Browsing by Author "Kunene, Lindiwe Nqobile."

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Brand naming for black owned fast moving consumer goods-small medium and micro enterprises in the KZN province: grounded theory approach.
(2022) Kunene, Lindiwe Nqobile.; Phiri, Maxwell Agabu.; Mbhele, Thokozani Patmond.
Brand names influence consumers’ purchase decisions and the success of Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) depends on strong brand names. Black-owned Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa in the FMCG industry struggle to compete with established brands, partly due to inadequate brand name choices. In the province of KwaZulu-Natal, as in the rest of South Africa, SMMEs are at the heart of the economic development agenda and FMCG industries are a significant part of this strategy. It is argued that FMCG-SMMEs can accelerate economic growth as they provide essential goods, on-demand at all times, even during pandemics like COVID-19 and in the face of poverty. This study sought to identify the brand naming practices applied by black-owned FMCG-SMMEs without being influenced by the expectations of existing, usually Western brand naming theories. Exploratory qualitative research methods were employed and Grounded Theory (GT) was used to create theories to define brand naming by black-owned FMCG-SMMEs in KwaZulu-Natal. Saturation was employed to set the parameters for the sample size. Data was collected by means of open-ended interviews and thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Data collection was guided by four objectives, namely, brand naming processes; strategies employed to select brand names; brand linguistic considerations including the use of African languages; and the socio-economic dimensions of the brand naming process. The study identified five steps in brand naming that are different from the Euro-American steps and similar to some East Asian steps. The seven strategies adopted by the FMCG-SMMEs included dimensions not commonly used in the West, including brand name motivation, promoting the family legacy in the form of selfnymic and childnymic practices, black economic consciousness and universality. Inrelation to linguistics, the study identified the use of the letter ‘d’ plosive, sound, semantics and fictitious words to define the role of language and brand naming by black-owned FMCG-SMMEs. In terms of socio-economic factors, it established that education and training programmes, as well as previous experience in a start-up business or as an employee influenced the brand naming practices of black-owned FMCG-SMMEs in KwaZulu-Natal.
Brand naming strategies by small medium and micro enterprises in the eThekwini Municipal area.
(2014) Kunene, Lindiwe Nqobile.; Phiri, Maxwell Agabu.;
Branding is a concept in Marketing that has become synonymous with success and defines the profitability possibilities and capabilities for organisations. Due to this, corporate organisations have been known to value the process of branding to the extent of attaching financial value to their brands. Given the significance of branding for organisations, the brand naming process is one of importance, as failure to brand organisations adequately could translate as reasons for failure for organisations. Corporate organisations have known this, as such, have developed techniques to brand name their organisations for success. It is not clear however, whether or not small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) attach similar value as corporates. As such, this study seeks to examine the brand naming processes implemented by SMMEs in the eThekwini Municipality area (SA), if any exist. To do this, the study, adopted descriptive-exploratory methods, as little was known about the brand naming processes applied. Definitions and dynamics of the actual processes could thus be identified and defined. Quantitative methodologies extracted information using an instrument informed by the theory framework and its variables as found in a US study on similar research for corporate organisations. To analyse the data collected, correlation methods were applied, where it was found that the known processes as applied by corporate organisations were not necessarily applied by the eThekwini Municipal SMMEs in their brand naming process. The current status of this pertinent process can be used to advise appropriate skills development for SMMEs in the area ensuring the success of SMMEs.
Challenges facing women entrepreneurs in the Mini-bus Industry: the case of eThekwini Municipality.
(2019) Matiwane, Thembeka Fortunate.; Kunene, Lindiwe Nqobile.
