Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters/MBA)

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    Technology Drivers of Innovation Competitiveness in Biotechnology Entrepreneurship in Gauteng, South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Tile, Sibahle; Ayodele, Ademola
    Biotechnology entrepreneurship is a rapidly growing field with significant potential for economic development and innovation. However, most of the existing empirical research in this field has been conducted in developed economies, which may not directly apply to the unique context of developing economies like South Africa. In developing countries, including South Africa issues related to human health, food security, renewable resources, and environmental sustainability that biotechnology solutions address are more prevalent, alongside challenges of socio-economic development, unemployment, and low global competitiveness. These challenges emphasize the significance of entrepreneurship, particularly biotechnology entrepreneurship, in developing countries. This study aimed to investigate the drivers influencing innovation competitiveness in biotechnology entrepreneurship and evaluate the relevance and effectiveness of technology push and demand-pull innovation of biotechnology entrepreneurship in Gauteng, South Africa. The research adopted a qualitative approach and was conducted through fourteen virtual one-on- one interviews with semi-structured questions. Purposive sampling was used to select biotechnology entrepreneurs involved in the agriculture and health biotechnology sectors with innovations in the biopharmaceuticals, agritech, agroprocessing medical devices and diagnostics industries. The data collected from the participants in the interviews was then thematically analysed to draw a conclusion based on the findings. Main findings included: key drivers influencing innovation competitiveness within the biotechnology entrepreneurship sector in South Africa, emphasizing access to the market, funding, government support, regulatory compliance, and specific market trends as crucial factors. Participants highlighted the significance of market access, government funding, and adherence to regulatory standards for innovation. Additionally, the study explored market, entrepreneurial, and technological capabilities essential for commercializing biotechnology innovations in Gauteng, stressing the importance of entrepreneurial acumen, market understanding, and technological proficiency. It also outlined key enablers such as a growing market and resource availability, alongside constraints like limited funding, skills shortages, and regulatory complexities. The study illustrated how challenges such as access to funding, skills shortages, and unrealistic regulatory standards hinder innovation within the technology push model, while opportunities such as a growing market and potential government support serve as enablers within the demand-pull model, fostering a conducive environment for innovation
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    The plausibility of developing a digitised township economy: A study of townships in Cape Town
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Tsolekile, Sisanda
    South Africa has a 91% penetration of smartphones in its adult population, making a plausible case for doing business on digital platforms including mobile apps. In the digital economy, business growth is hinged on the core capabilities of its owners or its human capital, while the customer remains at the centre of how business is conducted. The Covid-19 lockdowns have forced an accelerated adoption of the digital economy by any business that intends to survive. If township businesses participate in the digital economy that places a demand on the businesses to make a shift in their format of customer relationship management. In the case where the business had walk-in customers with face-to-face human interaction, businesses then need to transition their customer engagement efforts into social media networks, and this demands that they upskill and learn new interaction skills to make them effective digital citizens. The study goes on to build a case that reveals how increased internet connectivity in businesses present both growth opportunities as well as novice challenges such as cybersecurity threats. These businesses therefore need to invest in cybersecurity to protect their trade secrets and personal customer data. In the same vein, the government has a role to play to ensure that the economic environment is conducive for conducting business activities. The study also finds that while the government is doing its part in empowering the township population by developing the internet connectivity infrastructure, the same community members who are meant to be beneficiaries of the infrastructure were responsible for destroying it. The study concludes by making recommendations for what a typical township business needs to do to participate in the digital economy. Finally, if the township digital economy were to be plausible, the researcher recommends that all township small businesses should structure themselves as learning businesses incorporating the above-mentioned factors while constantly refreshing their technology and entrepreneurial skills
