Success criteria of SMMEs for
Date
2011-06-10
Authors
Sutherland, Scott
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Abstract
Many SMME in South Africa have attempted to enter exporting, often with very
bad experiences and losses. This is not consistent with the experiences of
similar small firms in first world countries. Given that South African SMME may
find great difficult competing in first world markets without prior exporting
experience. This research seeks to fill a gap in the literature by looking if there
are issues that may be particular to South African firms looking to export in
Africa. In particular what could be the key criteria small firms lacking in finances
and management resources can concentrate upon to try ensure success?
The researcher was seeking a wide view of the exporting industry and sought
out a group of experts to gain insight to the possible key success criteria. A
phenomenological approach using an unstructured interview was done with
these experts to gain insight of both successful and unsuccessful export
ventures. In particular what these experts have advised smaller firms on and
where the firms have succeeded.
There was convergence from the respondents that the networks or relationships
of an exporting SMME are of key importance. This is largely due to the nature
of complexities of exporting and the diversity of requirements in multiple
jurisdictions. As there can be no certainty all problems have been provided for
by the exporter working alone, the exporter and importer are dependent upon
each other and their business partners to ensure mutually beneficial
transactions
Description
MBA - WBS
Keywords
Small businesses, Medium sized businesses, Micro businesses, Exports