scholarly journals South Africa Micro Entrepreneurs: Mobile ICT Adoption

10.28945/2235 ◽  
2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eunice Steyn ◽  
Riana Steyn ◽  
Carina De Villiers
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Perceived Barriers ◽  
Motivating Factors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Adoption Rate ◽  
Ict Adoption ◽  
African Context ◽  
Barriers And Motivators ◽  
Mobile Ict ◽  
Micro Enterprises

The objective of this paper was to determine the perceived barriers and motivators of mobile ICT adoption by South African micro entrepreneurs. Current research shows that mobile ICT can help ensure the success of micro enterprises. However, there are barriers and motivating factors, which influence the mobile ICT adoption rate of micro enterprises and they seem to differ between countries. Semi-structured interviews with a number of South African micro entrepreneurs were used in this study to determine the barriers and motivators relevant in a South African context. The results from this study show that each individual entrepreneur has their own subset of factors, unique to their situation and environment, which influences their ICT adoption rate. Attempts to increase the mobile ICT adoption rate amongst South African entrepreneurs therefore needs to consider the unique set of mobile ICT adoption barriers and motivators that each entrepreneur faces.

scholarly journals The accounts payable management practices of small, medium and micro enterprises in the Cape Metropolis, South Africa

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Tabot Enow ◽  
Peter Kamala
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Accounts Payable ◽  
African Context ◽  
The Government ◽  
Cash Basis ◽  
Micro Enterprises

The purpose of this article is to investigate the accounts payable management practices of small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in the Cape Metropolis. The study is motivated by a lack of research on payable management practices of SMMEs in South Africa. Data are collected from a sample of 200 SMMEs by means of a closed-ended questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The findings of the study indicate that 70% of the sampled SMMEs purchase only on cash basis. Of the sampled SMMEs, 22% purchase on both cash and credit, while 8% purchase only on credit basis. Of those that purchase on credit, 72% pay their creditors promptly to take advantage of discount facilities. To manage their accounts payable, 52% of the SMMEs use computers. Only 43% settled accounts payable on the last day that the payment is due. The results further indicate that a lack of personnel and time are the main factors that inhibit the SMMEs from managing their accounts payable effectively. The above results suggest that SMMEs are inclined towards purchasing on cash or paying promptly when they purchase on credit, which could indicate that they had a lower bargaining power relative to that of suppliers who may have viewed these entities as risky ventures to which they were reluctant to extend credit terms. Based on the above findings, this study recommends that the SMMEs decision-makers be educated on the competitive advantages gained by buying on credit, most important of which are improving cash flow and building supplier relationship. In addition, the decision-makers may be trained, perhaps through Government intervention, on how to overcome the factors that inhibit them from managing their accounts payable effectively, by using computers. The Government may also provide guarantees to SMMEs’ suppliers to relax the credit terms extended to these entities. This study makes several original contributions to literature. It is the first study to investigate the accounts payable management practices of SMMEs in the Cape Metropolis. Entities whose management of accounts payable had up till now been neglected appeared in the prior research to their peril. Secondly, this study provides a unique insight into SMMEs management of their liquidity by focusing on their management of most immediate obligations (accounts payable), which are critical for these entities’ survival given their limited access to finance. The proposed study thus fills the gap in research on the accounts payable management practices employed by SMMEs in South Africa. Although various studies have been published on the accounts payable management practices on SMMEs in other countries, no study was found within the South African context. This study therefore contributes to the debate on the accounts payable management practices of SMMEs in a unique context of South Africa and inspires other researchers to investigate the same in other Metropolis in the country

scholarly journals Governance and social responsibility perceptions of the SAFA affiliated football clubs executives

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sammy Boya Kgaugelo
Keyword(s):  
Social Responsibility ◽  
South African ◽  
Good Governance ◽  
The South ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Football Clubs ◽  
African Context ◽  
African Media ◽  
Analyse Data ◽  
Executive Managers