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    Implementing Small Medium Micro Enterprises’ development services platform to collaborate with experienced graduates in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2020) Baloyi, Nhlamulo Goodman; Junior, Owusu
    Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs), have been recognised as contributors to the development of economies. Despite their economic contribution, SMMEs keep facing several challenges, which lead to their collapse. In South Africa, most SMMEs hardly survive beyond the first three years after they have established (Maleka & Fatoki, 2016). Multidisciplinary researchers over the times have revealed that the fundamental challenges are due to lack of business advisory. While unemployment is on a high in the country, South African corporates tend to lean towards learned candidates. The critical issue is either on how graduates could remain assertive and relevant, even if they are unemployed or on how they could remain competitive to climb the corporate ladder when they are employed. This research, therefore, aims at proposing a business venture because of the business opportunity stemming from the challenges faced by SMMEs and graduates. This business venture proposal begins with providing a full synopsis of the proposed venture, followed by the literature review to contextualise the venture. Furthermore, a report of the research methods, including the sampling, the research procedure and the analysis undertaken are provided. The results are then presented. The venture proposal concludes with a presentation of the business plan emanating from the reviewed literature and the results of the conducted analysis. The establishment of Rent Brains will address the critical challenges that many Small Medium Micro Enterprises experience and warrant the need to develop platforms to support SMMEs to ensure their sustainability and contribute to the economy positively. The business' presence is ascribed to the gap in the market for a platform to bind to the supply and productively demand the proposed venture. Studies uncovered that the platform will, subsequently make transactions between SMMEs and graduates conceivable, which would not be conceivable without the platforms, while at the same time making an incentive for the two sides. The business is a two-sided marketplace that tries to enhance the coordinating of SMMEs owners with graduates in the different areas of their value chain
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    Investigation of Online Peer to Peer Lending as a means to facilitate entrepreneurial finance in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Pholo, Makgowe Adam; Ojah, Kalu
    With technological advancement in the financial sector over the last few years, there now exists digital business loan providers for both SMMEs and retail borrowers. These digital loans have expanded the scope of alternative sources of borrowing and funding alike. The adoption of these fintech funding models has been somewhat slow in South Africa, but if the success of other countries' adoption of these models, particularly peer to peer lending, is anything to go by, this fintech funding model could fill the gap that currently exists in SMME funding. Data is gathered from SMMEs as well as potential investors on the usage of Online Peer to Peer lending as both a funding mechanism as well as an investment proposition. The purpose of this data gathering -- via a survey -- was to obtain Online Peer to Peer participants' views and/or perceptions about the effectiveness of online peer to peer lending, awareness of alternative (particularly fintech) funding models as well as their receptiveness to conducting financial transactions online. The survey found that the majority of entrepreneurs and investors believe that online peer to peer lending can bridge the financing gap left by traditional financing institutions in South Africa. Awareness of available fintech financing methods in South Africa is very low amongst both entrepreneurs and retails investors according to the research results in this paper. This suggests more could be done around socializing this form of financing to the general populace. The findings of the research also suggested overall that there is a viable business case for alternative financing for SMMEs in South Africa. In addition, the results of the survey indicated that the slow adoption of this fintech financing models in South Africa creates an opportunity for new fintech start-ups to participate in this market due to the low barrier to entry
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    Factors Influencing Entrepreneurship in the South African Construction Industry
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Maluleke, Sanele
