Dissertations / Theses: 'Success in business – Africa, Sub-Saharan'

1

Parker, Andre Charles. "A qualitative study of key success factors for multinational corporations operating in Sub-Saharan Africa." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/1929.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (MComm (Business Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: “Africa’s not for sissies” is what one often hears when discussing business conditions in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). For purposes of this study, the relatively well-developed country of South Africa has been excluded from the definition of SSA. The region boasts some of the lowest human development index scores and economic growth levels in the world, while enjoying the unenviable reputation as one of the most corrupt places on earth. The fact that SSA fares poorest of all when it comes to attracting foreign direct investment (barely 1% of global inflows), is due to foreign investor perceptions of unacceptable levels of country risk that keep them from investing in the region. Reasons for SSA’s malaise are instructive as context for the status quo and include the aftermath of colonialism, continued flare-ups of ethnic-induced civil unrest, the lingering effects of a disastrous flirtation with socialism and a recent generation of corrupt and incompetent leaders. However, the good news is that the new millennium increasingly exhibits significant trends in support of the notion that a reversal of SSA’s fortunes is underway: annual GDP growth in the region is well ahead of the global average, civil wars in the region have largely come to an end and, for two years running, private equity investment flows into the region have surpassed that of foreign aid, Africa’s traditional ‘crutch’. Importantly, a small band of early-mover Multinational Corporations (MNCs) are making their presence felt in the region and beginning to make good profits. These firms include the likes of Diageo, The Coca-Cola Company, MTN and SABMiller. Still, today’s business environment in the small, impoverished markets of SSA remains extremely challenging, characterised by poor infrastructure and skills, coupled to an unhelpful officialdom. The purpose of this study is to research the impediments to investing in SSA, both real and imagined, and then to discuss ways of overcoming these. By applying a qualitative research methodology, including the use of case studies and structured interviews with selected executives of the MNCs active in the region, key success factors for investing and operating in the region will be identified and explained.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Enigeen wat ‘n besigheid in Afrika bedryf is dit eens dat ‘n mens hare op jou tande nodig het om hier sukses te behaal as gevolg van die aansienlike aantal struikelblokke wat ‘n mens te wagte moet wees. Hierdie studie is gemik op die onontwikkelde Afrika lande, suid van die Sahara woestyn (ASS). Suid Afrika word vir doeleindes van hierdie studie uitgesluit uit die definisie van ASS, weens die land se relatiewe gevorderde besigheidsklimaat. Ongelukkig word die lande van die ASS streek oorwegend gekenmerk deur lae peile van ontwikkeling, asook lae ekonomiese groeikoerse. Die streek word boonop beskou as die mees korrupte plek op aarde. Dit is dus geen wonder nie dat ASS die slegste van alle streke vaar wanneer dit by besteding deur buitelandse beleggers kom nie – laasgenoemde glo eenvoudig dat die gepaardgaande risiko verbonde aan die maak van ‘n belegging in die streek onaanvaarbaar hoog is. Sommige van die redes wat aanleiding gee tot hierdie teleurstellende toedrag van sake is insiggewend as konteks vir hierdie studie, insluitend: die nagevolge van die era van kolonialisme, sporadiese uitbarstings van etniese geweld, die negatiewe gevolge veroorsaak deur die onlangse beheptheid met sosialisme onder baie van die streek se lande, asook die uitwerking van uiters swak leierskap in die streek gedurende die tweede helfte van die 20ste eeu. Die keersy van hierdie swak beeld is dat ‘n aansienlike verbetering in toestande te bespeur is sedert die aanvang van die 21ste eeu. Die Bruto Nasionale Produk van ASS lande groei nou vinniger as dié van enige ander streek op aarde. Die voorkoms van burgerlike onrus en geweld in die streek toon ‘n beduidende afname. Vir die eerste keer ooit is die waarde van buitelandse beleggings in ASS groter as die waarde van hulp en ondersteuning wat die streek van die buiteland ontvang (en waarop die regerings van die streek tradisioneel staatgemaak het om basiese dienste aan hul inwoners te verskaf). Dit is ook verblydend om te verneem dat ‘n klein groepie ywerige internasionale maatskappye besig is om hulself toenemend in die gebied te vestig en dat hulle goed geldmaak daaruit. Voorbeelde van suksesvolle maatskappye sluit Diageo, Coca-Cola, MTN en SABMiller in. Nogtans bly die besigheidstoestande waarin maatskappye hulle bevind ongunstig in die brandarm markte van ‘n streek wat verder gekenmerk word deur gebrekkige infrastruktuur, onvoldoende vaardighede en onbehulpsame amptenare. Die doel van die navorsing is eerstens om die daadwerklike toedrag van sake vas te stel i.v.m. die omgewingsfaktore wat verhinder dat maatskappye vrylik hul doelstellinge in ASS mag najaag. Daarna word die fokus verskuif sodat oplossings geformuleer mag word ten einde hierdie struikelblokke uit die weg te ruim. ‘n Kwalitatiewe navorsingsmetode word nagevolg. Dit sluit die gebruik van gevallestudies en gestruktureerde onderhoude met senior verteenwoordigers van internasionale maatskappye met filiale in ASS in. Die vernaamste uitslag van die navorsing is die daarstelling en verduideliking van ‘n stel kritieke suksesfaktore wat as handleiding mag dien aan diegene wat besighede in die streek bedryf.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

2

Afidegnon, Kodjo Galevissi. "Success Factors for Power Project Development Businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa." ScholarWorks, 2019. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/6502.

