Research Publications (Management Sciences)
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/217
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Item Challenges of women entrepreneurship and empowerment in South Africa : evidence from rural areas(PT Keberlanjutan Strategis Indonesia, 2023-09) Nhleko, Mary-Ann Nokulunga; Msomi, Thabiso Sthembiso; Ogunsola, Sijuwade AdedayoThis study aims to identify impediments to expanding women-owned businesses in rural areas of South Africa. The study used a quantitative research method to collect data. The study concentrated on 250 female business owners in the rural communities of Hluhluwe, Ulundi, and Eshowe in northern KZN. The study found that the main obstacles to expanding women-owned businesses in rural areas were financial constraints, a lack of education, and inadequate infrastructure. However, these difficulties experienced by women business owners in rural South Africa can be conquered. Overcoming these obstacles could empower women entrepreneurs and stimulate economic growth in rural areas, thus reducing poverty and enhancing the living standards of rural communities. Based on these findings, the study recommends various interventions, such as alternative financing models, targeted education and training programs, and infrastructure development, to support the growth of women-owned enterprises in rural areas. Future research should examine additional issues such as cultural and social hurdles, a lack of access to markets and information, and legal and regulatory restrictions that impede the establishment of women-owned businesses in rural areas.Item Entrepreneurship education and economic emancipation of youths in Oyo State, Nigeria, West Africa(International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2022) Kayode, Aderinsola E.; Yakubu, Suleman; Netswera, Fulufhelo G.The primary aim of every citizen in any nation of the world is to be economically emancipated, as it enables one to be self-reliant rather than depending on parents, guardians or government for survival. However, the majority of Nigerian youths are living in abject poverty compared to their counterparts in developed countries. In an attempt to find a solution to the problem of acute poverty, this study investigated the relationship between entrepreneurship, education and the economic emancipation of youths in the Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria. A sample of 350 respondents was selected through the purposive sampling technique. Three hypotheses were tested. A self-designed online survey questionnaire titled “Entrepreneurship Education and Economic Emancipation Questionnaire (EEEEQ)” was administered and used for data collection. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and multiple regression analysis were the statistical tools employed for data analysis. The findings revealed a significant relationship between entrepreneurship knowledge and economic emancipation among youths in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria (r=0.78, p<0.05). It was also shown that entrepreneurial skills and economic emancipation among youths in Ibadan Metropolis, Oyo State, Nigeria were significantly related (r=0.63, p<0.05). Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that more emphasis should be given to entrepreneurial skill acquisition and to the adequate provision of learning tools and materials. Government should also make available grants for youth with potential to demonstrate and maximize their acquired entrepreneurial knowledge and skills.Item Entrepreneurship and poverty alleviation : a tale of black African women in Msunduzi Municipality, South Africa(Inderscience Publishers, 2020) Okeke Uzodike, Obianuju EbeleThis study examined the extent to which black African women benefit from the existing government strategies to support local entrepreneurs in advancing their businesses at Msunduzi local municipality, KwaZulu-Natal Province. Entrepreneurship is believed to be desirable to address the poverty and unemployment levels in societies. A qualitative research method approach was employed, and data were drawn using a focus group discussion from black African women within Msunduzi municipality and a semi-structured interview from the government officials. Key findings from this study draw attention to various aspects of concern for policy makers regarding the limited support provided by the government to emancipate African female entrepreneurs at Msunduzi municipality. The study’s findings contribute to the existing knowledge of women empowerment through entrepreneurship, gender mainstreaming, and serve as a guide for policy makers and academics who are in pursuit of various developmental goals.Item Evaluation of the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education in public institutions of learning in the province of KwaZulu-Natal(2021-07-01) Ncube, Thandukwazi R.; Lekhanya, Lawrence MpeleIndividuals around the world are finding that entrepreneurship is an avenue to create wealth, stimulate economies, and fulfil self-employment dreams. Entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship education are on the rise in South African Higher institutions of learning since most institutions are on the verge of embedding it into their curriculum as one of the graduate attributes. Considering the shifting entrepreneurial environment, teachers must constantly be adjusting the educational practices, procedures, and curriculum to ensure the best outcomes for future entrepreneurs. Public institutions of learning need to entice students through programmes that are relevant in order to ensure the success of their new ventures. As the entrepreneurial environment has changed, so have the expectations of educational programmes. This study evaluates the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education in public institutions of learning (PIL) (technical vocational education and training institutions, universities of technologies, and universities). It aims to examine the competencies that are needed to successfully start a business endeavour and the current level of skills these institutions offer to students for business and entrepreneurial programmes. The study also provides suggestions for new approaches in teaching pedagogies that adjust to the changes in the business environment of the country.Item Insight into the biases when measuring socioeconomics and demographics of consumers patronizing retail fashion design entrepreneurs: Germany’s perspective versus South African requirements(Shaker