    The unemployment rate in South Africa is at its highest and it has been noted that SMMEs are needed to stimulate job creation. The construction industry is a major contributor to the economy with the contracting industry spearheading the absorption of unskilled and skilled labour. The National Development Plan of 2030’s deadline is approaching and its target to reduce employment is far from being reached by various sectors (which include the construction sector) that were earmarked to create jobs. This problem requires an in-depth look at the factors influencing entrepreneurship in the construction industry. A quantitative method was adopted to gather data from over 1000 sampled respondents who were contractors registered with the CIDB. The findings of the study revealed that internal and external factors have an influence on entrepreneurship equally with neither having any significant impact on the success of an entrepreneur but when looked at separately the two external factors that Influence success were access to funding and the supportive environment and the two internal factors were innovation and creativity. The internal and external factors have an equal influence on the reasons why construction companies are formed were. The findings also showed a positive relationship between age and the success of an entrepreneur
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    The role of entrepreneurial coaching on the success of black women- owned SMEs
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Kunene, Ntandoyenkosi; Msimango-Galawe, Jabulile
    Background: A clear definition of coaching in the context of entrepreneurship is still lacking. This kind of support is progressively becoming more popular to aid black women entrepreneurs succeed as first and second generation business owners. However, research on how well such a support measure generates revenue is currently being investigated. Aim: This research study is aimed at exploring the role of entrepreneurial coaching on the success of black women-owned SMEs. Setting: This research was carried out in South Africa with 15 black women entrepreneurs located in different parts of the country. Moreover, the study focused on registered SMEs. Method: To enable the exploration of personal experiences, a qualitative research approach was employed. Therefore, 15 in-depth interviews using semi-structured questions were used to collect the data and the thematic analysis was used as a tool of analysis. Findings: The study established that black women business owners in the SME sector are increasingly discovering the benefits of entrepreneurial coaching as a form of support. The study established a strong positive relationship between entrepreneurial competencies and entrepreneurial efficacy as key factors in coaching initiatives. The confusion of the terms mentoring and coaching is one that still exists where the concepts are used interchangeably. Lastly, black women face difficulties that can be divided into Four categories; namely, entrepreneurial competencies, entrepreneurial exposure, being the racial and gendered minority group, and how this group of women is put in a vulnerable position to perform sexual favours to advance businesses. Conclusion: The study deduces that the role of entrepreneurial efficacy is the foundation of building entrepreneurial competencies. The study will be helpful vii to entrepreneurial coaches and mentors, policymakers and organizations, black women who manage their own businesses, investors and funders, and the academic community
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    Determining entrepreneurial intent among WBS MBA students post-Covid
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Nqoko, Vuyokazi S; Msimango-Galawe, Jabulile
    The study explored entrepreneurial intentions within the MBA cohort at WITS with a focus on the students of 2020 to 2022. The goal of the study was to determine if MBA students at Wits have the desire to launch a company and to ascertain if there are any barriers in their entrepreneurial purpose and its antecedents. These students were given the opportunity to gain experience about entrepreneurship. The study's contribution is to determine which variables are most important in predicting entrepreneurial intent among this cohort. The core data in this research study was gathered from WBS MBA students using a quantitative survey study approach. The main sections of the questionnaire were grouped to form five main variables by taking the means, and also the main variable personality trait was computed from the variables attitude and locus of control. This grouping was necessary to carry out the Pearson Correlation and Linear Regression Analysis and these test the influence of the independent variables and dependant variable. The study focused on the 2020,2021 and 2022 WBS MBA cohort and the results cannot be generalized for the rest of the university or the country. Based on the findings, there is a weak positive influence between entrepreneurial intent and attitude towards entrepreneurship among WBS MBA students post-Covid in South Africa and this result is not statistically significant. Further, there is a strong positive influence between entrepreneurial intent and perceived environmental support among WBS MBA students post-Covid in South Africa and this result is not statistically significant. In addition, there is a strong positive influence between entrepreneurial intent and perceived behaviour control among WBS MBA students post-Covid in South Africa. This result is statistically significant at a 5% level. Based on the findings, there is a strong positive influence between entrepreneurial intent and subjective norms among WBS MBA students post-Covid in South Africa. And, this result is statistically significant at a 5% level. Finally, there is a strong positive influence between personality traits and entrepreneurial intent among WBS MBA students post-Covid in South Africa and this result is not statistically significant.