Full text

Abstract:

Despite the financing gap in the sub-Saharan Africa power sector, private investors struggle to capitalize on the opportunity because of the high failure rate of power project development companies. Using the conceptual framework of the behavioral finance theory, this multiple case study was conducted to explore the strategies used by executives of 4 companies in sub-Saharan Africa who successfully developed power projects within the last 5 years. Data were collected from semistructured interviews and a review of government and institutions' websites. Yin's 5-phased cycle for analyzing case studies provided the guidelines for data analysis. Three themes emerged from data analysis: market knowledge, stakeholder alignment, and commercial viability. Findings revealed strategies that current and aspiring power project development company executives may use as a guide to mitigate business failure risks. Implications of these findings for positive social change include the potential to increase the power generation capacity in sub-Saharan Africa and provide electricity to many of the 620 million Africans who currently lack access. Implications also include poverty alleviation and economic growth through creation of successful power project development companies.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

3

Ekman, Elise, Emelie Pilestål, and Louise Hemvik. "Social Enterprises: How to succeed in the renewable energy sector in Sub-Saharan Africa." Thesis, Internationella Handelshögskolan, Högskolan i Jönköping, IHH, Företagsekonomi, 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-43895.

Full text

Abstract:

In 2015, the United Nations developed 17 goals to work towards sustainable development by 2030. Among these goals, goal number seven focuses on providing clean and affordable energy for all, to solve problems such as poverty and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions around the world. In Sub-Saharan Africa, 600 million people live without access to electricity. Furthermore, millions of people in Sub-Sharan Africa die each year because of indoor air pollution that comes from combustible and inefficient energy solutions. Because of these issues, social enterprises are a vital component to be able to work towards providing renewable energy solutions and efficient cooking solutions to households in Sub-Saharan Africa. This thesis analyses social enterprises working within the renewable energy sector in Sub-Saharan Africa, and investigates what a social enterprise must do to succeed. To answer this question, the authors carried out interviews to identify the factors that contribute to success and barriers that prevent the success of social enterprises active within the mentioned sector and region. The answers from the interviews were later on compared with findings from existing literature discussed in a literature review. Social enterprises in Sub-Saharan Africa that works within the renewable energy sector must work together with local employees to access knowledge about external factors that could engender barriers. Other barriers that a social enterprise might encounter are linked to profitability and affordability, and what the business is primarily focusing on achieving. Social networks and financial institutions are of importance for social enterprises to succeed in Sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore, by providing excellent customer service together with having the right abilities and knowledge, a social enterprise will have a higher chance of success. One of the most critical variables when aiming for success in the renewable energy sector in Sub-Saharan Africa is to have a well thought out business model before entering a new target market. This thesis concludes that the identified success factors and barriers, along with the explanation behind them, can be used as guidelines for future social enterprises that want to establish in the renewable energy sector in Sub-Sharan Africa.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

4

Kusz, Gabriella. "Do we really learn from our mistakes? an examination of the effect of an entrepreneur's past business failures on current business success in Sub-Saharan Africa /." CONNECT TO ELECTRONIC THESIS, 2007. http://dspace.wrlc.org/handle/1961/4137.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

5

Högfeldt, Amelie. "Business in sub-Saharan Africa : A study on how MNCs can compete successfully in sub-‐Saharan Africa." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Företagsekonomiska institutionen, 2011. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-155752.

Full text

Abstract:

This study examines how MNCs manage challenges when operating in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). These are challenges such as uncertain environment because of bureaucracy and corruption and also difficulties to reach consumers because of poor infrastructure, dispersed population and cultural differences. The analysis of our case company ABB suggests that firms operating in SSA need to build long-term relationships, as well as long experience and a brand with well-attached references in order to reach the customer. To deal with the uncertain environment there is a need for being well prepared beforehand and having ability to adapt easily. Also, our study suggests that to be a Swedish MNC could be a competitive advantage in SSA. The role of NGOs is not that big for an established player like ABB, as literature suggests it would be, but will perhaps grow bigger in the future when more companies want to enter the SSA market. We urge researchers to continue the quest of finding new perspectives when it comes to doing business in SSA, as there are still plenty of topics that need to be covered.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

6

Muba, Seif R. "Stock markets, financial development and economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa." Thesis, University of Hull, 2016. http://hydra.hull.ac.uk/resources/hull:15412.