Governance concerns have been in facade of society both in South Africa and in the rest of the world. These concerns have been raised at various levels such as public sector, private sector, and even within sports and recreation. The South African media have also heightened the exposure of incidents whenever gross violation of good governance principles occurred. The sport fraternity, particularly football, is not immune to this scourge. In the South African context, very little research has been done to look into the governance trajectories concerning sports organisations. As a result, this paper will consider how the Gauteng football clubs that are affiliated with the South African Football Association (SAFA) perceive issues of governance and those that concern social responsibility. Qualitative data in a form of semi-structured interviews was used. A total of 12 executive managers participated in the study. Atlas ti was used to analyse data deductively.The findings seem to suggest that the clubs are aware and supportive of good governance principles, ethics and issues of social responsibility. Calls are made to SAFA and its structures, government and the corporate sector to instil good governance principles and support social initiatives within their surroundings. Moreover, families and communities were encouraged to raise the bar in terms of improving the moral capital of society.

scholarly journals Caregiver experiences and perceptions of stroke

2008 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Thomas ◽  
Kirston Greenop
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Healthcare System ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Term Care ◽  
Role Changes ◽  
The People ◽  
Home Based ◽  
African Context ◽  
Caregiver Experiences ◽  
Home Based Care

With the increasing prevalence of people in developing countries who suffer strokes, the long-term care of people who have had a stroke and who are living with disabilities has substantial consequences for caregivers and their respective families. As the caregiver plays a pivotal role in the rehabilitation of the people who have had a stroke, the objectives of this study constitute an investigation into the complexities of caregiving, including both perceptions and experiences of the healthcare system. Semi-structured interviews were utilised to elicit post-stroke experiences of six caregivers. The challenge the South African context adds to these experiences was probed. The data were analysed qualitatively by thematic and content analysis. Prominent themes associated with caregiving included: role changes and relationship disruptions within the family, occupational and social implications, fatigue, anxiety, depression, loneliness, frustration as well as financial problems. Caregiver experiences were exacerbated by the inadequate support structures available. The results are interpreted within a biopsychosocial approach, concluding with the concerns raised by caregivers on the support they require from the healthcare system in order to provide home-based care. Opsomming Met die toenemende voorkoms van beroerte in ontwikkelende lande bring die langdurige versorging van pasiënte met gestremdheid beduidende gevolge vir sorggewers en hulle onderskeie gesinne mee. Aangesien die sorggewer ‘n sleutelrol in die rehabilitasie van die beroertepasiënt speel, behels die doelstellings van hierdie studie ‘n ondersoek na die verwikkeldhede van versorging, wat sowel persepsies as ondervinding van die gesondheidsorgstelsel insluit. Semi- gestruktureerde onderhoude is aangewend om die na-beroerte ondervindings van ses sorggewers te peil. Die uitdaging wat die Suid- Afrikaanse konteks tot hierdie ondervindings meebring is ondersoek. Die data is kwalitatief deur middel van tematiese en inhoudsanalise ontleed. Prominente temas wat verbandhou met sorggewing sluit in: rolverandering en verhoudingsteurnisse binne die huisgesin, beroeps- en sosiale implikasies, uitputting, angs, depressie, eensaamheid, frustrasie sowel as finansiële probleme. Die probleme van sorggewers word vererger deur ontoereikende steunstrukture. Die resultate word binne ‘n biopsigososiale benadering ontleed, en saamgevat met probleme wat sorggewers uitspreek ten opsigte van die steun wat hulle van die gesondheidsorgstelsel benodig om tuisgebaseerde sorg te kan voorsien.

scholarly journals Social Innovation in the Academic Curricula of Chemical Science Degrees in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 46-72
Author(s):  
Pheladi Junior Mohlala ◽  
Jabulile Msimango-Galawe
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Social Innovation ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Chemical Science ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Social Challenges ◽  
The Social ◽  
African Context ◽  
Effective Community ◽  
Sub Saharan

