Theses and dissertations (Management Sciences)

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The influence of modern technology on emerging entrepreneurs in rural KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province
(2023-10) Langry, Fiona; Rena, Ravinder
Information and communication technology (ICT) gives emerging entrepreneurs a greater opportunity to expand their companies, but many companies are unable to grow into engines of rural economic growth and job creation due to the difficulties associated with adopting and using ICTs. The purpose of this research is to describe the findings of an empirical study on the application of modern technology by emerging entrepreneurs in rural KwaZulu-Natal and its implications, both theoretical and practical, for the expansion of rural small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs). Many decision-makers are concerned about the concept of rural industrialization and the ways in which it might boost the economic growth of rural small, micro and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs). The study also seeks to gain an understanding, knowledge, and awareness of how the application of modern technology could help in the development of robust rural industrialization, which would have a positive change in the economic climate of rural SMMEs. A quantitative analysis was undertaken for this study, and empirical data was collected from 384 participants in this study, all of whom were company managers or owners of small, micro and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) located in the KwaZulu-Natal Province. The statistical application, Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28.0 was used to conduct the analysis once the data had been inputted into the computer in accordance with the question codes that were pre determined. The findings of the study suggest that rural entrepreneurs encounter a diverse range of challenges that have a substantial impact on their operational effectiveness. The existence of these challenges presents significant barriers, hindering their ability to engage in innovative and creative endeavours, hence limiting their potential to make substantial contributions to the advancement of sustainable development. The findings identified that access to finance, lack of training and skilled employees and lack of ICT infrastructure were the primary catalysts that influenced modern technology adoption by emerging entrepreneurs in rural KwaZulu-Natal Province. As a result of this research, this paradigm will be enlightened, and new knowledge perspectives will be disclosed. It is conceivable for policymakers to encourage emerging entrepreneurs in rural areas to use ICT in their businesses, which will, in turn, inspire other entrepreneurs to look up to these adopters and follow them, ultimately contributing to an increase in the usage of ICT in rural communities
Financial sustainability and financial well-being of small and medium enterprise owners in Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana
(2023) Amankwaa, Robert; Agbenyegah, Albert Tchey
Financial sustainability is the most vital part of SMEs and the cornerstone of SME owners’ well-being. However, poor financial sustainability of SMEs leads to poor well-being of SME owners. Therefore, the study aimed to assess SME owners’ financial sustainability and well-being. Primarily, the study sought to identify the main factors that influence SMEs’ sustainability, describe the level of SMEs’ financial sustainability and level of SME owners’ financial well-being, amd to assess the relationship between SME financial sustainability and owners’ financial well-being in Sekondi-Takoradi. Through the use of cross-sectional design and a quantitative approach, 250 SME owners were chosen from a population of 10,205 SME owners in SekondiTakoradi, the study. Overall, the study used close-ended instrument to gather data from the participants. In particular, 5-point Likert scale measure was relied upon to solicit information from SME owners on sustainability factors, business sustainability measures and the financial well-being of the SME owners. Using SPSS version 22.0, data obtained were analysed and presented in tables and figures. Simple linear and multiple regression techiques were also used to determine the relationship between the variables. A p-values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant at a 95% confidence interval. The study found that SMEs financial sustainability is influence by both internal and external factors. It was also revealed that the businesses were financially stable amd the well-being of SME owners was financially good to a moderate extent. Finally, there was a favourable and significant relationship between financial sustainability and the financial well-being of SME owners. Therefore, the study recommended that since SMEs have no control over the external factors, they should concentrate on and improve upon the internal factors such as skills, experience amd finacial literacy since they positively influences SMEs' financial sustainability. In addition, it is recommended that SMEs work on their return on investment to better their sustainability.
