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Item Open Access The sustainability of Home-Based Businesses (HBBs) operating in Vhembe District Municipality(2024-09-06) Madzivhandila, Vhonanai; Chiliya, N.; Ramavhona, N. G.Despite all the advantages of Home-Based Businesses (HBBs) and the acknowledgement that small businesses have the potential to address some of South Africa's socioeconomic problems, such as unemployment, poverty, and inequality, the country's small businesses, particularly those in rural areas, continue to face several challenges that frequently result in their premature failures. Due to their small size, HBBs have not gotten much to no interest from scholars studying sustainability, despite representing an increasingly significant form of entrepreneurial activity. Most empirical studies have concentrated on the HBBs operating in urban than rural areas and most studies about HBBs have been done in Europe, America, India, and Australia with little reference in African context. Therefore, the study attempts to fill a gap on the literature of sustainability of HBBs in rural areas especially within South African context particularly in Vhembe District Municipality. The study's specific objectives were firstly to study the characteristics of HBBs, secondly to assess the sustainability of HBBs, thirdly to develop a model of sustainability of HBBs operating in rural area, and lastly to recommend strategies that could be applied to enhance sustainability of HBBs. This study used a mixed approach to address these objectives. A sample of 398 respondents consisting of HBBs’ owners who have been operating HBBs for 2 years and above and 10 participants consisting of local community leaders and local municipal officials was chosen using a non-probability sampling method. An explanatory method with a combination of closed and open questions was employed to gather primary data. Interviews and questionnaires were utilized as data collection techniques. Collected qualitative data was analysed utilizing a thematic analysis aided by ATLAS.ti. Furthermore, the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 was used to assist in the analysis of quantitative data using descriptive statistics. The research findings added to the frame of knowledge pertaining sustainability of HBBs operating in rural setting. The findings for the study are as follows: • This study found that the characteristics are convenience service or product provision, formal existence, family members labour dependent and informal operations. This study revealed that HBBs provide convenience in accessing products and services to the communities in which they are situated. This convenience access saves the community members or customers time and money which they could have exhausted travelling to centres where there are larger retailers. Additionally, HBBs are also characterized by formal existence with illegal operation of business in their owners’ residential place. • This study found that the assessment of HBBs is based on plethora indicators that are employment creation, social responsibility involvement, community support and local economic development contributors. This study found that HBBs play a pivotal part in employment creation for HBBs owners and the community at large. This employment generation capacity of these business models provides the basis for indicating that they are sustainable. In addition, HBBs are also involved in social responsibility through donations and assisting in community projects. This means that the capacity of these entities to donate and assist with community projects shows that they are indeed sustainable business ventures. • To recommend strategies that could be applied to improve sustainability of HBBs, this study found that the strategies that can be adopted are workshops, information sharing, innovative approach orientation and business forum establishment. Thus, study found that workshops that are focused on providing business management skills to the HBBs are crucial towards ensuring that those running these enterprises have the requisite skills to ensure that they are sustainable. Another strategy of enhancing the sustainability of HBBs is information sharing which implies that the sharing of opportunities to HBBs and government departments is crucial towards the sustainability of HBBs. • The study was also able to construct a model of sustainability of HBBs operating in Makhado and Thulamela Municipality under Vhembe District. The study found that the sustainability of HBBs is dependent on the four factors namely: value creation, value proposition, legal compliance, and management experience. In addition, the model has also provided specific elements that influence each of the sustainability factors; value creation in sustainability of HBBs is influenced by the affordability of products or services offered by HBBs, customers that buy from HBBs, service delivery provided by HBBs and reliable suppliers that HBBs entrepreneurs source their products from. Consequently, value proposition in sustainability of HBBs is influenced by transparency between the customers and HBBs, creation of competitive advantage to gain more customers, product research to ensure that customers’ needs are satisfied and knowing target market of the business. Legal compliance also plays a crucial role in the sustainability of HBBs as businesses must comply with bylaws that govern certain activities of businesses especially HBBs in this case. Legal compliance is influenced by the registration of HBBs with relevant stakeholders, complying with environmental laws since they operate at owner’s residential instead of commercial place which poses many challenges to the residential and surrounding areas, health, and safety regulations to ensure safety of the family members and community members at large, financial regulations, and compliance with latest laws that apply to the type of business. Lastly, the sustainability of HBBs is dependent on management experience of the owners which is influenced by previous relevant management experience, management skills, and continuous training that HBBs’ owners receive to enhance their managerial skills. This model can act as a guide towards the sustainability of the HBBs.Item Embargo The role of entrepreneurial leadership on the business performance in small medium and micro enterprises in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province(2024-09-06) Muenda, Mutshidza Kingsley; Nkondo, L. G.; Khohomela, N. T.In recent years, Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa's Vhembe District have been pivotal in driving economic growth, fostering job creation, and sparking innovation within the region. Despite their significant contributions to the local economy, these enterprises face formidable challenges that impede their performance