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 The Effect of the Covid‑19 Pandemic on Students and the Living and Learning Spaces at a South African University

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-106
Author(s):  
Blessing Kanyumba ◽  
Nondumiso Shabangu
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Online Learning ◽  
Student Learning ◽  
South African ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Learning Spaces ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Qualitative Research Design

In March 2020, the South African President Mr Cyril Ramaphosa announced a national lockdown due to the rising cases of the Covid‑19 pandemic. As a result, some of the higher education institutions closed under lockdown level 5 and strategies had to be developed to adapt to the “new norm”. Consequently, students and the living and learning spaces in South Africa were affected, necessitating therefore that transformation in all spheres takes place. This study, through a qualitative research design, investigated the effect of Covid‑19 on students and the living and learning spaces at a selected university in South Africa. Fifteen students and ten Residence Advisors (RAs) were telephonically interviewed. The results revealed that the living and learning spaces had been significantly transformed by the Covid‑19 pandemic. The operations of these spaces had been compelled to change in order to comply with the Covid‑19 regulations, such that student learning was shifted from face-to-face to online learning. This meant more time spent indoors, stricter measures now in place and the RA roles having been broadened to ensure that they also monitor compliance. The study also noted that even after the pandemic, things will still take time to get back to normal. This article concludes that Covid‑19 has had a huge effect on the living and learning spaces as well as students at the selected university and that both students and staff should play their roles effectively to ensure that everyone remains safe.

scholarly journals Challenges faced by libraries in a democratic South Africa

2017 ◽  
Vol 34 (4) ◽  
pp. 408-421 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Maredi Mojapelo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Economic Development ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Access To Information ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
Socio Economic Development ◽  
Arts And Culture ◽  
Convenience Sampling

Community libraries are crucial for people to have access to information to satisfy their multiple needs. As custodians of information and knowledge in diverse spheres, they play a role in the socio-economic development of nations. This article attempts to investigate challenges faced by libraries in three different settings in post-apartheid South Africa. The study adopted a qualitative research design. The users, librarians and a well-placed official of the relevant department were interviewed. Convenience sampling was used to select users and librarians while purposive sampling was used to select an official. Face-to-face interviews and observation and a checklist were used to collect data. Senior officials of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture need to study challenges revealed by the findings and to take action to remedy the situation.

scholarly journals Guidelines and criteria used by formal financial institutions to assess credit applications from small and medium enterprises in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Francis T. Asah ◽  
Lynette Louw
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Financial Statements ◽  
Annual Business ◽  
Fundamental Issue ◽  
Step Process ◽  
Background Checks ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Depth Interviews

Background: The involvement of formal financial institutions (FFIs) in financing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is and always has been a fundamental issue of concern amongst policymakers and practitioners in developing countries such as South Africa, which experience very low or no economic growth.Aim: This study analysed the guidelines and criteria used by FFIs to assess credit applications from SMEs.Setting: This study investigated the guidelines and criteria instituted by the head office of FFIs when assessing and evaluating credit applications from SMEs in Johannesburg, South Africa.Methods: This study used an interpretivistic research paradigm to achieve the research objectives. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were used to collect data from participants and analysed using the Terre Blanche, Durrheim and Kelly five-step process of content analysis.Results: The findings revealed that assessing the amount of risk, scrutinising financial records, performing thorough background checks and requesting all relevant documentation constitute ways used by FFIs to measure the amount of risk associated with a particular credit application. Additionally, collateral, audited financial statements, annual business turnover, relationship with the bank and credit profile of the owners and/or business are the most important criteria used by FFIs when assessing credit applications.Conclusion: This study provides insights into the guidelines used by FFIs in assessing credit applications and the criteria used by FFIs when assessing and granting credit. This study revealed that some FFIs do not finance foreign-owned businesses as part of their institutional policy.

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.

SAFEGUARDING SOUTH AFRICA’S PORTUGUESE COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANISATIONAL RECORDS: THE QUESTION OF CUSTODY

Mousaion ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 73-94
Author(s):  
Tony Rodrigues
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
South African ◽  
Alternative Methods ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
Research Article ◽  
Traditional Approaches ◽  
Take All

This research article made an effort to uncover the attitudes of South African Portuguese community-based organisations in Gauteng, South Africa, towards the custody of their potential archival records and where these organisations would prefer to house any archival records they may hold. The literature reviewed revealed that community records often present community organisations that hold these records with a dilemma regarding who might take custody of their potential records if they do decide to participate in an archival collecting effort of their community. The literature also showed that archival custody options come in different forms, ranging from traditional approaches to custody of physical and legal transfer of ownership to a mainstream archive, to alternative methods often referred to as the post-custodial and stewardship approaches. Utilising an interpretive qualitative research design, similarly the empirical findings from the interviews held with the Portuguese organisations in Gauteng also revealed that these organisations’ preferences towards custody were not uniform. The results showed that any proposed archival collecting effort of the Portuguese community will have to take all their divergent views into consideration if an archival collecting strategy that facilitates the contribution of the records from all their organisations is to be achieved. It also became evident that each organisation’s preference towards the custody of their records is often contentious and therefore needs to be respected if these community records are to be preserved in the long term.

scholarly journals EMPLOYMENT OF MICRO SMALL-BUSINESS ENTERPRISES (SMEs) THROUGH THE FINANCING OF SHARIA FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (02) ◽  
pp. 27-36
Author(s):  
Muhammad Rafi’i Sanjani
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Data Processing ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
Profit Sharing ◽  
Research Data ◽  
Medium Enterprises ◽  
Descriptive Qualitative

