Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)

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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.
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
The effects of coronavirus on SMEs business performance, technology adaptation, financial innovation, and sustainability
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Kolobe, Benjamin; Maisela, Sikhumbuzo
Businesses have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has resulted in significant economic hardship. An analysis of COVID-19's impact on Small Medium Sized enterprises (SMEs) shows that these businesses' and their employees' financial outcomes are probably going to get worse before getting better. The main issue is that small and medium-sized business owners have restricted access to capital and innovative strategies, which has made it challenging for them to deal with the tight constraints. As a result, many SMEs have had to adopt innovative financial and technological strategies to promote sustainability and prevent closure (Puddister & Small, 2020). This study examines the impact on business performance, technology adaptation, financial innovation, sustainability, and lockdown restrictions of SMEs during the pandemic. An online questionnaire with 30 closed-ended questions was administered to entrepreneurs in the retail sector across Gauteng. The following inquiries are addressed in the study: What impact has the coronavirus had on SMEs' ability to do business? How has technology adoption improved small and medium- sized enterprises' performance during the coronavirus lockdowns? Is there a chance that financial innovation may sustain SMEs throughout the pandemic? Has the coronavirus epidemic affected SMEs' ability to survive? Using non-parametric tests, the researcher examined the correlations between the independent and dependent variables for each of the four hypotheses using IBM SPSS. The associations between the variables were examined using inferential statistics such as Spearman's rho correlation function, multinominal logistic regression, generalized linear model, and ordinal linear regression. All four of the hypothesis' correlations were determined to be significant. This study suggests that fostering financial inclusion, promoting technology adoption through training and grants, and encouraging innovative financial approaches can empower SMEs to navigate pandemic challenges and build resilience. Proactive policy interventions and support systems tailored to SMEs are crucial to mitigating the pandemic's economic consequences and promoting long-term sustainability
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.
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
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
Studies on Philanthropy and Impact Investment in Ghana
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Osei, Dennis Boahene; Alagidede, Imhotep Paul
Anecdotal evidence of practices and institutions has accumulated over the years through oral traditions and all over the psyche of the African. While giving to good causes is not new in the Ghanaian traditional system and culture, there is a general paucity of literature regarding recent developments on the topic. Studies regarding investments that simultaneously generate financial, as well as social and /or environmental returns, are equally lacking. Using Ghana as a case study, this thesis contributes to the literature on three thematic areas in accordance with identified gaps in the philanthropy and impact investment literature. Specifically, the thesis relies on quantitative (instrumental variable probit model) and qualitative (content analysis, multiple-case study) research techniques to examine the relationships, and determinants of formal and informal charitable giving; uncover the motives, priorities, strategies, opportunities, and challenges of corporate foundation giving; and explore the approach to impact investing. These are critical issues whose understanding is theoretical and western-oriented, lacking empirical attention in the emerging literature of African philanthropy and impact investment. Given this, the thesis produced three independent essays to address these salient gaps in the philanthropy and impact investment literature. Empirical findings evolving from these essays are instructive and generally present crucial insights on African philanthropy and impact investment which is relevant for policy and practice. The first essay examines the extrinsic (socio-demographic) and intrinsic (personality) determinants of both formal and informal charitable giving. In addition, it explores whether the relationship between different types of charitable giving –cash and in-kind donations as well as time donations (volunteering) – is substitutable or complementary. Our findings, based on survey data from 1,533 households and instrumental variable probit model revealed that while marital status, education, household size, religiosity, ethnicity, and empathic concern are important predictors of formal cash and in-kind giving, informal giving of cash and in-kind is driven by income, religiosity and empathic concern. On the other hand, it was evident that formal volunteering is mainly determined by income, household size, religiosity, and empathic concern, whereas gender and religiosity influence informal volunteering. We established that, in both spheres of formal and informal giving, the relationship between cash and in-kind giving and volunteering is complementary. Premised on these findings, we recommend non-profits and policymakers to recognise the complementary role and distinctive determinants of the spheres of giving in designing