Browsing by Subject "entrepreneurship"

Now showing 1 - 6 of 6
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    Entrepreneurial Intentions of South African university students: an application of the theory of planned behaviour
    (2024) Brenner, Bianca; Bagraim, Jeffrey
    This study investigated the Entrepreneurial Intentions (EI) of South African students at three universities in the Western Cape, using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). The research employed a two-phase design, starting with a less dominant qualitative exploration through nine interviews with students. Subsequently, a more prominent quantitative phase was carried out using an online survey questionnaire. The primary objective was to determine whether the TPB model influences EI over and above situational factors (prior entrepreneurial experience and knowledge of entrepreneurial support) and demographic variables. Contextual measures obtained from the qualitative phase, such as load-shedding and the South African economy, were also incorporated into the questionnaire. Usable responses were received from 523 students (N = 523), allowing for rigorous statistical analyses, including Confirmatory Factor Analysis, Exploratory Factor Analysis, and reliability assessments. Hierarchical Regression Analyses indicated that the TPB explained approximately 48.8% of the variance in EI over and above the situational, demographic and contextual factors. Of all the predictors of EI examined in this study, only race and prior entrepreneurial experience were found to significantly add to the predictive power of TPB in explaining EI. The findings suggest that the TPB influences EI among South African students, over and above situational, demographic and contextual factors.
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    Entrepreneurship Intentions Amongst South African TVET Students: An Application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour
    (2021) Sundelson, Jamie; Bagraim, Jeffrey
    The primary aim of the investigation was to explore the entrepreneurship intent (EI) of South African TVET students by applying the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). Additional factors (demographics, community valuation, prior exposure to entrepreneurship and COVID-19 perceptions) were included as control variables within the model to assess the utility of the TPB. Student participants (N = 128) completed an online survey administered through two institutions in the Western Cape and made available by a Facebook link. The application of the TPB model scales was strongly supported by the results of the exploratory factor analyses (EFA) conducted as well as reliability analyses. Regression analyses indicated that the Theory of Planned Behaviour explained approximately 80% of the variance in entrepreneurial intention (p < .001). However, only attitudes were a significant determinant of entrepreneurial intention, whereas subjective norms and perceived behavioural control were not significant determinants of EI. Moreover, the control variables (demographic factors, community valuation, prior exposure to entrepreneurship) did not explain significant variance in EI, with the exception of COVID-19 perception, which was a significant determinant (β = .259, t = 3.159, p < .05). Hayes (2018) PROCESS macro was thereby used to investigate the moderation effect of COVID-19 perceptions, which were found to significantly moderate the relationship between perceived behavioural control and entrepreneurial intention. The contributions of the investigation are discussed and recommendations for future research are presented.
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    Exploring how South African business incubators assist entrepreneurs in accessing venture capital
    (2025) Green, Allistair; De Jesus, Carlos
    Context: Venture Capitalists (VCs) specialise in providing capital to new businesses with a short track record; however, new South African businesses still face high failure rates due to a lack of funding and insufficient entrepreneurial skills. Business incubators (BIs) aim to bridge this gap by providing support and resources to entrepreneurs to start and manage new businesses and access to capital, including venture capital. Purpose: This study assesses how South African BIs support entrepreneurs in preparing for venture capital funding. Research Design: The study is an exploratory qualitative study and employs an engaged scholarship approach and entrepreneurial ecosystem theory. Primary data was collected through semi-structured interviews, supplemented by a questionnaire with three key stakeholders: BIs, VCs, and entrepreneurs. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes and insights. Main findings: BIs can significantly impact entrepreneurs' ability to secure venture capital by providing tailored support and networking opportunities. Stifling this impact is the expectation gap between BIs and VCs, BI management expertise, insufficient quality entrepreneurs, and government policies that are mute on early-stage funding. Contribution: The research builds on existing literature and highlights BIs' critical role in the South African entrepreneurial ecosystem. It also provides insights to BIs and the government to aid the creation of a thriving entrepreneur ecosystem bolstered by increased VC participation. Recommendations and Implications: The BI-VC relationship should be strengthened and communication enhanced. BI management should actively increase their entrepreneurial expertise and skills while building programs that effectively enhance entrepreneurial skill development. The government should increase effective policies that create an environment for early-stage capital to thrive. Improving entrepreneur support can lead to higher new business success rates, contributing to economic growth and job creation in South Africa. Research limitations: The study's population was limited to the Western Cape, although some participants are involved in their role (entrepreneur, BI, or VC) throughout the country and some throughout Africa. Originality: This study uniquely explores the intersection of South African BIs and VCs to increase entrepreneurial success through improved BI support mechanisms. Adding to previous BI literature by including the VC and entrepreneur perspective, supplementing interviews with a questionnaire to corroborate results, grounding the study on a theoretical framework and collaborating with practitioners using the engaged scholarship approach, determining whether any changes occurred since previous studies, and exploring the industry for new success factors.
