Lawrence Mpele Lekhanya

This paper reports on the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) business characteristics in rural places of Southern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province. It was intended to identify and discuss the various characteristics and the implications they have on the survival and growth of rural enterprises. The study was conducted in five areas (uMuziwabantu, Ubuhlebezwe, Sisonke, Zingolweni and uMzimkhulu) Southern Region of KZN province. The sample consisted of 127 SMEs owners/managers operating in the selected areas using a quota sampling method, with respondents completing a five-point Likert scale questionnaire with the assistance of an interviewer. The findings indicated that most employees within the business are unskilled; the business operations are run by using modern facilities; most of business investment strategies are hindered by a lack of finance; and the local market is very small in selling rural SMEs’ products. SPSS (23.0) version was used for data analysis. The findings presented in the figures and tables. Statistical analysis revealed that business characteristics of SMEs in rural were tested and found to be significant (P = .000*).
The paper will be useful tool for the policy-makers, business financial support institutions, and business stakeholders, government policy agencies in underlining a new way to consider future growth of SMEs in rural places, to understand challenges properly and to adjust growth strategies for the remote and under-developed areas. Most work has been focusing on SMEs in the urban and metropolitans areas with less emphasis on the rural SMEs with specific reference to KZN. The findings are limited by the quantitative nature, small sample and exploratory study. Therefore, generalization of these results should be done with care and more research with larger samples extended to other provinces is highly recommended

The importance of integrated supply chain management cannot be overemphasized in any business due to the emergence of inter and intra firm trade, literature has confirmed that the success of any business in all parts of the world depends on the effectiveness of their supply chain management. The focus of this paper is to present an exploratory study on the use of integrated supply chain management model for promoting competitiveness in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturing industry in Nigeria and explore critical factors affecting implementation and use. Primary data are collected from 80 selected respondents in FMCG manufacturing industry based in Lagos Nigeria. Quantitative method of data collection is used. SPSS 22.0 is used to analyze data. Findings of the research indicate the significance of .000* with .879* Cronbach’s Alpha reliability. It also reveales that most of the tested variables are very significant. The study will benefit FMCG manufacturing industry in Nigeria and affiliated stakeholders as well as international communities by providing them with recent model. The findings are limited by the study’s exploratory, quantitative nature and small sample, therefore, generalization of the results should be done with care and further research, with a large sample encouraged

In order to compete, retain and attract postgraduate students, and overcome the lack of postgraduate throughput, universities of technology need to be more customer orientated. Therefore, to gain competitive advantage, university management needs to identify and assess the service quality gaps in research support structures and analyze the impact they have on students and staff within the university. The purpose of the study is to investigate the perceptions of staff and postgraduate students with regard to research structures and service quality support by relevant offices with specific reference to Durban University of Technology. Data were collected from academic staff and students across six faculties at the Durban University of Technology. The sample consisted of 278 academic staff and 260 postgraduate students, using a simple random sampling. A mixed method approach of qualitative and quantitative techniques was used, with a closed and open-ended questionnaire developed, by adapting the SERVQUAL instrument developed by Parasuraman et al. (1985), to evaluate and assess the quality dimensions (gap) for reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy. The findings of the study indicated that staff and students were dissatisfied with the research support structures across six faculties. Further research should aim at assessing performance management of research support structures and service within the relevant research offices

Positive entrepreneurial spirit, attitudes and perceptions among the communities, with specific reference to young South Africans in KwaZulu-Natal province, can improve the lives of many young people and alleviate poverty and unemployment challenges in the province. This paper intends to analyze the entrepreneurial spirit, attitudes and perceptions of young South Africans, in addition to which it will also analyze the most critical factors affecting young South Africans when embarking into business. Primary data were collected by means of both qualitative and quantitative methods. Data were collected in eThekweni Municipal areas. The sample consisted of 350 young South Africans between the ages of 18-35, both those who are working, as well as those who are unemployed, with or without tertiary qualifications. Respondents completed a five–point, Likert scale questionnaire, with the assistance of an interviewer. The results disclose that the large number of respondents indicate bank requirements to obtain a loan and financial support as major barriers to starting a business. The findings further indicate start-up capital as another constraint that demoralizes, quelling the entrepreneurial spirit among the young. The results found to be statistical significant at (p = .000*). Further research should aim to examine youth entrepreneurial training programs and entrepreneurial support skills.

Keywords: entrepreneurial, analysis, spirit, attitudes, perceptions, critical, young South Africans.
JEL Classification: M21

The study intends to examine the understanding and awareness of environmental dynamics and their implications of rural SMEs in the southern region of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province. The study was conducted within the rural areas of the Southern region of KZN province, using quantitative research methods. The sample for the study consisted of 150 owners/managers of SMEs. The respondents were selected using quota sampling and required to complete a research questionnaire, with an interviewer present to assist. The research instrument consisted of closed-ended questionnaires made up of 5 point Likert scale responses and questionnaires were distributed to five selected areas in rural Southern region of KZN province. The research findings indicate the size of local market is very small to sell their products; poor infrastructure has an impact on their business growth, lack of financial support, as well as tough government regulations, just to mention the few. This study provides both theoretical and practical implications for rural entrepreneurs and policy-makers. The study presents a number of recommendations, including a conceptual growth model for rural SMEs.

