Perceived value creation in technology-based entrepreneurial businesses
- Van den Heever, Thomas Stanley
- Authors: Van den Heever, Thomas Stanley
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: New business enterprises , Entrepreneurship , Technological innovations -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9329 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021047
- Description: Small entrepreneurial businesses are widely regarded as important contributors to the economic well-being of countries all over the world as they create value for both the entrepreneur and the economy in which they operate. The value creation process in these businesses often differs from what commonly happens in larger established businesses. Resources available to the entrepreneur are normally much more restricted and decisions are often based on limited information. This thesis focuses on the value that is created by technology-based entrepreneurial businesses, the leveraging of limited resources and the decision-making orientation they adopt during this process. Given the importance of technology-based entrepreneurial businesses in contributing to economic growth and job creation in most global economies, as well as the limited previous research conducted amongst these businesses, the purpose of this study was to identify the human and social capital factors influencing value creation in technology-based entrepreneurial businesses. With this purpose in mind, the primary objective was to identify, investigate and empirically test the relationships between the various identified factors and Perceived value creation in technology-based entrepreneurial businesses, taking into account their decision-making orientation, as well as the uncertain environment under which they operate. This study uses the Resource-Based View of the business as the basis of its theoretical orientation. The literature review revealed five main categories of constructs, namely Knowledge and skills, Experience, Networks, Decision-making orientation and Perceived environmental uncertainty influencing the dependent variable Perceived value creation in technology-based entrepreneurial businesses. Knowledge and skills, Experience and Networks were identified as independent variables while Decision-making orientation was identified as the mediating variable and Perceived environmental uncertainty as the moderating variable. Six demographic variables (type of industry, age of business, number of employees, age of entrepreneur, academic qualifications of entrepreneur and the number of previous businesses started by the entrepreneur) were also identified as potential influencing factors. Various hypotheses were formulated to be tested during the empirical investigation. Each construct was clearly defined and then operationalised. Operationalisation was done by using reliable and valid items sourced from tested measuring instruments used in previous studies, as well as a number of self-generated items based on secondary sources. A structured questionnaire was made available to respondents identified by means of the convenience snowball sampling technique, and the data collected from 313 usable questionnaires was subjected to various statistical analyses. An Exploratory Factor Analyses (EFA) was conducted which confirmed the different variables, and Cronbach-alpha coefficients were calculated to confirm the reliability of the measuring instrument. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was the main statistical procedure used to test the significance of the relationships hypothesised between the various independent, mediating, moderating and dependent variables. A number of different models were tested, and the results discussed and explained. The main finding of the study was that technology-based entrepreneurial business can create financial and non-financial value by adopting a decision-making orientation in the business of co-creating the future with other stakeholders. The most important human and social capital factors that influence the decision-making orientation of these businesses are Knowledge and skills, Unstructured networks and Structured networks. The main limitations of the study were firstly the convenience snowball sampling technique used to collect responses, secondly the dependence of reporting on organisation issues by individuals, and thirdly the limited number of influencing factors included in the models. Future research should address these limitations, and could include qualitative analyses. This study has added to the empirical body of knowledge on entrepreneurship research by investigating a particularly important segment of the literature, namely technology-based entrepreneurial businesses. By identifying and developing various models that outline the most significant factors that influence perceived value creation in technology-based entrepreneurial businesses, this study offers recommendations and suggestions for managing these businesses in such a way as to improve the creation of financial and non-financial value in them. It further provides recommendations for business teaching programmes to enhance curriculums by focusing on alternatives to the format of formal business planning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Van den Heever, Thomas Stanley
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: New business enterprises , Entrepreneurship , Technological innovations -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9329 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021047
