Deux types de processus entrepreneurial se distinguent dans la littérature : la causalité et l’effectuation. La causalité consiste à rechercher les ressources nécessaires pour atteindre un but prédéfini tandis que l’effectuation consiste à démarrer avec les moyens dont on dispose sans but prédéfini. Peu de littérature traite de l’entrepreneuriat des femmes au Burkina Faso, encore moins sous l’angle de l’effectuation. Ainsi, le but principal de cette thèse est de répondre à la problématique suivante : Comment l'effectuation affecte le processus entrepreneurial des femmes entrepreneures Burkinabè ? Pour répondre à cette question de recherche, nous avons eu recours à une étude quantitative menée auprès de 272 entrepreneurs (213 hommes et 59 femmes) afin d’identifier le profil des entrepreneurs au Burkina Faso et tout particulièrement celui des femmes. En deuxième lieu, nous avons réalisé des entretiens semi directifs avec 20 femmes entrepreneures afin d’identifier leurs motivations mais aussi le type de processus entrepreneurial qu’elles adoptent, ainsi que leur place dans l’environnement socio-culturel Burkinabé. Pour la collecte et le traitement de nos données nous avions utilisé successivement les logiciels SPHINX, SPSS et NVIVO 11. Nos résultats montrent que les femmes ne représentent que 21,7 % du paysage entrepreneurial Burkinabé. Cette faible représentativité est liée en grande partie au fait qu'elles subissent les normes sociales qui les renvoient vers le rôle de mère et de femme au foyer dépendante de l'homme. Nos résultats prouvent aussi que les femmes créent leurs entreprises pour des raisons « pull » car, très souvent c'est pour exploiter une compétence ou exercer un métier ou une activité qu'elles aiment. De plus, les femmes créent leurs entreprises sans un but prédéfini à l'avance. Elles se basent plutôt sur les ressources dont elles disposent notamment leur personnalité, leur savoir-faire et le soutien familial. Le processus entrepreneurial des femmes burkinabè s’inscrit donc dans une logique effectuale. C'est pourquoi de nouveaux outils qui prennent en compte cette dynamique effectuale et la place de la femme dans la société burkinabè doivent être mis en place pour mieux les accompagner / Two kinds of entrepreneurial process are proposed in the literature. The causal one is to search for the resources needed to achieve a predefined goal and the effectual one is to start with the means that are available without a pre-defined purpose. Few articles discuss the women entrepreneurship in Burkina Faso especially on the effectual level. So, the aim of our thesis is to answer the question: How the effectuation affects the entrepreneurial process of women entrepreneurs in Burkina Faso? To answer this question, we conducted a quantitative study with 272 entrepreneurs (213 men and 59 women) to identify the profile of the entrepreneurs in Burkina Faso and quite particularly that of the women. In the second place, we realized semi directive interviews with 20 women entrepreneurs in order to identify their motivations, but also the type of entrepreneurial process whom they adopt, as well as their place in the Burkinabe sociocultural environment. The data was processed with SPHINX software, SPSS and NVIVO 11. Our results show that the women represent only 21,7 % of the entrepreneurial landscape Burkinabe. This low representativeness is largely connected to the fact that they undergo the social standards which send back them towards the role of mother and housewife dependent on the men. Our results also show that women create their businesses for "pull" reasons, since they do it with the aim to exploit a skill or to exercise a trade or activity that they like. In addition, women create their businesses without a predefined goal in advance. Rather, they rely on the resources they have, in particular their character, know-how, and family support. The women entrepreneurial process in Burkina Faso is therefore a part of an effectual rationale. That is why new tools that take into account this dynamic and the place of women in the Burkinabe society, must be put in place to better accompany them.