and sustainability, including limited access to financial and human resources, fierce competition from more giant corporations, and the unpredictability of market conditions. The study's main objective was to explore how various entrepreneurial leadership styles affect small, medium, and micro enterprises in the Vhembe district regarding overall business performance. To address this knowledge gap, the study utilised the interpretive paradigm and employed a qualitative research method with an exploratory design. In addition, the study employed in-depth interviews to examine the role of entrepreneurial leadership within the socio-economic and cultural context of the Vhembe District. Theoretical frameworks, such as transformational, authentic, and servant leadership, are examined for their relevance to the South African business landscape. The study scrutinised various dimensions of entrepreneurial leadership, including strategic decision-making, innovation orientation, employee motivation, and risk management. The study selected 16 participants through purposive sampling to ensure diverse perspectives and experiences were represented. Data collection was conducted through interviews, and data presentation and analysis were done using Atlas.ti 23. The study limited the evaluation of SMMEs' performance to specific metrics and non-financial indicators, including innovation and employee satisfaction. This approach allowed for a focused examination of how different leadership styles influenced aspects of performance. The study focused on a specific geographical area and was centred around that area, which may have impacted the relationship between leadership styles and SMMEs' performance since the qualitative study used ATLAS.ti to identify patterns and themes emerging from participants' responses. The study’s findings highlighted the positive influence of leadership styles such as transformational and collaborative leadership on financial outcomes, innovation, creativity, and customer satisfaction. However, SMMEs faced significant challenges in implementing these leadership styles, including internal resistance, external constraints, and resource limitations. Entrepreneurs emphasised the importance of leadership development programs, employee empowerment, flexibility, and strategic decision-making to foster an adaptive organisational culture. These findings provide actionable insights for enhancing entrepreneurial leadership within SMMEs in the region. Some findings aligned with the literature, while others diverged, thus enhancing detailed perspectives on the role of entrepreneurial leadership in SMMEs. The discussion revealed how these leadership traits influence diverse aspects of SMMEs' performance in Vhembe, highlighting the intricate interplay between entrepreneurial leadership and SMME outcomes. The alignment of findings with existing literature strengthens and validates the theoretical foundations established in previous research. Specifically, the study provides empirical evidence that substantiates the claims and assertions made by scholars in the field. By corroborating and extending upon established theories, the findings comprehensively understand how entrepreneurial leadership styles impact various facets of Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in the Vhembe district. This validation contributes to the credibility of existing theories and expands the knowledge base by introducing context-specific insights and highlighting the intricate dynamics at play in the unique socio-economic environment of the Vhembe district. Therefore, the study fortifies and adds depth to the existing theoretical framework, contributing to advancing knowledge in this critical domain. The study illuminated distinctive aspects of entrepreneurial leadership within the Vhembe district, unravelling context-specific nuances that distinguished it from broader contexts. These unique aspects provided actionable insights tailored for SMME owners, managers, policymakers, and other regional stakeholders. By pinpointing the specific characteristics and intricacies of entrepreneurial leadership relevant to the local socio-economic environment, the study offered targeted guidance for decision-makers to formulate strategies and policies aligned with the distinctive features of the Vhembe district. This approach ensured that recommendations and interventions were finely tuned to address the challenges and opportunities inherent to the local business landscape, fostering more effective and contextually relevant outcomes. These insights can inform targeted strategies and policies to support and nurture entrepreneurship within the SMME sector. Areas for further studies include exploring broader geographical contexts, assessing financial metrics, and investigating the scalability of entrepreneurial leadership in varied business landscapes. This study contributes to economic development and job creation by informing best practices for fostering entrepreneurial leadership in SMMEs. Recommendations include tailored leadership development programs, promotion of employee empowerment, flexibility in leadership approaches, and enhancing leadership awareness. This study calls for future research to explore broader contexts and assess financial metrics while contributing to the global discourse on fostering entrepreneurial leadership in SMMEs.Item Embargo Influence of digital marketing on the growth of Small and Medium enterprises: A Case of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa.(2024-09-06) Muleya, Charlyn Vorster Stubbs; Ochara, Nixon Muganda; Zindiye, StanislousDigital marketing refers to marketing conducted on digital channels such as email, social media, websites, and mobile applications. It has become an important strategy for businesses to connect with consumers and expand their markets. The goal of this study was to explore the influence of digital marketing on the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, South Africa. The study employed a qualitative research design utilizing interviews and the theory of consumer engagement to explore relationships between SMEs and customers online. Digital marketing channels including email, social media, search engine optimization and online advertising were examined in relation to SME growth measured by sales and market share. Fourteen participants from seven SMEs were interviewed, including CEOs, marketing managers and mid-level employees. Data was analysed using qualitative content analysis software. Initial familiarization identified key themes which were coded and analyzed to produce the findings. Trustworthiness was ensured through measures like triangulation, member checks and an audit trail. Ethical protocols of informed consent, anonymity and approvals were followed. The study's findings provide insight for SMEs, policymakers, and