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The educational and training needs of small, medium and micro entrepreneurs

M.Ed. / This study is a result of the commitment of the Eastern Cape Technikon to provide training, research and development in skills needed by the communities it serves. The Eastern Cape Technology and Entrepreneurship Centre (ECTEC) was established in association with the Enterprising Edge and Niagara College. Consequently, a curriculum was made available in order to support the small, medium, and micro entrepreneurs (SMMEs) in Butterworth by educating and training them so that they could run their businesses successfully. Some of the issues that have arisen concerning this intervention, included whether an investigation into the educational and training needs of SMMEs had been done, as well as whether the proposed education and training programme would meet the needs of the intended SMME The aim of this research is to identify and describe the educational and training needs of SMMEs in Butterworth, by conducting a needs assessment. This needs assessment attempts to understand and explain what SMMEs perceive to be their educational and training needs. The sample was composed of SMMEs who are registered learners at the ECTEC. Questionnaires as well as semi—structured interviews were used for data collection. The questionnaire items were summarised and presented in the form of tables. The interview data was then analysed by means of a constant comparative method. The findings of this study show that the educational and training needs of SMMEs are related to issues like accessing finance, keeping proper records of transactions and preparation of books of business, namely, the balance sheet, income as well as cash flow statements. SMMEs also need to know how to undertake the marketing function of their businesses so that they can identify and reach their customers. Finally, SMMEs need to know how to prepare and analyse business plans. These needs should, as far as possible, be considered when designing or modifying the education and training programmes of the SMMEs in order to ensure that training addresses these needs. It is hoped that this study will help to make the course relevant, useful and applicable to the SMMEs in Butterworth and those studying at the ECTEC.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uj/uj:9559
Date16 August 2012
CreatorsMatolengwe, Luyanda Ghana
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis

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