Magister Artium - MA / The micro-enterprise sector, although associated with mostly informal businesses, shows promise of potential and transitioning to more formal businesses. With this in mind, the South African government recognizes that prioritized sectorial development is needed to stimulate growth particularly in the micro-enterprise sector. Considering that evidence reveals growth and development in small business practices being closely related to the use of different forms of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), if and when strategically applied. Therefore recognizing the importance of ICTs the South African government has embarked on various technology related initiatives to facilitate needed growth and development. Despite this, entrepreneurs in the micro-enterprise sector demonstrate a low uptake of ICTs for their business operations, including the use of mobile technologies which are the most common form of ICTs available to micro- entrepreneurs. Many previous studies have investigated the adoption and use of mobile technologies in the microenterprise sector, but despite this a low uptake of mobile technologies still exists. For this reason, this study investigates and empirically determines the factors influencing the adoption and use of mobile applications for micro-enterprise operations in South Africa, using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model as a lens. The research population comprised a group of micro-entrepreneurs who all are users of a common mobile application (mentorship-movement application). The main aim of the investigation was to determine (i) the factors influencing the adoption and use of mobile applications for micro- enterprise operation, (ii) if the experience gained and their satisfaction associated with using the mentorship-movement application will influence their behavioural intention to use other mobile applications for business. The study was conducted objectively and used hypothesis testing as the means of investigation. Data was collected through the use of a survey questionnaire. The findings of the study indicate that ii | P a g e performance expectancy and effort expectancy positively influences the micro-entrepreneurs behavioural intention to adopt and use mobile applications for micro-enterprise operations. The findings also observed that social influence has no impact on the micro- entrepreneurs’ behavioural intention to adopt and use mobile applications for business. Facilitating conditions and behavioural intention were found to positively influence the use behaviour of the micro-entrepreneurs when it comes to adoption and use of mobile applications for business. Moreover, the findings confirmed that experience and satisfaction in using one mobile application does not influence the behavioural intention of the micro-entrepreneurs to use other mobile applications for business. The factors which have been found to bear influence on the adoption and use of mobile applications amongst micro-entrepreneurs in South Africa have implications for both policy and practice. In particular, the findings of this study may be used to inform the design of the various programmatic interventions which seek to improve outcomes of the micro-entrepreneur sector. This includes interventions by the Department of Small Business Development and that of the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA).

Magister Commercii (Information Management) - MCom(IM) / The micro-enterprise sector, although associated with mostly informal businesses, shows promise of potential and transitioning to more formal businesses. With this in mind, the South African government recognizes that prioritized sectorial development is needed to stimulate growth particularly in the micro-enterprise sector. Considering that evidence reveals growth and development in small business practices being closely related to the use of different forms of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), if and when strategically applied. Therefore recognizing the importance of ICTs the South African government has embarked on various technology related initiatives to facilitate needed growth and development. Despite this, entrepreneurs in the micro-enterprise sector demonstrate a low uptake of ICTs for their business operations, including the use of mobile technologies which are the most common form of ICTs available to micro- entrepreneurs. Many previous studies have investigated the adoption and use of mobile technologies in the micro- enterprise sector, but despite this a low uptake of mobile technologies still exists. For this reason, this study investigates and empirically determines the factors influencing the adoption and use of mobile applications for micro-enterprise operations in South Africa, using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model as a lens. The research population comprised a group of micro-entrepreneurs who all are users of a common mobile application (mentorship-movement application). The main aim of the investigation was to determine (i) the factors influencing the adoption and use of mobile applications for micro- enterprise operation, (ii) if the experience gained and their satisfaction associated with using the mentorship-movement application will influence their behavioural intention to use other mobile applications for business. The study was conducted objectively and used hypothesis testing as the means of investigation. Data was collected through the use of a survey questionnaire. The findings of the study indicate that performance expectancy and effort expectancy positively influences the micro-entrepreneurs behavioural intention to adopt and use mobile applications for micro-enterprise operations. The findings also observed that social influence has no impact on the micro-entrepreneurs’ behavioural intention to adopt and use mobile applications for business. Facilitating conditions and behavioural intention were found to positively influence the use behaviour of the micro-entrepreneurs when it comes to adoption and use of mobile applications for business. Moreover, the findings confirmed that experience and satisfaction in using one mobile application does not influence the behavioural intention of the micro-entrepreneurs to use other mobile applications for business. The factors which have been found to bear influence on the adoption and use of mobile applications amongst micro-entrepreneurs in South Africa have implications for both policy and practice. In particular, the findings of this study may be used to inform the design of the various programmatic interventions which seek to improve outcomes of the micro-entrepreneur sector. This includes interventions by the Department of Small Business Development and that of the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA).

