A university-based entrepreneurial ecosystem framework in a developing country context
- Authors: Nkotha, Atlehang
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Student-owned business enterprises -- Management , New business enterprises -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65331 , vital:74092
- Description: As finding employment in South Africa remains difficult, venture creation is a necessary alternative source of income and employment. The literature suggests that a university should serve as an incubator for student entrepreneurs and provide a supportive environment for their entrepreneurial ventures. Universities are also important to the development of entrepreneurial thinking among faculty, students, and other stakeholders. Furthermore, a university-based entrepreneurial ecosystem (U-BEE) is perceived as a source of support for successful student start-up ventures. The literature suggests that the elements of U-BEEs and the interaction between them vary depending on regional and local conditions. Furthermore, the key components of a U-BEE are not appropriate for all regions or contexts. As U-BEEs are dynamic and student start-ups vary, the need exists to understand the interacting elements of the system before it can be built, or the strategies implemented. Against this background, the primary objective of this study was to map and assess a student U-BEE in a developing country context. The current study was situated in an interpretive research paradigm and deductive reasoning was applied. As a single case study research strategy was used and based on convenience sampling, Nelson Mandela University (NMU) was selected as the case to be investigated. Data was collected through a document review, surveying 33 respondents as well as conducting semi-structured interviews with 12 entrepreneurship stakeholders at one point in time. Deductive codes and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. Through identifying and delineating the elements of NMU’s student U-BEE, it was noted that the elements in the system varied in degree of importance and prevalence. The elements investigated were people, infrastructure, funding, leadership and governance, entrepreneurship activities, reward system, collaboration, monitoring and evaluation, as well as organizational culture and outcomes. Several people were identified as supporting student entrepreneurship at NMU ranging from top management, and academics to support staff. Although a science and technology park did not exist at NMU, the findings showed that physical infrastructure and IT facilities existed to support student entrepreneurship. Despite some funding being provided for student entrepreneurship support (SES) development, none was provided for entrepreneurial infrastructure. Some top management personnel were identified as providing leadership for SES at NMU including the Vice-Chancellor who was committed to contributing to the ecosystem. In addition, various co-curricular SES activities were identified as taking place at NMU with most being offered free to registered students. However, NMU did not provide any incentives to encourage staff or students to provide SES at NMU and no formal system for rewards existed. Several internal and external collaborations to provide SES activities effectively at NMU were identified, with most occurring through the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education Community of Practice Network. SES activities were not monitored at NMU, but some student entrepreneurship data was handled by the Department of Institutional Planning. As a result, NMU was not perceived as having an entrepreneurially supportive culture, and the use of metrics to establish measurable outcomes were limited. In addition to identifying the challenges faced when building a student U-BEE ecosystem in a developing country context, the study elaborated on several suggestions on how these challenges could be overcome and what improvements could be made in terms of SES at NMU. The challenges identified related to NMU being under-resourced in terms of funds, staff, and infrastructure to support student entrepreneurship. In general, the findings of this study highlighted the need for student entrepreneurship to be a strategic priority at NMU. The increased involvement of top management, entrepreneurship staff, students, and other stakeholders needs to be encouraged and incentivized. In addition, faculties across the university should encourage student entrepreneurship involvement and encourage students to participate in programmes offered on campuses. The importance of appropriately skilled staff to handle all matters relating to student entrepreneurship was also emphasized. This study has theoretical significance because it identifies, maps, and assesses the elements of a student U-BEE in a developing country context. As such, it paves the way for future researchers to investigate other universities in these contexts, and to undertake further empirical studies. This study also has practical significance in that it makes several recommendations that might be of value to stakeholders within U-BEEs in developing country contexts. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
- Authors: Nkotha, Atlehang
- Date: 2024-04
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Student-owned business enterprises -- Management , New business enterprises -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/65331 , vital:74092