Social innovation is growing internationally and is a focus area for sub-Saharan Africa. While studies have been conducted on the factors thatcontribute to the failure to incorporate social innovation in academic curricula,there is a paucity of such research in the South African context, especially inrelation to university curricula. This qualitative study explored chemicalscientists’ perceptions on the interventions required to introduce socialinnovation to the academic curricula of the chemical science degree inSouth African universities. Semi-structured interviews were conductedwith 14 chemical scientists and the data was analysed using thematicanalysis. The key findings included the overall lack of awareness andunderstanding of social innovation and the social challenges confrontingSouth Africa. These factors hamper the development of sustainableacademic curricula, effective community engagement and societal change.Furthermore, academic institutions’ reluctance to embrace change is causefor concern. Key words: Social innovation, chemical sciences, academic curriculum,South African universities

scholarly journals Young Adults’ Perceptions of Online Self-Disclosure

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 26
Author(s):  
Megan A. Edwards ◽  
John G. Howcroft ◽  
Tania Lambert
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
South African ◽  
Psychosocial Factors ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Online Communication ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Self Disclosure ◽  
African Context ◽  
Primary Instrument

Online communication has become the primary instrument utilised by many individuals to maintain and form relationships, and self-disclosure plays an important role in the formation of close relationships online. An extensive amount of research has investigated the experiences of adolescents online. However, available knowledge about the influence of social media on young adults within the South African context is limited. Consequently, exploring young adults’ perceptions of online self-disclosure becomes more relevant. The aim of this study was to explore and describe young adults’ perceptions of online self-disclosure, specifically exploring what young adults’ self-disclose online and what psychosocial factors impact thereupon. The present study utilised a qualitative approach and was exploratory and descriptive in design. The sample size of the present study was 13, and semi-structured interviews were utilised as the method of data collection. The data obtained was analysed using thematic analysis and six main themes were identified. This article highlights one of those themes, namely Online Self-disclosure, focusing specifically on the psychosocial factors impacting upon online self-disclosure.

scholarly journals Determinants of cross-border mergers and acquisitions in the freight and logistics industry of South Africa

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chantelle De Villiers ◽  
Henri Bezuidenhout ◽  
Sonja Grater ◽  
Ewert P.J. Kleynhans
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Mergers And Acquisitions ◽  
South African ◽  
Multinational Enterprises ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Logistics Industry ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
African Context

Orientation: The article reports on applied and practical research that focuses on the understanding of the motivation and actions of Multinational Enterprises in Africa as far as mergers and acquisitions (MAs) are concerned.Research purpose: This study examines developments in the freight and logistics industry through MAs in South Africa.Motivation for the study: It is necessary to gain a better understanding of MAs from a firm-level perspective in the South African context. Little research exists on the dynamics of MAs, and even less relating to the logistics industry that plays such a large role in trade in the region. This research adds substantial and significant original work to the scarce body of meaningful literature on foreign direct investment (FDI) in Africa.Research design, approach and method: This study used a case study approach employing structured interviews. The population was freight and logistics companies that were involved in MA activities in South Africa. Quantitative data and other information from various databases, published MA data and financial statements were analysed to obtain background views of the companies’ where after, three companies were eventually selected. Direct unstructured interviews were then conducted with the main decision makers and a qualitative thematic analysis of the companies’ responses. Related themes and patterns were identified through the frequency of occurrence, similarities, differences and general patterns observed. This method yielded the most insight into the processes and company dynamics involved.Main findings: International MAs in the freight and logistics industry provide companies with international scale and effectively link to international markets. Companies benefit from expanded market opportunities across national borders, which generate substantial revenues, geographical growth and business expansion. It renders synergy and additional competitive advantage.Practical/managerial implications: Theoretical and practical aspects of FDI, such as motives for market entry, ownership, location and entry barriers within the context of multinational enterprises, globally, were investigated. Little data exist on the freight and logistics industry in Africa and also on MAs, which presented limitations. Companies are inexperienced and need to involve more expertise in MA processes. The results also found that South African companies need to expand their cultural intelligence and negotiation skills, especially within a diverse cultural realm, before entering into MA deals with foreign companies.Contribution/value-add: Services are determinants of trade volumes and offer distributional effects and patterns of economic growth, development and FDI inflows. Little research exists on the dynamics of MAs in the freight and logistics industry, especially within the African context. This study also makes some contribution in that regard.

