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Theses and dissertations (Management Sciences)

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://ir-dev.dut.ac.za/handle/10321/14

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End date: 2009Subject: search.filters.subject.Entrepreneurship

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    The fostering of entrepreneurship at secondary schools in the north Durban region
    (2003) Narain, Nalinee; Sookrah, R.
    The Department of Education has, since 1998, introduced entrepreneurship education in government schools, for the first time. One of the overall developmental outcomes of the curriculum, of which there are five, is to develop entrepreneurial capacities. Economic and Management Sciences, one of the eight learning areas, encourages learners to develop basic skills and knowledge needed to manage their lives and their environments effectively; to understand the basics of the economy and how it works, and develop basic entrepreneurship, financial management and planning skills to operate effectively in the economy
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    An investigation into clustering/linkages as a strategy to enhance the competitive performance of small, medium and micro furniture manufacturing firms in Kwa-Zulu Natal
    (2000) Pillay, Devika; Davies, Theresa-Anne
    It has been largely accepted that Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) are principal driving forces in economic development (UN-ECE, 1999; Istomina, 1998; Lalkaka, 1996). However, many small, medium and micro enterprises are constrained by an array of problems such as a lack of access to finance, training services and physical infrastructure. Also, small, medium and micro enterprises are forced to operate in highly competitive environments and transition economies and this limits the ability of small, medium and micro enterprises and even large organisations to operate successfully and efficiently. Consequently, a strategy focused on inter-firm linkages and collaboration could alleviate the problems faced by small, medium and micro enterprises. Research indicates that inter-firm linkages or clustering can lead to the emergence of collective efficiency, which facilitates the industrialisation of SMMEs and has the potential of contributing to economic development (Schmitz, 1995). A cluster would involve interaction between enterprises or networks of enterprises that produce identical or similar products. These linkages create 'collective efficiency' which is critical in sustaining a competitive edge. The ability of small, medium and micro enterprises to maintain this competitive edge will ensure greater success and opportunities for specialisation and differantion.
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    Tourism grading as a marketing instrument in bed and breakfast establishments in the Durban metropolitan region : an entrepreneurial approach
    (2003) Tanner, Charles Frank William; Rajah, K. K.; Penceliah, Soobramoney
    This dissertation documents research that has been motivated by the growth in the bed and breakfast tourist accommodation sector as a result of the increasing number of visitors to and within South Africa and, particularly in the Durban region. In addition, the political and socio-economic transformation during the past decade has opened the way for entrepreneurs to develop alternative forms of tourist accommodation so that more people can benefit from tourism-generated income and contribute to the wealth of their communities. IV Urged on by large hotel companies and the government's aim to raise the quality standards of tourist facilities, the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) launched a new and voluntary star grading system in November 2001. While this still competes with other grading and quality assurance schemes, bed and breakfast (B&B) establishment owner-managers are becoming more familiar with the benefits of star grading, a process that plays an important role in the marketing of their facilities. The purpose of this study was to theoretically and empirically explore and evaluate the way that grading assists entrepreneurs to perform the marketing function of B&B establishments. It examines the opinions and perceptions of owner-managers who are members of the local KwaZulu-Natal Bed and Breakfast Associations (KWABABA) as well as a number of tourism personalities who, inter alia, are professionally involved in promoting the quality standards of accommodation establishments. The conclusions that have been drawn from the literature review, interviews and questionnaire surveys demonstrate that the majority of B&B owner-managers are somewhat familiar with the star grading system, though only a few have been graded while some still have negative perceptions of the scheme. In order to promote a positive stance it has been recommended that KWABABA and other associations, with whom the B&B hosts network, should become more involved in sharing information, training and assisting B&B employers and employees so that these can become more professional in marketing their products and services to meet the expectations of corporate and leisure tourist.
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    Clustering : it's impact on the competitiveness of small manufacturers in the clothing industry in Port Elizabeth
    (2000) Van Laar, Catherina Elizabeth; Davies, Theresa-Anne
    This research has aimed to explore the impact of clustering on the ability of small manufacturers in the clothing industry in Port Elizabeth to enhance their competitiveness. The research study was conducted in two stages, which included both qualitative and quantitative research methods. Firstly, an exploratory qualitative study using the Delphi method was employed to identify the key problems currently being experienced by small manufacturers in the clothing industry. Finally, the application of a structured questionnaire to small manufacturers in the clothing industry followed, exploring the awareness of and interest in clustering as a strategy for enhancing competitiveness. A key observation to emerge from the qualitative research is that significant differences were evident between the responses of academics, professionals in small business development and small business owners. An analysis of the problems experienced by small manufacturers in the clothing industry revealed that high labour costs and low I productivity were the frontrunners. The lack of knowledge was cited as the most important problem preventing the wide scale implementation of horizontal clustering. Another key observance to emerge from the quantitative study is the fact that very few significant differences are evident between the two groups viz. small business owners and experts. The research indicated that although in the minority, horizontal linkages exist between small clothing manufacturers in Port Elizabeth. The results indicated furthermore that the majority of small clothing manufacturers in Port Elizabeth are