Cognitive adaptability has been conceptualised as the ability to effectively and appropriately change decision policies (i.e. to learn) given feedback (inputs) from the environmental context in which cognitive processing is embedded. Based on a large sample of 2650 established entrepreneurs in South Africa, this study attempts to determine how entrepreneurs cognitively adapt to unpredictable entrepreneurial environments. Multidimensional constructs representing cognitive adaptability and the Big Five personality traits were operationalised and empirically investigated. It was hypothesised that the Big Five personality trait dimensions of openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion and agreeableness are positively related to the cognitive adaptability dimensions of goal orientation, metacognitive knowledge, metacognitive experience, and metacognitive choice and monitoring. Neuroticism was hypthesised to be negatively related to the cognitive adaptability dimensions of goal orientation, metacognitive knowledge, metacognitive experience, metacognitive choice and monitoring. Hypotheses were tested using structured equation modelling and correlational and regression analysis. Results provide support for subcomponents of the Big Five personality traits. Intellectual interest (openness to experience), goal striving (conscientiousness), activity (extraversion), prosocial orientation (agreeableness) were found to be positively related to cognitive adaptability. They were found to be negatively related to prior metacognitive knowledge. Self-reproach (neuroticism) was found to be negatively related to cognitive adaptability. It was found to be positively related to prior metacognitive knowledge. This research builds on and extends existing literature on cognitive adaptability in an entrepreneurial context by bringing together two streams of literature from psychology metacognition and personality traits. The implications of the process for dynamic, adaptable thinking are important in an emerging context such as that found in South Africa. The results of this study will inform the practice of policy makers who are trying to encourage start-up entrepreneurs to think about thinking in unpredictable entrepreneurial environments. In terms of methodology, the use of a sample of established entrepreneurs is desirable for this type of research since metacognition is better studied in entrepreneurs who are involved in a series of activities. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2016. / Business Management / PhD / Unrestricted

E-commerce is a business model that allows firms and individuals to buy and sell things over the internet. In the last few years, with the rise in telecommunications accessibility, e-commerce has experienced a vital boom, facilitating the growth of local economies in many countries and communities worldwide. Unfortunately, Peru is a country that has yet to develop a strong e-commerce market due to many shortcomings. This research discusses some of the key issues identified, such as deficient governmental support, insufficient business guidance, and lack of trust in online payment methods. Regardless, some Peruvian entrepreneurs have taken steps to find success within the e-commerce industry by implementing particular customer engagement strategies. As such, this study aims to identify some of the customer engagement strategies that have proved to be successful among Peru's e-commerce entrepreneurs, which are not well-known among the entrepreneurial community in Peru. This will be done by drawing on a set of 10 interviews that were conducted with local Peruvian entrepreneurs from diverse industries. As a result, this research offers insights into e-commerce businesses' strategies to increase customer engagement in Peru, potentially increasing their odds of success.

Entrepreneurship is a common choice of occupation amongst migrants in Malmö. African migrant entrepreneur experiences however, are identified as homogenous to other immigrant groups. This study is based on the unique everyday experiences of African migrant entrepreneurs in Malmö recognising their networks, depths of embeddedness and their urban place-making. To this effect, this study focuses on the processes of establishing networks during the pre-migration stage as a means to migrating and settling in Malmö and their embeddedness in their ethnic communities to establish entrepreneurship. Further insight is provided into African migrant entrepreneurs’ socio-spatial navigations and realities. Social network theory and social capital probes into the social relations of African migrant entrepreneurs, examining the multidimensionality of relationships established. Transnational theory explores migrant entrepreneur relationships that are not bound by physical space but encourage entrepreneurship and maintain a connection to home. Embeddedness theory is implemented to analyse the extent ethnic affiliation can facilitate or limit the ambitions of African migrant entrepreneurs.  This study is qualitative in nature and used an ethnographic approach. In-depth interviews were conducted with 7 African migrant entrepreneurs; 5 men and 2 women. Of the 5 men, 2 are Nigerian, 1 Ghanaian, 1 Kenyan and 1 Somali. The women are East African; 1 Ethiopian and 1 Kenyan. Accounts from the participant’s experiences revealed how African migrant entrepreneurs in Malmö network to aid their entrepreneurship. The study finds that most African migrant entrepreneurs operate within dense social networks where they receive social and economic support from their communities. However, there are African migrant entrepreneurs who are linked to broader social network outside their own communities that provide access to move beyond kin-based networks. Findings show African migrant entrepreneurs are constantly looking for opportunities to expand their entrepreneurship, diligently strategizing and utilising their embeddedness to circumnavigate opportunity barriers. This study concluded that African migrant entrepreneurs are key cultural players and contributors to the liveability of urban space. It illustrates the role of African migrant entrepreneurs in urban placemaking through the construction of places in their everyday lives. African migrant entrepreneur’s everyday lives and their experiences are a contributing voice to global discourse on migration and urban spatial practices.