scholars. Digital marketing was found to improve brand awareness, customer engagement and sales leads. Tools like social media, blogs, and influencer marketing enhanced connectivity while search engine optimization boosted organic traffic. However, fast-changing digital trends, limited skills and resources posed challenges for some SMEs. Therefore, digital marketing positively influences SME growth in Tshwane by boosting exposure and interactions at lower costs than traditional methods. However, ongoing skills development and flexible strategies are required to capitalize on opportunities while navigating an environment of rapid technological change and scarce resources.Item Embargo The extent of entrepreneurship education in fostering entrepreneurial intentions: the case of selected Technocal and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College, Limpopo Provonce(2024-09-06) Tshisevhe, Livhuwani; Chiliya, Norman; Zindiye, S.Most political leaders place a great premium on encouraging young people to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset because they believe that doing so will help to lower the high rates of youth unemployment. To increase the number of Tertiary students who are interested in starting their own businesses or to lessen the number of young people looking for work, the government has been implementing entrepreneurship education programs to Tertiary Institutions in South Africa. The purpose of this study was to better understand how entrepreneurship education at selected TVET colleges can affect learner’s entrepreneurship intentions. A qualitative research methodology was used for this investigation. Structured interviews were conducted with 8 participants from selected TVET College, . The interviews were coded for easy analysis and analysed using ATLAS, ti. Results of this study indicated that entrepreneurship education can favourably influence TVET students’ aspiration to become entrepreneurs. This study showed that to develop students’ entrepreneurial zeal and form entrepreneurial Competency the entrepreneurship curriculum in selected TVET College needs to be improvedItem Embargo A support framework of enhancing business performance of ruaral SMME's in the Limpopo Province, South Africa(2024-09-06) Razwiedani, Khathutshelo Collins; Chiliya, Norman; Nkondo, Livhuwani G.South Africa's aspiration for inclusive growth and development acknowledges the pivotal role of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) given the country's pervasive unemployment and poverty rates, particularly in rural regions. Since the inception of democracy in 1994 with the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) to the present National Development Plan: Vision 2030, the focal point of South Africa's developmental endeavours has been the alleviation of poverty and inequality. This study aimed to devise a support framework to enhance the performance of SMMEs in the rural expanse of Limpopo Province, South Africa, while also fostering entrepreneurship expansion. Its primary objectives encompassed identifying the determinants affecting rural SMME performance, crafting a conceptual framework to bolster it, utilizing empirical research outcomes to formulate recommendations, and drawing conclusions to augment SMMEs' performance in Limpopo. Additionally, the study proffered actionable insights for stakeholders, including policymakers and entrepreneurs, to ensure the sustained viability of SMMEs in rural South Africa. Employing a quantitative research design aligned with the educational positivist paradigm, the study collected data from 377 entrepreneurs through questionnaires. A Convenience Sampling method was employed. Validity and reliability were ensured through exploratory factor analysis and Cronbach alpha coefficients determination. Pearson's correlation coefficient tests were employed to discern relationships among independent variables. The resultant path model addressed prevalent challenges confronting rural small businesses, proposing a roadmap for enhancing their operational performance.Item Open Access Agricultural technology's effect on entrepreneurship: a case study of the Mopani District Municipality in the Limpopo Province, South Africa(2023-10-05) Mangena, Mokgadi Lucy; Nkondo, L. G.; Nemushungwa, A.Traditionally, agriculture was considered a low-tech industry with limited technical dynamics. As modernisation engulfed human kind, changes to the agricultural sector occurred, spearheaded by economic liberalisation. Economic liberalisation helped to reduce the sector’s protection. These changes brought new entrepreneurial players into the sector, in addition to innovation and portfolio entrepreneurship. Despite these positive changes, the agricultural sector faces entrepreneurship challenges. A lot of these situational challenges are widely publicised in literature but not much has been written about agricultural entrepreneurship. This study, therefore, brings a new dimension to the entrepreneurship field of research. That is, the need for a study about the agricultural technology’s effects on entrepreneurship is long overdue. Against this backdrop, this study investigated the agricultural technology’s effects on entrepreneurship in the Mopani District Municipality. The study adopted a qualitative approach with a sample of ten participants using purposive sampling. Interpretive paradigm was used to underpin the study. Data was collected through interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. The study found that agricultural technology provides unparalleled benefits to farmers despite negative consequences associated with its use. The study recommends that farmers should familiarise themselves with the new agricultural technology’s effects on their trade before embracing it. Policy makers are encouraged to formulate appropriate policies that would help to develop the farmers’ knowledge and skills about agricultural technology.Item Open Access The of banks on SMME's development in Vhembe District Municipality(2023-10-05) Ramudingane, Khamusi; Netshilinganedza, T. R.; Nkondo, L. G.In the aftermath of the worldwide financial crisis that happened in 2008, there has been an increased interest in the role of small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in economic growth and fighting unemployment. In a country with a high unemployment rate, such as South Africa, the role played by SMMEs cannot be undermined in creating jobs opportunity. However, the lack of financing from banks have somewhat hindered SMMEs in playing that role in the communities. This study was therefore undertaken to explore the role that banks play in the development of SMMEs in Vhembe District Municipality. The aim of this study was to determine the role that banks play in the development of SMMEs in the Vhembe District Municipality