Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters/MBA)

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    A framework for facilitating bank funding of black SMEs in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Majozi, Nompilo
    Small and medium-sized enterprises are the fundamentals of economic growth. Younus (2021) mentions that the success of a country depends heavily on the performance of its SMEs sector. Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) (2019) illustrates that many private sector employments in South Africa come from Small Medium and Micro Enterprises, which generate 65% of all employment possibilities. This is evidence that SME’s plays a significate role in the economy of South Africa. But still, they face various of challenges regarding access to funding especially through the Banks. The success or failure of SMEs is determined by their financial viability (Schwab, Gold, and Reiner, 2019). Due to the significant default risk among SMEs and the inadequate financial facilities, access to formal funding is limited (Kauffmann, 2005). In South Africa, the funding landscape for SMEs is complex, with various challenges facing them. These challenges include a lack of collateral, high-interest rates, and stringent loan requirements, among others. With high interest rates, a lengthy application procedure, and onerous collateral requirements, many SMEs cite financing as the most difficult aspect of growth (Durst and Gerstlberger, 2021). Seldom are small enterprises able to meet the conditions set by banking firms, who perceive SMEs as a risk due to insufficient guarantees and an inexperience of their ability to repay loans (Kauffmann, 2005). Durst and Gerstlberger (2021) assert that due to a lack of established track records for success, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are perceived as high-risk ventures by capital providers. The ability of SMEs to obtain external financing or internal capital plays a crucial role in their capacity to initiate new ventures, enhance existing ones, and achieve overall success (Younus, 2021).
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    Adoption of digital dual supply networks by SMES in the Capricorn district of Limpopo Province in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Sefala, Maite
    This research investigates the adoption of digital tools, specifically Digital Dual-Supply Networks (DDSN), by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operating within the Capricorn District of the Limpopo Province in South Africa. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, SMEs face increasing pressure to integrate innovative technologies into their business operations. The study aims to understand the current state of digital tool adoption, the factors influencing adoption decisions, and the impact of DDSNs on the overall performance, sustainability, and growth of SMEs in the region. Thus, four parental concepts, namely, digital dual-supply network, sustainability, growth, and performance of the SMEs are investigated to establish an impact they could have on the SMEs in Limpopo province, South Africa. This study will follow a qualitative research design and data will be collected through interviews to gain comprehensive insights into the dynamics of digital tool adoption within the SME sector. The research will explore the challenges hindering adoption, identify successful cases, and analyse the strategic considerations that influence the decision-making process of SMEs when integrating DDSNs. Moreover, the study will also explore the context of the dual-channel digital supply chain network and its importance in the sustainability of the SMES as well as analysing the concepts of collaboration and digital transformation of Capricorn district SMEs within the ever-changing and market trends and demands. Digital Dual-Supply Networks (DDSNs) represent a paradigm shift in supply chain management, leveraging advanced digital technologies to create more agile and resilient networks. This research not only advances theoretical knowledge in the field but also offers practical implications for businesses contemplating or currently undergoing digital transformation through the adoption of DDSNs. The resulting framework aims to guide organizations in optimizing their supply chain processes, fostering innovation, and adapting to the dynamic landscape of the digital era. The findings of this research will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on technology adoption in SMEs, providing valuable insights for policymakers, business owners, and researchers interested in fostering digital transformation within the Capricorn District and similar regions. Ultimately, the study aims to offer practical recommendations to enhance the adoption of DDSNs among SMEs, promoting their sustainable growth and competitiveness in the ever-evolving digital business landscape. Keywords: SMEs; digitalization, collaboration, dual dual-channel digital supply chain network, sustainability, growth
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    Effective use of payment gateways by travel and tourism SMEs in Gauteng
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Sithole, Vulani; Kalema, Billy Mathias
    This study aimed to determine the effective use of payment gateways by travel and tourism Small and Medium Enterprises and to design a framework that will inform the effective use of payment gateways in Gauteng, South Africa. This study was a survey in design and followed a positivism paradigm utilizing a quantitative approach, and was underpinned by the Technology, Organisation, Environment model. The study used a sample of 297 participants randomly selected from the travel and tourism in Gauteng province. The study's findings show that, with the exception of technology characteristics and environmental factors, all other constructs positively contribute to the overall prediction of the model. The study recommends that SMEs in the travel and tourism sector in South Africa embrace and make use of the proposed framework to reap the rewards offered by payment gateways.