- Description: As finding employment in South Africa remains difficult, venture creation is a necessary alternative source of income and employment. The literature suggests that a university should serve as an incubator for student entrepreneurs and provide a supportive environment for their entrepreneurial ventures. Universities are also important to the development of entrepreneurial thinking among faculty, students, and other stakeholders. Furthermore, a university-based entrepreneurial ecosystem (U-BEE) is perceived as a source of support for successful student start-up ventures. The literature suggests that the elements of U-BEEs and the interaction between them vary depending on regional and local conditions. Furthermore, the key components of a U-BEE are not appropriate for all regions or contexts. As U-BEEs are dynamic and student start-ups vary, the need exists to understand the interacting elements of the system before it can be built, or the strategies implemented. Against this background, the primary objective of this study was to map and assess a student U-BEE in a developing country context. The current study was situated in an interpretive research paradigm and deductive reasoning was applied. As a single case study research strategy was used and based on convenience sampling, Nelson Mandela University (NMU) was selected as the case to be investigated. Data was collected through a document review, surveying 33 respondents as well as conducting semi-structured interviews with 12 entrepreneurship stakeholders at one point in time. Deductive codes and thematic analysis were used to analyze the data. Through identifying and delineating the elements of NMU’s student U-BEE, it was noted that the elements in the system varied in degree of importance and prevalence. The elements investigated were people, infrastructure, funding, leadership and governance, entrepreneurship activities, reward system, collaboration, monitoring and evaluation, as well as organizational culture and outcomes. Several people were identified as supporting student entrepreneurship at NMU ranging from top management, and academics to support staff. Although a science and technology park did not exist at NMU, the findings showed that physical infrastructure and IT facilities existed to support student entrepreneurship. Despite some funding being provided for student entrepreneurship support (SES) development, none was provided for entrepreneurial infrastructure. Some top management personnel were identified as providing leadership for SES at NMU including the Vice-Chancellor who was committed to contributing to the ecosystem. In addition, various co-curricular SES activities were identified as taking place at NMU with most being offered free to registered students. However, NMU did not provide any incentives to encourage staff or students to provide SES at NMU and no formal system for rewards existed. Several internal and external collaborations to provide SES activities effectively at NMU were identified, with most occurring through the Entrepreneurship Development in Higher Education Community of Practice Network. SES activities were not monitored at NMU, but some student entrepreneurship data was handled by the Department of Institutional Planning. As a result, NMU was not perceived as having an entrepreneurially supportive culture, and the use of metrics to establish measurable outcomes were limited. In addition to identifying the challenges faced when building a student U-BEE ecosystem in a developing country context, the study elaborated on several suggestions on how these challenges could be overcome and what improvements could be made in terms of SES at NMU. The challenges identified related to NMU being under-resourced in terms of funds, staff, and infrastructure to support student entrepreneurship. In general, the findings of this study highlighted the need for student entrepreneurship to be a strategic priority at NMU. The increased involvement of top management, entrepreneurship staff, students, and other stakeholders needs to be encouraged and incentivized. In addition, faculties across the university should encourage student entrepreneurship involvement and encourage students to participate in programmes offered on campuses. The importance of appropriately skilled staff to handle all matters relating to student entrepreneurship was also emphasized. This study has theoretical significance because it identifies, maps, and assesses the elements of a student U-BEE in a developing country context. As such, it paves the way for future researchers to investigate other universities in these contexts, and to undertake further empirical studies. This study also has practical significance in that it makes several recommendations that might be of value to stakeholders within U-BEEs in developing country contexts. , Thesis (MCom) -- Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences, School of Management Sciences, 2024
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2024-04
Examining the nature of entrepreneurship within the towns and rural areas of Sakhisizwe Local Municipality, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Maliwa, Noluvuyo
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Developing countries--Economic conditions , Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27555 , vital:69315
