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Theses and dissertations (Accounting and Informatics)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/4

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Subject: search.filters.subject.Small business--Management

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    Factors influencing innovative leadership in mobilising small and medium enterprises (SMEs) towards smart manufacturing in Pietermaritzburg
    (2023) Maphumulo, Sydney Dumisani; Nyide, Celani John
    Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are regarded as effective drivers of inclusive economic growth and expansion in South Africa and globally. After noting the significance of SMEs and their contribution to the economy, it is helpful to observe how their growth and sustainability is being maintained through the adoption and utilisation of smart manufacturing techniques and innovative leadership. Consequently, this study highlighted the significance of SME adoption of innovative leadership in smart manufacturing. The main aim was to critically examine factors influencing innovative leadership in mobilising SMEs towards smart manufacturing in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. A quantitative research approach was adopted with census sampling; 102 manufacturing SMEs registered in the Msunduzi Municipality database participated. The data was analysed using the latest version of SPSS V 29.0.1. The findings of this research indicate that the use of robotic technology among manufacturing SMEs is very limited. Moreover, the adoption of internet of things (IoT) and artificial intelligence technologies is still very low. Therefore, the general finding is that the utilisation of smart manufacturing processes by SMEs in the manufacturing sector in Pietermaritzburg is still in its infancy. This study also found that there is substantial evidence supporting the presence of innovative leadership practices in SMEs operating in the manufacturing sector. This provides an opportunity for these companies to advance the smart manufacturing agenda through effective leadership. The study found a number of factors that had an impact on the use of smart manufacturing processes and innovative leadership.
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    The impact of debt-financing costs on the growth and development of Small-Medium Enterprises in South Africa : empirical evidence from Durban
    (2024) Majola, Khethiwe Prudence; Olarewaju, Odunayo Magret; Ngiba, Brian Thulane
    Since small-medium enterprises are considered the backbone of every country’s economy, it is important that they have a source of finance for their growth and development. As a result, the objectives of this study were to examine the factors that impact access to debt financing; determine the effect of market imperfections on the decision of small-medium enterprises (SMEs) to apply for debt financing; evaluate the impact of debt financing as a source of finance on the growth and development of small-medium enterprises (SMEs); and lastly, examine the influence of the economic environment on small- medium enterprises (SMEs)’ growth in South Africa: Empirical evidence from Durban. A qualitative research method and a purposive sampling technique were utilized to select the participants for this study. The researcher used the formula proposed by Yamane to calculate the sample size at a 90% confidence level, where P = 10. The sample size was calculated to be 88. For the purposes of this study, a target sample size of 200 was used. The study collected primary data through a survey questionnaire from respondents who are owners and managers in the agricultural, retail, manufacturing and construction sectors in Durban, South Africa. Three hundred (300) questionnaires were administered, and the data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). A regression analysis and Pearson’s correlation analysis were conducted to address and achieve the objectives of the study. Some of the most notable findings were small-medium enterprises (SMEs) are shutting down even though they had been funded because of weak financial management skills in utilizing funds effectively and efficiently, using funds on unrealistic market criteria, and ending up over-indebted and unable to pay back the borrowed amount with interest. Small-medium enterprises (SMEs) are finding it difficult to obtain debt financing for their growth and development due to their limited knowledge on how to go about applying for debt financing and what requirements they must meet to obtain funding.
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    Investigating the contemporary management accounting practices used by small enterprises in Ntuzuma Township, Durban
    (2024) Zulu, Londiwe Thandazi; Nzuza, Zwelihle Wiseman
    Despite the implementation of various managerial strategies, Small Enterprises (SEs) in South Africa continue to confront challenges in effectively managing their business, with cost management remaining a persistent struggle. The sustainability of SEs in a growing economy like South Africa is critical because of their significant contribution to the country’s economic growth and job creation. Nevertheless, the high failure rate of SEs in the country has become the primarily concern for government. The adoption of management accounting practices (MAPs) presents potential solutions by providing techniques for efficient cost control and informed decision-making. Therefore, the current study seeks to identify the CMAPs used by SEs; examine their knowledge about these practices, investigate the perceived usefulness of CMAPs in Ntuzuma Township, and analyse the correlation between biographic data and CMAPs. To fulfil these objectives, a quantitative cross-sectional design was employed. The data used in the study was collected utilising a questionnaire instrument and involving 180 respondents. The research framework was guided by contingency theory, and data analysis was conducted using regression, tables, and standard deviation, which are derived from the SPSS software version 25. Despite the majority of respondents indicating limited extensive use of CMAPs, a significant portion recognised the benefits of CMAPs in making well-informed decisions relating to the management of costs. Notably, the sales budget and cash budget emerged as the most commonly employed budgeting practices. The study also brought to light that managers possessed varying levels of knowledge regarding CMAPs, with most of this knowledge acquired through previous work experiences. Biographical factors exhibited a detrimental influence on costing and budgeting practices, as evidenced by weak correlations and the absence of statistical significance. The study's recommendations emphasise the necessity for SEs staff training, CMAPs applications of tools programmes, knowledge sharing and further research and evaluation.
