Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Business Administration (MBA), Business Studies Unit, University of Technology in the Faculty of Commerce, 2007 / Entrepreneurship, business knowledge and skills within micro and small businesses play an important part in the economies of countries across the globe by being the drivers of economic growth, as well as, creating employment. The role of micro and small businesses is matching that of big business and in some countries contributes up to ninety per cent of revenue. The difficulties from supply and demand perspectives are receiving increasing attention from government and academic institutions and researchers, and the purpose of this study is to establish to what degree the presence of entrepreneurship is present in the region concerned, as well as, investigating the extent of knowledge and skills within the sample of micro and small business owners. The study uses descriptive statistics drawn from a questionnaire survey, to achieve its purpose. One hundred and seventy micro and small businesses were drawn using a stratified random sampling method. Businesses surveyed were grouped into the following categories: services, manufacturing, hardware, clothing and food. Entrepreneurial traits were found present in the micro and small business owners, however certain behavioural aspects argued against this presence. In terms of knowledge and skills, the extent was found to be limited in terms of both academic qualifications, and business acumen. Growth rates of the businesses in the survey seem to be low and the presence of real entrepreneurship would need further investigation.

The evolution of policy regarding the black bourgeoisie -- Issues in the struggle for black capitalism -- The roles and effects of NAFCOC (National African Federation Chamber of Commerce) and FABCOS (Foundation of Business and Consumer Service) -- The development of black capitalists in the urban areas -- Constraints on, and the performances of black entrepreneurs -- 'Normalisation' of the economic playing field.