The impact of entrepreneurship programmes on students’ career decisions : the case study of the Durban University of Technology
(2022-11) Mzimela, Mthokozisi Nkululeko; Chetty, Gopalkrishna
Unemployment is a severe scourge that many countries, from both developed and underdeveloped economies, face. Thus, it has a very negative impact on the economy since it increases unemployment rates, poverty, and other social ills. In the South African context, it has been noticed that there seems to be an increasing trend in graduate unemployment and a lack of interest in entrepreneurship careers after graduating. In a quest for the best solution to this dilemma of graduate unemployment, the government has realised that the only way to revitalise the economy is through the development of entrepreneurship. Therefore, it has made entrepreneurship education a top priority in the institutions of higher learning. This resolution by the government was aimed at facilitating entrepreneurial activities and the cultivation of entrepreneurial talents through tertiary education. It was for this reason that most tertiary institutions introduced entrepreneurship education modules and qualifications in their course offerings. The primary aim of the study is to investigate the impact of entrepreneurship education on students’ future career decisions and also to identify challenges that prevent students from pursuing entrepreneurial activities. In addition, this study aims to find the most effective methods that can mitigate against identified challenges. This study was conducted at the Durban University of Technology (Durban campuses only). A mixed methods approach was used to conduct this research study. A sample size of 274 respondents was sampled from a population of 932 registered students of the entrepreneurship education module for the academic year of 2017 at the Durban University of Technology – the respondents were selected to participate in the data collection. A further three academic staff members within the department of entrepreneurial studies were also included in this study. The study findings highlighted that entrepreneurship education is instrumental in fostering students’ entrepreneurial skills and proclivity towards self-employment. However, certain challenges were identified as the root cause for entrepreneurship education not yielding the much-anticipated results. The study highlighted access to start-up capital as a major challenge, since the majority of students do not have a good credit record or collateral, as required by financial institutions. Therefore, the recommendations made in this particular study can be considered a point of reference for improved outcomes.
Attitudes towards social entrepreneurship among Enactus students at the Durban University of Technology
(2023-08) Mngoma, Thula Shirley; Mngomezulu, Bhekithemba Richard
Background South African universities have taken a keen interest in integrating entrepreneurial education into their curriculum. Entrepreneurship has been defined as the exchange of goods or services to satisfy a need, with the intention of creating wealth. However the emergence of socio-economic imbalances has led to a desperate need for innovative and sustainable solutions. Social entrepreneurship (SE) has become popular in recent years because of its ground-breaking innovations that are distinctively different from traditional business models. By definition, SE is a process undertaken by an individual with the intent to address existing and future socioeconomic issues such as health disparities, environmental neglect and poverty. While SE is less well known within the field of economic development, valuable information can be gathered through the research of what people think of and associate with SE in that context. Methodology A cross-sectional descriptive quantitative research survey design was used to collect data from 34 students from the Enactus team, sampled from the six faculties of the Durban campuses of Durban University of Technology (DUT). Data were collected using a self-administered online survey, adapted from a questionnaire by Luiz and Mariotti (2011). Data from both instruments were analysed using SPSS version 26.0. Results A significant number of respondents 81.1% (n = 34) agreed that there is a likelihood that they would start a social business to assist the upliftment of people in the future. The majority of respondents 90.3%, (n = 37) agreed that DUT does have a programme on SE available to Enactus DUT team members. This result indicates a significantly positive attitude towards SE and helping others (p < .001). Recommendations A comprehensive definition of SE should be taught to students during orientation workshops, upon joining the Enactus team. This will give new members an idea of what the team is involved in and what is expected of them. Career opportunities should be highlighted by stakeholders known by Enactus South Africa during national competitions and other business presentations, for the benefit of team members exiting the programme upon graduation. Conclusion The results of this study indicate that involvement in SE is affected by positive attitudes towards, and knowledge of, SE. Some students are not fully exposed to Enactus campus activities and may miss the opportunity to be involved in SE due to a lack of knowledge on SE and absence of entrepreneurial activities in the curriculum. Steps need to be taken to ensure that all students are made aware of the existence of Enactus on campus and the institution overall should integrate SE into the academic curriculum.