Full text

Abstract:

In general, this study examines the Stock Market, Financial Development and Economic Growth in selected sub-Sahara African countries. Empirically, Chapter Two of the study used Generalised Method of Moment (GMM) dynamic instrumental variable approach to investigate financial development and economic growth nexus in the East African countries. Also, the study applied both Fixed Effect Estimation (FEM) techniques and Panel vector autoregressive (PVAR) to analyse the causal effects of equity market development on economic growth in eleven sub-Sahara African countries, in Chapter Three of this study. On the other hand, Chapter Four of this study measures the conditional variance (volatility) of the stock returns of Tanzanian stock market (Dar-es-Salaam Stock Exchange). For modelling stock market return volatility, we use both standard and asymmetric GARCH models to capture the volatility clustering and asymmetric features in the financial data of the companies selected. To attain the objectives of all three empirical chapters highlighted above, this study had to consider various important and necessary tests; such as tests for unit root, to check if the expected variables were stationary, and tests for cointegration to check whether there was a long-run equilibrium relationship between variables under study in Chapter Two and Chapter Three. However, in Chapter Four (modelling volatility) we tested for an additional ARCH effects apart from stationarity (unit root) tests we have had. Specifically, this study found that there is causal relationship between financial development (when presented by indicator domestic credit to private sector) and economic growth in the East African countries (EAC). Also, we found that the domestic credit to private sector as an indicator for financial development has a role to play in economic growth of EAC. Moreover, we find that there is unidirectional Granger causality, which flows from equity market development (using indicator market capitalization rate-MCR) to economic growth of the panel of 11 sub-Sahara African countries. We also declare that stock market development via MCR play a positive role in SSA economic growth. In addition, the study reveals that there is existence of leverage effects in Tanzanian stock market, therefore, the bad news (negative shocks) reflect an increase in the conditional variance (volatility) of DSE stock returns for the next period than the good news. However, we find that the volatility clustering exists in Tanzanian stock market returns.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

7

Betchem, A. Moubitang Louis Aime. "Entering cocoa business in Sub-Saharan Africa: the case of Cameroon." reponame:Repositório Institucional do FGV, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10438/18358.

Full text

Abstract:

Submitted by Daniele Santos (danielesantos.htl@gmail.com) on 2017-06-06T18:37:01Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Maters Thesis V3 Louis.pdf: 2979249 bytes, checksum: 4c0d335d9495ce5c9e68a50d36bd6bdc (MD5)
Approved for entry into archive by Janete de Oliveira Feitosa (janete.feitosa@fgv.br) on 2017-06-06T20:08:38Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Maters Thesis V3 Louis.pdf: 2979249 bytes, checksum: 4c0d335d9495ce5c9e68a50d36bd6bdc (MD5)
Made available in DSpace on 2017-06-21T18:09:24Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Maters Thesis V3 Louis.pdf: 2979249 bytes, checksum: 4c0d335d9495ce5c9e68a50d36bd6bdc (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-05-02
The culture of cocoa is one the main drivers of Cameroonian economy, bringing many promises in term of employment and revenues. The business organization around cocoa is developing, taking into consideration, the strategy of economic development deployed by the country, its image as the fifth producer of the world and the opportunity for Cameroon to answer the market increasing demand. We have developed in this paper the business organization around cocoa in Cameroon, the implication for people and administration, its potentialities in term of development and the rules to know when entering cocoa business in Cameroon. When we undertook to work on this topic for the master thesis, it was to connect both 'our project of developing cocoa business in Cameroon' and 'the analysis of local cocoa market and its connections to the international market'. Many sources of data have been analyzed including the information collected through the Internet, the Ministry of Agriculture in Cameroon, the Ministry of Trade, the provincial delegation of agriculture of Centre, cocoa buyers’ information such as Telcar, Sic-Cacao and the Cocoa Development Corporation with is the State corporate, developing cocoa seeds and training farmers. After reviewed the literature and meeting with people, we undertook the analysis of cocoa business organization. Interestingly, the results revealed the implication of local government and the effort they are putting together to reach their objective of positioning Cameroon by 2022 as the second producer of cocoa beans with more than 600.000 tons a year. Reaching such objective means develop business opportunities in term of production, increase export capacity to capture more value and develop local pre-transforming units.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

8

Storm, Anders, Leonard Wolk, and Magnus Grimhed. "Institutional Pressures and Organizational Response : Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa." Thesis, Jönköping University, JIBS, Business Administration, 2007. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-658.

Full text

Abstract:

By investigating the business environment in Sub-Saharan Africa from an institutional theory perspective, the purpose of this thesis is to explain organizational response to the forces of this particular institutional environment. Coercive, normative and mimetic pressures serve as the basis for explaining the institutional environment. The organizations respond to these pressures by seeking legitimacy from the environment.

The study is based on a qualitative research method relying on qualitative secondary data. Additionally a questionnaire was sent out to a limited number of experts to validate the findings.

The main conclusion of this thesis is that networks are formed on the basis of norms and cultural processes working upon organizations in order to counter balance malfunctioning regulatory institutions. It has been revealed that organizations cannot rely solely on their response to coercive pressures for legitimacy. Normative aspects in networks are formed through repeated transactions that create trust and reputation between business partners that lead to legitimacy. Moreover, it is difficult for organizations to construct a proper response to cultural pressures since they stem primarily from heritage and ethnicity.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

9

Marais, Brendan. "Critical success factors for private investment in the power sector of Sub-Saharan Africa." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/59867.