Keywords: enveronmental dynamics, rural areas, business growth, SMEs.
JEL Classification: Q56, R11, O44

This paper examines customer’s perception towards product quality of automotive SMEs operating in the Durban metropolitan areas and identifies how small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa (SA) contribute significantly to job creation, wealth, social stability, economic growth and reduction of poverty. Product quality of automotive SMEs requires serious attention, as it can have ecological environmental impact leading to the negative economic growth contributed by the industry. The study is aimed to understand the factors affecting automotive SMEs in order to help entrepreneurs to improve product quality and examining the customer’s perception towards product quality. The study was conducted in Durban metropolitan areas using the survey method. The sample size of the study was 120 SMEs selected using convenience sampling with respondents completing the questionnaire. A combined method of both quantitative and qualitative techniques was employed, while the analysis of data was done using the Statistics Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) version 23.0. The findings of the study revealed that lack of managerial skills and development negatively compromises product quality of the automotive sector. Also the results revealed that the absence of financial support from financial institutions delays the improvement of stock in the business, as this is an obstacle resulting in the unsustainability of the SMEs. Further research with larger samples and the consideration of other cities is recommended.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the problems of the sustainable development, to explore the level of innovation in the fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) manufacturing SMMEs sectors, which most affects on the state of the environment, to identify the causes of low innovation in the industry and to examine these factors influence on the effectiveness of SMMEs manufacturers innovation strategies, as well as to invent a new innovation strategic approach to overcome innovation problems in the economic growth of fast moving consumer goods SMMEs manufacturers. The study is aimed to determine the level of innovation and factors contributing to low innovation in fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) SMMEs manufacturers, which hinder their economic performance. Mixed approach of quantitative and qualitative questionnaire is used for primary data collection. Sample consists of 120 SMMEs. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) (23.0) was employed for data analysis. The study results are presented with figures and diagrams. This study will be a useful tool for general public and relevant stakeholders in this sector.

This paper focuses on exploring the leadership governance in universities. The leadership governance creates an environment which is transparent and it incorporates stakeholders that transform the university. The leadership governance faces visible and invisible challenges which calls for experts in different areas of leadership to be incorporated into the structures of the university in order to bring sustainability in the university. The primary data was collected from six traditional universities and three universities of technology in South Africa from the sample of 39 members of senate. The nature of the study is a quantitative study in which Survey Monkey was used for the distribution of questionnaires. The findings of the study indicate that there is a lack of involvement of stakeholders in the processes of reviewing policies and operational issues. The other findings was the use of university members in leadership to promote unity.

Electricity is an essential basic need that the South African government needs to pay special attention. A continuous or uninterrupted supply of electricity is essential for industrial production and economic growth and development. Since South Africa is overly reliant on coal fired electricity generating technologies which are environmentally damaging, the move towards green energy technologies to form part of the electricity generating matrix is highly desirable not only to reduce environmental pollution, but also to increase the supply of electricity to meet rising demand. However, the adoption and implementation of green energy projects has not been that easy and progress has been far from satisfactory. This study was therefore consummated to assess the effectiveness of installed green technology in the area of Pinetown in Kwazulu-Natal. The study also investigated the technological challenges affecting the implementation of green energy projects in SME sector in Pinetown Kwazulu-Natal. Furthermore, the study also examined as to what extent technological challenges are affecting the use of installed green technology in the selected area of Pinetown in Kwazulu-Natal. This was followed by exploring strategies that could be implemented to improve effectiveness of installed green technology in Pinetown. A quantitative research approach was adopted. Data collection for this study was performed by distributing and collecting a structured survey questionnaire to respondents. Data analysis for this research was performed using SPSS.

From a global perspective, the business environment has become highly dynamic, unpredictable, and competitive due to external forces – mostly technology – that generate change. The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of digital technologies on South African business sectors. The sample includes small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the KwaZulu-Natal province. Being qualitative by design, the study used semi-structured interviews for data collection, with eight interviews in the Durban area. SME managers were purposefully selected as participants based on their management positions in the business/company and that they oversee the business operation and understand the influence of digital transformation in the business. The interviews were then transcribed after data collection to determine any recurring themes. In the effectiveness of digital transformation, the study identified themes such as “gaining exposure” and “gaining effective sales figures” as a result of implementing digital transformation, which was indicated by six of eight participants. The findings showed that digital transformation significantly affects building customer relationships and ensuring easy accessibility of the business. The results further indicate online selling and digital marketing as the leading digital platforms successfully implemented by most South African SMEs. Lastly, the study revealed digital maintenance and rapid changes in technology as challenging factors. Moreover, the study recommends that South African SMEs implement more available digital technologies to gain additional exposure.

The overwhelming complexity of achieving sustainable development globally, including in South Africa, requires the networking and partnerships of all stakeholders. This paper reports networking challenges affecting social entrepreneurship’s contribution to sustainable development. The study aimed to investigate and analyze the impact of networking challenges on social entrepreneurship contribution to sustainable development in the townships in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province. The study is quantitative and was conducted in three KZN township communities. The sample consisted of 90 social entrepreneurs selected using a snowball sampling technique. The respondents completed a self-administered close-ended questionnaire (employing a five-point Likert scale). The data were analyzed using SPSS (27.0 version). Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.808 indicated the reliability of the questionnaire as a measuring instrument for this study. The study revealed that lack of partnerships and networking with other social entrepreneurs, insufficient networking and partnership with corporate organizations, absence of networking and partnerships with government, and lack of platform use for social networking, affect social entrepreneurs’ activities. A chi-square test also revealed that all the tested variables were statistically significant, with a p-value = .000.