This dissertation summarises an analysis and assessment of the application of Quality Management Systems (QMS) by Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), in the Engineering Manufacturing Sector of the greater Cape Town Metropolitan area. An outline of the existing hypothesis derived from previous international SMME studies related to the adoption of QMS by SMME’s, the management’s understanding of quality principles, the potential business benefits of QMS and the reasons for implementing Quality Management systems are given as background to the study. The dissertation includes a discussion of literature on the state of QMS in SMMEs, in particular, recent international research literature hypothesising that SMME management lack essential QMS knowledge and that, in general, most SMME’s do not have a QMS and that SMMEs only implement a QMS as a result of contractual pressures / requirements. Also reported are the results and findings of a survey conducted to test the validity of the existing hypotheses amongst a representative sample of Engineering Manufacturing SMMEs registered with the Cape Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the Western Cape. Results of the survey indicate that almost 90 percent, of the companies surveyed had some type of Quality management System, the only two companies that reported not having a QMS, were companies classified as “Micro”, in terms of the National Small business Act. Analysis of the response to the survey concludes that, in general, more than 80 percent of Engineering SMMEs in the Manufacturing Sector have adopted a QMS based on ISO 9001 and that, on average, their management have a medium to high level of understanding of QMS and the associated business benefits. It is also apparent from survey responses, that companies classified as “Micro” in terms of the Small Business Act of 1996, do not see the need for a formal QM system as the owners of these companies consider them too small for a formal QMS. Instead they take direct ownership of their service and product quality in the face of the customer.

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Thesis (M. Com. (Business Management)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Information and communication technologies (ICT) and its impact in the economic, social and personal development has become an important object of scientific research in recent decades. Theoretical and empirical studies have demonstrated the necessity to gain and exploit positive outcomes such as productivity growth, organisation expansion, efficiency, effectiveness, competitiveness and so on of ICT adoption and implementation in various organisations. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to investigate the determinants of ICT adoption by SMEs for improved performance. The study utilised the quantitative research approach whereby a survey was conducted using convenience and snowball sampling methods. Data was tested for reliability using the Cronbach’ Alpha. Furthermore, descriptive analysis was conducted as well as correlation and regression tests. The questionnaire was developed from the empirical literature review. The determinants of ICT adoption were represented by perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, entrepreneurial orientation, entrepreneurial passion, personal factors, business characteristics and performance. Based on the results, SMEs should seek to adopt ICT using the determinants which were assessed as they show how effective a business can improve performance if these determinants are used to adopt ICT. Furthermore, more should be done by government to give support and awareness to SMEs on various aspects that can improve their businesses such as ICT. Keywords: ICT, SMEs, Determinants, Adoption, Performance

D. Tech. (Department Logistics, Faculty of Management Sciences), Vaal University of Technology / The majority of business incubators in South Africa are supported by the Small Enterprise Development Agency (SEDA). However, a notable proportion of business incubators face a number of challenges to growth and development. Despite a number of studies conducted on business incubators generally, little information exists on the framework for the creation of business incubators. The concept of business incubation has gained prominence in academia in recent years as a vehicle for small business development. In view of the growing importance of business incubators, the objective of this study is to develop a framework for the creation of business incubators in South Africa. Business incubator managers, coaches, project specialists, and enterprise development practitioners were selected, being considered the ideal target population for this study. The study adopted a sequential mixed-methods methodology that commenced with a qualitative study and was followed by a quantitative study. For the qualitative study, data were collected from a purposively selected business incubator sample comprising nine participants. The principle of technical saturation was applied to ascertain the adequacy of the sample size. The trustworthiness and credibility of the qualitative study were achieved through pre-testing of the interview guide, bracketing, prolonged engagement with participants, peer debriefing, and researcher reflexivity. The analysis of the qualitative data was conducted using content and thematic analyses. The qualitative element of the study identified incubator prerequisites, situational analyses, operational processes/incubation strategies, and operational outputs as the main determinants of the framework for business incubators. In line with the methodology of the study, the determinants of the framework for business incubators that emerged from the qualitative study were further examined through a quantitative study. The data for the quantitative study were generated from a conveniently selected incubator practitioner sample of 121 respondents, using a structured self-administered questionnaire. Furthermore, the historical evidence method guided the determination of the sample size for the quantitative study. Prior to questionnaire administration of this study a pilot study was conducted to improve the accuracy of the survey instrument. The quantitative section utilised statistical data analysis procedures, descriptive statistics, reliability and validity analysis, correlation analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was utilised to analyse the quantitative data. The results of the quantitative data analysis revealed that the framework for incubation presents incubator prerequisites (incubation entry of incubatees) as the predictor construct. This construct has eight sub-components, which are situational analysis (incubatees’ characteristics), key requirements, operational process, factor components, intellective capabilities, administrative capabilities, market force engineering, and strategic resourcing (impact) with KPIs. The mediating construct is business incubator performance (incubation process—industry coaches, governance structure, and entrepreneurial focus), which in turn leads to monitoring and evaluation (incubation output—graduation phase, impact, and follow-ups). The relationships between these constructs were tested. In order to verify the reliability of the measurement items of the current study, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient, the item-to-total values and composite reliability were computed. The validity of the survey instrument was enhanced through content, convergent, discriminant and predictive validities. In addition, the reliability and validity measures employed in the present study showed that the survey instrument utilised in the quantitative study was both reliable and valid. The study is significant in terms of its theoretical and business incubation policy implications. Theoretically, the study provides a comparative impression of the South African business incubation perspective and current trends in the ecosystem. Thus, future researchers, particularly in developing countries, may use the results of this study as a reference benchmark in terms of literature and research methodology. The various organs of the state, government agencies, as well as non-governmental organisations that are responsible for entrepreneurship development and the creation of additional business incubators, may use the study as a reference point in the generation of different initiatives aimed at improving the small business environment in South Africa.