Full text

Abstract:

The power sector of Sub-Saharan Africa has become a significant consideration for economic growth and meeting the demands for a rapidly growing and urbanising population. This region's power supply deficit has subsequently been a key contributor to lower economic growth witnessed in recent years. With the responsibility, especially form a financing perspective, for the development of power infrastructure moving away from governments to the private sector, it has resulted in a fundamental structural change in this region's power sector. Despite ever increasing involvement from private investors in the development of the power sector, clear directives and guidelines to improve investment success and increased private investment participation in the region have not been adequately defined. In view of addressing the defectiveness of a conclusive framework of the critical success factors for private investment in the power sector of Sub-Saharan Africa, the objective of this research was to formulate a suitable framework to be used by private investors and regulatory bodies alike. This research was strongly underpinned by a comprehensive literature review to outline the framework and its constructs. Furthermore, primary data was collected from respondents who were actively involved in the power sector of Sub-Saharan Africa to expand existing frameworks and considerations by incorporating the insights gained from the respondents. The research has conclusively defined the critical success factors for private investment in the power sector of Sub-Saharan Africa and formulated it into a practical framework. Consensus about these critical success factors suggested that investment performance and participation would improve if these factors are adhered to.
Mini Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2017.
sn2017
Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS)
MBA
Unrestricted

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

10

Ocran, Matthew Kofi. "Impact of commodity markets on economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/18623.

Full text

Abstract:

Dissertation (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Commodity issues have assumed renewed importance in debates about the attainment of the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals for Sub-Saharan Africa and objectives of the New Partnership for Africa’s Development. For instance thirty-four countries in Africa depend on up to three commodities for more than half of their foreign exchange earnings. Despite the importance of commodity markets to economic development on the continent commodity-related research has not attracted the needed attention. The study considered eighteen primary commodities exported by most countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The commodities were drawn from metals, agricultural raw materials, food and energy sub-groups. This dissertation presents results of research work underlying six stand-alone essays focusing on the relationship between commodities and various aspects of economic performance in Sub-Saharan Africa. Whilst three of the six essays dwelt on issues affecting commodities of interest to most African countries the others considered particular commodity markets in a selected number of countries. First the relationship between commodity markets and economic growth is studied. The second essay examined trends and volatility in Sub-Saharan Africa’s key commodity prices over the past four decades. Role of commodity prices in macroeconomic policy in South Africa is also investigated using a new research approach. The fourth essay estimated the supply response of a number of tradable and non-tradable agricultural commodities in Ghana. In the fifth essay a range of volatility forecasting models were evaluated using eighteen commodity spot prices. The last essay examined the interaction between changes in commodity prices, money supply, inflation and the real exchange rate in Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa. The findings of the study indicate that a negative relationship exist between extent of primary commodity dependence and economic growth. The study also revealed that volatility levels have not changed for nine out of the eighteen commodities studied however, changes were observed in the other nine. Another key finding of the study was that there is merit in using gold and metal prices as variables in forming monetary policy in South Africa. It was also observed that random walk and autoregressive models consistently outperform more complex models in forecasting volatility in commodity spot prices. Results of the supply response study suggest that even though producers usually respond to price incentives, structural features of domestic agricultural commodity markets in Ghana may have hindered the conversion of improved incentives to higher agricultural growth. Results of the last paper indicate that in Ghana commodity price increases impact money supply growth and inflation whilst in Nigeria the effects of crude oil price increases produces higher inflation and appreciation of the real exchange. In the case of South Africa effects of gold export booms were transmitted through changes in money supply, inflation and real appreciation of the domestic currency. The results of the study have implications for both decision makers in business and government.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Kommoditeits-aangeleenthede het vernuwe belangrikheid in die debat rakende die vervulling van die Verenigde Nasises se Millennium Onwikkelings Doelwitte vir Sub-Sahara Afrika en die doelwitte van die Nuwe Vennootskap vir Afrika se Ontwikkeling aangeneem. By voorbeeld, vier-en-dertig Afrika lande is afhanklik van tussen een en drie kommoditeite vir meer as die helte van hul buitelandse valuta inkomste. Ten spyte van die belangrikheid van kommoditeits-markte vir ekonomiese ontwikkeling op die kontinent het kommoditeits-verwante navorsing nog nie die nodige aandag gekry nie. Die studie het agtien primêre uitvoer-kommoditeite wat deur die meeste Sub-Sahara Afrika lande uitgevoer word oorweeg. Die kommoditeite is afkomstig van metale, onverwerkte landbou produkte, voedsel en energie sub-groepe. Hierdie tesis bied die resultate van navorsing wat gedoen is op ses afsonderlike opstelle wat fokus op die verhouding tussen kommoditeite en verskeie aspekte wat die ekonomiese vertoning in Sub-Sahara Afrika beïnvloed. Drie van die ses opstelle fokus op faktore wat kommoditeite van belang vir meeste Afrika lande affekteer, terwyl die ander geselekteerde lande se unieke kommoditeits-markte oorweeg word. Die eerste opstel bestudeer die verhouding tussen kommoditeits-markte en ekonomiese groei. Die tweede opstel oorweeg tendense en volitaliteit in Sub-Sahara Afrika se belangrikste kommoditeits-pryse oor die afgelope vier dekades. Die rol van kommoditeits-pryse in Suid-Afrika se makro-ekonomiese beleid word ook ondersoek met behulp van 'n nuwe navorsings benadering. Die vierde opstel maak 'n skatting van Ghana se aanbod van verskeie verhandelbare en nie-verhandelbare landbou kommoditeite. In die vyfde opstel word 'n reeks volitaliteitsvoorspellings-modelle ge-evalueer deur agtien lokopryse te gebruik. Die laaste opstel bestudeer die interaksie tussen veranderinge in kommoditeits-pryse, geld aanbod, inflasie en die reële wisselkoers in Ghana, Nigerië en Suid-Afrika. Bevindinge van die studie dui daarop dat 'n negatiewe verhouding tussen die graad van primêre kommoditeits-afhanklikheid en ekonomiese groei voorkom. Die studie het ook bevind dat volitaliteits–vlakke vir nege van die agtien kommoditeite wat bestudeer is nie verander het nie, terwyl veranderinge in die ander nege waargeneem is. 'n Kritiese bevinding was dat daar meriete steek in die gebruik van goud en ander metal pryse as veranderlikes in die formulering van die monetêre beleid in Suid-Afrika. Dit is ook waargeneem dat “random walk” en autoregressiewe modelle deurlopend beter vaar in die voorspelling volitaliteit in kommoditeits lokopryse as komplekse modelle. Resultate van die aanbod respons studie dui daarop dat alhoewel produseerders gewoontlik reageer op prys insentiewe, struktule eienskappe van die binnelandse landbou kommoditeits-mark in Ghana moontlik die effek van verbeterde insentiewe op landbou groei kon beperk het. Resultate van die laaste opstel dui daarop dat kommoditeits-prys verhogings in Ghana die geld-aanbod groei en inflasie beinvloed, terwyl in Nigerië die effekte van ru-olie prys verhogings lei tot hoër inflasie en appresiasie van die reële wisselkoers. In die geval van Suid-Afrika word die effekte van die skielike groot toenames in goud-uitvoere die duidelikste waargeneem deur veranderinge in die geld-aanbod, inflasie en die reële appresiasie van die binnelandse geld-eenheid. Die resultate van die studie het implikasies vir beide besluitnemers in besigheide en die regering.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