Women globally are seen to be advancing and succeeding in male dominate industries, as independent leaders in top compansies and entreprineural leaders in many business sectors. In the past women are known to be in the career fields of teaching; nursing and home economics. This is because women possess abilities and characteristics that are communly believed to be associated with loving and caring. Today women are leaders and business persons, in male dominate industry. This study focuses on the challenges facing women entreprenuers in the taxi industry, in KwaZulu-Natal, eThekwini Municipality. This is a qualitative-action study that will be directed by four factors that influences the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in the taxi industry. The factors that influences women entrepreneurs in the taxi industry are government suport, training and skills development, gender equlity and solutions for the challenges facing women in the taxi indurty. The study interveiwed women entrepreneurs in the taxi industry. Majority of the women are widows who have inherited the business from their deceased husbands due to the violence in the industry. The data anylysis implemented the thematic methodology.
Challenges of management performance in managing a professional team: a case of AmaZulu Football Club.
(2018) Machela, Tsepo.; Kunene, Lindiwe Nqobile.; Mbhele, Thokozani Patmond.
The face value of owning a professional football club in South Africa reflects a lucrative business. The compounding claim is that the majority of football club owners are either former footballers themselves or philanthropists with a love for the sport. The general observation reveals that club owners in this industry do not employ managers with necessary high education, knowledge and skills to manage the club, unlike in the case of white-collar corporates. The current practice has a negative financial implications for the club performance, survival and growth. The onus for management of professional club is to establish congruency of performance goals and objectives between personnel and overall organisational objectives. The objective of the study is to determine extent of effective and efficient management of the financial functions in the professional club. The study seeks to evaluate whether the AmaZulu Football Club (AFC) performs to the objectives of satisfying supporters and fans, interpreted as customers. The study further attempts to analyse whether learning and development at the club promote employees’ innovation. Lastly, the study seeks to determine whether internal processes assist the AFC to achieve a competitive advantage status. A mixed-method approach has been chosen as the strategy to attend on research objectives. Qualitative data was extracted from twelve members of the management team in the AmaZulu Football Club (AFC), and four executives from corporate sponsors of the AFC were also interviewed. Quantitative data was extracted from three hundred and eighty-five (385) customers or fans of the AFC. The NVIVO software package assists to analyse qualitative data using thematic analysis method. The SPSS software package assist to analyse quantitative data using descriptive statistics. The study findings indicate that the financial function manifests efficiently and effectively managed for future financial viability of the club. However, the study found that management handling of performance and productivity of the club was at an unsatisfactory level. The study further found that the organisation was not innovative enough to be competitive. The internal processes are operating below the competitor’s performance, making the club less competent and productive to meet customers and fans expectations. The implications of an executive sponsor should offer strategic guidance and create conditions that can link the AFC to new markets. The club should create an efficient internal system that can elicit effective productivity from the available resources.
The challenges of operating entrepreneurial businesses in restituted land: the case of KwaZulu-Natal.
(2018) Dlamini, Sakhile.; Kunene, Lindiwe Nqobile.; Nzimakwe, Thokozani Ian.
In KwaZulu-Natal, public and private sectors need to increase support for sustainability of Small Medium and Micro Enterprises and or Entrepreneurial businesses. Many SMMEs struggle to overcome failure due to lack of strategic interventions from both government and the private sector. This study focuses on the Land Restitution programme as one of the vehicles that should be used by government to boost SMME development and their business performance. In previous studies, individuals who have received their land back, within the Land Redistribution Programme in KZN have failed to either continue or start viable businesses using the land newly acquired. A total of 76% of the land redistributed has claimants who have not engaged with any business activity using land newly acquired. Attributed to this high level of inactivity is a lack of programmes to assist claimants. Most claimants end up opting for cash instead of land due to fear of failure. Socio-cultural factors, infrastructure and education found to be important elements that add value to small businesses’ behaviour and the way society welcomes them. Methods and strategies employed by the two major sectors in enhancing entrepreneurial businesses were evaluated. Conducted interview sessions with business owners in restituted land contributed to the results of the study. The qualitative research methodology was used and the NVivo programme using thematic analysis was employed for data analyses.
Conquering barriers to e-commerce in Africa's e-tail business : a case of Spree.
(2016) Mthembu, Sinegugu Portia.; Mbhele, P.; Kunene, Lindiwe Nqobile.