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    Determining the antecedents of social entrepreneurial intention in Madagascar
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Nirina, Marius; Urbani, Boris
    Social entrepreneurship is widely viewed by scholars as a way to address social challenges that governmental and non-governmental agencies have neglected. In the case of Madagascar, a country characterized by corruption, poor governance acute poverty and a victim of recurring natural disasters, the topic of Social Entrepreneurship (SE) appears to be relevant. This research provides a comprehensive understanding on the antecedents that enhance Social Entrepreneurial Intention (SEI) in a unique African context that has been under-researched. The study adopted a quantitative approach and is cross-sectional in nature. With a total sample size of 330, the questionnaires were directly administered to the respondents which constituted the data for the research. Relationships and influences of the independent variables on the dependent variable were tested using correlational analysis and multiple linear regression analysis. With regards to perceived desirability. it was revealed that empathy is the only dimension that had a significant and positive influence SEI. Also, the findings suggested that only social support had a positive and significant influence on SEI. In a context where SE seems to be a necessity, this study has various implications for researchers and practitioners alike. First, it could contribute as a starting point for policy and strategic reforms pertaining to entrepreneurship. Secondly, it highlights the need of social entrepreneurial education and practices in both the academic and organizational contexts, hence, the need for the involvement of all formal institutions. From an academic perspective, it provides a modest contribution towards existing theories and reinforces what previous studies have put forward. Equally, it provides a basis for future researchers to further extend the topic towards the identification of other influential factors of SEI in Madagascar and, perhaps even test for social entrepreneurial activities as a follow up study.
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    Access to finance by black-owned small and medium enterprises operating in the South African agro- processing sector
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Tjabadi, Jazzino; Mazonde, Nomusa
    Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) make a meaningful contribution to economic growth, job creation and poverty alleviation. Despite this, there is a low creation and high failure rate of new small businesses in South Africa. Access to finance is considered the main contributing factor, particularly amongst black-owned SMEs. South Africa has identified agro-processing industry as a sector with high potential to spur growth and create jobs because of strong linkage with primary agriculture. Against this background, this study sought to investigate the factors that hinder access to finance by black-owned SMEs operating in the agro-processing sector in South Africa and explore other key factors that threaten their long-term survival. This research contributes to solutions aimed at addressing the root causes attributable to SMEs’ inability to access funding from the formal financial institutions and government agencies. Using qualitative research method, data was collected from black SME entrepreneurs through semi-structured, in-depth interviews and analysed using content analysis. Purposeful sampling was used to identify and select the participants. The insights gained from the research highlights that black-owned SMEs are severely impacted by funding and market access issues, amongst others. The findings revealed that black SME entrepreneurs prefer to use own capital and/or funds from family and friends to start and grow their businesses. Complex processes, unsuitable financial products, high interest rates, unfavourable repayment terms and favouritism in government schemes were found to be amongst the key factors that discourage SMEs from applying for formal institutional finance. Other factors such as limited access to information about available funding sources and access to market opportunities significantly influence the long-term success of black- owned SMEs. To develop a sustainable, long-term financing model for SMEs, it is recommended that government, in partnership with the private financial institutions, establish a small business financing institution for SMEs in the agro-processing industry. To avoid the major deficiencies plaguing the existing government schemes, this should be a private, stand-alone entity funded by the government and private financial sector. The new institution should introduce new, innovative financing solutions that are tailored for start-up and early-stage SMEs.
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    Gamification as a tool for supporting Entrepreneurship Education in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Sephiti, Kelebogile; Urban, Boris
    The significance of entrepreneurship as a vital economic factor has tremendously burgeoned in the past decades as it aided in curbing the impact of unemployment and the global economic downturn. With its scope proliferating in every field, educational institutions have started incorporating it into their learning system as Entrepreneurship Education (EE). To enhance the effectiveness of EE, educators are employing diverse strategies. Among these techniques, gamification is seen as a major one. Gamification as a tool uses game-based design in non-game settings, making it a captivating practice which helps improve students’ engagement in innovative learning. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of game-based learning on entrepreneurship education in South Africa. The required data is collected from an Entrepreneurship Education Foundation based in South Africa, which aims to foster a community of responsible entrepreneurs and collaborates with beneficiaries who study in secondary as well as tertiary educational institutions. The collected data is interrogated using quantitative analysis for further interpretation and the results suggest that gaming, when used as a tool for entrepreneurship education, increases the chances of an individual becoming an entrepreneur