Entrepreneurial intention of matric commerce students in rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
(2022) Phetha, Mondli Honesty; Adam, Jamila Khatoon
Entrepreneurship is widely accepted to be an effective mechanism for elevating tripartite challenges of unemployment, inequality and poverty. This study was conducted to gauge whether matric commerce students in rural areas of KwaZuluNatal have the intention to start their own businesses. The study put heavy reliance on entrepreneurial intention models and focused on the relationship between exposure to entrepreneurship education, personality traits of entrepreneur and social capital as variables of the study, aimed to establish whether they are related to the intention of matric commerce students to start their own businesses. The current literature was consulted in an effort to understand diverse views on entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial intention models; entrepreneurship education and its role in strengthening entrepreneurial intention, entrepreneurial selfefficacy, entrepreneurial competencies and entrepreneurial intention; the influence of social capital on entrepreneurial intention, key drivers and enablers of entrepreneurial intention and personality traits that influence entrepreneurial intention. A survey was conducted among commerce students in 11 districts of Kwa-Zulu Natal. The respondents for the study comprised 433 matric commerce students of which 38 were from Amajuba, 45 from Ethekwini, 43 from Ilembe, 39 Sisonke, 33 from Ugu, 47 Umgungundlovu, 56 from Umkhanyakude, 47 from Umzinyathi, 36 from Uthukela, 34 from Uthungulu and 15 from Zululand. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and nonparametric statistics. The findings revealed that seventy percent were ready to start a business after their studies and believed that their professional goal was to be an entrepreneur. Some significant relationships were found between entrepreneurial intention and the key variables of the study. The study developed an entrepreneurship model using the personality traits influencing entrepreneurial intention, social capital and entrepreneurship education as variables of entrepreneurial intention. The study recommended that government authorities should come up with awareness programmes that encourages business start-ups especially considering the fact that unemployment looms the South African market. The government authorities should channel the curriculum even more positively in order to interest these matric students in starting a business after leaving school. The authorities are highly encouraged to provide free workshops and training activities that will equip these matric students as far as the management of financial records and assets of the business is concerned besides the academic subjects they are getting. The study recommends that future researchers may consider the same scope and area of study but making use of a different methodological approach. Studies may use an approach that will be able to rank the level of entrepreneurship intention of these matric students. Alternatively, the same research can be conducted but in the form of a comparative study across African countries and this will enrich a wider and better understanding at continental level. A study on entrepreneurial intention of commerce matric students can also be examined in the context of both urban and rural areas of South Africa in order to ascertain the net effect as entrepreneurship cuts across both in the rural and urban areas
A systems approach for enhancing entrepreneurial leadership in learning for Zimbabwe : the case of Hilbright Science College in Harare and Mutare
(2022) Machona, Blessing; Hardman, Stanley George
This thesis argues for Entrepreneurial Leadership as a key intervention in leapfrogging students to match the demands of the ever-changing complex environment. Present challenges include the churning out of school leavers and graduates that fail to meet the socio-economic, and the changing workforce demands. The argument made is that while many studies have concentrated on curricular transformation, these changes have failed to cope with a dynamic world that is volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous. The reality is that apart from the world being dynamically complex, it consists of multiple integrated and interrelated systems that are influenced by the deep underlying relationships, with feedback loops characterised by mutual and circular causality. In addition, Technology has not only continued to redefine boundaries and norms, but has also compounded the challenges of the complex environmental context which is nonlinear, open, recursive and emergent. Using qualitative action research, Soft Systems Methodology and System Dynamics at Hilbright Science Colleges in Zimbabwe, this research used these interpretive systems approaches in exploring ways in which the curriculum could be improved for Entrepreneurial Leadership. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were used to explore the underlying leverage points for intervention. Nine conceptual models for enhancing EL in learning were developed, and evaluated through focus group workshops. An evaluation of the conceptual models informed the participants of the dynamics of the interacting variables, interdependencies, feedback systems within the learning system and the deep leverage points that were most likely to produce desirable change. This study proposes mainstreaming a ‘systemic entrepreneurial leadership’ approach in learning. A relook at the assumptions, beliefs and values coupled with teaching ‘for’ entrepreneurial leadership is proposed for influencing perspectives, pedagogy, and learning outcomes. This thesis confirms that system changes are non-linear, independent and emergent.