area. The study adopted a qualitative research method and drew in participants, which included officials from managers, or owners of small businesses derived from stratified sampling which was used to determine various characteristics of the study population. The study was based on the data collected from SMMEs around Vhembe District Municipality in Limpopo province. The research adopted an interview guide using semi-structured interviews to allow discretion on the number and order of predefined questions posed to the participants. By using semi-structured interviews, it allowed the possibility of exploring topics in a depth and breadth that may be harder to achieve with fully structured interviews. The collected data were analysed using ATLAS.ti software which offers a variety of tools for accomplishing the tasks associated with any systematic approach to unstructured data. The challenges identified in this study were collateral security, lack of financial assistance education, credit access regulations, qualifying criteria, stringent credit system as well as stringent documentation requirements. The study also found that for SMMEs to develop and maintain sustainability, there should be a well-established partnership, relation building and business development programmes between banks and SMMEs. Based on the findings of this study, small business owners should make every effort to gather information on credit or funding they require from banks and they must also be involved in credit policy formulation, which will lead to informed policy. It was concluded that the development of SMMEs can be realized if the banks can do away with their stringent credit application system.Item Open Access A structural analysis of Black Tax impact on business performance among small medium micro enterprises in Limpopo Province(2023-10-05) Mikioni, Anyway; Nkondo, L. G.; Nkuna, N.Black tax has been widely debated across different media and societal platforms and this has led to it being viewed as a burden that is crippling the aspirations of the 21st century generation. Africans are collectivist people who are grounded on the premise of caring for and assisting other members who are in need either at a family or societal perspective. However, in the 21st century that moral obligation is slowly losing its essence due to the increased level of literacy where individuals prefer to live in a vacuum and give a blind eye to the reality of the needs of others. This resulted in the emergence of a term black tax which addresses the support that individuals extend either to their immediate or extended families. Some studies have focused on its effect on employed individuals and in-inclusive of entrepreneurship. Hence there is a need to test the relationship if any that exists between black tax and entrepreneurship. It is against this background that this study seeks to investigate the effect of black tax on entrepreneurship within the South African context. The study was grounded on the Society Piety theory and Kinscripts framework that posit that individuals are morally obligated to their parents and should be aligned with the societal ideologies, values and norms. This study was conducted using mixed methods and guided by the pragmatism paradigm and ethnography research design. On the qualitative side, the data was collected from 15 entrepreneurs using face to face and online interviews guided by a structured interview guide. The entrepreneurs were purposively sampled. The collected data was transcribed utilizing Microsoft Word and analysed using thematic framework analysis aided by ATLAS. ti. On the quantitative side the descriptive research design guided the study with data collected from 150 entrepreneurs who were purposively sampled. The Likert scale questionnaire was used to collect data. The collected data was coded using Microsoft Excel and analysis using descriptive and inferential statistics aided by SPSS. The findings showed that black tax can be defined using the components that are uncodified law, perpetual obligation, background dependent, culture and values embedded, monetary assistance, non-monetary assistance, giving back, pay back and family entitlement. The perceptions of black were found to be act of altruism, family/siblings’ upliftment source, piety towards parents/guardians, futuristic support investment, positivity instilling source, entrepreneurship development stimulus, proper connotation, negative connotation, incessant exploitation, and family entitlement for support. The black tax impact on business performance manifest as boost business image, strong network development, financial constraints, profit reduction, inventory depletion, stifled business growth, stimulate borrowing and business closure/failure. The findings also showed that black tax experiences are cuts across all ethnic groups, heterogeneous experience across races, more effect amongst blacks, homogeneous experiences across genders and more effect amongst men. The black tax model was also developed that is imperative towards business sustainability. This study recommends that there must be a black tax target set by entrepreneurs towards evaluating and monitoring constantly the black tax payment to establish a shift from constructive to destructive black tax or vice versa. The study also recommends a paradigm shift on how entrepreneurs are viewed thus as community problem solvers and risk takers rather than as ATMs. The study also recommends that black tax be considered for tax incentives purposes. The study also recommends that an all inclusive term such as family tax or responsibility tax be considered in place of black tax.Item Open Access The impact of corporate entrepreneurship and human resources management practices on organisational performances: the mediating role of employee engagement(2023-10-05) Vinyu, Charles; Chiliya, N.; Ngirande, H.Corporate entrepreneurship positively impacts organisational growth and profitability by offering a competitive edge over innovation-driven technology advancements and a tumultuous global marketplace. As developing countries become more involved in international competition, the significance of human resources as a source of high organisational performance has become apparent. Combining corporate entrepreneurship activities and human resource management practices is vital for enhancing organisational performance. There has been increasing research on corporate entrepreneurship, however, research is scarceonthe influence of corporate entrepreneurship, human resources management, and employee engagement on the organisational performance of telecommunication organisations, particularly, in Zimbabwe. This study's purpose was to investigate the impact of corporate entrepreneurship and human resources management practices on organisational performance through the mediating role of employee engagement. This research followed a positivist research paradigm. Four hundred (400) employees in the telecommunication industry were selected using a stratified sampling method and an online questionnaire was utilised to gather data. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were employed to analyse data using Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS) version 27.0. The hypotheses were tested using multi-regression analysis. The results indicated asignificant relationship between corporate entrepreneurship and human resources management practices on organisational performance. In addition, the results showed that corporate entrepreneurship and human resources management practices, positively impacted employee engagement. Employee engagement emerged to have a positive impact on organisational performance. Employee engagement mediates the relationships between corporate entrepreneurship and organisational performance. Additionally, employee engagement mediates the relationships between human resources management practices and organisational performance. Theresearch broadens the knowledge base in corporate entrepreneurship, human resources management practices, employee engagement, and telecommunication's organisational performance. Policymakers and human resources practitioners, thus, may use this study as a reference point for adopting corporate entrepreneurship policies and human resources management practices strategies aimed at enhancing organisational performance in this unpredictable business environment. Lastly, a conceptual model was developed to link corporate entrepreneurship, human resources management practices, employee engagement, and organisational performance in the telecommunication sector of Zimbabwe.Item Open Access The influence of supply chain management systems on agricultural businesses in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province(2023-10-05) Lavhelani, Phathutshedzo David; Nkondo, L. G.; Thakhathi, D. R.Documented studies show that supply chain management systems (SCMS) that are in place in the province of Limpopo, focused more on agricultural business. Against this background, this study seeks to explore the influence of SCMS on agricultural businesses in the Vhembe District of Limpopo. The aim of this study is to identify existing SCMS used by agricultural businesses in Vhembe District, identify factors affecting agricultural businesses in Vhembe District, and establish policies supporting agricultural businesses, as well as examine frameworks used to monitor and evaluate agricultural profit. Supply chain management systems optimise the flow of goods, services, and information across the entire supply chain. By automating processes, streamlining operations, and reducing manual errors, these systems enhance overall efficiency. However, supply chain systems have a direct impact on customer satisfaction. Timely and accurate delivery, product availability, and responsive customer service are all influenced by the effectiveness of the supply chain. However, there is a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding the impact and potential benefits of supply chain management systems specifically tailored for agricultural businesses in Vhembe District. The study takes a qualitative research approach, coupled with an ex-ploratory research design. The research study makes use of face-to-face, in-depth interviews. An interview guide with open-ended questions was used during the interviews. The study used the interpretivist research paradigm to achieve the study objectives. Primary data was utilised to gather information regarding agricultural business practices in the Vhembe District. The collected data was analysed using ATLAS.ti. The findings of this study showed that proper packaging is also being adopted as a marketing strategy by these businesses, which effectively positions their products in the market and improves their competitive edge. A Vhembe District agri-supply chain systems model and direction for future research was made, while conclusions of the study were drawn. The study contributes towards developing effective SCMS in the agricultural sector, that has accommodated all farmers in the Vhembe District. The researcher used a small but adequate sample to pursue the objectives of the study. The implications of this study are far greater, as they extend to farmers, investors, the municipality, researchers and the public as a whole.Item Open Access An analysis of Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and entrepreneurship in South Africa: opportunities and challenges(2023-05-19) Ngomana, Tshembo; Nkondo, L. G.; Nemushungwa, A. I.Africa and the rest of the world have witnessed plethora of changes in the way we do things, by the introduction of the fourth industrial revolution. This is not just true for the way people live, for the fourth industrial revolution has also impacted the manner in which businesses operate and perform. Its introduction presented changes, challenges and opportunities on the operations of small businesses; these have not been sufficiently tested in the body of knowledge. It is against this background that this study investigates the changes, challenges and opportunities brought by the 4IR on entrepreneurship with special focus on small businesses. The study was guided by the radical humanists‘ paradigm, the phenomenological design and the qualitative research method. Data was collected from 10 small business owners purposively sampled from Gauteng at the Ekurhuleni Local Municipality and Mpumalanga at Bushbuckridge Local Municipality. A structured interview guide was used to collect data through face-to-face interviews while an audio recorder and a notebook were used to capture the responses of the participants. The collected data was transcribed using Microsoft Word version 26 and analysed thematically. Results indicate the fourth industrial revolution applicable technologies, potential changes, challenges and opportunities facing small businesses and entrepreneurship. The value of this dissertation is that it is among the first studies contributing towards understanding of the changes, challenges and opportunities presented by the 4IR to small businesses and entrepreneurship in South Africa. The scope of the study was restricted to Bushbuckridge Local Municipality and Ekurhuleni Local Municipality; therefore, findings might not be generalisable to other areas in South Africa, to the rest of Africa or other developing countries/emerging economies. There is an opportunity to conduct similar study with other municipalities in other provinces in South Africa to gain different views. The researcher recommended that entrepreneurs should search for more information from relevant and reputable sources in order to avoid misinformation and misunderstandings