11

NGU, BRYAN, and Tsegaye Mesfin. "MEASURING COMMERCIAL BANK PERFORMANCE AND EFFICIENCY IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA." Thesis, University of Skövde, School of Technology and Society, 2009. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:his:diva-3736.

Full text

Abstract:

This paper offers to measure efficiency of banks in Sub Saharan Africa and its determining input andout put factors on two fonts. At this purpose, we applied the first font; Data Envelopment Analysis(DEA) for assessing efficiency level. The actual and target level of inputs/outputs to foster efficiencyare shown in the results. Secondly, the banks ratio analysis measuring banks performance throughreturns volatility for each bank, asset utilization and provision for bad and doubtful debts over thestudy period are all used as tools for this analysis. Our results suggest that Sub Saharan AfricanBanks are about 98.35% efficient. We are aware that the level of efficiency could be subject to up anddown swing if environmental factors influencing banks efficiency where taken into consideration.Finally, our result (DEA) is more sensitive to loans, other liabilities, other non interest expense,securities and deposit.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

12

Albright, Brian W. "When business is the mission| A study of faith-based social business in Sub-Saharan Africa." Thesis, Eastern University, 2014. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3637300.

Full text

Abstract:

There is an extraordinary group of people, motivated by their Christian faith, starting businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa because they believe that business plays a key role in alleviating poverty. These faith-based social business (FSB) leaders face situations similar to those faced by leaders in other academic and practitioner fields including business as mission, social entrepreneurship, international business, and international development, given their pursuit of multiple-bottom lines, cross-cultural engagement in undeveloped nations, and a focus on integration of faith. The complexities of their contexts create opportunities and challenges in which their strategies and operations require further investigation and analysis.

This case study of six FSBs explores what this author labels the "domains of influence" of business structure, outcomes, and partnership that shape the thoughts and actions of these business leaders. It found that in the domain of structure, FSBs only allow limited forms of subsidizations based on their desire to steer clear of unhealthy dependency and avoid harm to the local economy. Furthermore, there is an expressed need for creative funding during the pioneering/incubation periods to allow for the pursuit of traditional investment after proof of concept. In the domain of outcomes, FSBs identify various understandings of, and pursue multiple strategies toward, economic, spiritual and social goals. Findings suggest that the primary economic goal of FSBs is sustainability, defined in multiple ways. In the spiritual arena, given the predominantly Christian location in which these FSBs were operating in Sub-Saharan Africa, a contextual understanding of local views of spirituality promotes a reactive form of evangelism. Moreover, FSB leaders view spiritual and social outcomes as inseparable and strategically target not only the product itself towards social impact, but also use the power they have as a business to promote justice. This practice of "justice" is accompanied by a social practice of "tough love" in regards to the employees, since it is believed to be better developmentally in terms of building dignity and hope than nonprofit handout efforts. Finally, in the domain of partnership, the findings show that the FSBs tend to employ a short-term expatriate rotation if U.S. partner exit strategies are not viable, and pay special attention to addressing pre-existing racial hierarchical stereotypes within the partnership.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

