scholarly journals Competitive factors between local and foreign national small business retailers in South Africa: The case of Cape Town’s Townships

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (02) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maphelo Malgas ◽  
◽  
Wellington .B. Zondi ◽  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Small Business ◽  
South African ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Intervention Model ◽  
Primary Research ◽  
Foreign National ◽  
Competitive Edge ◽  
Funding Model ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

This paper is based on the study that sought to identify the core competitive factors that differentiate foreign national small business retailers from local South African small business retailers in the way they operate their small retailing businesses. Primary research was conducted in two of Cape Town’s (South Africa) townships, Delft and Eindhoven. The population of the study comprised two groups, namely, South African and foreign national small business retailers operating grocery retailer stores. The first group consisted of 55 South African small business retailers while the second group consisted of 75 migrant small business retailers. A random sample was targeted from each group and the quantitative research methodology was used in this study using a structured questionnaire with close-ended questions. The results showed growth of foreign national retailers and decline in the number of the local retailers in the two townships. The study showed that migrant retailers have a competitive edge over local retailers. The study also revealed that most local traders have a lower level of education compared to their migrant trader counterparts. Furthermore, the study revealed that most of local small business retailers have never had a business finance mentor in their entire trading life. The study revealed that there is a need for a targeted funding model for potential and current local small business retailers. The study proposes a three-stage business intervention model to assist South African small business retailers to become more competitive in township retailing environments.

scholarly journals Academics Perceptions of Electronic Resources at the University of Venda, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (6) ◽  
pp. 424-428
Author(s):  
Alugumi Samuel Ndou ◽  
Wanyenda Leonard Chilimo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Public Access ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Plagiarism Detection ◽  
Electronic Resources ◽  
Federated Search ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
The University ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

This study examined the perceptions of academic researchers regarding electronic resources (e-resources) provided by the library at the University of Venda (UNIVEN), South Africa. The quantitative research approach and survey research design were adopted to conduct the investigation. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire randomly distributed to 45 UNIVEN academics. The findings of this study revealed that although academics at UNIVEN find e-resources easy to use, believe the resources improve academic performance, and frequently encouraged postgraduate students to use them, the majority of them had plagiarism concerns and were only moderately satisfied with available e-resources at UNIVEN. This study recommends that the university library should train academics on plagiarism detection. In addition, the library should adopt innovative ways of improving e-resource services, such as providing an Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC) with advanced and federated search capabilities.

scholarly journals The perception of sponsorship usefulness among South African small business owners

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 475-488
Author(s):  
Catherine Mpolokeng Sephapo ◽  
Johannes Arnoldus Wiid ◽  
Michael Colin Cant
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Small Business ◽  
South African ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Brand Image ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Small Business Owners ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Marketing Tool ◽  
Marketing Budgets

Sponsorship is a powerful marketing tool that organisations in South Africa are embracing. From the evaluation of the sponsorship growth over the years, the industry in South Africa has developed from a R63 million industry in 1985 to the value of just under R7 billion in 2011 (City Press, 2012). Small businesses in South Africa are faced with the challenge of effectively reaching target segments. These small businesses are restricted in terms of limited marketing budgets and therefore need alternative ways of improving their brands in the eyes of the consumer. Theoretically, sponsorship is considered to improve the brand image of an organisation and ultimately improve sales. However, the question that this study aims to answer is whether small business owners perceive sponsorship to be a useful tool that even they can utilise. The study made use of a quantitative approach whereby a web-based questionnaire was distributed to small business owners. The findings indicated that the general attitude towards sponsorship as a marketing tool is positive. The correlation between sponsor sincerity and sponsorship usefulness was found positive; however, average in strength. Although sponsorship is seen as a useful tool, 15.4% of the respondents indicated that they would not consider using this marketing tool. This response may provide an opportunity for further research to be conducted which may shed some light on the strategies small business owners perceive to be most effective for their unique circumstances

The use of social media by South African organisations

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 198-210 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nomusa Nomhle Dlamini ◽  
Kevin Johnston
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Social Media ◽  
South African ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Brand Management ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Main Research

