dus die doelwit om hierdie toerustingsareas in 'n praktiese funksionele model saam te stel. Vanuit hierdie model word die verskillende vlakke van toerusting, sowel as die opeenvolging daarvan bespreek. In die verskillende vlakke van die model word die moontlike toerusting wat elke bestuurder self kan volg uitgewys in die vorm van vraelyste, prosesse en stappe van selfondersoek. Hieruit kan elke bestuurder voorkomend strategiese beplanning en voorbereiding aanpak, sodat moontlike persoonlike spanning en wanprestasie verhoed kan word. Die prosesse sal bestuursprestasie tot die maksimum ondersteun. Die bewusmaking van die verskillende areas, asook die gebruik en die toepassing van die modelle, sal elke bestuurder in staat stel om leemtes in persoonlike prestasie te identifiseer. Die belangrikheid van elke area sowel as moontlike aspekte wat in elke vlak in gedagte gehou moet word, word Iydens die studie bespreek. Aangesien dit bykans onmoontlik is om 'n mens se beroepslewe en persoonlike lewe te skei, sal die hulpmiddels wat die dokument voorstel ook tot groot voordeel wees van persoonlike ontwikkeling in elke faset van die lewe.