scholarly journals Sustainable Livelihoods of Township Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises towards Growth and Development

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 3149 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stella Bvuma ◽  
Carl Marnewick
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Historical Background ◽  
Sustainable Livelihood ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Ict Adoption ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Micro Enterprises

In South Africa, small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) have been recognized as the critical driving force to alleviate some economic challenges that the country faces. The challenges, such as the alleviation of poverty and the unemployment rate, can be addressed by policies that encourage SMME developments and sustainability. The historical background of SMMEs in South Africa has left them operating in various locations, such as cities and townships. There is a growing concern of the lack of information and communications technology (ICT) adoption by SMMEs, in particular those operating in townships. The aim of this study was to develop an ICT adoption framework using the sustainability livelihood framework (SLF) to encourage ICT adoption and improve the livelihood of township SMMEs. This study used the sustainable livelihood framework (SLF) to explore the broader socio-economic contents of the township SMMEs on human, social, financial, and physical and natural resource-based assets that enable the poor to enhance their capabilities and reduce their vulnerabilities. This study deployed a qualitative exploratory research. A sample of 21 SMME owners/managers operating in Soweto was used, and data were collected using in-depth interviews and observations. The study revealed township SMMEs are complex and dynamic and need various interventions in order for them to be sustainable. The SLF for township SMMEs can be used as a guideline for SMME owners/managers and policy makers when formulating ICT adoption policy.

scholarly journals COVID-19- Related Stigma in COVID-19 Survivors in Kampala, Uganda: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kabunga Amir
Keyword(s):  
Health Workers ◽  
Social Rejection ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Related Stigma ◽  
The Common ◽  
Thematic Approach ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Research And Policy

Abstract Background: COVID-19-related stigma is gradually becoming a global problem among COVID-19 survivors with far-reaching implications. However, this social problem has received little attention in research and policy. This study aimed at exploring the COVID-19-related stigma survivors in Kampala, UgandaMethods: A cross-sectional exploratory research design was used. COVID-19 survivors in Kampala district part of the study. In-depth interviews were used to collect data and analysis was done using thematic approach. Results: The results from the data showed that COVID-19-related stigma is prevalent and the common form of stigma was social rejection. Conclusions: The majority of the respondent in the sample endorsed COVID-19-related stigma and such behaviors were high in the community. The COVID-19 pandemic survivors indicated that they faced social rejection and community ostracism. Thus reducing COVID-19-related stigma is vital to control the spread of the virus. An all-inclusive effort is needed to address COVID-19-related stigma and its debilitating consequences by health workers and policy makers.

Migration, Mobility and Transnational Families: The Case of Indian Women Migrating to South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pragna Rugunanan
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Indian Women ◽  
Migration Literature ◽  
History Of ◽  
Life Course Framework ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Trailing Spouses ◽  
Depth Interviews

The history of labour migration to South Africa spans centuries. More recently flows of skilled and unskilled, documented and undocumented migration to South Africa have reached significant proportions. While men have predominated in the flows of migration streams to South Africa, the feminisation of migration has increased the visibility and role of women in the migration context. The impact of migration on the lives of skilled married women has been given little attention in the migration literature. Characterised as trailing spouses in the broader migration literature, the article explores, through a life-course framework, how skilled Indian women renegotiate their lives when leaving secure jobs to follow their spouses to a foreign country. Attention is given to how mobility is negotiated between the spouses, the impact of mobility on the family and the influence of transnationalism on the migrants and their families in South Africa. The article is based on exploratory research using qualitative in-depth interviews conducted with married skilled Indian women who migrated as co-dependents to South Africa.

