Developing a regulatory framework for the financial, management performance and social reporting systems for co-operatives in developing countries : a case study of South Africa

PURPOSE : This report is on a team effort to advise the Department of Trade and Industry on the development of a regulatory framework for the auditing of Financial, Management. Performance and Social Reporting Systems for co-operatives. ORIENTATION : There was no framework in place prescribing requirements for reporting on financial, management and social performance of co-operatives. As a result, the team assisted the Department of Trade and Industry with the development of a proposed reporting framework with reference to international best practices and existing financial reporting frameworks. FINDINGS : The research performed showed that existing reporting frameworks and practices do not meet the reporting requirements of co-operatives in all aspects because of the different nature of co-operatives as opposed to shareholder-owned entities.http://www.actacommercii.co.za/am2016Business Managemen

The impact of government support initiatives on the growth of female businesses in Tshwane South Africa

Previous research has shown that small business growth may be the consequence of various factors. Entrepreneurs face various challenges in the growth of their businesses. A lack of support and general resources are some of the challenges they face. This causal research study explored the impact that the use of government support initiatives has on the growth of the businesses of female entrepreneurs in Tshwane South Africa. A quantitative study was done and a sample of 111 female entrepreneurs participated in this study. Data were obtained by means of structured questionnaires administered via a webbased survey. The data were subjected to descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. The findings clearly indicate that despite these entrepreneurs getting any assistance from government institutions their businesses showed growth. The findings of this study may be extended to government support institutions so that they can improve the quality design and cost effectiveness of support services.http://www.mcser.org/journal/index.php/mjssam201

Measuring the effectiveness of the Women Entrepreneurship Programme on potential, start-up and established women entrepreneurs in South Africa

The Women Entrepreneurship Programme (WEP) was developed after a need had been identified for such a training intervention. The WEP provides entrepreneurial and business management training to women entrepreneurs. This empirical paper measures the effectiveness of the WEP after the respondents had been through the training intervention. The sample consists of 180 women entrepreneurs, where 116 respondents form the experimental group and 64 respondents the control group. Factor analysis is presented and several statistical tests executed to present the statistically significant differences between the two groups in the sample. The findings highlight the WEP delegates' acquisition of new entrepreneurial skills and knowledge. Furthermore, the respondents reported an increase in the number of employees, turnover, productivity and profit. It was statistically proven that the WEP is effective in training potential, start-up and established women entrepreneurs in South Africa

Training entrepreneurs and small business enterprises in South Africa : a situational analysis

Gives an overview of the contents of entrepreneurship and small enterprise training in general as well as the specific objectives of these interventions in the South African situation. Briefly covers the problems found and highlighted by researchers in the 1990s and assesses whether the problems or deficiencies of the past are being addressed. Concludes that the training emphasis of small, medium and micro-enterprise service providers in South Africa still seem to be more on conventional training than entrepreneurial training. Also concludes that entrepreneurship and business training are confused as being similar. It is recommended that training interventions should be monitored to determine those that are the most successful and appropriate for the South African situation

Implementation of service profit chain initiatives in a franchise system

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the implementation of the service profit chain as an entrepreneurial marketing initiative within a defined franchise system. An objective is also to evaluate these initiatives against service quality dimensions. Despite recognition of the merits and advantages of service profit chain initiatives of retention, related sales and referrals, little research has empirically addressed the perceptions of franchisees regarding these initiatives. Methodology includes the empirical analysis of evaluating the effectiveness of service profit chain implementation, primarily based on initiatives of retention, related sales and referrals. Research methodology comprises the survey approach, using electronic media and Surveypro analysis. This is facilitated by descriptive and inferential statistical techniques using SPSS version 11.0 data analysis. Inferential significance tests include the ANOVA Kruskal-Wallis hypothesis test; and the Cronbach's coefficient alpha. Hypothesis tests highlight the significance of a positive association between service profit chain initiatives and service quality. All service profit chain initiatives were deemed appropriate. Item analysis highlights specific dominant service profit chain initiatives, linking key relationship marketing and service quality themes. Findings are indicative of implementation opportunities, including measurement of loyalty within the system, developing customer feedback and complaint systems, and communicating the value of service profit chain enhancement within the franchise system. Originality includes cognizance of entrepreneurial orientation, relationships and service quality when implementing service profit chain initiatives. Concurrent research opportunities include the implementation of other entrepreneurial marketing initiatives, including relationship marketing and benchmarking for best practice

Entrepreneurship link to franchise networks

Abstract not available

Innovative marketing initiatives in a franchise system

Abstract not available

Best practice vision in a franchised home entertainment system

Abstract not available

Service profit chain initiatives in an entrepreneurial franchise system

Despite recognition of the merits and advantages of service profit chain initiatives of retention, related sales and referrals, little research as empirically addressed the perceptions of franchisees regarding these initiatives. This paper evaluates the implementation of the service profit chain as an entrepreneurial marketing initiative within a defined franchise system. Methodology includes the empirical analysis of evaluating the effectiveness of service profit chain implementation; primarily based on initiatives of retention, related sales and referrals. Research methodology comprises the survey approach, using electronic media and Surveypro analysis. This is facilitated by descriptive and inferential statistical techniques using SPSS version 11.0 data analysis. Hypothesis tests highlight the significance of a positive association between service profit chain initiatives and service quality. Findings are indicative of implementation opportunites, including measurement of loyalty within the system, developing customer feedback and complaint systems, and communicating the value of service profit chain enhancement within the franchise system. Concurrent research opportunities include the implementation of other entrepreneurial marketing initiatives, including relationship marketing and benchmarking for best practice