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.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Business Administration)-Durban University of Technology, 2006 vi, 70 leaves / One of the major problems facing SMME’s in the South African clothing industry is the surge of clothing imported particularly from China, which negatively impacts on the ability of local firms to survive in business. Despite this challenge within the volatile business environment some SMME’s within the clothing industry have been resilient and have remained in business. This survey focused on the existing business strategies of SMME’s within the clothing manufacturing sector of Kwa-Zulu Natal. The main aim of the research was to establish the underlying factors of competitive advantage of SMME’s and to determine the strategic action taken by businesses in order to combat the impact of the sale of imported clothing in South Africa. In addition, an evaluation of the success of these strategic choices was carried out so that future business strategies for SMME’s can be developed to ensure sustainable competitive advantage.

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa experience one of the highest failure rates in the world with 75% to 80% of SMEs failing in their first ten years. This data suggests that few small organisations in South Africa are sustainable entities and this in turn impacts on employment and the GDP of South Africa. In order to be sustainable, organisations should be learning ones (Garvin, 1993; Marquardt in Hattingh & Smit, 2004, p2). Senge’s (1990) ground-breaking model of a learning organisation identifies the disciplines companies should practice in order to contribute to their sustainability. This model, previously researched in large global companies, is used as the basis of researching a small company in a local, South African context. This study explores whether by being a learning organisation, a small company is able to sustain itself. Senge’s concept of a learning organisation includes five disciplines. These disciplines have adult and workplace learning theories embedded in them. The study attempted to identify whether the small company drew on these learning theories in day-to-day operations and practise, and if this contributed to its development as a learning organisation. In addition to learning theories, literature reviewed included factors that impact on small business sustainability in the South African context. The study reveals an interesting blend of a business management concept (“the learning organisation”) with adult education principles that give insight into developing a small company as a learning organisation. A qualitative, ethnographic case study approach was used for this study, using an interactive model to accommodate the dynamic nature of the workplace with its variety of events and activities. Data collection took place during two intensive research periods in 2008 and 2012, in a single Johannesburg-based company. A multi-method approach was used and included observations, document analysis, questionnaires, transect walks, auto-photography, focus groups and interviews. The study revealed that a small company can ensure its sustainability by being a learning organisation, even though the company did not hold the same understanding of a learning organisation that Senge (1990) did. By practising various adult and workplace learning theories, especially the theory of communities of practice, a small company can develop the disciplines of a learning organisation. Furthermore, organisations may practise the disciplines of a learning organisation organically, without specific intent, and this may assist in their sustainability.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-12-04T11:45:21Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Wilson_Roberto_Boaventura.pdf: 545906 bytes, checksum: 083ab64443de3943dafcd7d3a650fca6 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2003-07-17 / The relevant participation of micro and small companies in economic scenario, national as at in the world, has awoken the interest of studious and researchers. The contribution that these organizations offering to the society, giving the first job's opportunity, absorbing laborer without qualification and engendering innovations and discoveries in a variety of fields, it is irrefutable. Nevertheless, some occurrences related to management's imperfection, has been one of the causes responsible for premature closing down activities, affecting significant part of these companies. Therefore, this study is developing through bibliographic and field researches, in order to specify a registers and information management system adequate to these organizations, and for that, some analyses are doing, as at: characteristics and particularities of these organizations, the small entrepreneur's profile, the applied legislation and, the information and controls management systems that have been using. / A relevante participa????o dos micro e pequenos empreendimentos no cen??rio econ??mico, tanto nacional quanto mundial, tem despertado o interesse de estudiosos e pesquisadores. A contribui????o que essas organiza????es oferecem ?? sociedade, criando oportunidade de emprego ao iniciante, absorvendo m??o-de-obra de baixa qualifica????o e gerando inova????es e novas descobertas em v??rias ??reas, ?? ineg??vel. Entretanto, fatores ligados ?? falta e/ou defici??ncia de gerenciamento, t??m sido uma das causas que contribuem para o encerramento das atividades, prematuramente, de uma parcela significativa desses empreendimentos. Portanto, este estudo desenvolve-se a partir de pesquisas bibliogr??ficas apoiadas por pesquisas de campo, visando explicitar um sistema de registros e informa????es gerenciais adequado a essas organiza????es e, para tanto, s??o analisadas: as caracter??sticas e particularidades que envolvem esses empreendimentos, o perfil dos pequenos empreendedores, a legisla????o aplicada e os sistemas de informa????es e controles gerenciais utilizados.