THE EFFECT OF TRADITIONAL MEDIA ON YOUNG ADULTS: RESEARCH ON THE EDMONTON VALLEY ZOO DEVELOPMENT SOCIETY

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason D Letwin ◽  
James Cuvilier ◽  
Tristan Donnelly ◽  
Jessicah Adeniken ◽  
Ghee Chana
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Marketing Strategies ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Traditional Media ◽  
Non Profit ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Decision Making Processes ◽  
Research Questions ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Insight Into

  The Valley Zoo Development Society (VZDS) is a non-profit organization currently working with the Edmonton Valley Zoo in hopes to re-build and develop the zoo, and ultimately gain awareness from the Edmonton public. VZDS fundraises through seasonal events, in particular, The Festival Of Light. This is a ten-day event, which occurs annually in mid December and offers a variety of entertainment such as ice-skating and fire dancers on the zoo grounds. The current market VZDS is targeting consists primarily of families with young children. Although, this is a large segment, it is not currently creating enough revenue to sustain the Valley Zoo and the Valley Zoo Development Society. Therefore, the VZDS has inquired about reaching a new target demographic, specifically young adults aged 19-25. This group is a large and diverse segment and could be a very beneficial market to promote to. The Valley Zoo Development Society has questioned how one might go about reaching this demographic with a relatively inexpensive marketing campaign. With this in mind, initial exploratory research was conducted with a set of in-depth interviews with individuals within the age category. With the information gained from these interviews, along with literature review on their decision-making processes, a primary marketing problem was identified. This problem is largely based on the lack of information and awareness of this group about the activities of the Edmonton Valley Zoo. With the lack of marketing strategies directed to young adults; they remain vastly unaware of the events hosted by the zoo, or that the zoo is currently involved in major renovations. Therefore, the research conducted analyzes six key research questions involved in how the VZDS can gain this awareness, and what channels of media would yield the best result of reaching this segment. A questionnaire was developed regarding these six research questions to gain insight into how MacEwan students feel about the zoo, and how well informed these students are about the Valley Zoo. On top of this, questions also involved what avenues of media are most used within this sample (print media, social media, radio, television, etc.). Through data analysis it can be concluded that this age group would give a worthy contribution to the Valley Zoo if they were able to incorporate a social experience, such as a romantic outing. As well, these individuals can be reached with many media alternatives, however, through statistical analysis, it has been evaluated that radio advertising will have the greatest potential in reaching individuals who would be willing to attend the Edmonton Valley Zoo again.

Small Area Census Approach to Measure the Township Informal Economy in South Africa

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 36-58 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew J. E. Charman ◽  
Leif M. Petersen ◽  
Laurence E. Piper ◽  
Rory Liedeman ◽  
Teresa Legg
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Informal Economy ◽  
Small Area ◽  
Spatial Dynamics ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Grocery Retailing ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Enterprise Activity ◽  
Micro Enterprises

In this article, we describe a research approach to undertaking a small area census to identify informal economy activity, using a mixture of quantitative and qualitative tools. The method focuses on enterprise activity. The approach enables the researcher to record a broader spectrum of informal micro-enterprises through identifying businesses in situ within an area of sufficient scale to broadly reflect area-level market conditions and business dynamics. The approach comprises an enterprise census, a survey of all identified micro-enterprises in key sectors, in-depth interviews, and participatory research techniques. The article reports on the application of this method in eight case sites, located in township settlements within five major cities in South Africa. The research identified 9,400 individual enterprises, entailing 10,220 primary and secondary activities, distributed within a population of 325,000 and comprising 97,000 households. The approach permits significant advances to our understanding of the spatial dynamics of the informal sector. The research data has enabled the researcher to make original contributions to understanding informal enterprise activities in grocery retailing, liquor trade, and traditional medicine sectors.

scholarly journals Information and communications technology adoption amongst township micro and small business: The case of Soweto

2014 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carl Marnewick
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Small Businesses ◽  
Information And Communications Technology ◽  
Communications Technology ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Doing Business ◽  
Ict Adoption ◽  
South African Township ◽  
And Training ◽  
Structured Questionnaire