Thesis (Master of Consumer Science)--Stellenbosch University, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In recent years unemployment figures in South Africa have reached alarming proportions. Many people do not have any form of income, and many others rely on irregular incomes from seasonal work. Education of adults has been highlighted as a possibility for teaching people various skills, which they could apply to generate an income for themselves. This research was conducted by following a participatory action research method to determine whether a nonformal adult education programme would assist individuals in generating an income. The literature review to support the research conducted included a discussion on poverty, rural areas and their development, and the relevance of entrepreneurial development for these areas. From here, the focus of the literature review moved to that of adult education as applied in training programmes. Participatory Action Research (PAR) and its role in a nonformal adult education programme is discussed, followed by a discussion of empowerment. The monitoring and evaluation of these programmes are also described. The Development and Advancement of Rural Entrepreneurship (DARE) is a programme that was launched in 2000 by the Department of Consumer Science: Foods, Clothing, Housing at the University of Stellenbosch. The main focus of this programme is the assistance given to rural communities to assist them in addressing the problem of unemployment and poverty, by providing support and training to potential local entrepreneurs. The rural town of Montagu was identified to conduct a nonformal adult education programme, focusing on skills training and entrepreneurial development of interested individuals in the community. The research period lasted 14 months. The programme itself consisted of different projects that concentrated on skills training suitable for income generation. People from the community were invited to attend the programme, making all participation voluntary. A PAR approach to present training skills was followed. Each PAR cycle consisted of four stages, namely planning, action, observation, reflection, as well as the revised plan which forms the first phase of the next plan. This approach ensures maximum involvement of participants. Empowerment levels of participants were measured using a standardised questionnaire with a pre- and post- test design. One of the PAR cycles included a five-day business course. Different aspects of entrepreneurship were addressed during the programme and eventually all the skills were combined and implemented to assist in the generation of income. Data of the empowerment levels of participants, and general information on the participants and their evaluation of the programme are documented as case studies. This data was also used to evaluate the success of the programme. The analysis of the data clearly shows that there was a need for skills development and entrepreneurial development in this rural area. Participants were eager to take part in the programme and to apply their skills in the market place where they displayed the skills they have acquired. Those participants who completed the programme all demonstrated an increase in their empowerment levels, the most significant increase on micro level. The research results indicated that participants were able to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the programme. However, four months after the completion of the programme none of them were involved in income-generation ventures. Despite the fact that the need for training existed in this rural area, sustainability was problematic once the facilitator withdrew. It is therefore recommended that novice entrepreneurs should have long-term guidance and emotional support in order to reach independence eventually. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die werkloosheid syfer in Suid-Afrika het die afgelope paar jaar onrusbarend toegeneem. 'n Groot aantal mense het geen vorm van inkomste nie, en baie maak staat op die inkomste wat hulle uit seisoenwerk genereer. Opleiding van volwassenes is aangedui as 'n wyse waarop mense 'n verskeidenheid vaardighede kan aanleer wat hulle dan kan toepas om sodoende vir hulself 'n inkomste te genereer. Hierdie navorsing is onderneem om te bepaal of 'n nieformele opleidingsprogram waar 'n deelnemende aksienavorsingsmetode (DAN) gevolg is, individue sal kan help om 'n inkomste te genereer. Die literatuuroorsig wat die navorsing onderskryf, sluit 'n bespreking in van armoede, landelike areas en die ontwikkeling daarvan asook van die relevansie van entrepreneuriese ontwikkeling in hierdie areas. Die fokus van die literatuur verskuif dan na volwasse onderwys, soos toegepas in opleidings programme. Daarna word deelnemende aksienavorsing (DAN) en die rol daarvan in programme in nieformele onderwys vir volwassenes bespreek. Dit word gevolg deur 'n bespreking van bemagtiging. Laastens word monitering en evaluering van programme bespreek. Die Development and Advancement of Rural Enterprises (DARE) Program is deur die Universiteit van Stellenbosch, Departement Verbruikerswetenskap: Voedsel, Kleding, Behuising in 2000 geloods. Die fokus van die program is om bystand aan landelike gemeenskappe ten opsigte van die hantering van werkloosheid en armoede aan te spreek. Die landelike dorp Montagu, is geïdentifiseer as 'n area om 'n nieformele onderwysprogram vir volwassenes wat fokus op vaardigheidsopleiding en entrepreneuriese ontwikkeling van belangstellende individue in die gemeenskap, aan te bied. Mense van die gemeenskap is uitgenooi om vrywillig aan die program deel te neem. Die navorsingsperiode het oor 14 maande gestrek. Die program self het bestaan uit verskillende projekte wat op opleidingsvaardighede geskik om 'n inkomste te genereer, fokus. 'n Deelnemende aksienavorsingsmetode is gevolg om opleidingsvaardighede aan te bied. Elke DAN-siklus het uit vier fases bestaan, naamlik beplanning, aksie, observasie en besinning. 'n Hersieningsplan het deel uitgemaak van die eerste fase van die volgende siklus. Hierdie benadering het maksimum betrokkenheid deur deelnemers verseker. Tydens een van die DAN siklusse, is deelnemers se bemagtingingsvlakke gemeet deur gebruik te maak van 'n gestandaardiseerde vraelys met 'n voor- en ná-toets ontwerp. Een van die DAN-siklusse het uit 'n vyf-dag sakekursus bestaan. Verskillende aspekte van entrepreneurskap is tydens die program aangespreek en ten slotte is alle vaardighede saamgevoeg en geïmplementeer om die generering van inkomste aan te moedig. Gevallestudies is gebruik om deelnemers se bemagtigingsvlakke, algemene inligting oor die deelnemers en die deelnemers se evaluering van die program aan te teken. Hierdie data is ook gebruik om die sukses van die program te evalueer. Die data analise wys uitdruklik dat daar 'n behoefte was aan die ontwikkeling van vaardighede en entrepreneuriese ontwikkeling in hierdie landelike gebied. Deelnemers was gretig om aan die program deel te neem en om vaardighede wat aangeleer is, toe te pas op die ope mark. Die deelnemers wat die program voltooi het, het almal 'n verbetering ten opsigte van hulle vlakke van bemagtiging getoon, met die grootste verbetering op die mikrovlak. Die navorsingsresultate bevestig dat die deelnemers hulle vaardighede en kennis wat in die program verwerf is, kon toepas. Nogtans was geeneen van die deelnemers wat die program voltooi het, vier maande ná die afloop van die program besig om 'n inkomste te genereer nie. AI was daar 'n behoefte aan opleiding in hierdie landelike area geidentifiseer, was daar, nadat die fasiliteerder onttrek het, geen volhoubaarheid van die program nie. Daar word dus aanbeveel dat opkomende entrepreneurs langtermynondersteuning sal geniet wat uiteindelik tot hul onafhanklikheid sal lei.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The primary purpose of this study is to explore the social media habits of South African previously disadvantaged entrepreneurs and the way in which the activity of online social networking through social networking sites (SNS) results in the outcome of building social capital for a business venture. At the heart of addressing the research topic is the concept of selfefficacy, which is explored as a key component of human motivation and behaviour. The study explores how self-efficacy beliefs are developed with regard to social media usage and their potential to influence positive outcomes for a business. Based on the research topic, the study which is empirical in nature, has applied a qualitative research design in order to interpret rather than measure self-efficacy behaviours related to social media usage. A purposive non-probability sampling procedure has been adopted to select twelve previously disadvantaged South African entrepreneurs for the study. Semi-structured interviews provide for an interactive and insightful data collection process. As a qualitative study, attention is given to guidelines which establish reliability and validity. Key findings from the study support and refine established Internet selfefficacy research (Eastin & LaRose, 2000) based on Social Cognitive Theory (Bandura, 1986). Based on the established relationships between various constructs and self-efficacy beliefs, the results of the study have been interpreted positively. The findings of the study contribute to the current digital divide debate, and point to a narrowing of the access and participation gap. According to the sample, social media has become embedded in their daily lives for both social and business purposes, and is contributing towards building social capital. This study provides scope to further explore social media as a new opportunity for previously disadvantaged entrepreneurs in South Africa.