tools and policies to raise the levels and effectiveness of fundraising and volunteering campaigns. In the second essay, the practice of corporate philanthropy was explored through the lens of corporate foundations. Specifically, we investigate the motives, priority areas, strategies, opportunities, and challenges of corporate foundation giving. Based on qualitative content analysis, our findings revealed that corporate foundations are influenced by both altruistic and instrumental motives of giving, and that, their approach to giving prioritises multiple areas of national interest such as education, health, economic empowerment, environment/social amenities, and sports. We also found that corporate foundations rely on a combination of strategies (request, media-lead, adoption, and contest) to identify potential beneficiaries and implement their giving programmes. Further evidence indicates that giving of corporate foundations presents opportunities to both foundations (serve society, get partnership offers from other companies, and obtain goodwill from the public) and their parent companies (indirect business and advertising opportunities). However, corporate foundation giving is constrained by insufficient funding, lack of support from stakeholders, managing expectations of individuals, poor maintenance culture, and cultural rites. The findings have implications for practitioners as it presents insights which could serve as a model to guide new entrants into the corporate foundation landscape of developing economies. In addition, the findings could assist the development of government interventions necessary to foster greater corporate giving. The third essay applies a change in perspective to explore the approach to impact investing from a supply-side standpoint. This contrasts existing studies which are mostly theoretical and provide an understanding that is western-oriented and from a demand-side viewpoint. Using multiple-case study design and qualitative data from two Ghanaian organisations, we provide evidence of an impact investment approach characterised by concurrent motive of financial and social/environmental returns, longer time horizon, and engagement or provision of non-financial support. We conclude that this approach leverages the tools of venture capital to realise social or ecological purposes. The findings can potentially assist investors and entrepreneurs to make informed decisions and navigate the complexity surrounding the emerging impact investment environment in Ghana and economies of similar nature. Additionally, it can help in developing explicit policies to regulate the sector, increase its awareness, widens its appeal, and use to serve the intended purpose of addressing social and environmental problems
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
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
How SMEs in South Africa can implement robotics to increase competitiveness
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Mpungose, Senzo Calvin; Totowa, Jacques
Orientation: South African SMEs face technology adoption challenges. The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technologies are no exception. However, SMEs need to gain knowledge on how these technologies affect them. More specifically, how can they benefit from the technologies. Research Purpose: This article investigates the impact of robotics and automation on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa. It seeks to identify ways in which the technology could be adopted and with its adoption, improve SME competitiveness. Motivation: The technologies identified as the driving forces behind the 4IR have largely been identified so based on their impact on business and industry. They have led to market convergence which has enabled businesses to operate outside of their industries and markets, thereby increasing market competition. There has been low uptake of robotics and automation in South African SMEs compared to international counterparts and even with the technology viewed as capable of improving business operations, lowering costs and driving competitiveness. Research Design, Approach and Method: A narrative design with interpretivist philosophy utilizing the semi-structured interview schedule to collect data and narrate the views and experiences of participants so as to extrpolate findings was used. Knowledge in this kind of study is subjectively relative to the SMEs being analysed and hence a relativism epistemological stance was taken. The inductive qualitative approach was used to identify patterns from interviews and develop explanations for those patterns. A sample with a fair representation of SMEs that have and have not adopted robotics and automation was interviewed. The interview schedule had nine questions aimed at answering the research questions. Main Findings: The primary reason SMEs adopt robotics and automation is to drive production efficiency, reduce operational costs and increase capacity. SMEs face adoption challenges that include financing, skills shortages and information scarcity. Strategies to overcome these challenges were identified and include finding alternative forms of financing, upskilling existing labour and information dissemination through planned programs. Practical/managerial implications and Contribution/value-add: The study has developed a model that can be used to adopt robotics and automation as well as other 4IR technologies. Strategies that SMEs can use to increase competitivity through the adoption of robotics have been provided alongside strategies to adopt robotics and automation.

Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)

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