Background: No empirical evidence is available on whether or not information and communications technology (ICT) is adopted by South African township micro and small businesses (MSBs) in order to grow the business. ICT, as an enabler, can grow the business. It is evident from literature that ICT enables MSBs to be more productive and efficient.Objectives: This research determines to what extent ICT is adopted by MSBs in Soweto, and whether or not a positive correlation exists between the adoption rate of ICT and the financial and growth performance of the MSB itself.Method: A structured questionnaire was completed by 978 respondents to determine the extent of ICT adoption and for what ICT is used. This exploratory research provides new knowledge about the acceptance of ICT within township MSBs.Results: The results indicate that ICT is not used to the fullest by MSBs. Rather, it is used as a basic tool for doing business but it does not form an integral part of the business. This research provides insight into the usage and adoption of ICT and it opens the door for further cross-analysis research.Conclusion: Education and training are needed to ensure that MSBs use ICT to the fullest. MSBs embracing ICT can evolve from a survivalist SME to a more sustainable micro and small MSB.

ICT Adoption in SME in an Arab GCC Country Oman

2010 ◽  
pp. 351-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rafi Ashrafi ◽  
Muhammad Murtaza
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Customer Service ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Professional Advice ◽  
Consulting Services ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Ict Adoption ◽  
State Of Affairs

It has been widely recognized that Small and Medium size Enterprises(SMEs) not only play an important role in the economy of a country, but are crucial to the country’s economic stability. This article reviews UN and World Economic Forum ICT indicators for assessing the adoption of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC). Also, it presents the results of an exploratory study carried out to learn about the adoption of ICT in SMEs in Oman. The study investigates infrastructure, software used, driver for ICT investment, perceptions about business benefits of ICT and outsourcing trends of SMEs. The study provides an insight on the barriers for the adoption of ICT. Data on these aspects of ICT was collected from 51 SMEs through a survey questionnaire. The results of the study show that only a small number of SMEs in Oman are aware of the benefits of ICT adoption. The main driving forces for ICT investment are to provide better and faster customer service and to stay ahead of the competition. A majority of surveyed SMEs have reported a positive performance and other benefits by utilizing ICT in their businesses. A number of SMEs outsource most of their ICT activities. Lack of internal capabilities, high cost of ICT and lack of information about suitable ICT solutions and implementation were some of the major barriers in adopting ICT. These findings are consistent with other studies. There is a need for more focus and concerted efforts on increasing awareness among SMEs on the benefits of ICT adoption. The results of the study recognize the need for more training facilities in ICT for SMEs, measures to provide ICT products and services at an affordable cost, availability of free professional advice and/or consulting services at reasonable cost to SMEs. Our findings can help policy makers focusing on ICT adoption by SMEs. Also, the findings of this research will provide a foundation for future research and will help policy makers in understanding the current state of affairs of the usage and impact of ICT on SMEs in Oman and other GCC countries.

scholarly journals The Use of Financial Management Practices by Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises: A Perspective from South Africa

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (5) ◽  
pp. 341-350 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pradeep Brijlal ◽  
Samuel Enow ◽  
Eslyn B.H. Isaacs
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Business Failure ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Flow Problems ◽  
Support Organizations ◽  
Accounting Reports ◽  
Micro Enterprises

This paper reports on an investigation of financial management practices used by small, medium-sized and micro-enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa. It was found that more than half the SMMEs examined use external accounting staff to prepare accounting reports and more than 60% rely on external accounting staff to interpret and use accounting information. A majority of the SMME owners were found to lack interpretation skills and an awareness of how to use information from financial statements. An implication of this study therefore is that policy makers, business support organizations, banks and academic institutions need to focus on educating SMMEs more effectively in financial management, thereby mitigating the risk of cash flow problems and business failure.

scholarly journals Nurses' experiences of inpatients suicide in a general hospital*

2016 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
pp. 54-59
Author(s):  
Mirriam Matandela ◽  
Mokgadi C. Matlakala
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Adverse Event ◽  
Content Analysis ◽  
General Hospital ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Gauteng Province ◽  
Support Strategies ◽  
Incident Reports ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Purposive Sample