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    Institutional factors and the growth of small and medium manufacturing enterprises in Midrand, South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Analo, Maureen Chibuzor; Msimango-Galawe, Jabulile
    The objective of the study was to examine the influence of the Institutional factors on the growth of SMEs in the manufacturing enterprises in Midrand. South Africa, like any other country, is facing a huge developmental problem relating to the high failure rate and closing down of SMEs. A quantitative research methodology was employed hence a structured questionnaire was adopted as a research instrument through Qualtrics. A total of 100 respondents were sampled using purposive sampling as a form of non-probability sampling was employed as a sampling design. Random sampling as a method of selecting a sample from a population in such a way that every possible sample has an equal probability of being chosen was not used due to the time allocated to the study. Moreover, random sampling is complex and time-consuming and the researcher did not have direct access to all SMEs in Midrand area. The results showed that there is no evidence to support the hypothesis that there is a positive influence in the functions of regulatory institutions on the growth of SMEs in the manufacturing enterprises in Midrand. Therefore, the regulatory institution hypothesis is not supported because the results were silent on how this could be achieved. The results showed that there is an influence of the services provided by Facilitatory Institutions on SME growth, however, there is a need for financial support to enhance the sustainability of SMEs. Some of the implications of the study are that the government must create incentives and facilities that motivate SMEs to export their products to gain foreign currency. Government must invest in SMEs by providing training and development, benchmarking against other successful countries and ensure sharing of skills and knowledge.
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    Adoption of custom artificial intelligence models in South African small and medium-sized enterprises
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mdingi, Yanga; Lee, Gregory
    This study quantitatively investigates the potential adoption of custom AI models in South African SMEs using the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework. The adoption of AI in organizations is influenced by technological, organizational, and environmental elements, which can be examined using the TOE framework to understand the complexities of AI adoption. This research is guided by a post-positivist philosophical perspective to addresses the question: What factors impact the adoption of custom AI models in South African SMEs? The study employed a quantitative research design and survey methodology to collect data from South African SMEs. Participants were selected through a snowball sampling method, and data was gathered using a self-administered online questionnaire based on TOE model constructs, with each item assessed using a five-point Likert scale to capture participant opinions and attitudes. Statistical analysis, including Pearson correlation and hierarchical regression, revealed significant positive relationships between factors such as top management support, technological competence, competitive pressure, and external support, and the adoption of custom AI models. While perceived compatibility does not have a direct significant effect on AI adoption, the study revealed that it moderates the influence of top management support and technological competence on custom AI adoption. Practical recommendations of this study include prioritizing executive education, developing leadership training programs, recruiting and retaining technologically competent individuals, investing in employee training programs, leveraging external support from technology vendors and partners, recognizing the strategic importance of AI in competitive industries, and balancing efforts on perceived compatibility and management support. The findings provide actionable recommendations for enhancing AI adoption in South African SMEs, helping them overcome adoption challenges and improve competitiveness and sustainability in the local and global markets
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    Implementation of Employee Wellness Programmes within the SMEs in Johannesburg
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Siweya, Langutela; Matshabaphala, Manamela
    This research study gained momentum following the consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic and the challenges experienced by most firms and their employees. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of implementing employee wellness services within the SMEs looking at various factors that influence the adoption of such services. The assessment results were then used to assess whether such recommendations would make business sense by developing a business proposal. The research drew on a literature review to build the research questions and hypothesis. Literature review was key to this study as it looked at the feasibility of the employee wellness programmeme and its foundation. The literature also identified gaps and recommendations from previous research done in the employee wellness space and SMEs in general. Following a quantitative approach with a survey questionnaire design method, the study was divided into two groups to examine various factors and testing quantitative variables for firms with wellness services and firms without wellness service. An average Cronbach alpha of .891 was achieved which emphasises the reliability of data. Although the research was conducted during the national lockdown level-3 period which had strict regulations, the research results were achieved from the limited sample size. The research found that there is indeed an intervention required to successfully implement wellness services within the SMEs. Although cost remained the biggest challenge in the SME space, most SMEs believed that such services would benefit their firms and employees at large. The research concludes by emphasising that service providers for employee wellness need to demonstrate value for money and detailed benefits when proposing a new offering.