scholarly journals The experiences of individuals with Multiple Sclerosis in the Western Cape, South Africa

2014 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chrisma Pretorius ◽  
Ninon Joubert
Keyword(s):  
Multiple Sclerosis ◽  
South African ◽  
Neurological Disease ◽  
Daily Basis ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Design And Implementation ◽  
Personal Experiences ◽  
Mobility Aids ◽  
African Context

Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a debilitating and degenerative lifelong neurological disease that seems to be growing increasingly more prevalent in South Africa.Objectives: The aim of this qualitative study was to explore the personal experiences of individuals with MS in the South African context. The focus of this study was on the challenges faced by individuals with MS, as well as the resources that help them to cope with this debilitating, neurological condition.Method: Thematic analysis was used to explore the semi-structured interviews that were conducted with ten individuals with MS.Results: Several themes emerged that related to the participants’ experiences of living with MS. These themes included several challenges faced by the participants on a daily basis, such as the process of being diagnosed, daily life, invisible illness and medical aid schemes. Numerous resources that help these individuals to cope with MS also emerged from the data analysis and consisted of social support, mobility aids, religion and knowledge about MS.Conclusion: It is evident from the findings of this study that although individuals living with MS, which is a debilitating neurological condition, face several challenges on a daily basis, they often have several resources that help them to cope effectively with this condition. The findings of this study regarding knowledge of the challenges faced and the resources utilised by individuals with MS will hopefully create awareness of the disease and contribute to and inform the design and implementation of interventions for such individuals. Agtergrond: Veelvuldige Sklerose (VS) is ‘n aftakelende en degerenatiewe lewenslange neurologiese toestand wat blyk of dit toenemend meer algemeen in Suid-Afrika voorkom.Objektief: Die doel van hierdie kwalitatiewe studie was om die persoonlike ervarings van individue met VS binne die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks te ondersoek.Die fokus van hierdie studie was op die uitdagings wat individue met VS in die gesig staar, sowel as die hulpbronne wat hulle help met die hantering van hierdie ernstige neurologiese toestand.Metode: Tematiese analise is gebruik om die semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude te ondersoek, wat gevoer is met tien individue met VS.Resultate: Verskeie temas wat verband hou met die deelnemers se ervarings van ‘n lewe met VS het na vore gekom. Hierdie temas het verskeie uitdagingsingesluit wat die deelnemers op ‘n daaglikse basis in die gesig staar, soos die proses om korrek gediagnoseer te word, daaglikse lewe, onsigbare siekte en mediese fonds skemas. ‘n Aantal hulpbronne wat hierdie individue help om VS te hanteer het ook na vore gekom en bestaan uit sosiale ondersteuning, mobiliteit hulpmiddels, geloof en kennis oor VS.Gevolgtrekking: Dit is duidelik uit die bevindinge dat alhoewel individue wat lewe met VS, wat ‘n ernstige neurologiese toestand is, verskeie uitdaging op ‘n daaglikse basis in die gesig staar, hulle beskik oor verskeie hulpbronne wat hulle help om hierdie toestand effektief te hanteer. Die bevindinge van hierdiestudie rakende kennis van die uitdagings wat hierdie individue in die gesig staar en die hulpbronne wat individue met VS gebruik sal hopelik ‘n bewustheid skep en bydra tot die ontwerp en implimentering van intervensies vir sulke individue.

scholarly journals Principals’ views on the implementation of the no-fee policy through the lens of capability theory

