scholarly journals Adoption of e-marketing tools by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) – fad or future trend?

2015 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 454-461
Author(s):  
Melanie Gopaul
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Future Trend ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Playing Field ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

E-marketing is considered as one of the fastest growing fields in e-business, which has the potential to become a platform for SMEs to compete with larger enterprises even though they may not have adequate infrastructure and resources. Over the years SMEs have struggled to compete on some sort of equal footing with larger organisations and with the advent of technology and the growth in the use of e-marketing, the playing field is becoming more equal. The literature on the use of e-marketing tools by SMEs in South Africa, however, is limited. The purpose of this paper was therefore to investigate the extent to which South African SMEs utilise e-marketing tools. The author feels that the findings will be universally applicable to SMEs in most countries. Through providing a clearer understanding of e-marketing and its use, this paper may assist SMEs and entrepreneurs to improve their existing marketing strategies. The study followed a quantitative research approach, whereby a self-administered questionnaire was distributed to SME owners. The results indicate that SMEs utilise e-marketing tools moderately and that the utilisation will increase in the future.

scholarly journals Public outlook on small and medium enterprises as a strategic tool for economic growth and job creation in South Africa

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 412-418 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lawrence Mpele Lekhanya
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Job Creation ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Survival And Growth ◽  
Analyse Data ◽  
Medium Enterprises

In spite of the key role played by the Small and Medium enterprises in economic development, there has been little effort to look at what needs to be done to improve survival and growth of SMEs. There is still a general lack of in-depth understanding from policy makers and other relevant stakeholders of how SMEs can be used as a strategic tool for economic growth and job creation in South Africa. These misperceptions and misunderstand leads to continuous failure to SMEs survival and growth. This study seeks to address this research gap. The study investigates the public views on what needs to be done to grow South African economy through the development of SMEs. Quantitative research approach was used to collect and analyse data for the study. Primary data was collected from four (4) provinces of South Africa. 230 people participated in the study. Questionnaires were emailed to each respondent and follow-ups were made via telephone. It was found that many SMEs fail within five years of their existence due to the various reasons. The most critical of these were related to lack of access to finance, lack of management experience as well as human capital. Study further revealed that most the SMEs owners/managers do not have business management related skills but rather they are just ordinary entrepreneurs.

Sustainability - Oriented Innovation and Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 231
Author(s):  
Olawale FATOKI
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Survey Method ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Design Data ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Medium Enterprises

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of sustainability-oriented innovation (SOI) on the performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa. The study adopted a multi-dimensional measure of performance (financial, social, environmental, innovation and quality). The study used the quantitative research approach and the descriptive and causal research design. Data was collected from one hundred and ninety eight owners/managers of SMEs in the manufacturing sector. The cross-sectional survey method (self-administered questionnaire) was used for data collection. The participants in the study were conveniently sampled. Descriptive statistics, factor analysis, correlation and regression analysis were used for data analysis. The Cronbach’s alpha was used as a measure of reliability. The findings of the study indicate that economic, environmental and social dimensions of SOI have significant positive relationships with the five measures of performance. Limitations, areas for further study and recommendations to improve the SOI of SMEs are suggested.

scholarly journals Examining the influence of supplier integration on supply chain performance in South African small and medium enterprises

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeremiah Madzimure
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
South African ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Supply Chain Performance ◽  
Gauteng Province ◽  
Supplier Integration ◽  
Positive Correlations ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Background: As the South African economy continues to grow, the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as a potential source for employment creation and productivity within the country has become widely acknowledged. However, one area in which the SMEs in the country still need to develop is in their implementation of supply chain management practices, particularly their relationships with suppliers, which could result in either the failure or success of any business enterprise. Majority of studies conducted in this area have focussed on large firms, thereby creating a research gap in this area.Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the influence of supplier integration on supply chain performance in South African SMEs.Setting: This study was conducted in Gauteng province of South Africa.Methods: A quantitative research methodology was employed in this study. A convenient sample comprising 283 owners and managers from SMEs drawn from the Gauteng Province was used in the study. The collected data were then analysed using Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis.Results: Positive correlations were found between supplier integration and both the tangible and intangible sub-dimensions of supply chain performance. Supplier integration also predicted both the tangible and intangible sub-dimensions of supply chain performance.Conclusion: These results imply that to improve the performance of their supply chains, it is imperative for SMEs to ensure that linkages with their suppliers are properly aligned for improved coordination, which leads to better relationships and supply of materials. This study contributes to the literature by proposing and testing the influence of supplier integration on supply chain performance.