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present how organisations in South Africa are using social media. The paper further explores the value of social media to South African organisations and if it is important for an organisation to have a social media presence. Design/methodology/approach The study used quantitative research methods to answer the main research question and sub-questions. Findings The data collected revealed that most organisations in South Africa are using social media for free advertising, CRM and marketing. The popular social media sites used by these organisations are Facebook and Twitter, with LinkedIn increasing in popularity. The data further revealed that social media is important in organisations for relationship building, contact keeping advertising, marketing, attracting customers, brand management and information gathering. Research limitations/implications The role of social media is changing, it was initially a marketing tool, but the findings revealed that majority of organisations are using social media for free advertising, CRM and marketing. Social media is an easy CRM tool that offers effective and efficient capabilities. Practical implications It is important to use integrate social media with the organisations processes to market and advertise new products, it is an instant and cost-saving way of communicating with customers, and helps in reaching and attracting new customers. Social implications Social media is important for keeping contact and building relationships with customers, advertising and marketing, way to attract customers, brand management tool and gathering information. Originality/value The study provides guidance to how organisation can use social media, identifying the value of using social media and highlighting the importance of social media in an organisation in the South African context.

scholarly journals Perceptions of Johannesburg small business operators about their small business support systems

2001 ◽  
Vol 32 (4) ◽  
pp. 31-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
F. G. Netswera
Keyword(s):  
Small Business ◽  
South African ◽  
Support System ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Support Systems ◽  
Access To Information ◽  
Business Partnerships ◽  
Business Support ◽  
Black Empowerment ◽  
Unemployment Problem

Central to the current South African economic debates are the issues of equity, black empowerment and the promotion of small business activities. The promotion of small business activities is felt relevant as they are assumed to be addressing most of the country’s unemployment problem and those mentioned above while contributing largely to the GDP. Assumed problems facing this industry include the unavailability of support systems. This quantitative research explored through telephonic interviews, the perceptions of 60 Johannesburg small business operators of their small business support systems. The findings revealed access to information to be the perceived most important support system and business partnerships and subcontracting the least accessible.

Equalizing Opportunity through Small Business Development: A South African Perspective

1993 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 141-150
Author(s):  
Bruce Phillips
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Small Business ◽  
South African ◽  
Minority Business ◽  
Business Development ◽  
Business Sector ◽  
Small Business Development ◽  
History Of ◽  
African Perspective ◽  
Prejudice And Discrimination

The active development of the small firm sector is thought to present a vehicle highly appropriate to the task of equalizing opportunity in a very unequal society—the developing country of South Africa. This article seeks to evaluate the merits of the above assumption. It calls for a closer understanding of the unique difficulties encountered by a minority business group that has experienced a long history of prejudice and discrimination, namely the black, essentially small business sector of South Africa. The author calls for careful appraisal of available development initiatives in order to effectively serve the interests of this group.

scholarly journals The development and investigation of the psychometric properties of a burnout scale within a South African agricultural research institution

2014 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Doris N. Asiwe ◽  
Lené I. Jorgensen ◽  
Carin Hill
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Agricultural Research ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Research Institution ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
New Instrument ◽  
Construct Equivalence

Orientation: Burnout of employees is well documented within South Africa, but researchers have adapted imported instruments with a number of limitations. Therefore there is a need to develop a new instrument suitable for use in South Africa.Research purpose: To give an overview of current burnout measures, identify gaps within the literature and develop a new burnout scale for use within South Africa. The research examined the construct validity, reliability, construct equivalence and item bias of this new scale and investigated any differences that exist in relation to demographic variables.Motivation for the study: This study aimed to address various limitations regarding existing measures by developing a reliable and valid instrument for measuring burnout in South African employees that includes cognitive, physical and emotional (affective) components.Research approach, design and method: This empirical, quantitative research study delivered a cross-sectional survey, including the burnout scale and a biographical data questionnaire, to 443 employees of an agricultural research institution. Items for the burnout scale were written based on a literature review.Main findings: Exploratory factor analysis with target rotations resulted in a three-factor burnout model. Reliability analysis showed that all three scales (1) were sufficiently internally consistent and (2) showed construct equivalence for Black and White employees and speakers of Afrikaans and African languages. A practically significant difference in burnout levels was found in relation to age.Practical/managerial implications: The scale can be used to assess burnout for different cultural groups within research-based institutions.Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to knowledge regarding the burnout levels of employees in an agricultural research institution in South Africa and provides a new burnout scale that can be utilised in similar institutions.

scholarly journals An investigation into the financial barriers facing women entrepreneurs operating in SMMEs in Tshwane, South Africa

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 347-358 ◽  
Author(s):  
Evelyn Chiloane-Tsoka
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Small Business ◽  
South African ◽  
Women Entrepreneurs ◽  
African Women ◽  
Small Enterprise ◽  
Policy Statement ◽  
Financial Barriers ◽  
And Gender ◽  
South African Women