Influence of incubation hubs on start-ups in Harare, Zimbabwe
(2021-11) Karambakuwa, Joe Kumbirai; Bayat, Mohamed Saheed
The thesis examines the effect of business incubation on new businesses. The research sheds light on how incubation centres are being implemented and how beneficial they are. The practice of business incubation is a crucial endeavour that can aid the growth of new enterprises. However, only a few studies have confirmed their influence on start-up survival. This study sheds light on how start-up enterprises evolve when they are exposed to incubation centres. An examination of the literature found that there is a gap in understanding the stages of start-up development because there is no consensus on the specific elements or paths that start-ups take. Literature showed that there was little that was known about what happens during and after company incubation since these aspects were considered black boxes. While there was literature on inclusive entrepreneurship, there was a vacuum in the linkage between the two. This study contributed to the body of knowledge by examining areas where there were gaps. To assess the influence of incubation on start-ups, the study used a qualitative methodology. Focus groups were used to obtain the data. Twenty-one start-up founders who met the requirement of having gone through the incubation phase made up the sample. To present the outcomes of the study, content analysis was done, and the NVivo software was used to analyse the data into thematic areas. The study found that hubs made a reasonable contribution to start-up competence and survival. Hubs aided in the expansion of businesses and assisted start-ups. The lack of capacity to accomplish the desired expansion was blamed for start-ups’ sluggish growth. According to the research findings, start-ups identified incubation hubs as centres that gave exposure and empowerment to start-ups. Several start-up business owners were not aware of some of the training and skills development that was provided to them before they began the incubation phase. Hubs were identified as centres of creativity and the generation of new ideas which aided them in successfully nurturing their businesses. Hubs encouraged serious thinking, analysis, as well as creativity, and the ability to do things differently. According to the findings, incubation centres offered start-ups mentorship as well as networking prospects. Networking was found to be essential since it allowed like-minded entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, opportunities, and open their minds to new possibilities and commercial options. The study found that hubs offered start-ups resources such as space, machinery, and technical assistance. As a result, reliance on standard company growth methods had certain limitations. The findings revealed that hubs bridged the gap between theory and practice, supporting lifelong learning and establishing discipline and professionalism in the business environment of start-ups. The hubs provide a well-structured strategy from beginning to end of the incubation process, allowing for better comprehension and lowering the risk of failure. The findings suggest that hubs offered a conducive atmosphere for start-ups and that respondents saw their firms expand. According to the study, incubation centres may play an important role in inclusive entrepreneurship by providing programmes to marginalised populations who can start businesses. Incubation hubs were found to have a significant impact on start-up survival. Incubators may be a driving force behind the creation of high-impact start-ups. The conclusions of this study have numerous theoretical as well as practical implications for incubation managers, policymakers, academic institutions, and startup entrepreneurs. Future research recommendations were made to better understand the constraints surrounding start-up incubation.
Factors shaping the growth of women’s entrepreneurship in small and medium-sized retail enterprises in the eThekwini Municipality, Durban
(2021-11) Siyaya, Nomalungelo Duduzile; Amisi, Baruti B.
This study investigated the factors that shape the growth of women’s entrepreneurship in small and medium-sized retail enterprises in the eThekwini Municipality. Female entrepreneurs contribute significantly to the economy of eThekwini and South Africa as a whole, yet they remain underrepresented and receive inadequate research and policy making efforts to reveal their contributions. The intention of this research was to investigate the effects of global clichés on the ability of women to choose entrepreneurial careers and their ability to operate successful retail SMEs. It also explored the reasons why some women entrepreneurs seem to be trapped in unsuccessful environments that prevent the expansion of retail SMEs. This qualitative research used the purposive sampling method to select 44 participants according to the researcher’s interests. The criteria of inclusion were being (1) women entrepreneurs, (2) based in the eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality, (3) owners of retail business(es), and (4) active in SMEs. Interviews and participant observation were used to gather empirical data whilst secondary data came from published and unpublished studies, research reports, and policy documents. The NVivo software assisted to analyse primary data. The results revealed that 71 percent of female entrepreneurs have at least diplomas, 50 percent are married, whilst 41 percent are single. They have small families or no children. The majority (84 percent) of their businesses are Closed Corporations in clothing (27 percent), beauty salons (18 percent), restaurants (14 percent), and event management (11 percent), whilst the remaining businesses share 30 percent. They run these businesses as professionals. Respondents indicated mixed feelings and reactions to the equity of the South African government’s SME policies and taxes. Most respondents are aware of these policies but a critical number of individuals are still in the dark. Among those who are aware about these policies, some are happy, other are unhappy for different reasons. Start-up capital mostly came from individuals’ savings, with some respondents having used more than one source to obtain the first investment for their business. Female business owners have received financial support from existing financial institutions. Among those who did not receive any, 61 percent have not applied for any loan. They therefore rely on family members (92 percent) for different kinds of assistance. Different motives (diverse sources of income, employment creation for themselves and others, the dream of creating businesses) motivated individuals to create businesses. Access to capital (human and social capital) features prominently in these businesses, from inception to management, growth, and expansion. Gender stereotypes play different roles in the businesses depending on their natures, settings and market niches, where they occur and are applied.