- Description: Small entrepreneurial businesses are widely regarded as important contributors to the economic well-being of countries all over the world as they create value for both the entrepreneur and the economy in which they operate. The value creation process in these businesses often differs from what commonly happens in larger established businesses. Resources available to the entrepreneur are normally much more restricted and decisions are often based on limited information. This thesis focuses on the value that is created by technology-based entrepreneurial businesses, the leveraging of limited resources and the decision-making orientation they adopt during this process. Given the importance of technology-based entrepreneurial businesses in contributing to economic growth and job creation in most global economies, as well as the limited previous research conducted amongst these businesses, the purpose of this study was to identify the human and social capital factors influencing value creation in technology-based entrepreneurial businesses. With this purpose in mind, the primary objective was to identify, investigate and empirically test the relationships between the various identified factors and Perceived value creation in technology-based entrepreneurial businesses, taking into account their decision-making orientation, as well as the uncertain environment under which they operate. This study uses the Resource-Based View of the business as the basis of its theoretical orientation. The literature review revealed five main categories of constructs, namely Knowledge and skills, Experience, Networks, Decision-making orientation and Perceived environmental uncertainty influencing the dependent variable Perceived value creation in technology-based entrepreneurial businesses. Knowledge and skills, Experience and Networks were identified as independent variables while Decision-making orientation was identified as the mediating variable and Perceived environmental uncertainty as the moderating variable. Six demographic variables (type of industry, age of business, number of employees, age of entrepreneur, academic qualifications of entrepreneur and the number of previous businesses started by the entrepreneur) were also identified as potential influencing factors. Various hypotheses were formulated to be tested during the empirical investigation. Each construct was clearly defined and then operationalised. Operationalisation was done by using reliable and valid items sourced from tested measuring instruments used in previous studies, as well as a number of self-generated items based on secondary sources. A structured questionnaire was made available to respondents identified by means of the convenience snowball sampling technique, and the data collected from 313 usable questionnaires was subjected to various statistical analyses. An Exploratory Factor Analyses (EFA) was conducted which confirmed the different variables, and Cronbach-alpha coefficients were calculated to confirm the reliability of the measuring instrument. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was the main statistical procedure used to test the significance of the relationships hypothesised between the various independent, mediating, moderating and dependent variables. A number of different models were tested, and the results discussed and explained. The main finding of the study was that technology-based entrepreneurial business can create financial and non-financial value by adopting a decision-making orientation in the business of co-creating the future with other stakeholders. The most important human and social capital factors that influence the decision-making orientation of these businesses are Knowledge and skills, Unstructured networks and Structured networks. The main limitations of the study were firstly the convenience snowball sampling technique used to collect responses, secondly the dependence of reporting on organisation issues by individuals, and thirdly the limited number of influencing factors included in the models. Future research should address these limitations, and could include qualitative analyses. This study has added to the empirical body of knowledge on entrepreneurship research by investigating a particularly important segment of the literature, namely technology-based entrepreneurial businesses. By identifying and developing various models that outline the most significant factors that influence perceived value creation in technology-based entrepreneurial businesses, this study offers recommendations and suggestions for managing these businesses in such a way as to improve the creation of financial and non-financial value in them. It further provides recommendations for business teaching programmes to enhance curriculums by focusing on alternatives to the format of formal business planning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A model to promote entrepreneurial competitiveness in the South African telecommunications sector
- Oberholzer, Stephanus Marius
- Authors: Oberholzer, Stephanus Marius
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Telecommunication -- Planning -- South Africa , Business planning -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8769 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012150 , Telecommunication -- Planning -- South Africa , Business planning -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship
- Description: The fast pace of technological advancements is a driver of change in the world. In telecommunications, advancements as well as sector transformation pose challenges to entrepreneurs to remain competitive. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the promotion of entrepreneurial competitiveness in the telecommunications sector in South Africa. In order to achieve this purpose, the objective was to develop and test a theoretical model to promote entrepreneurial competitiveness in this sector. The purpose of the study was that if the factors that influence entrepreneurial businesses in this sector can be identified and recommendations applied, the competitiveness of these businesses can be improved. The approach was as follows: 1. Identify the factors, in a literature review, in three areas related to this study, namely, Entrepreneurial Orientation, Telecommunications and Benchmarking; 2. Develop a conceptual theoretical model comprising these identified factors which formed the base for the data collection; 3. Develop a measuring instrument to empirically test the relationships described in the conceptual model; 4. Empirically test the proposed model and suggested hypotheses by means of sourcing data from entrepreneurs in the telecommunications sector in South Africa and thereafter statistically analyse the sourced data; 5. Formulate the final theoretical model to support the research objective and 6. Propose recommendations based on the results of the statistical analysis. The three areas of literature study analysed were Entrepreneurial Orientation which focused on the entrepreneur, the entrepreneurial process and the