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    The impact of entrepreneurial mind-set on cross border trade of small medium enterprise manufacturers in Gauteng Province
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Nhlangothi, Lucky; Venter, Rob
    The purpose of this study was to measure the impact of the entrepreneurial mind-set of entrepreneurs on cross border trade (exporting) and to measure how this affected performance of the SMEs within the manufacturing sector in the Gauteng Province. It is argued that positive entrepreneurial mind-set and understanding perceived constraints of SMEs on cross border trade are determinants of successful entrepreneurship that could contribute to sustainable economic development in South Africa. The study explored the impact of entrepreneurial mind-set on cross border trade of small medium enterprises focussing on manufacturing sector in the Gauteng Province, South Africa. This was survey based empirical study of 120 respondents involved in the manufacturing industry. A descriptive quantitative method was used to address the proposed relationships between measuring metrics and growth of these enterprises. The instrument was checked for validity and reliability: the variables were operationalised and measured against multi- dimensional scales. Analysis for the proposed relationships were measured using multiple regression and correlation analysis. The finding of the research The study also contributed towards the body of literature on entrepreneurship strategy formulation at the SMES level that potentially may promote better strategy implementation by policymakers. It contributed to the existing body of knowledge by providing new findings on the impact of entrepreneurial mind-set on cross border trade amongst SMEs in manufacturing sectorin the Gauteng Province. The study also provided solutions to the declining output in the manufacturing sector. The research findings contributed to the basis for further study to other researchers to follow around the impact of entrepreneurial mind-set on cross border trade
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    Business networks and the moderating impact of innovation on business performance
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Jordaan,Brigitta; Msimango-Galawe, Jabulile
    South Africa faces frighteningly high levels of unemployment, inequality and poverty. Like many other emerging economies, the South African government has recognised the importance of entrepreneurial activity. It widely views SME's (Small or Medium- sized Enterprises) as the lynchpin to realising growth and expansion. However, a common challenge to the performance and growth of many SME's is the lack of access to resources. Additionally, as advancements in innovation have so rapidly evolved in recent years, a business's innovative capabilities have become just as crucial to its performance capabilities and sustaining a competitive advantage. This study mainly focused on investigating the extent to which networks, particularly supplier, consumer and competitor networks, moderated by innovation, impacted the financial performance of SME's in South Africa. Data collection from SME owners and managers throughout South Africa using self-administered surveys, distributed via Qualtrics. The results show that two supplier networks and consumer networks moderated by innovation significantly impact business performance. Consequently, no factors from the consumer networks construct were extracted in the EFA analysis to determine consumer networks' impact on business performance. As such, no conclusions could be determined in considering the consumer network's impact on firm performance. Findings suggest that the study be replicated with a significantly larger sample. It is also recommended that further research explores the extent to which network activities and network resources, when moderated by innovation, impacts business performance, with a view on measuring alternate performance metrics such as growth, market share and consumer and employee satisfaction and growth
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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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    Characteristics and strategy of SMEs in Gauteng and their resilience in response to crises
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-02) Ndlovu, Zithulele Sizwe; Urban, Boris
    The SME sector in Gauteng is well known for its vibrant entrepreneurial culture. For the longest of time, SMEs in the Gauteng Province have been at the centre of SME growth in South Africa. However, since the first case of the coronavirus in the country close to three years ago, the sector has faced a myriad of challenges as a result of the COVID-19 national lockdown. In addition to that, just as things were starting to pick up with regard to business operations the sector was confronted with yet another crisis, only this time the crisis was in the form of load shedding. The main research objective for this study was to examine the impact of SME firm characteristics and SME firm strategy in response to crises on SME resilience in the Gauteng Province. A quantitative research approach was adopted for the purpose of this study. The total number of SME Owner-Managers that participated in this study were 71. The main findings of this study indicated that the impact of SME firm characteristics in response to crises on SME resilience in the Gauteng Province was statistically non-significant however, the impact of SME firm strategy in response to crises on SME resilience in the Gauteng Province was statistically significant