In South Africa, the failure rate of Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) amounts to 75% in an estimated interval of 42 months of operation. The purpose of this study is to determine the challenges facing SMEs in Metsimaholo municipality, Free State province of South Africa. Quantitative data was acquired from 102 Metsimaholo SME owners or their representatives, utilizing questionnaires which were completed, returned, and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 software. It was then established that economic factors have realistic control on the sustainability of SMEs. In addition, further development of SMEs is restrained by competition from immigrant businesses, transportation of inventory, inadequate management skills, substandard marketing, miserable manipulation of financial activities and business, unreachable loans. Notwithstanding the afore-said outcome, SMEs must carefully look at obtaining business skills coaching and support, enlarge or vary the range of products, put back any profits made by a business into it in order to make it more successful. Cooperation amongst SMEs would be a strategy for them to challenge rivalry. Therefore, SMEs will bargain from transportation of goods bought in large quantities for a unit price that is lower than usual.
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.
This study assesses the effectiveness of compliance inspection in ensuring the quality of ICT products and services at the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) is an independent regulatory body of the South African government, established in 2000 by the ICASA Act to regulate both the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors in the public interest. The ICASA approved label, found on internationally manufactured products, implies the products meet quality standards, stipulated by ICASA. A qualitative study using interviews from a sample of 13 participants was carried out. The study found that there are functional integration challenges that are reflected in inspection activities and outcomes, which are not reported to relevant departments, while other supporting activities, such as the provision of security personnel during site inspection, are not made available to support effective compliance inspection activities and effectiveness. The study also found randomized inspections help to cut down on risks. Lastly, the study noted a profound lack of a post-market surveillance in place to continuously ensure that the equipment and the systems, placed in the market, maintain conformance with the applicable technical standards. The study further revealed that licensees lack adequate information and knowledge regarding compliance regulations and acts, which fosters non-compliance and renders compliance inspection ineffective
The main aim of this study was to investigate online platforms, specifically YouTube, suitable for remote learning, forced by covid-19 from traditional face-to-face to online learning. To achieve the study's objectives, which are to investigate the effectiveness of remote learning, general students’ feelings have about online education, lecturer's efficiency in using online tools to teach, and student's ability to adapt to online learning, the study employed a qualitative method where three videos with content relevant for a post-graduate diploma in higher education were made and uploaded to YouTube to investigate the efficiency of the online tool. Advantages of YouTube as an educational platform were discussed, which include flexibility and cost, among others. The challenges related to internet connections; resources, used to conduct YouTube lessons, were discussed. Recommendations to address some of these challenges using YouTube as an educational platform were explored. These recommendations include, amongst others, workshops and seminars should be held by administrators to teach lecturers and teachers how to use technology in their classes, universities need to adopt this new learning system as a part of the curriculum because to save time, money.
The object of study is the importance of medical technology and healthcare delivery in the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused many changes to the business, healthcare, and societal landscape. The changes have had varying effects on key industries, demanding them to realign to fit new pandemic-imposed environmental conditions. This study seeks to investigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical device strategy and firm performance of company X, and to provide recommendations and insights on strategies to ensure continuity post-pandemic. A qualitative analysis of the results from nine interviews with associates regarding the effects of COVID-19 on firm performance and strategy at company X was explored. The findings from a thematic analysis of the interview data are reported and related to the study's research objectives. Findings showed that the COVID-19 pandemic forced company X to adjust its strategy to align it with the changing environment. However, the data showed that the unknown nature and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic environment meant that the realignment of strategy to the prevailing dynamics was unique. This study's key findings indicate that COVID-19 strongly influenced financial performance, which influenced firm performance significantly. In addition, financial performance measures were found to have more impact than non-financial performance measures such as strategic performance. The main recommendation emanating from the study was to improve the organization’s agility, versatility, and speed. This would be achieved through simplifying processes, streamlining decision-making, and enhancing speed in the market. Agility and versatility are necessary to overcome or take advantage of new developments from the pandemic and post-pandemic environment. This research study can assist medical enterprises in other countries to stream their services and align strategy to meet the dynamic environment caused by the COVID-19.
The concept of shared value was born out of a determined effort to find methods for the corporate sector and society to grow while being sustainable. Often, banks are criticised for focusing on maximising shareholder value and not addressing societal issues or creating value for society. However, corporate shared value in banking is beginning to be embraced in the financial banking sector. Discovery Bank is a new-to-market entrant in the South African banking sector that has implemented shared-value banking to distinguish itself from competitors and create value for society. There are limited studies that explore the performance of shared-value banking in South Africa and whether implementation is viable or provides a competitive advantage. This study aimed to explore the performance of shared-value banking based on the perceptions of Discovery Bank leaders using a qualitative study methodology. The population in this study comprised 300 employees of Discovery Bank that was involved in the implementation of Discovery Bank since 2019. The target population of this research inquiry was 30 leaders of Discovery Bank. From the target population, 8 participants were chosen as the appropriate sample size to obtain the necessary data to address research objectives through interviews. Computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software, NVivo version 1.5.2 (946), was used to analyse data. Study findings were used to draw up recommendations to Discovery Bank South Africa management regarding improvement areas to meet performance objectives. The findings of the study revealed the following: Discovery Bank has created its shared-value banking model that deviates from the academic framework, it has created a new market of highly desirable clients who exhibit healthy financial behaviours and enhancing client engagement through client communication may yield greater success. Limitations and areas of future research was addressed in this study.
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