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Emma Priscilla Barnett ◽  
Rouaan Maarman
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
School Principals ◽  
Department Of Education ◽  
The South ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Effective Implementation ◽  
Northern Cape ◽  
African Context ◽  
School Governing Bodies ◽  
Perceptions Of School

The purpose of the study reported on here was to investigate the implementation of the no-fee schools policy in quintile 1 schools in the Frances Baard district of the Northern Cape province. The South African schooling system categorises schools into quintile 1 to 5 schools, and, since 2006, disadvantaged learners in quintiles 1 to 3 have been exempted from paying fees. This study explored the perceptions of school principals regarding the implementation of the no-fee policy in the South African context, by applying a capability approach, which offers a novel perspective. In the study we used a descriptive design located within the qualitative tradition. Nine principals from quintile 1 schools were purposively selected as participants. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, and a thematic framework was used for analysis. The findings indicate that the no-fee schools policy is only implemented partially by stakeholders (principals and school governing bodies). Furthermore, it was found that there is a lack of knowledge about the content of the policy which consequently inhibits effective implementation. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the Department of Education monitors the implementation of the no-fee policy more closely.

Teaching Research Psychology in South Africa: reflections by programme coordinators

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-80
Author(s):  
Angelo Fynn ◽  
Hugo Denton van der Walt
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Health Professions ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Practical Significance ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Course Structure ◽  
African Context ◽  
Training Research

This article explores the experiences of Master’s programme coordinators in Research Psychology with the purpose of gaining an understanding of the planning and implementation of programmes that are directed at training Research Psychology students. The practical significance of the study was to investigate the course curricula of Research Psychology programmes within the South African context to grasp an understanding of the course structure and the challenges that accompany curriculum development. This article aims to elaborate on underlying tensions and considerations that programme coordinators encounter in structuring and implementing training for Master’s programmes that lead to registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Six of the eight programmes that lead to registration with the Health Professions Council of South Africa were included in this study. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analysed using qualitative content analysis. The reflections by the programme coordinators showed a shared pedagogical philosophy of active learning in which students are expected to take ownership of their learning and to participate actively in shaping and constructing the learning process. Reflections on the Research Psychology programmes revealed seven broad content areas concerned with the development of curricula in Research Psychology, namely applied research, ethics, foundational concepts and skills, language and report writing, and project management and micro-skills development within qualitative and quantitative methodological approaches. Programme coordinators also expressed the tensions inherent in attempts to establish neutral ground between the demands of the discipline and the demands of the employers.

scholarly journals Internet-Based ICT Usage By South African SMEs: The Barriers Faced By SMEs

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (6) ◽  
pp. 1877-1888 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael C. Cant ◽  
Johannes A. Wiid
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Success Factor ◽  
The South ◽  
Information Gap ◽  
Ict Adoption ◽  
African Context ◽  
World Information ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Previous research estimates that 8 out of 10 small and medium enterprises (SMEs) do not operate for more three years (Mason 2015). According to OECD ([sa]), the major problems encountered by SMEs relate to financing and regulatory burdens. However, with information technology, SMEs are able to narrow the information gap, which leads to improved strategies and decision making (OECD [sa]). In today’s competitive world, information communication technology (ICT) is recognized as a crucial success factor for SMEs. ICT refers to the accessing and communication of information using various technologies such as the internet, wireless networks and cellphones (TechTerms 2010). This research study investigates SMEs’ perception of the barriers in adopting ICT in the South African context. The objective of this paper is to determine ICT adoption and the perceived barriers associated with it among South African SMEs. A review of ICT within an SME context is examined. Through judgement sampling, a questionnaire was distributed to gather the responses of 90 SMEs. The most important barriers that were highlighted by the results of the study are the high cost of ICT systems as well as the lack of knowledge to maintain and use ICT. The challenge is to ensure that South African SMEs continue to increase the adoption of ICT. It is envisaged that by determining the barriers they face and providing recommendations as to how they can overcome these barriers, this research will assist SMEs to become more successful, as they play a vital role in the South African economy.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document