In Africa, organisations that want to increase their involvement in the multilateral trading system need to overcome the e-commerce barriers in the continent. Many have failed due to their deficiency on contextual African business acumen and comprehensive adaptability. They have come short on many instances to understand the full advantages and opportunities offered by e-commerce adoption in Africa as opposed to global strategies. This study analyses a South African case-related e-commerce business model to investigate the barriers to successful venturing into African market through electronic commerce. These constraints and barriers range from technological, socio-economic and cultural issues including governmental and cognitive barriers. Using a qualitative research methodology with a sample size of 12 sample subjects, the study finds among other findings that the most pertinent issues to the adoption of e-commerce are infrastructural, socio-economic and cognitive conditions. The availability of Internet infrastructure, an efficient logistics system, the ability to offer customers various methods of online payments, the choice of language as well as management’s understanding of the core business, are found as the most important factors for the successful adoption of e-commerce. Findings of the study also indicate that developing mobile applications which can counterbalance limited Internet accessibility, is important for supporting the growth of e-commerce activities. Lastly, the study reveals factors which support the success, growth and sustainability of e-commerce adoption. Although it is beneficial for online companies to offer a personalised experience and consider cultural differences, a brand’s identity as well as an understanding of customer demographics, take on a more important role in driving e-commerce sustainability and success.
Fostering entrepreneurship as a career management option to reduce youth unemployment.
(2020) Shongwe, Nontobeko Amanda Nomfundo.; Ntombela, Lungile Londiwe.; Kunene, Lindiwe Nqobile.
This study explores the impact of skills development amongst youth in order to start businesses with the intent to create employment, therefore reducing unemployment. The rate of unemployment in South Africa has been growing rapidly the past few years which is concerning as it affects young people the most. Many youth resort to starting small businesses as a way to survive and to provide for their social needs. While there has been studies that have been conducted that motivate for entrepreneurship as a viable career option,it has been limited, especially in South Africa. This study focuses on encouraging youth to consider selfemployment as a career option than to seek employment. In order to ensure business success, this study advocates for the development of entrepreneurial skills through skills initiatives by various government departments. In order to ensure the effectiveness of skill development, this study examined the skills development programme offered by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) at EThekwini region. The study adopted the Structural Transformation model in order to advocate for entrepreneurship through skills development and policy intergration inorder to enhance economic growth in South Africa. This study took a qualitative research design which included collecting data through face-to-face interviews with youth who have attended the entrepreneurship skills development programme and stakeholders who facilitate the programme.The findings of the study indicated that while the youth found the programme offered by NYDA to be useful, they also noted various challenges, which at times could not be directly addressed by the programme. The paramount issue of capital frequently came through from interviews in which participants mentioned it crippeld certain spheres of their businesses. Stakeholders concluded that many youth are not informed about the governemnet departments and the programmes available to them for financial assistance. It was also noted that entrepreneurs are not versed in the industries in which they venture into. Therefore, negatively impacting on their business success. This study recommends that more awareness is made on the availability of agencies like NYDA in the promotion of skills to the youth. It also recommends further research to be done to explore ways to improve and encourage skills development for entrepreneurship and creating an entrepreneurial mind-set amongst youth.
Perceived barriers to long-term survival of start-up small, medium and micro enterprises in the ICT industry: a case of Vhembe District Municipality.
(2020) Dlamini, Sikhumbuzo Lennin.; Kunene, Lindiwe Nqobile.
Small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) contribute immensely to the economic development and addressing socio-economic challenges facing South Africa (SA). This study identifies barriers affecting the long-term survival of ICT SMMEs in the Vhembe District Municipality. The research seeks to understand the nature of the problems that ICT SMMEs encounter in their bid to survive. Paramount among the objectives of this study was the need to establish whether the resources are available for supporting the ICT SMMEs in Vhembe District Municipality were sufficient. To achieve its aims, the study adopted qualitative methods to source primary data from respondents. The study adopted the thematic data analysis method of analysing qualitative data and made use of the NVIVO software package to do this. It is evident from the findings that the factors that affect SMMEs' long-term survival are not peculiar to ICT SMMEs Vhembe District Municipality. The issue of funding was notable and accredited to the discontinuation of financial support from the municipality. Included in the resource challenge was the lack of infrastructure, such as office space. It was apparent from the findings that ICT SMMEs owners had strong network links that they could rely on; however, due to a lack of trust they were uncomfortable with sharing information with other stakeholders. Though IT SMMEs had been accepted by the communities they worked in, the presence of crime affected them immensely.