13

Theunissen, George Muller. "Opportunities and challenges for the banking sector in Sub-Sahara Africa." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/50624.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2006.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The lack of development and growth are characteristics of the Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) region . Globally there are huge concerns about this and there are various initiatives to address the under development and poverty in this region. The most important of these initiatives, is the United Nations' Millennium Goals. In focusing on SSA, various challenges can be highlighted that impact negatively on the business (especially the banking) environment. These challenges are spread across the whole spectrum of spheres of influences, namely from the political to the economical environment on the one side to the social and technological environment on the other side. The region is in desperate need of help with regard to their development. These challenges are unfortunately huge obstacles for prospective investors. Many of the multi national (including South African) banks have identified the region as an area where they can reap high returns on their investments, whilst maintaining and even increasing their presence. In most cases the South African banks are focusing on expanding their involvement in the region but they must realise that they will not only have to compete with the local banks but also with the bigger role players in global banking. Unfortunately the existing multi-national banks have already captured the corporate market. New entrance and expansions will have to target the SMME and large retail markets that carry more risk and will be more challenging to service due to the lack of infrastructure in especially the rural areas. Many opportunities exist for South African banks in the SSA region. The dominant features of these opportunities are the leveraging off their South African operations and building on their experience in handling change and re-engineering of the banking sector. Existing product- and service offerings can be adjusted and rolled out to the region. Creativity will play an important role in assisting in the development of the region. Partnerships with local businesses and the community can assist to mobilize the lower end of the market and capture huge un-banked population. This will generate huge transaction volumes that will spread the cost and contributes to acceptable returns on investments. The involvement of the South African banks will have implications for all the stakeholders in the region. The most important aspect is finding a balance between the needs of the different stakeholders. The benefits stemming from this will contribute towards the region's escape from the deadlock of poverty. Although there are many challenges, the opportunities of extending into the undeveloped market must be seen as outweighing it. The key to success lies in the approach of the banks toward the SSA region and their ability to be seen as partners in developing the region.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die gebrek aan ontwikkeling en groei is kenmerke van die Sub-Sahara Afrika (SSA) streek. Wereldwyd is daar groot besorgdheid hieroor en verskeie inisiatiewe is geloods om die onderontwikkeling en armoede aan te spreek. Die heel belangrikste hiervan is die Verenigte Nasies se Millennium Doelwitte. Die fokus op die SSA streek lig heelwat negatiewe uitdagings vir die besighede (veral die bankwese) omgewing uit. Die uitdagings strek oor die volle spektrum van die ekonomiese aktiwiteite, naamlik vanaf die politieke tot die ekonomiese omgewing aan die een kant tot by die sosiale en tegnologiese gebiede aan die ander kant. Die streek smeek vir hulp en ondersteuning in die ontwikkeling daarvan. Die voorgenoemde uitdagings is groot hindernisse vir voornemende beleggers. Baie van die multi-nasionale (insluitende die Suid Afrikaanse) banke het die streek geidentifiseer as 'n gebied waar hulle hoe opbrengste kan verdien op hul investering en waar hul teenwoordigheid behou en selfs vergroot kan word. Die meeste Suid- Afikaanse banke wil hul teenwoordigheid vergroot, maar hulle moet besef dat hulle nie net teen die plaaslike banke moet kompeteer nie, maar ook met die bekende internasionale banke. Die internasionale banke is ongelukkig reeds goed ingegrawe in die korporatiewe mark. Nuwe toetredes en uitbreidings sal op die kleinsake ondernemings en groot klein handel mark moet fokus. Die mark segmente het hoer risiko profiele en is ook uitdagend om te diens as gevolg van die gebrek aan infrastruktuur in veral die plattelandse streke. Baie geleenthede vir die Suid Afrikaanse banke bestaan in die streek. Die belangrikste hiervan is die geleentheid om te steun op hul Suid Afrikaanse aktiwiteite, asook om te steun op hul ervaring ten opsigte van hantering van verandering en die herontwerp van die prosesse in bankwese. Bestaande produkte en dienste kan aangepas en uitgerol word in die streek. Kreatiwiteit sal egter 'n groot rol speel in die ontwikkeling van die streek. Vennootskappe met plaaslike besighede en gemeenskappe sal help om die onderste deel van die mark te mobiliseer en die groot getalle kliente wat nog nie van bankdienste gebruik maak nie te bereik. Dit sal bydra tot groot transaksie volumes wat die koste per transaksie sal verminder en aanvaarbare opbrengs op belegging sal gee. Die betrokkenheid van die Suid-Alrikaanse banke sal 'n invloed he op alle belange groepe in die streek. Die belangrikste sleutel tot sukses is om 'n balans te vind tussen die behoeftes van die verskillende belange groepe. Die voordele wat hieruit spruit sal die streek help om van die wurggreep van armoede te ontsnap. Alhoewel die onderontwikkelde markte baie uitdagings het, word dit oortref deur die geleenthede wat dit bied. Die sleutel tot sukses is die aanslag van die banke en hul vermoe om gesien te word as vennote in die ontwikkeling van die streek.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