The South African women emancipation policy statement and gender equality are critical tools established by government to eradicate poverty among entrepreneurs operating in small business. Khula was established to act as a financial wholesaler to emerging entrepreneurs who needed finance to start and grow businesses. The Small Enterprise Development Agency was established to provide training needs to small business operators. Lack of finance is a major stumbling block to women entrepreneurs reaching their full economic potential in South Africa. Financial collaterals are barriers for women operating in SMMEs in Tshwane. The objective of the study was to investigate the financial barriers facing women entrepreneurs in Tshwane when starting or growing businesses. In order to achieve the results a structured questionnaire and interviews were used as method of collecting data. A sample of 300 women operating SMMEs in six townships of the Tshwane metropolitan area was analysed per a quota of 50 businesses per township. The results indicate that women entrepreneurs lack the financial collateral that is demanded by financial institutions when applying for finance to start or grow their business.

scholarly journals Addressing the small business tax compliance burden: Evidence from South Africa

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 263-284
Author(s):  
Sharon Smulders ◽  
Gelishan Naidoo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Small Business ◽  
South African ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Tax Compliance ◽  
Compliance Cost ◽  
Record Keeping ◽  
Business Tax ◽  
Cost Studies ◽  
First Time

Small businesses have the potential to grow the economy, generate jobs and reduce poverty, but they face many constraints including high tax compliance costs and burdens. A comparison of the findings and recommendations made in small business tax compliance cost studies conducted in South Africa with initiatives introduced by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), substantiated by consultations with a SARS and a South African Institute of Chartered Accountants official, reveals that SARS has, in most cases, attempted to address the tax compliance burdens identified in these studies. However, SARS has only partially addressed the complexity of the tax law, the lack of software to assist small businesses with their record-keeping and the compliance burden associated with provisional tax. SARS has failed to address the need for a threshold below which no small business tax return is required to be submitted, the inclusion of tax in the school syllabus, the requirement for first-time offenders to attend courses instead of raising penalties and the need for a reduction in the rates of interest and penalties raised by SARS. These initiatives should be considered by SARS and it is recommended that further research into the success and effectiveness of all the initiatives already introduced by SARS be performed.

scholarly journals Addressing the small business tax compliance burden: Evidence from South Africa

2013 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sharon Smulders ◽  
Gelishan Naidoo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Small Business ◽  
South African ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Tax Compliance ◽  
Compliance Cost ◽  
Record Keeping ◽  
Business Tax ◽  
Cost Studies ◽  
First Time

Small businesses have the potential to grow the economy, generate jobs and reduce poverty, but they face many constraints including high tax compliance costs and burdens. A comparison of the findings and recommendations made in small business tax compliance cost studies conducted in South Africa with initiatives introduced by the South African Revenue Service (SARS), substantiated by consultations with a SARS and a South African Institute of Chartered Accountants official, reveals that SARS has, in most cases, attempted to address the tax compliance burdens identified in these studies. However, SARS has only partially addressed the complexity of the tax law, the lack of software to assist small businesses with their record-keeping and the compliance burden associated with provisional tax. SARS has failed to address the need for a threshold below which no small business tax return is required to be submitted, the inclusion of tax in the school syllabus, the requirement for first-time offenders to attend courses instead of raising penalties and the need for a reduction in the rates of interest and penalties raised by SARS. These initiatives should be considered by SARS and it is recommended that further research into the success and effectiveness of all the initiatives already introduced by SARS be performed.

scholarly journals Corporate social investment and a company’s image: A case of a CSI initiative in a South African low income community

2015 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 130-135
Author(s):  
Paul-Francois Muzindutsi ◽  
Tshediso Joseph Sekhampu
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Social Investment ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
A Company ◽  
Corporate Social Investment

One of the goals of corporate social investment (CSI) is to ensure that a company becomes a responsible entity which acts as a conscientious citizen within a society. CSI plays an important role in enhancing how a company is perceived within the community it operates in. This paper used a combination of qualitative and quantitative research designs to investigate the effect of a specific CSI initiative on a company’s image within a low income community in South Africa. Semi-structured interviews and survey questionnaire were used to collect data from community members in the township of Bophelong, South Africa. Results show that, if adequately managed, CSI initiatives tend to enhance company’s image as well as its relations with the community it operates in. However, if not adequately managed CSI can created unreachable expectations that can negatively affect a company’s image. Thus, companies better manage their CSI initiatives have an increased opportunity to enhance their reputation within the community they operate in.

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