Wits Business School (ETDs)

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://hdl.handle.net/10539/37941

Browse

Subject: search.filters.subject.Small and medium enterprises

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    The role of digital technology in sustaining SMEs in Johannesburg
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Arunajalam, Prema; Gobind, Jenika
    This research study aimed to investigate the role of digital technology in sustaining small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Johannesburg, South Africa. SMEs face resource constraints in establishing digital operations in their organisational framework. The reasons behind the constraints are discussed in this report. A sample group of SME owners was interviewed to gain further insights into the successes and challenges these organizations face. The interviews were conducted across diverse industries to gain multiple perspectives. The key findings noted that many similarities between the organisations and the challenges they face are quite common. Financial constraints are a key finding, with many financing giants not willing to fund an SME due to the nature of the business. These financial constraints, in turn, have several knock-on impacts for the SMEs as they must focus on revenue generation and less focus on optimisation and growth. The findings demonstrate the impact on the sustainability of the SME due to this key factor, in addition to talent management, competition, economic climate and strict legislation. The key outcome of the findings documents a sustainability crisis for the SMEs in Johannesburg. These organisations operate in survival mode with moderate exposure to digital technology due to constraints out of their control. Accessibility to digital technology could create limitless potential for SME growth and profitability, increasing sustainability tenfold and driving a positive upswing in the country's economy.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Corruption and the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises in Gauteng
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Chetty, Melanie; Venter, Rob
    In most countries SMEs are vital to economic advancement and sustainability of small businesses are critical to a nation`s socioeconomic stability; otherwise, the country faces stagnation in its economy. Corruption is a global challenge which threatens sustainable economic development and adherence to good governance creates an environment where corruption struggle to flourish. this study examine the impact of corruption on SMEs in Gauteng using a quantitative research methodology whereby 77 respondent were located in Gauteng.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Social capital as a pathway to small and medium-sized enterprises' performance in North-West Province
    (2020) Ndhlovu, Nhlanhla Harmonia
    Social capital is an intangible asset that influences the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). SMEs are critical drivers of economic growth in the emerging economy. Small businesses are the key drivers of job creation rather than large companies. However, despite government intervention in developing SMEs, there is still a high failure rate of SMEs in the North-West Province. Therefore, understanding how relational and cognitive social capital relates to the performance of SMEs is crucial. Resources accumulated through social capital can drive the performance of SME. This study is quantitative, and it takes a deductive approach. Primary data was collected with a sample size of 384 in North-West province through a self-administered questionnaire. Data analysis includes validity, reliability, correlation, and regression. Relational social capital emerged as a significant predictor of SME's performance (employment growth and revenue). Cognitive social capital was a negative significant predictor for SME's performance. The finding of social capital is in line with existing literature that suggests that there is a significant positive relationship between social capital and SME's performance. Entrepreneurs who invest in social capital are likely to accumulate financial and non-financial performance. The study recommends that entrepreneurs should develop value chains from networking partners. The study concludes that entrepreneurs who invest in social capital have a high level of performance. Based on the findings, entrepreneurs can accumulate other entrepreneurial capital (human & financial capital) through social capital. The study suggests that future researchers can help assess how to foster value chains from networking partners.