3. Electronic Theses and Dissertations (ETDs) - All submissions
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Item Lean startup and its application in business and operations strategy: empirical studies(2018) Kola, Mohamed NadeemLean startup is a new concept that was initially developed to help startups grow their business in a more effective and scientific way. The methodology has some elements that are in contrast to the way businesses or new ventures are traditionally run. While the lean startup methods have been proven in industry, the academic research especially within a South African context has been minimal. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the extent to which lean startup principles have been applied across industry in South Africa and how these have been used in conjunction with the corporate and operations strategy. From the research it was found that while South African professionals may be familiar with the concept, the application of the concept in its full form is limited. Participants also at times applied the concepts without having full awareness that the concepts were part of the lean startup methodology. A number of participants used the methodology to help develop the business and operations strategy. Participants also typically saw the value in the concepts for application across industry as long as the right structures are in place to help support the initiative.Item An investigation into the management of successful emerging general building and civil engineering contractors in Gauteng(2017) Govender, NeilThe construction industry in South Africa has an array of challenges. These challenges make it difficult for emerging contractors to establish and maintain successful companies. The purpose of this report is to establish why there are so few successful emerging contractors in the construction industry. In this study, the success of an emerging contracting company was judged by the survival of that company for a minimum period of five years and an improvement in the company’s CIDB grade by at least three levels during its existence. Structured interviews were conducted with a sample of 10 successful emerging contractors in Gauteng. The study found that technical capacity is one of the components of successful emerging contracting companies. It also found that technical capacity, inconsistent work opportunities and financial constraints are challenges that affect contractors when trying to increase their CIDB grade. The successful emerging contractors in the study utilised various strategies to overcome challenges in the industry, however, these strategies were flexible for changing circumstances and new opportunities.Item Endogenous and exogenous risk factors in the success of South African small medium enterprises(2017) Galawe, Ntombikayise JabulileThe objective of this study is twofold: first to evaluate the magnitude of the effect of endogenous and exogenous risk factors in the success of South African (SA) small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs); second, to develop a framework for an integrated risk assessment model that can be used to assess SA SMEs holistically. Drawing from the entrepreneurial ecosystem, systems perspective, GEM framework and complex theory, an integrated risk assessment model framework that is person-centric, interdisciplinary, and multidimensional (individual, firm and environment) is formulated. This was a cross-sectional, quantitative study, which followed a post-positivist approach. Primary data, with a sample size of 286, was collected from SA SMEs through self-administered questionnaires. Data analysis included correlational analysis, backward elimination method, hierarchical multiple regression and mediation analysis. Financial capital, entrepreneurial self-efficacy on growth and risk perception emerged as significant predictors of SME success. However financial capital is by far the most influential predictor of financial performance. The results also confirmed the mediating effect of financial capital between entrepreneurial self-efficacy (finance and growth) and financial performance. Entrepreneurs who are confident can raise enough capital for their businesses, thus producing successful SMEs. Government policies and support programmes need to take a holistic view when supporting SMEs. While taking a holistic view, priority needs to be put on making capital available for entrepreneurs to develop and grow their businesses. Training programmes can focus on up-skilling entrepreneurs regarding entrepreneurial tasks that can improve their self-efficacy in management, financial understanding, and growth of their businesses. The study’s findings are important in that they help funders realise that business plans and financial projections are not the most important predictors of SME success, thus the need to review current risk assessment models.Item Human capital and entrepreneurial success in the context of South African informal economy(2017) Ntuli, Tshikani DerrickExisting literature indicates a positive relationship between human capital and entrepreneurial capital. This has been a dominant supported view for ages. Among other scholars, Unger, et al. (2011); Davidson and Honig (2003); still uphold the view that human capital influence entrepreneurial success to a certain magnitude. However, contemporary studies argue that although the relationship has been demonstrated for decades, some assumptions to the perception should be questioned as the world evolves over time. Unger (2011); Martin, et al. (2013), and more other scholars identify the modification of the traditional assumptions. In terms of these scholars, uncertainty remains over the magnitude of this relationship and the circumstances under which human capital is more or less strongly associated with entrepreneurial success. Consideration of fragmentation in today's study with regard to conceptualization of human capital, the choice of success indicators, the context of study provide some critical challenges to the traditional perception of consistent relationships. All these aspects provide some open gaps to be filled by research. Oostebreek, et al. (2010) sees a questionable relationship between human capital factors and entrepreneurial success, which in terms of Unger, et al. (2011) give rise for the consideration of a moderator approach to study the effects of human capital on business success in order to efficiently determine whether the stated relationships exist or not. Resourced-Based Theory (RBT) was used as theoretical framework to this study. Three main constructs and five sub-constructs have been used to formulate the conceptual model from which three hypotheses were developed and tested. Empirical studies was conducted among selected informal traders in Limpopo Province – focusing in three districts. 257 unregistered small business owners were potential respondents. A quantitative methodology was employed to collect and analyse data through survey research design. The Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) along with AMOS 23, SPSS were used as descriptive statistical tools to test the validity of the hypotheses. Both theoretical and applied implications will assist the knowledge-base of researches. Policymakers will also find the implications useful in industrial policymaking. This study provides recommendations which may assist further research and other related enquiries of academic nature.