scholarly journals A generic balanced scorecard for small and medium manufacturing enterprises in South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arthur Reynolds ◽  
Houdini Fourie ◽  
Lourens Erasmus
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Balanced Scorecard ◽  
Delphi Study ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Manufacturing Sector ◽  
Local Economy ◽  
The Balanced Scorecard ◽  
Manufacturing Enterprises ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Background: Prior research confirmed that the balanced scorecard (BSC) can be used successfully at manufacturing small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to assist with sustainability. South African SMEs have a low survival rate despite being a significant contributor to the local economy with the manufacturing sector in particular hampered by negative growth.Aim: The objective of this study was to develop a BSC for manufacturing SMEs in South Africa with measurable key performance indicators (KPIs).Setting: We conducted a Delphi study with cost accounting specialists in different industries.Methods: The development of the generic BSC was facilitated with a Delphi survey and analytical hierarchy process (AHP).Results: The research presents a generic yet flexible BSC for manufacturing SMEs. A total number of 12 generic and 104 specific KPIs were identified. The results revealed a greater emphasis on the financial and customer perspectives that may be conducive to SME sustainability and success.Conclusion: A generic BSC that can be adapted to specific organisational and industry requirements has the potential to enhance SME sustainability and success.

scholarly journals Formal financial institutions financing of immigrant small and medium enterprises in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis T. Asah ◽  
Lynette Louw
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Interest Rates ◽  
South African ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Orientation: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) owned by immigrants in developing economies, such as South Africa, tend to trust formal financial institutions (FFIs) for financial support.Research purpose: Even though immigrant SMEs create opportunities that have important implications for the South African economy; less than 5% of them can access credit from FFIs. This study, therefore, explores the accessibility of credit from FFIs to immigrant SMEs from a supply-side perspective.Motivation for the study: Research studies on improving financing from FFIs to immigrant SMEs will help to boost the survival of immigrant SMEs and promote economic development in South Africa.Research design, approach and method: This qualitative research design used an interpretivistic research paradigm to achieve the research objectives. Data were collected from 16 purposively selected participants and analysed using the five-step process of content analysis outlined by Terre Blanche, Durrheim and Kelly.Main findings: The findings revealed that FFIs are uninterested and biased against considering financing immigrant SMEs and tend to charge them higher interest rates. Collateral, equity contribution and the possession of a South African permanent resident permit with a South African ID are the most important requirements that impact the willingness of FFIs to finance immigrant SMEs.Practical/managerial implications: Implications for the financial institutions in policy development were provided.Contribution/value-add: This research study highlights the requirements and the challenges faced by immigrant SMEs in accessing credit from FFIs. The use of qualitative research design further contributed to the literature on FFIs financing of immigrant SMEs.

scholarly journals Implementation of PP NOMOR 23 TAHUN 2018 on the Tax Cmplianc of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) in Semarang City

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atta Putra Harjanto ◽  
Subowo . ◽  
Kiswanto . ◽  
Hayat Widodo ◽  
Nani Fitriani
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Regression ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Government Regulation ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Tax Compliance ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Training Institutions ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
And Training