The entrepreneurial intention development of municipal training programmes: the case of eThekwini small, medium and micro enterprises.
(2023) Mkize, Silindile Samkelokulungileyo.; Kunene, Lindiwe Nqobile.
Small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs) are contributors to economic development and growth. As such, an emphasis on developing them has been at the forefront of most economic policies across governments. The South African Government has established different institutions and training programmes, in all provinces and municipalities, aimed at nurturing and developing entrepreneurial intention, and supporting small businesses across the country. It is, therefore, crucial to constantly monitor and improve these programmes to ensure they deliver on their intention. Therefore, this study evaluated the entrepreneurial intention (EI) development achieved by the SMME training programmes in eThekwini Municipality. The researcher conducted the study using the Theory of Planned Behaviour as a guiding framework to determine whether the curricula design of municipal training programmes for SMMEs in eThekwini influenced EI. Using a mixed-method approach, quantitative data was collected from the SMMEs of eThekwini municipality who have undergone municipal entrepreneurship training programmes to ascertain if they achieved what was intended by the training programmes. Qualitative data was collected from the Small Business Support Unit (SBSU) in eThekwini municipality to study the curricula development and appropriateness of the programmes. Documents were systematically examined as secondary qualitative data. The findings indicate that SMME EI was well developed by the training programmes, but SMMEs lacked business- offering transformation. The SBSU’s role in developing EI is incomplete, as there is no monitoring and evaluation to assess EI development. It was discovered that the curricula design of the SMME training programmes had a positive impact on SMMEs’ attitude. However, the SBSU had no direct influence on the attitude of SMMEs. SBSU is not involved in the curricula design of SMME training programmes. It was further found that SMMEs perceived behavioral control (PBC) towards developing EI is good. SBSU work well in ensuring that SMMEs’ PBC develops through numerous strategies. The findings provide insight into the EI development capability of the programmes, and where they are lacking. The data assists in correcting and redesigning the programmes where it is required. The study plays a role in informing policy makers on policy decisions that relate to economic development and entrepreneurship in South Africa.
Ubuntu management strategy in the informal sector: a case of Umlazi township.
(2017) Machi, Skhumbuzo Praise-God.; Kunene, Lindiwe Nqobile.
In South Africa, many informal businesses have been responsible for providing consumers in the townships with products they demand. Often, it has been observed that these informal traders have been successful in their ventures without following conventional management models. Usually these entities lack company structure, policies and infrastructure. Without these tools they still have managed to own a 28% stake in the countries GDP. This study sort to find how Ubuntu Principles of Management influence the practises of these street vendors. Ubuntu or Bantu principles is a humanitarian approach to business, it emphasizes the need to achieve profits to meet expenses faced. It does not promote hyper profits as the emphasis is on building relationships more than anything. The principles that underpin this framework are trust, respect, responsibility, fairness, compassion and good citizenship. The driving aim was the need to understand reasons that guide strategy and implementation for informal entrepreneurs known as street vendors in Umlazi (SA). It was thus best to use exploratory research to ensure that insight into the phenomenon is best understood. Through thematic analysis it was revealed that Ubuntu Principles of Management are influential in the strategy practiced by street vendors. These entities were found to be driven by the need to satisfy community needs and demands. They however, failed to practice the second pillar of Ubuntu Principles of Management in their businesses of fair and responsible business practices. The latter was also linked to questionable social norms and ethics that they at times practised. However, that said, customers trusted these business entities and felt they were part of the community which was most important to both parties.