positioning of technological entrepreneurs in the sector. The telecommunications section included an overview of telecommunications from a global perspective followed by specific focus on the South African sector. The section on benchmarking covered business performance aspects together with measurement techniques and benchmarking institutions relevant to entrepreneurship and telecommunications businesses. Initially, the literature study delivered four intervening variables (Entrepreneurial Orientation, Opportunity Recognition, Resource Allocation and Strategic Positioning) which influence entrepreneurial competitiveness. Within these four intervening variables, twelve underlying independent variables were identified. All the variables were hypothesised as they were perceived significantly to influence the dependent variable, perceived to be entrepreneurial competitiveness in the telecommunications sector in South Africa. These factors, clearly defined and operationalised, were structured in a questionnaire which was sent to entrepreneurs in the telecommunications sector. A response rate of 37 percent was achieved. Data collected from 301 questionnaires were subjected to various statistical analysis techniques. Cronbach-alpha coefficients were calculated to confirm the validity and reliability of the measuring instrument that was tested whilst the latent variables were confirmed by exploratory factor analysis. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to test the hypothesised significance of the relationships between the variables. Due to the sample size limitation, the conceptual model could not be subjected to SEM as a whole and consequently two sub-models were identified and subjected to further analysis. The SEM results presented the factors influencing entrepreneurial competitiveness whereafter the final model was presented for this study. This study contributed to this specific field of knowledge as follows: 1. New literature contributions are made in the field of entrepreneurial competitiveness in a specific sector; 2. It is the first known research conducted into the promotion of entrepreneurial competitiveness in the telecommunications sector in South Africa; 3. A theoretical model was developed that can be used to promote entrepreneurial competitiveness in the sector and 4. It suggests recommendations on empirically tested factors that significantly influence entrepreneurial competitiveness. Additional knowledge has been gained through the identification and description of how the following individual factors significantly influence entrepreneurial competitiveness in this sector: Benchmarking; Entrepreneurial Mindset; Entrepreneurial Management; Entrepreneurial Orientation; Financial Resources; Infrastructural Change; Regulatory Alignment and Technological Entrepreneurship. The present study was conducted in a time frame where sector transformation is prevalent in South Africa. The current circumstances relating to sector transformation and infrastructural changes will not last forever. The theoretical model therefore is limited to the specific sector conditions in a specific time cycle. In conclusion, the model and managerial recommendations that are presented can act as a guideline for entrepreneurs to adopt in order to improve the competitiveness of their businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Oberholzer, Stephanus Marius
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Telecommunication -- Planning -- South Africa , Business planning -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8769 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1012150 , Telecommunication -- Planning -- South Africa , Business planning -- South Africa , Business enterprises -- South Africa , Entrepreneurship
- Description: The fast pace of technological advancements is a driver of change in the world. In telecommunications, advancements as well as sector transformation pose challenges to entrepreneurs to remain competitive. The purpose of this study is to contribute to the promotion of entrepreneurial competitiveness in the telecommunications sector in South Africa. In order to achieve this purpose, the objective was to develop and test a theoretical model to promote entrepreneurial competitiveness in this sector. The purpose of the study was that if the factors that influence entrepreneurial businesses in this sector can be identified and recommendations applied, the competitiveness of these businesses can be improved. The approach was as follows: 1. Identify the factors, in a literature review, in three areas related to this study, namely, Entrepreneurial Orientation, Telecommunications and Benchmarking; 2. Develop a conceptual theoretical model comprising these identified factors which formed the base for the data collection; 3. Develop a measuring instrument to empirically test the relationships described in the conceptual model; 4. Empirically test the proposed model and suggested hypotheses by means of sourcing data from entrepreneurs in the telecommunications sector in South Africa and thereafter statistically analyse the sourced data; 5. Formulate the final theoretical model to support the research objective and 6. Propose recommendations based on the results of the statistical analysis. The three areas of literature study analysed were Entrepreneurial Orientation which focused on the entrepreneur, the entrepreneurial process and the positioning of technological entrepreneurs in the sector. The telecommunications section included an overview of telecommunications from a global perspective followed by specific focus on the South African sector. The section on benchmarking covered business performance aspects together with measurement techniques and benchmarking institutions relevant to entrepreneurship and telecommunications businesses. Initially, the literature study delivered four intervening variables (Entrepreneurial Orientation, Opportunity Recognition, Resource Allocation and Strategic Positioning) which influence entrepreneurial competitiveness. Within these four intervening variables, twelve underlying independent variables were identified. All the variables were hypothesised as they were perceived significantly to influence the dependent variable, perceived to be entrepreneurial competitiveness in the telecommunications sector in South Africa. These factors, clearly defined and operationalised, were structured in a questionnaire which was sent to entrepreneurs in the telecommunications sector. A response rate of 37 percent was achieved. Data collected from 301 questionnaires were subjected to various statistical analysis techniques. Cronbach-alpha coefficients were calculated to confirm the validity and reliability of the measuring instrument that was tested whilst the latent variables were confirmed by exploratory factor analysis. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to test the hypothesised significance of the relationships between the variables. Due to the sample size limitation, the conceptual model could not be subjected to SEM as a whole and consequently two sub-models were identified and subjected to further analysis. The SEM results presented the factors influencing entrepreneurial competitiveness whereafter the final model was presented for this study. This study contributed to this specific field of knowledge as follows: 1. New literature contributions are made in the field of entrepreneurial competitiveness in a specific sector; 2. It is the first known research conducted into the promotion of entrepreneurial competitiveness in the telecommunications sector in South Africa; 3. A theoretical model was developed that can be used to promote entrepreneurial competitiveness in the sector and 4. It suggests recommendations on empirically tested factors that significantly influence entrepreneurial competitiveness. Additional knowledge has been gained through the identification and description of how the following individual factors significantly influence entrepreneurial competitiveness in this sector: Benchmarking; Entrepreneurial Mindset; Entrepreneurial Management; Entrepreneurial Orientation; Financial Resources; Infrastructural Change; Regulatory Alignment and Technological Entrepreneurship. The present study was conducted in a time frame where sector transformation is prevalent in South Africa. The current circumstances relating to sector transformation and infrastructural changes will not last forever. The theoretical model therefore is limited to the specific sector conditions in a specific time cycle. In conclusion, the model and managerial recommendations that are presented can act as a guideline for entrepreneurs to adopt in order to improve the competitiveness of their businesses.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The development of an entrepreneurial management model to promote the survival and growth of family estate wine businesses in the South African wine industry
- Cullen, Margaret Diane Munro
- Authors: Cullen, Margaret Diane Munro
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Wine industry -- South Africa -- Management , Entrepreneurship
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8766 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/491 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011909 , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Wine industry -- South Africa -- Management , Entrepreneurship
- Description: The South African wine industry is polarised into the quantity-producing majority and the quality-conscious minority [Hughes, 2003]. The qualityproducing sector of the South African wine industry is dominated by family businesses. Research shows that there are approximately ninety familyowned wineries in South Africa. By international standards, South Africa is viewed as a quantity, not quality producing wine country, which will make it difficult to survive in an industry where quality is paramount for recognition. The ‘trailblazers’ of the international wine industry are family owned wineries [Robinson, 2000]. Twenty five percent of the 2003 five star South African wines were made by individuals or family wineries [Hughes, 2003], emphasising the growing importance of family wineries in the production of quality wines. It is important now, more than ever, with the industry opening up internationally, that survival of the family-owned wineries and their production of icon wines are promoted so that they can become flagship producers of the industry. The achievement of international status as a quality producing country, as well as building an industry based on the longevity of wine producing families, as well as a nation of wine lovers in South Africa should result.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
- Authors: Cullen, Margaret Diane Munro
- Date: 2006
- Subjects: Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Wine industry -- South Africa -- Management , Entrepreneurship
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DBA
- Identifier: vital:8766 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/491 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011909 , Family-owned business enterprises -- South Africa , Wine industry -- South Africa -- Management , Entrepreneurship
- Description: The South African wine industry is polarised into the quantity-producing majority and the quality-conscious minority [Hughes, 2003]. The qualityproducing sector of the South African wine industry is dominated by family businesses. Research shows that there are approximately ninety familyowned wineries in South Africa. By international standards, South Africa is viewed as a quantity, not quality producing wine country, which will make it difficult to survive in an industry where quality is paramount for recognition. The ‘trailblazers’ of the international wine industry are family owned wineries [Robinson, 2000]. Twenty five percent of the 2003 five star South African wines were made by individuals or family wineries [Hughes, 2003], emphasising the growing importance of family wineries in the production of quality wines. It is important now, more than ever, with the industry opening up internationally, that survival of the family-owned wineries and their production of icon wines are promoted so that they can become flagship producers of the industry. The achievement of international status as a quality producing country, as well as building an industry based on the longevity of wine producing families, as well as a nation of wine lovers in South Africa should result.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2006
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