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    Administration practices affecting environmental compliance by small and medium-sized enterprises in the manufacturing sector
    (2022-12-07) Maphumulo, Jabhisile Roxetta; Dongwe, Khethiwe; Nyide, Celani John
    The significant role of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and their contribution towards the growth and development of the countries’ economies are acknowledged globally. SMEs play a crucial role in transforming socioeconomic conditions and are driving the economy by availing employment opportunities and fuelling the demand for goods and services. However, regulations and legislations are the important constraints to SME growth in developing countries. One of the common causes that lead to the failure of some SMEs is that owners have limited awareness of the environmental legislations and lack managerial skills that will help with carrying out administrative practices required to comply with these legislations. The result of lack of awareness and poor entrepreneurship is shown by the high number of SMEs closing down annually in South Africa due to noncompliance. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the administration practices adopted by SMEs in the manufacturing sector within Msunduzi Municipal boundary, and to establish how the environmental compliance can be enhanced by these entities. This study adopted a quantitative research approach using a 5 point Likert scale closed-ended questionnaire as a data collection instrument. The questionnaire was distributed to managers and administrative personnel of the participating SME in the manufacturing sector. Probability sampling method was adopted to narrow down the sample size to 215 respondents. The data collected from respondents was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0 and Microsoft Excel. Results from data analysed show that there was a consensus that complying with environmental regulations is compulsory, therefore compliance is vital. Furthermore, the results indicate that among the administration practices for compliance identified, obtaining a licence to operate was paramount for the SMEs to operate legitimately. Respondents did not confirm if the compliance assessment reports were kept as a record for environmental compliance. The results indicate that employees were uncertain as to which environmental regulations they are complying with by completing the tasks assigned to them. Off concern, they were not in agreement that environmental compliance is prioritised within the respective SMEs.
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    The influence of leadership styles on small medium enterprise survival in the manufacturing sector within Msunduzi Municipality
    (2019-08-21) Mchunu, Nelisiwe Mary-Anne; Nyide, Celani John; Dongwe, C. K.
    Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are key contributors to the South African economy. In order to survive the current volatile economy, SME leaders need to implement leadership styles that are good for the survival of businesses in the manufacturing sector. The manufacturing sector in South Africa is growing at a slower pace in comparison to other sectors due to high labour and production costs. However, implementing a management system, such as, suitable leadership style creates the competitive advantage necessary for survival. The aim of the study was to identify the leadership styles used by SMEs in the manufacturing sector within Msunduzi Municipality and to determine the effectiveness of leadership styles on enterprise success and survival. Managers and other people in authority in organisations adopt certain leadership styles in order to communicate with their subordinates with regard to the execution of tasks. Adopting unsuitable leadership styles impacts negatively on business performance. The study was conducted at SMEs in the manufacturing sector within the Msunduzi Municipality in Pietermaritzburg, Kwa-Zulu Natal. This project emphasised the context of leaders of SMEs and the amount of influence or non-influence that leadership has on the survival of the business. A quantitative research design was adopted for the study; a structured closed-ended questionnaire based on the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) developed by Avolio, and Bass (2004) was used to collect data from the sample respondents. The target population comprised 686 SMEs. A random sampling technique was used and a sample size of 200 was drawn. A response rate of 68% was successfully achieved. The researcher used personal and email methods of data collection. The data collected from the sample respondents were captured on Microsoft Excel and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. Several hypotheses were formulated and tested using the Pearson’s Chi-Square. Results revealed that applying a transformational leadership style in managing a business tends to increase the length of business survival. The opposite is true regarding the laissez-faire leadership style. The study further revealed that there is no evidence to suggest that a transactional leadership style has any effect on the survival length of SMEs in the manufacturing sector. Tentative recommendations suggest that leadership in SMEs should adopt a leadership style that is best for the survival of the business.