Verlag, 2022-05-29) Dobbelstein, Thomas; Pooe, Boitumelo; Überwimmer, Margarethe; Füreder, Robert; Kwiatek, PiotrItem Growth prospects of franchising under current business scenario(Regional Information Center for Science and Technology (RICeST), 2022-01-10) Muthukrishnan, K. Binith; Lourens, Melanie Elizabeth; Kumar, V. Ramesh; Naved, Mohd; Devesh, Sonal; Athawale, Shashikant V.The article aims to objectively examine the history of Franchising in Europe by focusing on ties between franchisors and franchisees. We also carried out a comprehensive study, interacted with numerous prospective European franchisors and franchisees, and have been in service since 2003. Our results suggest that Europe has a very difficult negotiating franchise agreement. Franchising, which promotes strengthening of mutual links between countries at this point in the history of world economic relations, penetrates virtually every field of economic activities, is thus one of the powerful instruments for the transition to the creative development of the States, thereby ensuring their sustainable development, franchising supports improving trade ties between countries at this point of their growth since, nowadays, this is one of the most efficient and democratic forms of transcending national economies, affecting almost all fields of economic operation. Because of this, it is essential for the research. Comprehensive research of the contradictions in perceptions and real commitments on all sides of the franchising arrangement helps one resolve misunderstandings and remove automated performance ambitions. This article aims to have real consequences for the growth of Franchising in Europe, which will boost the performance and reputation of franchise enterprises by offering a comparative review to a preliminary screening of subjective hypotheses about the advantages of franchising and to suggest incorporating additions and clarity to the partners.Item Challenges of ICT adoption and utilisation in small rural restaurants : a case study of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands(AJHTL, 2016) Nkosana, Tenson; Skinner, Jane PhyllidaInformation and communication technology (ICT) has become an essential element in the hospitality industry around the world over the past few decades, with particular benefits accruing to restaurant owners. Restaurants within poorer areas, however, often struggle to access the relevant technologies. This article investigates the challenges confronting ICT adoption and utilisation in restaurants in a rural setting. Twelve small restaurants in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa were investigated. The findings indicate large discrepancies between three groups: the top two thriving businesses; the majority group of middle-level enterprises, which exhibited varying levels of success; and the remaining two restaurants, which were clearly struggling to survive. Their success in adoption of ICT corresponded closely in nearly all instances with these success levels. The challenges to adoption and utilisation of ICT were found to centre on cost, owners’ lack of familiarity with ICTs, and a corresponding lack of ICT skills amongst staff. The inability of imported software packages to suit local needs also emerged as a significant issue.Item The role of Universities in promoting social entrepreneurship in South Africa(Virtus Interpress, 2015) Lekhanya, Lawrence MpeleSocial entrepreneurship can help to reduce socio-economic problems facing many countries including South Africa. Also it can be used as a strategic tool in building social cohesion in country. This paper aimed to examine the role of Universities in promoting social entrepreneurship in South Africa. The study also look assess the support that universities are providing to social entrepreneurship and to evaluate the extend of the support. The paper also analyses most strategies used by South African universities to help the development of social entrepreneurship. Mix approaches of qualitative and quantitative techniques were employed for data collection. The primary data was collected from six universities in South Africa where two comprehensive universities, two universities of Technologies from KwaZulu -Natal province and two comprehensive universities in Gauteng province were chosen for sample for this study. The sample consisted of 40 respondents made up of deans of faculties, heads of departments, and director of social entrepreneurship and head of social entrepreneurship department respectively according to structure of each university. Combination of structured qualitative and five –point Likert scale questionnaire were emailed to the respondents to complete. The results reveal that most of respondents are not involved in social entrepreneurship activities, or any entrepreneurship development programs. The findings also indicate that some respondents they had no clue about social entrepreneurship that their universities are involved in. the study was limited by exploratory nature. Therefore, generalization must be done with care. Further research should aim to target large sample and include other academic staff rather than focusing only on the deans and heads of departments.Item Coping with complexity and turbulence : an entrepreneurial solution(World Scientific Pub. Co., 2006) Mason, Roger BruceThis paper considers the adoption of an entrepreneurial orientation as a paradigm for companies operating in a complex and turbulent environment, viewing the environment as a complex and turbulent system in terms of chaos theory. Approaches suggested by chaos theory are compared with the entrepreneurial orientation to identify if such an orientation matches these suggested approaches. Literature on chaos theory and on entrepreneurship is compared, and a short case is presented, providing an illustration of how a company operating successfully in a complex and turbulent environment has used the principles of an entrepreneurial orientation. The paper identifies considerable similarity between the management approaches suggested by chaos theory and the principles of the entrepreneurial orientation, indicating that chaos theory may provide the theoretical underpinning of the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and turbulent environments. The case also shows how an entrepreneurial orientation has been successfully used in a complex and turbulent environment. The conclusion is that companies operating in a complex and turbulent environment could benefit from adopting an entrepreneurial orientation.