The South African government, in an attempt to accelerate economic growth and development, has identified the SMME sector and entrepreneurs as a vehicle capable of bringing about this change. Unfortunately, this growth has been stifled due to the high failure rate of entrepreneurial businesses in the SMME sector. A possible solution for SMMEs and entrepreneurs is the introduction of mentoring. Mentoring entrepreneurs is the function of nurturing and supporting entrepreneurs by providing them with professional skills development and moral support in an attempt to positively impact on the business's sustainability. The study is the first of its kind in that it relates specifically to entrepreneurship mentors. This study empirically endeavours to determine the basic profile of entrepreneurship mentors in South Africa and their skills sets. The study aims to represent the importance of the skills as represented in the model and to understand the entrepreneurship mentoring environment in South Africa. / Business Management / M. Com. (Business Management)

Entrepreneurial skills stimulate entrepreneurial activities. An increase in entrepreneurial activities culminates in high economic growth, creation of employment, and alleviation of poverty. South Africa’s entrepreneurial activity ratio stands at 9.1%, far below 14.3% of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) countries. Entrepreneurship is a national priority endeavour which helps absorb individuals searching for employment. Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) provide employment to approximately 61% of households in South Africa. SMME shutdowns have increased and can be attributed to lack of entrepreneurial proficiencies. Hence, contingent employees in small retail businesses face poor working conditions, are unprotected by labour legislation, low remuneration, skills redundancy, and discrimination. They are also not affiliated with a union. The foregoing variables lead to job insecurity. Job insecurity leads to job dissatisfaction, disloyalty, and low organisational commitment. The study investigated whether contingent employees in Roodepoort have entrepreneurial skills to be entrepreneurial, as an avenue to offset job insecurity. The question why contingent employees are not entrepreneurial in Roodepoort was posed. A sample composed of 129 contingent employees from 60 small retail businesses in Roodepoort was used. Results showed a positive relationship between entrepreneurial skills and entrepreneurship, job insecurity and entrepreneurship, and contingent employees and job insecurity. However, it appears that contingent employees in Roodepoort were not affected nor concerned about job insecurity. They possess a significant understanding of entrepreneurial skills, yet they are not entrepreneurial. / Business Management / M. Com. (Business Management)

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) contribute substantially in economies around the world and in South Africa in particular. This study aimed to explore and describe the financial performance measures currently used by manufacturing SMEs in Pretoria. Semi-structured interviews were conducted at the participant SMEs’ premises in order to gather the information. It was found that most of the respondents use financial ratios, but to a limited extent, when measuring their financial performance. The use of bankruptcy prediction models is totally absent among the participants. It has been recommended that SMEs use more ratios from the literature that have been proven to be the best financial measures, and the six ratios that have worked well for some of the participants in the study. It is also recommended that SME owners enrol their financial staff for training in bankruptcy prediction models, and use financial software packages if they can afford them. / Graduate School for Business Leadership / (M.Tech. (Business Administration))

Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Technology: Business Information System In the Faculty of Business At the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2013 / The South African manufacturing industry landscape has changed due to the pressures of globalisation and liberalisation of trade policy regimes. The structural shift of this industry has led to a global market in which many small businesses in the manufacturing sector find it difficult to compete with competitors for example, in Asian countries. Companies are required to improve their competitiveness by using various strategies such as e-commerce. However, these strategies are changing economics, markets, industry structure, products and services, the flow of products and services, consumer segmentation, consumer values, consumer behaviour and labour markets. An e-commerce strategy could assist small businesses in emerging markets to streamline their business processes in their respective sectors and industries, thus enabling them to enhance their business activities. Yet, literature reveals that most SMMEs do not take full advantage of e-commerce applications in their business activities. A qualitative approach using a case study methodology is used for this research. The researcher adopted models such as the Technology-Organisational-Environmental model, a value proposition model and a key assets model to collect and analyse evidence to propose guidelines for e-commerce initiatives in the selected environment. The findings indicate that SMMEs could improve their performance by establishing formal strategies and structures to increase their worth. This is done by creating e-commerce strategies to fit their organisational goals and objectives. Furthermore, manufacturing SMMEs need appropriate online platforms to transact and build strong relationships with suppliers, customers and partners. In addition, it is essential for SMMEs to establish and monitor quality standards in their e-commerce activities. It was found that the key assets needed by SMMEs in the manufacturing sector could impact their ability to sustain their business activities. Finally, manufacturing SMMEs need to deliver targeted and contextual marketing messages to help influence potential decision makers. This research contributes to the field of e-commerce by providing guidelines which manufacturing SMMEs could use as a starting point, to understand and improve their current e-commerce strategies and sustain their business growth.

THESIS Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree MAGISTER TECHNOLOGIAE in BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS in the FACULTY OF BUSINESS INFORMATICS at the CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY 2006 / E-commerce improves value chain integration, enables customisation and also provides smaller companies opportunity to reach customers worldwide. However e-commerce poses challenges to companies, including how to approach e-commerce to gain competitive advantage. Although a number of studies report on e-commerce adoption, these do not provide clear guidelines to determine how SMMEs should progress or move into e-commerce adoption. The aim of this research study is to examine the various available approaches and propose a model to assist SMMEs to determine how to start e-commerce adoption. Findings from this research study indicate that a small percentage of SMMEs are selling online in the Western Cape and realizing benefits derived from ecommerce adoption. The SMMEs interviewed followed an “adoption ladder” approach to e-commerce adoption, however, some had the perception that with maturity of e-commerce, a “managed strategic” approach would be possible. In conclusion the research study proposes a model to assist SMMEs to progress into e-commerce adoption, illustrating two available approaches.

Thesis (MTech (Business Administration))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015. / The aim of this study was to determine the extent of constraints to entrepreneurial development in the townships supporting the Cape Town economy, specifically that of Khayelitsha, and to establish whether any government incentives were available to develop this township economy. These small, medium and micro sized businesses face numerous constraints. The vital role of small businesses in stimulating economic activity, in poverty alleviation, and in the raising of living standards, has been widely recognised in most countries. In fact, in several countries, small businesses are used as catalysts to generate economic activities within relatively poor communities. The City of Cape Town has developed economic initiatives to provide assistance to entrepreneurs with recommendations on how innovations should be encouraged to help entrepreneurs in such poor communities as Khayelitsha to start new businesses, and to create jobs. In order to obtain information on the Khayelitsha business community both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. Questionnaires were employed to answer open and closed ended questions dealing with economic activities in the area, as well as interviews with formal and informal business persons. Generally, the findings reveal numerous constraints of trade facing businesses in Khayelitsha including governmental restrictions, lack of a skilled workforce, poor infrastructure, and services delivery. The recommendations made could lead to an improvement in operating conditions as this study argues that the existence of positive business conditions, in terms of social, economic, and personal factors, are necessary for business ventures and entrepreneurs to succeed. However, innovation is essential for small businesses to be able to respond effectively to the changing environment that has been triggered by globalisation forces.