When suicide occurs, it is regarded as an adverse event. Often, little attention is given to the nurses who cared for the patients prior to the adverse event. Instead the affected nurses are expected to write statements and incident reports about the adverse event. The aim was to explore the experiences of nurses who cared for patients who successfully committed suicide whilst admitted at a specific general hospital in Gauteng Province, South Africa. A qualitative exploratory research was conducted. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with a purposive sample of six nurses and content analysis was done. Nurses experienced feelings of shock; blame and condemnation; inadequacy and feared reprisal. This study suggests a basis for development of support strategies to assist the nurses to deal with their emotions following experience of adverse events.

scholarly journals Dynamics informing xenophobia and leadership response in South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Champion M. Masikane ◽  
Magda L. Hewitt ◽  
Joyce Toendepi
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Research Purpose ◽  
Exploratory Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Protracted Conflict ◽  
Nelson Mandela ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Black President ◽  
Value Add

Orientation: The research addressed the issue of leadership response to xenophobia in South Africa that has a unique characteristic of being ‘black on black’.Research purpose: The research purpose was to assess the dynamics informing xenophobia in South Africa, leadership responses and systemic lessons thereon.Motivation for the study: The first black president, the late Nelson Mandela, put in place a Constitution that has an intent to protect all stakeholders in a non-racist, non-sexist and without discrimination based on colour or creed. This pleasantness and warm welcome attracted a large influx of immigrants from across the continent and South Asia who come as international students, skilled professionals and economic refugees. This migratory pattern has led to protracted conflict between immigrants from Africa and indigenous black South Africans.Research design, approach and method: A qualitative, exploratory research that drew data from the semi-structured interviews was carried out. Seven participants were purposefully sampled based on their involvement with the xenophobic affairs in their line of work. Content analysis augmented the primary data.Main findings: The findings of this research showed that xenophobia is a consequence of the socio-economic environment in South Africa and that the leadership response shaped the public opinion on the phenomenon.Practical/managerial implications: The research informed all South Africans, policy-makers and leadership in government on the consequences of xenophobia on the growth and image of the country.Contribution/value-add: This article contributed to the current efforts by leadership in both government and civil society towards addressing the socio-economic issues that fuel xenophobia.

ICT Adoption in SME in an Arab GCC Country

2013 ◽  
pp. 792-815
Author(s):  
Rafi Ashrafi ◽  
Muhammad Murtaza
Keyword(s):  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Customer Service ◽  
Driving Forces ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Professional Advice ◽  
Consulting Services ◽  
Lack Of Information ◽  
Ict Adoption ◽  
State Of Affairs

It has been widely recognized that Small and Medium size Enterprises(SMEs) not only play an important role in the economy of a country, but are crucial to the country’s economic stability. This article reviews UN and World Economic Forum ICT indicators for assessing the adoption of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC). Also, it presents the results of an exploratory study carried out to learn about the adoption of ICT in SMEs in Oman. The study investigates infrastructure, software used, driver for ICT investment, perceptions about business benefits of ICT and outsourcing trends of SMEs. The study provides an insight on the barriers for the adoption of ICT. Data on these aspects of ICT was collected from 51 SMEs through a survey questionnaire. The results of the study show that only a small number of SMEs in Oman are aware of the benefits of ICT adoption. The main driving forces for ICT investment are to provide better and faster customer service and to stay ahead of the competition. A majority of surveyed SMEs have reported a positive performance and other benefits by utilizing ICT in their businesses. A number of SMEs outsource most of their ICT activities. Lack of internal capabilities, high cost of ICT and lack of information about suitable ICT solutions and implementation were some of the major barriers in adopting ICT. These findings are consistent with other studies. There is a need for more focus and concerted efforts on increasing awareness among SMEs on the benefits of ICT adoption. The results of the study recognize the need for more training facilities in ICT for SMEs, measures to provide ICT products and services at an affordable cost, availability of free professional advice and/or consulting services at reasonable cost to SMEs. Our findings can help policy makers focusing on ICT adoption by SMEs. Also, the findings of this research will provide a foundation for future research and will help policy makers in understanding the current state of affairs of the usage and impact of ICT on SMEs in Oman and other GCC countries.

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