Faculty of Commerce, Law and Management (ETDs)
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://hdl.handle.net/10539/37778
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Item Working capital and sustainability of private practices in the South African healthcare sector(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Kondlo, Nangamso; Moyo, BhekinkosiThe major aim of this quantitative exploratory study was to investigate the impact that working capital has on the long-term sustainability of small businesses; focusing on private practices in the health sector. The study contributes towards an understanding of the role that working capital plays in improving the chances of survival and thriving for small and medium-sized businesses in South Africa. The study sample (n=76) was drawn from a population consisting of all general practitioners who run private practices in the Gauteng Province of South Africa. Data was collected through an online questionnaire administered via Survey Monkey. The questionnaire used had both closed and open-ended items. Answers to closed questionnaire items were analysed using descriptive statistics. The responses to open-ended items were analysed using content analysis, from which descriptive statistics were derived. The findings show that: private practices fund their working capital needs mainly through overdrafts and bank loans; there is a relationship between working capital and the sustainability of private practices; and the government and current policy frameworks are not doing enough to support the long-term sustainability of private practices in the health sector. Suggestions on how private practices can finance working capital requirements are given. It is recommended that amendments to public policy should be done, focusing on how to improve the long-term sustainability of private practices. Recommendations for future research are teased outItem Digital marketing as a survival strategy of small businesses in Gauteng, South Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Khumbule, Lungile; Galawe- Msimang, JabulileSmall businesses are critical to the South African economy as they employ over 50% of the labour force. Yet, in South Africa, most businesses fail within five to seven years of operating. There are multiple challenges that affect small businesses, including financial resources, marketing, innovation and others. Using digital marketing allows businesses to reach wider markets; therefore, small businesses can benefit from the effectiveness of digital marketing. The objective of the study is to explore the perceptions of owners and managers of small businesses regarding the effectiveness of digital marketing, and to examine digital marketing strategies that are essential for survival in small businesses. The research was qualitative research, with data collected through interviews with small business owners, executives, and digital marketing directors. The participants were recruited via an incubation company. There were eight (8) participants in the study. The key finding of the study is that there is a perception that digital marketing is effective for small businesses despite the challenges they face, such as a lack of skills, financial resources, legislative and government related challenges. The study found that social media could be key to survival, and the social media tools that were commonly mentioned in this context are Facebook and WhatsApp. Small businesses can use free or cost-effective methods of digital marketing to increase their brand awareness and sales. Small businesses should find creative ways to do cost-effective marketing and take advantage of any free courses offered online or by SEDA. The findings of this study contribute to the knowledge of how small business can survive