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    Innovation & intellectual property: collaborative dynamics in Africa
    (UCT Press, 2014) De Beer, Jeremy; Oguamanam, Chidi; Schonwetter, Tobias; Sowa, Izabella; Holman, Kristen; Kawooya, Dick; Dagne, Teshager; Adewopo, Adebambo; Chuma-Okoro, Helen; Oyewunmi, Adejoke; Ouma, Marisella; Cocchiaro, Gino; Lorenzen, Johan; Maister, Bernard; Rutert, Britta; Rizk, Nagla; Sihanya, Ben; Mgbeoji, Ikechi; Dos Santos, Fernando; Pelembe, Simão; Awad, Bassem; Abou Zeid, Perihan; Ncube, Caroline; Abrahams, Luci; Akinsanmi, Titi; Belete, Wondwossen; Ama, Njoku; Armstrong, Chris; De Beer, Jeremy; Armstrong, Chris; Oguamanam, Chidi; Schonwetter, Tobias
    In the global knowledge economy, intellectual property (IP) rights – and the innovations they are meant to spur – are important determinants of progress. But what does this mean for the nations of Africa? One view is that strong IP protection can facilitate innovation in African settings. Others say that existing IP systems are simply not suited to the realities of African innovators. This book, based on case studies and evidence collected through research across nine countries in Africa, sheds new light on the complex relationships between innovation and intellectual property. It covers findings from Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Uganda, Kenya, Mozambique, Botswana and South Africa, across many sites of innovation and creativity including music, leather goods, textiles, cocoa, coffee, auto parts, traditional medicine, book publishing, biofuels and university research. Various forms of intellectual property protection are explored: copyrights, patents, trademarks, geographical indications and trade secrets, as well as traditional and informal mechanisms of knowledge governance. The picture emerging from the empirical research presented in this volume is one in which innovators in diverse African settings share a common appreciation for collaboration and openness. And thus, when African innovators seek to collaborate, they are likely to be best-served by IP approaches that balance protection of creative, innovative ideas with information-sharing and open access to knowledge. The authors, who come from a range of disciplines, are all experts in their fields, working together through the Open African Innovation Research and Training (Open A.I.R.) network.
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    Innovative Finance Week 1 Video 1 - Why we innovate
    (2019) Patton, Aunnie
    This video focuses on the purpose of innovation. We look at some reasons why innovation is important in making application for funding for Entrepreneurs. We also look at the the key issues that arise from current financial business models by looking at the current pyramid model. This is video 1/11 in week 1 of the Innovative Finance: Hacking Finance to change the World course.
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    The nexus between growth of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and youth employment in Eritrea
    (2019) Malamulo,Terence Crayl; Mukuddem-Petersen, Janine
    Economic growth and development are strategic for the overall development of a country. Micro, small and medium enterprises play a surmountable role in economic growth and development. Among other contributions, they provide jobs in an economy. Several developing countries, such as Eritrea, face limited private sector growth, yet also have the need to invest in the creation of enough and decent job for youths. Hence, this study intended to identify the prominent factors that deter the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises as well as the connection between their growth and youth employment, using a case study of Eritrea. The study used econometric research method. Through stratified sampling and a questionnaire, it collected data from 76 micro, small and medium enterprises. In the analysis, it used ordinal and binary logistic regressions, chi-square and correlation tests. The study concludes that there is no sufficient evidence that the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises influences youth employment. It finds that the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises is deterred by obstructive access to raw materials, obstructive banking regulations and obstructive general business regulations and policies. The study recommends improvement of the macro-economic conditions for pro-business sector growth, establishment of a policy on development of micro, small and medium enterprises, and a gradual liberalization of the private economy. Further, it proposes an impact investing based growth model of micro, small and medium enterprises to increase certainty on employment creation contribution. It suggests that an investment in micro, small and medium enterprises for youth employment creation that does not address the identified deterrents faces a significant impact risk.