as well as enrolling on 4IR education and skills programme and policymakers should implement necessary tech-related policies that will work towards providing adequate tech-support to small businesses.Item Open Access Information management capability and operational excellence of selected institutions of higher education in South Africa(2022-07-15) Maphangwa, Mboniseni Joyce; Ochara, Nixon Muganda; Ngqondi, ThembisaThe advancement of the industrial revolution has had an impact on the way things are done globally. For instance, the unfolding of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) within the current society has resulted in urgent or rapid demands for more effective information management. Both private and public sectors were impacted by the advancement in technology. It is pertinent to note that the need for enhancing information management efforts is particularly urgent for public sector institutions that continue to struggle with operational deficiencies. This is owing to these institutions being still anchored on old bureaucratic models of management. It is within this context that this study focused on assessing information management capability and operational excellence of selected higher education institutions in South Africa from the resource-based view perspective. Concepts that measure the value of managing information and how it influences the operational excellence in higher education institutions were developed. This research was grounded on the Resource Based View. This theory provided the guidance towards comprehensively assessing the nature of relationship between operational excellence and the management of information capability. Adequate insights towards understanding the influence of information management capability and the extent to which it influences operational excellence were analyzed. Information technological capabilities, processes and systems used for managing information capability, benefits and challenges were also explored. The researcher used both primary and secondary data to depict how information capability management contributes to operational excellence of selected higher education institutions. Secondary data assisted the researcher to make primary data more specific and assisted in identifying the gaps, deficiencies and additional aspects required for the success of the study. This study was conducted within the qualitative dictates. The data was collected from 60 heads of departments and academics from four higher education institutions. The participants were selected purposively. The collected data was analyzed through thematic framework analysis using ATLAS. The study found that information management capability can be perceived as availability or access, data integrity, mechanism to identify the business needs and directions to follow, ensuring hardware and software reliability and user-friendly mechanisms adopted to ensure that hardware and software are meeting current business needs and directions. The findings showed that information management capability is critical towards enhancing operational excellence in higher education institutions. The study concludes that information management capability and operational excellence are being realized in institutions of higher learning though there are accompanying challenges. The study recommends that for higher education institutions, the recommendation is that they should ensure that digital information management capabilities are enhanced through the adoption of advanced digital technologies which will ultimately push the boundaries of education and enhance information management capabilities and ultimately operational excellence. Several theoretical and practical recommendations were provided.Item Open Access The effects of civil unrest on tourism businesses in Vhembe Region, South Africa(2021-02) Hlungwani, Rirhandzu Eunice; Tshipala, N. N.; Nyikana, S.The study investigated the effects of civil unrest on tourism business in Vuwani area in the Vhembe region. A quantitative research approach was used in the study. The descriptive research design was adopted in conducting this research. The study population comprised of tourism stakeholders such as tourists, local residents, tour guides, tour operators and hotel managers. A stratified random sampling technique was used to select 250 respondents for the study. Questionnaires were administered to collect quantitative data. Data was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The study established that civil unrest negatively affects the local area by causing environmental degradation, political instability and negative economic activities that have a knock-on effect on the tourism business. The study recommends that the local municipality support effective service delivery, active participation of local residents in the tourism business and organise workshops to facilitate collaboration among various stakeholders to create a conducive climate for tourism development.Item Open Access An assessment of the factors driving consumer's propensity to purchase online(2021-03) Mujera, Tinashe; Kadyamatimba, A.; Zindiye, S.Despite the tremendous global development within the electronic-commerce (e-commerce) industry, marketers in emerging economies are still lagging in understanding the dynamic consumers’ online purchasing behaviour. Furthermore, the literature reporting on consumers’ online purchasing practices in an African set up remains largely inconsistent and fragmented as most previous studies are based on consumers in first world countries. To address this problem, by specifically targeting the South African market, the main aim of the study was to establish key factors driving consumers’ propensity to purchase online in order to device a model that guides online marketing strategy and future research. Guided by the quantitative research approach and a descriptive single cross-sectional design, data was collected from a sample of 350 participants drawn from Sandon City, located in the Gauteng Province using a self-administered questionnaire. With the aid of SPSS Version 26, the collected data were analysed through descriptive and multivariate statistical tests. Consumer innovativeness, perceived benefits, online shopping experience and perceived risk were found to be the major factors driving consumers’ propensity to purchase online. These factors were however found to vary according to demographic characteristics, particularly pertaining to consumers’ education and income level. Ultimately, the study findings led to the formulation of a model that can be recommended to marketers in guiding online shopping within the South African retail sector and regionally.Item Open Access The role of informal sector towards entrepreneurship development in Makhado Local Municipality(2021-06-23) Mukuvhi, Avhazwifuni