14

Adenutsi, Deodat Emilson. "Financial liberation and international remittances in Sub-Saharan Africa : a panel data analysis." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/96136.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study analyses the implications of financial liberalisation programme for international remittance inflows with regard to the macroeconomic determinants and also the implications of remittances for economic growth and development in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) between 1980 and 2009. The methodological approach to the analytical framework of this study is based on the hypothesis that financial liberalisation causes higher inflows of international migrant remittances through official channels to augment the scarce domestic financial resources, and to stimulate economic growth for sustainable development in capital-constrained SSA. Prior to the macroeconometric analyses, the study addressed definitional and measurement issues on international remittances and financial liberalisation, and provided an overview of the macroeconomic policy environment in post-independent SSA, as well as the magnitude and the trends in remittances received by SSA relative to other developing economies. First, the system Generalised Method of Moment (GMM) for dynamic panel-data estimation was used to determine the macroeconomic factors responsible for the changing trends in remittance inflows. Then an inquiry into the impact and causal effects of financial liberalisation on international remittance inflows in SSA following the static panel-data modelling and panel Granger non-causality estimation procedures was undertaken. Following this, the system GMM was further employed to examine the impact of remittances on long-run economic growth, and the effects of remittance inflows on economic development in SSA. Essentially, the economic development indicators considered in this study are poverty, income inequality, labour market outcomes, human capital development, and financial development. It is revealed in this study that the most appropriate measure of international migrant remittances is the sum of “workers‟ remittances” and “compensation of employees” excluding “migrant transfers”. Using remittances per capita, which the study found to be the best proxy for remittances per migrant rather than the commonly used remittances as a percentage of GDP, it is shown that SSA is the least recipient of official migrant remittances in the world, with no SSA country receiving remittances worth US$1 per day. This study further establishes that the macroeconomic factors that influence remittance inflows in SSA have varying rather than static impact in response to changing macroeconomic policy environment. Also, macroeconomic factors have different influences on attracting remittances from abroad in relation to migrant duration status – permanent or temporary. Although financial liberalisation Granger-causes international remittances, not sufficient evidence exists that a significant proportion of the official remittances received in SSA passes through the banking system. Besides, the extent to which financial liberalisation can Granger-cause and/or positively impact on international remittance inflows in SSA is directly and ultimately conditional to the macroeconomic fundamentals of the remittance-receiving SSA country. It was also found out that generally, international migrant remittances propel higher economic growth in SSA, with greater impact on SSA countries with relatively higher growth rates. International remittance inflows have significant positive developmental impact, with no sufficient evidence of moral hazard effects. Overall, international remittances contribute to reducing poverty and unemployment but not necessarily income inequality and, at worse, remittances have no significant impact on labour productivity and participation in SSA. Higher remittance inflows promote human welfare, educational attainment, life expectancy, and financial development in SSA. With the exception of educational attainment, the developmental effects of remittances vary across countries, depending upon the level of economic development.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

15

Schreurs, Zoë, and Agnes Allgén. "Entrepreneurship in Sub-Saharan Africa : Achieving impactful local outcomes through partnerships." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Företagsekonomiska institutionen, 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-448358.

Full text

Abstract:

Governments at the bottom of the pyramid are putting an increasing amount of trust inthe private sector to help build infrastructure and alleviate poverty. Therefore, finding better ways to support local entrepreneurial initiatives is crucial. Corporations and organisations alike are starting BoP initiatives to help with these challenges, yet knowledge of how these challenges can best be solved remains underdeveloped. It is suggested that creating shared value through partnerships between corporations and the BoP can help alleviate poverty as well as benefit the corporation. In sharing knowledge and resources with the BoP, corporations can also help develop the entrepreneurial ecosystem in BoP regions. Research regarding entrepreneurial ecosystems in the BoP or the workings of partnerships within BoP markets such as the Sub-Saharan African BoP is scarce. Through a thematic study of perspectives on entrepreneurship and partnerships from three different stakeholder groups active in the Sub-Saharan African BoP market, this study seeks to add to the existing body of literature on entrepreneurial ecosystems and partnerships in BoP markets. Our findings suggest that partnerships between entrepreneurs and corporations could help mitigate some ofthe challenges entrepreneurs face, provided the stakeholders have shared goals and commitment to achieve impactful and mutually beneficial results. Currently, these goals appear to be slightly misaligned.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

16

Epo, Emilienne Ewee Ndofor. "Trade of fish imported from Sub-Saharan Africa in the Cape Town Business district." University of the Western Cape, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/11394/6453.

Full text

Abstract:

Magister Philosophiae - MPhil (LAS) (Land and Agrarian Studies)
Fish remains a vital source of food, income, nutrition and livelihoods for millions of people in Africa. This study investigated the modalities of trading in fish imported from sub-Saharan Africa into South Africa in the Cape Town Metropolitan area. The research analyses the opportunities and constraints faced by retail fish traders and importers regarding the South African and Southern African Development Community (SADC) policies that are in place, to ascertain how far the policies go in facilitating the intra-regional fish trade. In addition, the study analyses consumer factors underlying the attractiveness of imported fish, the channels used for importation as well as the types and forms of fish imported into South Africa. The study employs a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with purposively selected key informant retailers, traders and City of Cape Town officials to collect the information. Findings show that shop owners and traders face challenges in relation to obtaining the required documents for trading, sanitary and phytosanitary certification and tariff and non-tariff barriers at borders. Some of these challenges include long and tedious procedures to acquire documents, as well as the limitations placed on the amount of goods traders can import. Consumers (mostly from the diaspora) prefer the taste of fish that they are used to, thereby creating an increasing demand for imported fish. National and regional policies put in place do not facilitate the trade in fish as well as current municipal regulations for retailing imported fish and other food types. The study also raises critical questions about the implementation of sanitary and phytosanitary standards by officials in the food shops. The thesis concludes that is it critical for national and regional policies to be coordinated and harmonised for enhanced intra-regional fish trade, which could contribute towards increased food security, nutrition and livelihoods.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

17

Gumel, Babandi Ibrahim. "Strategizing for Sustaining Small Business Enterprises in Nigeria." Thesis, California Southern University, 2018. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=10636125.