The formalisation of informal businesses in the Durban district of South Africa
(2020-10) Dladla, Nonduduzo; Zogli, Luther-King Junior
The current research study investigates the formalisation of informal businesses in the Durban central district of the Kwa Zulu Natal province in South Africa. The Informal sector defined by The Women in Informal Employment Globalizing and Organizing (WIEGO) (2014:05) as small unregistered businesses operating as street vendors and home-based businesses, encounters numerous challenges in operating as well as when transitioning to the formal economy. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the challenges faced by informal traders in their formalisation process. This study sought to identify and recommend policies to address these obstacles encountered by informal firms when converting from the informal to the formal economy. The population under study consisted of informal traders located in Durban, in the central district. To address the ethics issues, participants identified were protected and the information obtained from the interviews was also treated with confidentiality. The qualitative paradigm as a technique was applied in this study, utilising structured interviews to obtain data. The snowball sampling method assisted the researcher to obtain data. This form of sampling works on a referral basis as data rich sources will recommend other participants to be interviewed. Data was collected till data saturation was reached at 8 participants. Findings from the study suggest that the decision to formalise is motivated by the desire of traders to access financial support for business expansion, as well as to access proper infrastructure. The findings also revealed that the pursuit of a transition to the formal sector is hindered by some obstacles, such as complicated government regulations as well as the financial costs incurred to register a business. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the government prioritizes the provision of proper infrastructure, which includes proper sheltered trading and ablution facilities. The study also recommends that some critical points be considered in order to make the formalisation process less burdensome and that business formalisation education be prioritized by the relevant government institutions.
The influence of key risk drivers on the performance of SMMEs in the manufacturing sector in KwaZulu-Natal
(2021-12) Zhou, Helper; Gumbo, Victor
Small Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) have been shown to be key contributors to sustainable socio-economic development, constituting more than 90% of private sector enterprises around the world. Inevitably, many developing countries continue to explore means aimed at enhancing the performance of small enterprises. However, despite the implementation of various interventions the failure rate of SMMEs in South Africa particularly KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is disturbing, reaching up to 80% in the first year of operation. As such, to contribute to addressing this challenge, the study adopted a novel approach to establishing and modelling manufacturing SMMEs performance drivers. Utilising a unique three-year panel dataset, key risk drivers were established and modelled via R software version 3.6.3. To achieve the study objectives, a series of independent but related papers were carried out and these make up the main chapters of this thesis. The first chapter provided the background to the study. The second chapter explored the characteristics of manufacturing SMMEs based in KZN province. The findings showed the complexity of firm performance, indicating the heterogeneity between rural and urban based SMMEs. The next chapter, harnessing Stochastic theory aimed to establish whether SMMEs’ growth performance followed a random walk. The theoretical model was rejected, thus providing a basis for the claim that firm performance is a function of certain risk drivers. Armed with findings from the previous papers, the investigation of key drivers impacting the sales and growth performance of manufacturing SMMEs ensued. The fourth chapter, harnessing the Penrosian and strategic management theories established key drivers of SMMEs’ performance. The fifth chapter concerningly, revealed that SMME owners in the manufacturing sector are largely not aware of the impact of established drivers on their enterprises’ performance. In the next chapter, a total of five machine learning algorithms were evaluated of which Artificial Neural Network and Support Vector Machines were identified as the best algorithms for SMME sales and growth predictive modelling, respectively. The two algorithms informed the development of a dedicated machine learning application for SMMEs that’s being commercialised through the DUT Technology Transfer and Innovation Directorate.

Theses and dissertations (Management Sciences)

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