Claude; Nkondo, L. G.; Khohomela, N. T.The informal sector plays a pivotal role in developing countries. Its presence in the economy contributes greatly in two ways: firstly, informal entrepreneurs drive job formation through small-business creation. Secondly, it is considered an incubator for business potential and a stepping stone for accessibility and graduation to the formal economy, thus it is a response to poverty and unemployment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the contributions of the informal sector to entrepreneurship development in Makhado Local Municipality. To address the research problem, the Interpretivist paradigm was used. The Interpretivist paradigm is a trend of research approach, and it support the use of qualitative methods for data collection and involves the social interaction with the population group of the study. The Interpretivist paradigm was chosen because it establishes a platform towards understanding the world as it is from subjective experiences of individuals. The study utilized a mixed method approach which includes both qualitative and quantitative approach. The non-probability convenience sampling approach was adopted because it is very easy to carry out with few rules governing how the sample should be collected. A sample size of 150 participants derived using convenience sampling was used to determine various characteristics of the study population. Semi-structured questionnaires were distributed to micro-entrepreneurs. Data collected was analysed using International Business Machines Statistical Package for Social Scientists version (IBM SPSS) 25 and thematic content analysis. The findings and recommendations will be established to ensure a progressive entrepreneurial environment.Item Open Access Expenditure patterns of students at tourist attractions in the Vhembe District Municipality(2019-11) Segooa, Malesini Magdeline; Tshipala, N. N.; Madzunye, T.Tourism demand is mainly measured in terms of tourism arrivals and departures together with tourist expenditure and receipts. Further variables commonly cited in the literature are travel exports and/or imports, tourist length of stay and number of nights spent at the accommodation. This study aimed to analyse the expenditure patterns of students travelling to attractions in the Vhembe District Municipality and focused on how much students spend when travelling and when at the attraction. The researcher used a descriptive approach and employed a quantitative research design. A sample of 600 respondents was selected using the convenient sampling method, with data collected at three major institutions in the Vhembe District Municipality, namely the University of Venda, the Vhembe TVET College and the Limpopo College of Nursing (Vhembe Campus). To analyse the data, chi-square, factor analysis and cluster analysis were used. The findings revealed the demographic descriptors of time spent and activities preferred by student travellers when visiting the attractions. In addition, the expenditure patterns of students visiting tourist attractions were analysed. The information provided by this study should help service providers, product owners, government departments, private sectors and travel agencies in their decision-making regarding the planning, developing, packaging and marketing of Vhembe as a destination.Item Open Access The Impact of the Regulatory Environment on the Growth of the Small Business Sector in Polokwane, South Africa(2019-12) Tambe, Dede Kelly; Nkondo, L. G.; Zindiye, S.Government regulations are needed to achieve a range of economic and social objectives which are beneficial to the nation as a whole. However, many countries experience problems with their regulatory systems as they invariably impose costs on businesses. In South Africa, it comes in the form of red tape, high taxes, labour laws and corruption. This places various regulatory burdens including compliance, administrative costs and other costs that may adversely influence firms’ productivity and frustrate their overall business performance and growth, particularly the small business sector. Given this sector’s indisputable contribution towards the overall economic health of the nation, it is important to address its concerns regarding the issue of the regulatory environment and government policy, in order to initiate corrective action and introduce regulatory reforms. Again, it is important to point out that not all businesses within the small business sector suffer under the weight of regulation. The purpose of this study was to examine the extent to which South Africa’s regulatory environment curtails the growth of the small business sector as well as determine whether the different categories of firms within the Small Business Sector (micro, very small, small or medium) bears different regulatory burdens. This study was carried out in Polokwane, Capricorn District Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. To address the research problem, the positivist paradigm was used. The study used the mixed research method and the descriptive research design. The stratified sampling technique was used to determine various characteristics of the study population, while the convenience sampling technique was used due to constraints in reaching everyone in the population. The aim was therefore to find a representative sample of that population. Thus, to ensure that the population was representative, a sample size of 121 participants was derived using the Raosoft sample size calculator as well as other criteria. Questionnaires were utilised as the data collection tool and the collected data were analysed using SPSS version 25. Descriptive statistics, cluster analysis and Kruskal Wallis were also used to analyse the collected data. Results indicate that to a certain extent, the regulatory environment influences the small business sector negatively. On the other hand, the efforts and skills of the business owner influence their success and ability to remain in business, thus influencing the growth of the sector. The results also show that different categories of businesses within the small business sector bear different burdens, owing to certain characteristics they are defined by.Item Open Access Enhancing the running of small businesses in South Africa, the case of Limpopo Province(2020-02) Nago, Denzel Thando; Zindiye, Stanislous; Shambare, RichardThe value of small businesses is known globally for its contribution towards economic growth, job creation and social progression. A plethora of entrepreneurial problems (for example, mismanagement of finance and lack of managerial skills) usually causes start-ups to have a short lifespan. Despite much effort by the government and private sector towards addressing these problems, high attrition rates among small businesses is still a problem in South Africa. Although