- Description: Entrepreneurship plays an important role in societies around the world because it supports economic growth and creates job opportunities. This study investigated the nature of entrepreneurship in three distinct parts of Sakhisizwe Local Municipality, including a town within Sakhisizwe’s former homeland area, rural communities within its former homeland area, and a town within an area characterised by large-scale commercial farms. The study sought to establish the share of adults in the different parts of the municipality involved in entrepreneurship, to identify factors that contribute to the decision to become an entrepreneur, and to examine strategies pursued by, and challenges experienced, different types of entrepreneurs. The study involved a random sample of 362 respondents and both quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Among the main findings is that the proportion of adults involved in enterprise in Sakhisizwe is higher than found by other studies for South Africa as a whole, but is especially high for those living in the town in the former homeland area. While those residing in rural communities also engage in enterprise, they are generally compelled to practice their enterprises in town, thus have the disadvantage of needing frequent transport. While residing in the town in the commercial farming area is not disadvantageous in the same way, the challenge is that the town itself is able to support relatively few entrepreneurs due to fewer people coming to town for their shopping. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agricultures, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-11
- Authors: Maliwa, Noluvuyo
- Date: 2022-11
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Developing countries--Economic conditions , Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/27555 , vital:69315
- Description: Entrepreneurship plays an important role in societies around the world because it supports economic growth and creates job opportunities. This study investigated the nature of entrepreneurship in three distinct parts of Sakhisizwe Local Municipality, including a town within Sakhisizwe’s former homeland area, rural communities within its former homeland area, and a town within an area characterised by large-scale commercial farms. The study sought to establish the share of adults in the different parts of the municipality involved in entrepreneurship, to identify factors that contribute to the decision to become an entrepreneur, and to examine strategies pursued by, and challenges experienced, different types of entrepreneurs. The study involved a random sample of 362 respondents and both quantitative and qualitative data analysis. Among the main findings is that the proportion of adults involved in enterprise in Sakhisizwe is higher than found by other studies for South Africa as a whole, but is especially high for those living in the town in the former homeland area. While those residing in rural communities also engage in enterprise, they are generally compelled to practice their enterprises in town, thus have the disadvantage of needing frequent transport. While residing in the town in the commercial farming area is not disadvantageous in the same way, the challenge is that the town itself is able to support relatively few entrepreneurs due to fewer people coming to town for their shopping. , Thesis (MSci) -- Faculty of Science and Agricultures, 2022
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2022-11
The effectiveness of business incubators in enhancing growth, survival and performance of small, medium and micro enterprises in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa
- Authors: Sarakunze, Annie.
- Date: 2014-11
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Economic development -- South Africa , Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26786 , vital:66005
- Description: In both developed and developing countries, the growth of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise sector is considered an important factor in boosting the economic well-being of a country. The governments of many countries play a basic role in creating policies and programmes which support the growth of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises. One of the initiatives used by the governments to nurture small businesses is business incubation.This study investigated the effectiveness of business incubators in enhancing growth, survival and performance of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in selected areas of the Eastern Cape Province. The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of business incubation on the performance of SMMEs, determine the impact of business incubation on the growth of the SMME, to assess the impact of business incubation on the survival of the SMMEs and to investigate whether SMMEs are satisfied with the role of business incubators in their areas.This study employed a stratified simple random sampling technique. The population was first divided into six homogeneous strata and then simple random sampling was then employed. The self-administered questionnaires were then distributed into each and every stratum randomly. Simple random sampling was used because it enabled each and every member in the strata to have an equal chance of being selected. Owners, managers and employees were used as respondents in this study and a total sample of 200 SMMEs answered the questionnaire. The study followed a quantitative research design as it involved variables such as growth, firm performance and survival which have measures that involves the use of figures such as sales, number of employees and total value of assets. The data was analysed by Anova, Pearson Chi-Square and T-test statistical methods in order to arrive at findings and conclusions. Based on the findings from this survey it was found that business incubators are effective in enhancing growth, survival and performance of SMMEs. Although other researchers found that there are no significant variations in growth, survival and performance of incubated and non-incubated businesses, this study however recognizes the importance of business incubation to SMMEs. This study concurs with most findings by many researchers of business incubation and thus recommends vigorous business incubation awareness to the SMMEs and networking. , Thesis (MBm) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce , 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-11
- Authors: Sarakunze, Annie.