by Lau Tak Yun, Ma Kai Sun. / Thesis (M.B.A.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1990. / Bibliography: leaves 79-80. / ABSTRACT --- p.ii / TABLES OF CONTENTS --- p.iii / LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS --- p.v / LISTS OF TABLES AND GRAPHS --- p.vii / Chapter I. --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Focus of study --- p.4 / Chapter II. --- LITERATURE REVIEW --- p.7 / Jung's Theory of Psychological Types --- p.7 / Heller's Model of Leadership Style --- p.12 / Chapter III. --- THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK --- p.17 / Size of the Firm and the Decision´ؤmaking Style --- p.17 / Individual Endogenous Factors of the Entrepreneur --- p.20 / Jung's Psychological Types --- p.20 / Motivations --- p.21 / Time Horizon --- p.22 / Risk Attitude --- p.24 / Demograghic Variables --- p.25 / The Overall Theoretical Framework --- p.27 / Chapter IV. --- RESEARCH DESIGN --- p.29 / Objective --- p.29 / Sampling --- p.29 / Mailing Questionaire --- p.30 / Screening Criteria --- p.31 / Variables and their measurement --- p.32 / Analysis --- p.35 / Endogenous Factors --- p.35 / Decision-making Style --- p.39 / "Correlation between the Demographic and Individual Endogenous factors, and Decision-making Style" --- p.39 / Correlation between Decision-making Style and Company size (growth) --- p.41 / Chapter V. --- FINDINGS --- p.42 / Size of the Company --- p.42 / Demograghic Profile --- p.42 / Sex --- p.42 / Education --- p.44 / Age --- p.47 / Endogenous Factor --- p.47 / Jung's Psychological Types --- p.47 / Time Horizon --- p.50 / Motivation --- p.52 / Decision-making Style in the Seven Decision-making Areas --- p.55 / Decision-making Style and the Size of the Staff --- p.57 / "Correlation between Endogenous and Demograhic Factors, and Decision- making Style" --- p.60 / Chapter VI. --- SUMMARY Of THE STUDY --- p.69 / Chapter VII. --- DISCUSSION --- p.71 / Chapter APPENDIX I. --- SPSSPC PROGRAMS --- p.73 / Chapter APPENDIX II. --- DATA FILE --- p.77 / BIBLIOGRAPHY --- p.79

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-25T18:39:38Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Jose Eduardo Ferreira Lopes.pdf: 3058375 bytes, checksum: 84f828ab9afad9cf80d381da7dacb918 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-05-20 / Studies have shown that there are major obstacles for Micro and Small Enterprises remain on the market for long periods of time due to many restrictive factors for its permanence. In this study we intend to analyze how accounting is being used for important decisions to ensure the survival and growth of these companies. The methodology used was the exploratory study of cross-section through a form with thirteen questions answered by thirty commercial companies located in the city of Carapicuíba. It was concluded that although the companies have improved in many aspects that have increased the length of its surviving, the use of accounting information in decision-making is still in its primary stage, with its centralizing, planning and control in the person of the owner of the company by means of barely structured information / Estudos têm mostrado que há grandes dificuldades para que as Micro e Pequenas Empresas permaneçam no mercado por longos períodos de tempo, devido a inúmeros fatores restritivos a essa permanência. Neste trabalho procurou-se analisar como a contabilidade está sendo utilizada para a tomada de decisões importantes para garantir a sobrevivência e o crescimento dessas empresas. A metodologia utilizada foi a pesquisa de campo exploratória de corte transversal, através de um formulário com treze questões, respondido por trinta empresas comerciais localizadas no Município de Carapicuíba. Concluiu-se que apesar das empresas terem melhorado em diversos aspectos que têm determinado o aumento do tempo de permanência dessas empresas no mercado, a utilização de informações contábeis no processo decisório ainda continua muito incipiente, estando o seu planejamento e controle centralizado na pessoa do dono da empresa através de informações pouco estruturadas