considerable literature in entrepreneurship points out factors such as the lack of funding and lack of managerial skills as the leading causes for the high attrition rates among small businesses, research has overlooked one important factor which is entrepreneurs’ inability or ability to adapt to the volatile business environment. This is instituted on the synchronisation of entrepreneurship challenges. It is in this regard that this study seeks to understand entrepreneurship problems of funding and skills challenges when operating a small business. With such a gap, this study argued, the lack of localised research aimed at enhancing small businesses in South Africa. This constitutes a research gap, which this study addressed. To attain this purpose, an exploratory research design guided by a qualitative research method was employed. This was coupled with data collection procedure which involved extracting data on enhancing small businesses by means of interviews with 6 respondents who were selected purposively. The value of this work is that it sought to understand the finance and skills challenge within the South African context. The implication of the study is that it potentially provides NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) and government with valuable tools to understand South African entrepreneurship and the effective channels of intervention for small business ventures.Item Open Access The influence of smart tourism on tourist's destination choice in the city of Tshwane, South Africa(2020) Nengovhela, Munei; Ochara, N.; Madzunye, T.Countries across the globe are relying on tourism growth and development for creation of employment and contribution to the country’s GDP. Societies have always been subject to change. Modern society has been increasingly changing and the changes are being brought about by the growth, development and innovation within the ICT sector. Such growth and development of ICT has created the birth of the Fourth Industrial Revolution of which has resulted in the proliferation of the word ‘smart’. Technology has thus successfully penetrated people’s communication patterns, consumption habits, lifestyles and work place relations, moreover it has also impacted the context of travel and tourist behavior. The concept of smartness gained its popularity in early 2000s and has somehow resulted in the creation and usage of concepts such as smart city, smart planet, smart tourism and smart tourist. The growth of ICT has therefore resulted in the growth of Smart Tourism Technologies which are developed to meet smart tourist’s demands. The city of Tshwane has been making strides to become an African World-class Smart City. Such then offers the city of Tshwane to position itself as a smart tourism destination that can meet the demands of smart tourists. Prior to such positioning efforts, research needs to be conducted to ascertain if tourists visiting the city use smart tourism technologies to make travel the decision to visit the city, such was the core problem of the study. To investigate the influence of smart tourism technologies on tourist’s decision to visit the city of Tshwane, the study adapted and made revisions to the Elaboration Likelihood Model of persuasion as a conceptual theory that can explain attitude changes of tourists through the usage of Smart Tourism Technologies. The study adopted a quantitative approach wherein a questionnaire with 29 seven-point Likert scales was used. Data was analyzed through SPSS Amos® Version 25. A total of 341 questionnaires were collected and Structural Equation Modelling was used to investigate the influence of smart tourism technologies on tourist’s decision. The findings of the study revealed that Information relevance and interactivity of smart tourism technologies significantly influence the decision of tourists to visit the city of Tshwane, which therefore critically suggest that the decision to visit the city of Tshwane is greatly influenced by consulting smart tourism tools that are interactive and carries relevant tourist information. It is envisaged that the findings of the study could be consulted when designing smart tourism tools that could be used in positioning the city as a smart tourism destination.Item Open Access The Impact of Sociocultural Factors on the Development of Entrepreneurship in Thulamela Local Municipality(2020-07) Murimwa, Chenjerai; Nkondo, L. G.; Khohomela, N. T.Entrepreneurship has become the backbone of every economy in the modern era; essential for employment creation, revamping national economic performance and generating wealth. Despite it being taught in tertiary institutions and trained in vocational institutions, studies show that entrepreneurship is not achieving its full potential in contributing to economies especially in rural settings. It needs to be fostered and nurtured in sociocultural perspectives to maximise its contribution towards the economy of South Africa. The aim of the study was to establish the importance of sociocultural factors in the development of entrepreneurship in rural settings of South Africa. The study area was Thohoyandou Central Business District, Tshaulu, Tshilamba and Khubvi in Thulamela Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. A mixed method approach was used, combining both quantitative and qualitative data collection methods to better understand the relationship between entrepreneurship development and sociocultural dimensions involved and address the research objectives. The sample for this study comprised of 100 entrepreneurial initiatives in Thulamela Local Municipality, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The researcher used a stratified purposive sampling technique, where questionnaires with both open and closed ended questions was administered as the instrument for data collection. Predictive Analytics Software (PASW) version 25, formerly known as SPSS was used for quantitative data analysis and Thematic Content Analysis was employed to analyse qualitative data. The findings indicated social impedances, lack of confidence in the services offered, gender discrimination, role models and the support system as key influencers of entrepreneurship advancement. The study also showed that culture contributes to entrepreneurship development in Thulamela Local Municipality through aspects such as resistance, traditional beliefs and looking down upon others. The study also established that entrepreneurship is considered as better than conventional day-to-day jobs because of its ability to give financial stability to individuals and consolidate and empower the community. The researcher recommended that the following factors be considered: market expansion, funding, training and skills development, community development, teaching entrepreneurship in communities and internal business adjustments.