The ability of entrepreneurs to incubate new venture opportunity remains an under-researched area of entrepreneurship studies. When engaged actors are motivated to pursue such activity venturing action is invigorated. This bridges the gap between believing in an idea and developing personal capacity to translate that belief into viable venturing. However, it has remained unclear how successful entrepreneurs have navigated this complex phase. This study therefore advances empirical insight into the iterative character of new venture opportunity incubation as enacted by seasoned entrepreneurs. Building on existing scholarship the study promotes a lived experience-led conceptualisation of key constructs and their relationships. Longitudinal data gathering from purposively selected case studies enabled the capture of qualitative data. Computer aided data analysis and coding (CADAC) revealed underling themes, thus illuminating meaningful pattern recognition. Deductive analysis of cross sectional interview data substantiated findings. Triangulation analysis revealed the activities, cognitions and behaviours which characterise opportunity incubation, as the subjects converted ideas into new venture concepts. These findings contribute to existing knowledge at a theoretical level: firstly, by identifying and describing the micro-processes that constitute new venture opportunity incubation. Secondly, the granular level of activation that the study accessed, revealed entrepreneurs’ cognitive and behavioural competencies in driving enactment. Finally, the study identified the venture concept artefacts that seasoned entrepreneurs’ prioritise when shaping new venture concepts. / Thesis (DPhil)--University of Pretoria, 2020. / Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) / DPhil / Unrestricted

Background: Environmental problems are a worrying phenomenon, and there is a call for action. One way to face these problems lies in sustainable entrepreneurship. There is an increase in sustainability-oriented incubators supporting these sustainable entrepreneurs on their entrepreneurial journey, using various support systems. However, there is little research available about the support systems sustainability-oriented incubators offer, the importance of these support systems, and the influence of entrepreneurial stages. Purpose: With our study, we provide sustainability-oriented incubator managers with insights into the importance of different support systems, the frequency in which they are offered and the role of different entrepreneurial stages. This allows sustainability-oriented incubators to support their tenants better and, therefore, positively influence sustainable entrepreneurship.  Method: A single case study method has been applied by using a mixed-method approach of qualitative semi-structured interviews and a quantitative questionnaire which was filled in prior to the interviews by the participants. In total, nine participants were interviewed, consisting of seven incubator tenants and two incubator managers. Conclusion: This research has found a high level of importance and frequency of business model support and market research support, irrespective of the different entrepreneurial stages. This implies a constant reiteration process from sustainable entrepreneurs, demanding a strong-intervention role from the sustainability-oriented incubator. Furthermore, this research has found the shortcomings in using the effectuation model for analysing entrepreneurial stages and suggests a different application.

Entrepreneurship is the key to a functioning society and global economy. To be entrepreneurial means not only to see and discover opportunities, but also to develop and refine these opportunities. There is evidence saying that entrepreneurship is not equal for men and women. Sweden is considered a strong and stable country with values that promote gender equality, but even in this country there are societal structures and phenomena that sometimes hinders female entrepreneurs from reaching the same success as male entrepreneurs. The aim of this thesis is therefore to explore Swedish female entrepreneurs and the challenges they face when conducting international business. Furthermore the thesis will try to explore what challenges they face in foreign market entry due to their gender as well as try to provide future female entrepreneurs with information on how to avoid or handle the challenges they might face due to their gender. There is a gap in literature regarding this subject.  The reviewed literature presents the international business environment and internationalization as well as entrepreneurship and the opportunities thereof. It also presents the occurrence of gender inequality in business. The conceptual framework is to illustrate how all parts are connected to the subject and to each other like a circular cycle. To ensure thorough research a qualitative method with an abductive approach is used. Both primary and secondary data have been used. The empirical data was collected through interviews with five Swedish international female entrepreneurs from different industries. The analysis was made by cross examination of the empirical data and the literature. Female entrepreneurs face challenges in international business but can often choose to use it as an advantage. There are social structures that need to change for the business environment to become more equal both in Sweden and internationally.

Immigrant entrepreneurship is defined as business establishment and ownership among immigrants who arrive to a new host country. Immigrant entrepreneurship has become an important theme due to the increasing rates of immigration to developed countries, and its impact on their economic development. However it is also discredited and qualified as low value-added, rarely innovative, restricted to the ethnic communities and with stagnating growth potential. Following this debate, a new research stream affirms that immigrants should not be treated as one entity. Thus attention is shifting towards groups of immigrant entrepreneurs that were previously neglected in the literature. One such group consists of the second generation children of immigrants. Work to date provides ample investigation about immigrant entrepreneurs and their entrepreneurial process; however there is less research on similarities and differences in the entrepreneurial process experienced by first and second generation immigrant entrepreneurs. Despite some recent research on second generation immigrant entrepreneurs, this topic remains understudied. The objective of this study is to understand, from a multi-level perspective, how different generations of immigrant entrepreneurs experience the entrepreneurial process. Using a grounded theory approach and qualitative in-depth interviews, the findings indicate that first and second generation immigrant entrepreneurs experience the entrepreneurial process differently by facing different micro and macro level enablers and obstacles. They also recognize, evaluate and exploit opportunities differently. The extent to which they are embedded in specific environments affects their entrepreneurial experiences.