- Date: 2014-11
- Subjects: Entrepreneurship , Economic development -- South Africa , Small business
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26786 , vital:66005
- Description: In both developed and developing countries, the growth of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise sector is considered an important factor in boosting the economic well-being of a country. The governments of many countries play a basic role in creating policies and programmes which support the growth of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises. One of the initiatives used by the governments to nurture small businesses is business incubation.This study investigated the effectiveness of business incubators in enhancing growth, survival and performance of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in selected areas of the Eastern Cape Province. The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of business incubation on the performance of SMMEs, determine the impact of business incubation on the growth of the SMME, to assess the impact of business incubation on the survival of the SMMEs and to investigate whether SMMEs are satisfied with the role of business incubators in their areas.This study employed a stratified simple random sampling technique. The population was first divided into six homogeneous strata and then simple random sampling was then employed. The self-administered questionnaires were then distributed into each and every stratum randomly. Simple random sampling was used because it enabled each and every member in the strata to have an equal chance of being selected. Owners, managers and employees were used as respondents in this study and a total sample of 200 SMMEs answered the questionnaire. The study followed a quantitative research design as it involved variables such as growth, firm performance and survival which have measures that involves the use of figures such as sales, number of employees and total value of assets. The data was analysed by Anova, Pearson Chi-Square and T-test statistical methods in order to arrive at findings and conclusions. Based on the findings from this survey it was found that business incubators are effective in enhancing growth, survival and performance of SMMEs. Although other researchers found that there are no significant variations in growth, survival and performance of incubated and non-incubated businesses, this study however recognizes the importance of business incubation to SMMEs. This study concurs with most findings by many researchers of business incubation and thus recommends vigorous business incubation awareness to the SMMEs and networking. , Thesis (MBm) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce , 2014
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014-11
Exploring the role of rural entrepreneurship on welfare in South Africa: a case of Nkonkobe Municipal area in the Eastern Cape Province
- Ngorora, Grace Portia Kuda https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4756-3137
- Authors: Ngorora, Grace Portia Kuda https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4756-3137
- Date: 2011-12
- Subjects: Rural development projects , Public welfare --South Africa , Entrepreneurship
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26357 , vital:65248
- Description: The study set out to explore the role of rural entrepreneurship on welfare in Nkonkobe Municipal Area of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The objectives of the study were to identify the role rural entrepreneurship plays on welfare and determine the factors that promote or hinder rural entrepreneurship. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to establish the perceptions of rural entrepreneurs. Findings from the study suggest that rural entrepreneurship contributes immensely to the welfare of individuals, family and community in Nkonkobe Municipal Area of the Eastern Cape Province. Rural entrepreneurship is the most important activity for entrepreneurs for it enables individuals to access quality health facilities and experience an improved quality of life. The study also found that families have more income which they use to acquire assets. They are able to send children to good schools using earnings from their business activities. Entrepreneurs can also contribute to the welfare of their relatives as result of being entrepreneurial. The results imply that rural entrepreneurship improves the quality of livelihood for rural dwellers. There was a significant correlation between the role rural entrepreneurship plays in generating more income and the rural dwellers ability to send their children to good schools. Findings from this study also showed that rural entrepreneurship improves the quality of livelihood in rural areas through the creation of wealth and employment. For most respondents 83 percent entrepreneurship alone provides them with income. Social capital in the form of special relationships, access to critical information, unique local knowledge and previous experience was ranked the most important factor when starting businesses. Irregular payments from customers were considered the factor affecting entrepreneurs most in Nkonkobe Municipality. Lack of finance was ranked the factor hindering rural entrepreneurship most in Nkonkobe Municipality. Training and educational programs, capacitating as well as support from government were found to be very important for entrepreneurship to grow in Nkonkobe Municipality. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011-12
- Authors: Ngorora, Grace Portia Kuda https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4756-3137
- Date: 2011-12
- Subjects: Rural development projects , Public welfare --South Africa , Entrepreneurship
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26357 , vital:65248
- Description: The study set out to explore the role of rural entrepreneurship on welfare in Nkonkobe Municipal Area of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The objectives of the study were to identify the role rural entrepreneurship plays on welfare and determine the factors that promote or hinder rural entrepreneurship. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to establish the perceptions of rural entrepreneurs. Findings from the study suggest that rural entrepreneurship contributes immensely to the welfare of individuals, family and community in Nkonkobe Municipal Area of the Eastern Cape Province. Rural entrepreneurship is the most important activity for entrepreneurs for it enables individuals to access quality health facilities and experience an improved quality of life. The study also found that families have more income which they use to acquire assets. They are able to send children to good schools using earnings from their business activities. Entrepreneurs can also contribute to the welfare of their relatives as result of being entrepreneurial. The results imply that rural entrepreneurship improves the quality of livelihood for rural dwellers. There was a significant correlation between the role rural entrepreneurship plays in generating more income and the rural dwellers ability to send their children to good schools. Findings from this study also showed that rural entrepreneurship improves the quality of livelihood in rural areas through the creation of wealth and employment. For most respondents 83 percent entrepreneurship alone provides them with income. Social capital in the form of special relationships, access to critical information, unique local knowledge and previous experience was ranked the most important factor when starting businesses. Irregular payments from customers were considered the factor affecting entrepreneurs most in Nkonkobe Municipality. Lack of finance was ranked the factor hindering rural entrepreneurship most in Nkonkobe Municipality. Training and educational programs, capacitating as well as support from government were found to be very important for entrepreneurship to grow in Nkonkobe Municipality. , Thesis (MSoc) -- Faculty of Management and Commerce, 2011
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011-12
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