This research aims to examine the influence of the application of government regulation (PP) number23 of 2018 on tax compliance for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (UMKM) in Semarang city. Implementation of PP No.23 of 2018 is proxied by the variables of taxation knowledge and taxation sanctions. This is a quantitative research using primary data. The data are collected using questionnaire and analyzed using multiple regression. The data are processed using SPSS to analyze the data, and the research samples are selected using the questionnaire. The population of this research is the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in Semarang, especially the Courses and Training institutions. There are 208 valid and reliable samples for further analysis. The results show that the application of PP No.23 of 2018 in Semarang affects the tax compliance of UMKM. This shows that the understanding of new regulations and sanctions positively influences the tax compliance among the UMKM. Due to the chosen research approach, the results are specific and may be less generalizable. Therefore, further researchers are encouraged to test the hypotheses submitted to other objects. This research includes implications for the tax regulators in implementing new regulations that are able to significantly influence the UMKM in the future. Keywords: Tax Knowledge, Tax Sanctions, Tax Compliance, PP Nomor 23/2018, UMKM

scholarly journals Digital Marketing Implementation Effectiveness Analysis in Improving the Marketing Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises Managed by LINKS USU

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (9) ◽  
pp. 488-496
Author(s):  
Ikhsan Al Zuhri ◽  
Sukaria Sinulingga ◽  
Iskandarini .
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Correlation Method ◽  
Digital Marketing ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Marketing Performance ◽  
Marketing Process ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Marketing Implementation ◽  
A Company

Marketing performance is a measure of achievement and marketing process activity as a whole from a company. Marketing performance can also be seen as a concept that is used by a product by a company. There are many factors that affect the marketing performance, among them is digital marketing. This research is a descriptive correlational analysis with quantitative research approach. This method is intended to examine to what extent the variation of one factor in relation to other variation of another factor (Rakhmat, 2004). Correlation Method is intended to analyze the effectiveness between digital marketing implementation towards marketing performance of Small to Medium Enterprises (SME) in LINKS USU. The research’s populations are every Small to Medium Enterprises owner in Medan City Managed by Innovation and Business Technology Incubation Department North Sumatra University that have already used digital marketing technology for the past year. Keywords: Effectiveness, Digital Marketing, Marketing Performance, SME.

scholarly journals Determinants of Social Entrepreneurial Intentions of University Students in South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (6A) ◽  
pp. 72-80
Author(s):  
Olawale Fatoki
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
University Students ◽  
South African ◽  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Entrepreneurial Intentions ◽  
Entrepreneurial Behaviour ◽  
Questionnaire Method ◽  
Self Administered Questionnaire

Entrepreneurial behaviour can be predicted by intentions. The study investigated the determinants of social entrepreneurial intentions (SEI) of university students in South Africa. The study adopted a quantitative research design that involved the use of a survey. The self-administered questionnaire method was used to collect data from the survey participants. The participants in the survey were final year undergraduate students of the Department of Business Management of two South African universities. Reliability was measured using the Cronbach’s alpha. The data analysis methods for the study were descriptive statistics, principal component analysis and regression analysis. The results indicated that empathy, moral obligation, entrepreneurial self-efficacy and perceived social support are predictors of social entrepreneurial intentions. The recommendations to improve the SEI of university students focus on passive and active entrepreneurship teaching methods.

Trends in foreign agricultural trade and its impact on households in South Africa

2020 ◽  
pp. 003072702094955
Author(s):  
Roscoe Bertrum van Wyk ◽  
Bianca Flavia van Wyk ◽  
Katleho Daniel Makatjane
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Causal Relationship ◽  
South African ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Agricultural Trade ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Causality Test ◽  
Vector Autoregressive ◽  
Foreign Agricultural ◽  
Agricultural Imports

This study examines the trends in foreign trade in agriculture focusing on imports and exports for different sub-sectors and the identity of agricultural trade flows with specific regions and countries. Secondly, to understand how agricultural imports and exports improve the living standards of households in South Africa. The study uses a quantitative research approach by analysing trade data from the South African Revenue Services (SARS) and household data from the World Bank and OECD. The threshold vector autoregressive (TVAR) model is employed to establish a nonlinear causal relationship. The Diks-Panchenko nonparametric causality test revealed no causal relationship between the foreign agricultural trade and household consumption and household income in South Africa. However, with the increase of exported agricultural goods from South Africa, there are many significant benefits to South African households.

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