Micro, small and medium enterprises (UMKM) in absorbing labor is large enough. But the role of MSMEs in reality is constrained by several things, including capital problems. This is where the role of Shariah Financial Institutions with principal-sharing financing is desirable. Observing such phenomena needs to be examined on several issues; first, the implementation of financing at Syari'ah Financial Institutions in Sumbawa which is considered ideal for micro, small and medium enterprises (UMKM). Secondly, some of the obstacles to the implementation of financing at Syari'ah Financial Institutions in Sumbawa pertain to the principle of profit sharing, and thirdly, the solution to overcome the impediments of financing implementation at Syari'ah Financial Institutions in Sumbawa w This research is a descriptive qualitative research. Data collection techniques that is by combining three methods or the so-called triangulation, among others, interviews, observation and documentation. Data processing will be analyzed and processed descriptively qualitative.ith respect. This research is a descriptive qualitative research. Data collection techniques that is by combining three methods or the so-called triangulation, among others, interviews, observation and documentation. Data processing will be analyzed and processed descriptively qualitative. Research Results Micro, small and medium enterprises (UMKM) are able to absorb a large enough labor. But the role is in fact constrained by several things, including capital problems. This is where the role of Shariah Financial Institutions with principal-sharing financing is desirable. Observing such phenomena needs to be examined on several issues; first, the implementation of financing at Syari'ah Financial Institutions in Sumbawa which is considered ideal for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Second, the impediments to the implementation of financing of the Shariah Financial Institutions in Sumbawa with respect to the principle of profit sharing, and thirdly, the solution to overcome the impediments of the financing of the Syari'ah Financial Institutions in Sumbawa with respect to the ideal profit-sharing principle.

scholarly journals Defining and identifying stakeholders: Views from management and stakeholders

2016 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Benn ◽  
R. Abratt ◽  
B. O’Leary
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
South African ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Stakeholder Theory ◽  
Value Creation ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Senior Management ◽  
Stakeholder Satisfaction ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
New Finding

The focus of an organisation’s marketing efforts has shifted in recent years from satisfying customer needs to value creation for stakeholders. The purpose of this research is to establish how the senior management of an organisation define and identify stakeholders. The organisation’s stakeholders are then asked to identify their role as stakeholders. The research employed a qualitative research design. The subjects being the senior management of the South African subsidiary of one of the world’s largest paint manufacturers as well as a sample of the firm’s stakeholders. The results reveal a set of primary and secondary stakeholders that include some differences from current stakeholder theory. The results also confirm the importance of legitimacy as well as the new finding of the importance of reciprocity in stakeholder attributes. From a marketing point of view the focus of the organisation should not be on customers alone but include all stakeholders. This will mean that organisations should focus on stakeholder satisfaction and developing strategies that recognize the importance of all legitimate stakeholders.

scholarly journals ADAPTIVE STRATEGIES EMPLOYED BY THE MICE SECTOR IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 1203-1210
Author(s):  
Refiloe Julia LEKGAU ◽  
◽  
Tembi Maloney TICHAAWA ◽  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Business Models ◽  
Adaptive Strategies ◽  
Adaptive Responses ◽  
Qualitative Research Design ◽  
Operational Costs ◽  
Mice Industry ◽  
Virtual Events

COVID-19 has brought to the fore drastic and transformative changes to MICE tourism. The current study therefore sought to examine the adaptive responses employed by the MICE sector of South Africa to survive and maintain business continuity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adopting a qualitative research design, 19 representatives of various subsectors of the MICE industry (including organisers, suppliers, and associations) were interviewed. The data reveals that the immediate strategies implemented by many MICE organisations involved the reevaluation of their operational costs. Moreover, the study found that the sector has readjusted its business models to include virtual events in order to ensure recovery and resilience in light of the pandemic. The study argues the importance of understanding adaptive strategies as broadening theory on tourism and crises (specifically to the MICE sector) as well as understanding the process of sector resilience post-COVID-19.

scholarly journals Customer satisfaction and complaint behaviour: The case of small custom-made clothing businesses

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 173-207
Author(s):  
M M Makopo ◽  
H M De Klerk ◽  
S Donoghue
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Research Design ◽  
Small And Medium Enterprises ◽  
High Expectations ◽  
Home Based ◽  
Custom Made ◽  
Medium Enterprises

Small and medium enterprises are increasingly considered as playing an important role in the economy of many countries, including South Africa. Unfortunately, home-based businesses in particular, such as most of the custom-made clothing businesses, are exhibiting high failure rates. The purpose of this study was to explore female customers’ satisfaction/ dissatisfaction with the quality of custom-made clothes, the accompanying emotions resulting from the dissatisfaction and their coping strategies in the form of complaint behaviour. A survey-based research design was followed. The sample consisted of 209 females older than 18 years, residing in Tshwane, South Africa, who had had custom-made clothes made by small urban-based custom-made clothing businesses during the previous 12 months. Customers in this study had high expectations for most performance features of the custom-made garments, especially the sensory and emotional performance features, with which they were ultimately not as satisfied as they had expected to be. Most of them blamed the business for the dissatisfaction. They did, however, not contact the business to complain but rather told others about the experience and decided no longer to support the business. They also experienced high levels of negative emotions such as disappointment, frustration and sadness. The results have implications for small custom made clothing businesses.

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