Full text

Abstract:

Small business enterprises are important to the economic growth of Nigeria because they make up 97% of the economy and contribute 70% of the country’s job opportunity. Notwithstanding the importance of small businesses in the Nigerian economy, 80% fail within the first five years. Based on system theory developed by Ludwig von Bertalanffy, the purpose of this multi-unit qualitative case study was to investigate the strategies owners and managers used to sustain operations longer than first five years. Twelve senior managers of small businesses in Dutse Nigeria participated in an interview. Methodological triangulation of interview questions was used to collect the data. Review of transcribed data and member checking were used to affirm the validity, credibility, and reliability of the study. Ten dominant themes emerged as findings: managers with educational and professional qualifications, skills, and experience; written business and strategic planning; additional financing; commitment of owners; and improved working conditions and good employees manager rapport. Other findings include the use of word of mouth and maintaining a close relationship with top 20% and high spending customers; use of local FM radio stations, social media, and face-to-face contacts marketing; and the use of e-commerce and e-payment platforms. The findings also include the use of support services; and knowledge of seasonality, cutting cost, and financial discipline. Findings might be utilized by small business owners and managers to develop success strategies to sustain operations longer than first five years which might mitigate small business failure. Mitigating small business failure might contribute to the growth of Nigerian economy.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

18

Toich, Peter. "The AGOA : assessing the opportunities'." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/53085.

Full text

Abstract:

Study project (MBA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The African Growth and Opportunity Act was signed into law in May 2000 to allow qualifying SSA countries to export eligible products duty free to the US. The act is a non-reciprocal "agreement" designed solely by the US, with the objective of promoting increased trade and investment between the US and SSA. The US insist that trade will lead to development on the African continent if SSA countries liberalise their markets and become integrated into the global economy. The theory behind trade liberalisation is that it promotes allocative efficiency by exploiting comparative advantage. I however argue that trade liberalisation can realise its potential only if the US start dismantling the protectionist barriers that have been described in this report. The AGOA does reduce tariff barriers for a number of African products. However new non-tariff barriers have been erected which are less transparent, but just as effective as tariff barriers. The report documents the significance of existing trade barriers that seek to protect the US industries from harm, and evaluates the problems that are created in spite of the intentions of the AGOA. A number of specific issues that will be significant for the future outcomes of the Act were also dealt with. These included: the anti-dumping steel duties, US Farm Bill, NEPAD and the textiles and apparel debate. The problems found with the AGOA included: • Protectionism that is sector specific, involving the cases of the antidumping steel duties and the Farm Bill. • The unfavourable terms of trade associated with the Act, caused by the non-negotiable, non-reciprocal and temporary nature of the AGOA. • The eligibility conditions of the Act, which serve to bind African countries to the rules of the World Trade Organisation and exclude some countries on the African continent from obtaining benefits. • Internal reform problems within the SSA countries involving government departments, infrastructure and the macroeconomic environment. The evidence over the short time since it was enacted reveals that the SSA countries will not gain much from the extended trade benefits of the AGOA, unless their capacity to produce and supply the US market is enhanced. Furthermore, most of the AGOA benefits have gone to oil exporting countries and SA, who is the only non-oil country benefiting from a number of sectors at present. The Act has failed to increase trade flows from eligible countries to the US, as most of the SSA countries are not at the economic development to take advantage of the preferences that have been provided under the AGOA. Furthermore the liberalisation of many of the African economies has not been reciprocated by the US. The actions of many interest groups in the US indicate that they are "yes" to free trade but "not" at the expense of jobs and profits. This is evident, as the AGOA provides no exceptions to any of the US retaliatory measures and the fact that interest groups in the US influence many of the product decisions when domestic market share is threatened. One of the positive outcomes of the AGOA is the joint US Africa Trade and Economic Co-operation Forum that will provide future avenues for beneficial US-Africa trade relations.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: geen opsomming

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

19

Sokhela, Sandile. "Comparative analysis of private equity (PE) structures in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA) frontier markets versus South Africa (SA)." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/95662.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (MDF)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.
This research paper analyses how asymmetry information impacts Private Equity (PE) investment deal structuring in Sub Saharan Africa excluding South Africa ((SSA (ex SA)) relative to SA. It asks the question: how are the risks faced by Africa frontier market private equity investors - reflected, mitigated and managed via contracting, monitoring and investment exiting activities? In so doing the research makes a number of hypotheses based on agency academic theory. A survey questionnaire was distributed to PE firms who invest in South Africa (SA) and in the Sub-Saharan Africa excluding SA (SSA ex SA). Under each segment of the survey (contracting, monitoring and exiting) a number of questions were posed for ranking according to likelihood or frequency of occurrence. Using the Wilcoxon Rank Sum test statistical methodology, to test for statistical differences between the two sub-samples of responses to the questionnaire provided by 32 PE firms. The results were interpreted in relation to existing financial agency theories related to contracting, monitoring and exiting investments. The results of the work achieved in this study largely suggest that PE investors use global best practices when investing in the sub Saharan Africa region. SSA (ex SA) PE investors employ the same sophisticated approaches and contracts provisions as investors in established markets. However given the levels of information asymmetries the use of instruments that do not give investors direct control rights are rare in SSA (ex SA) relative to SA. The results are consistent and support that view that there is a persistent scepticism regarding the many Africa jurisdiction legal systems’ ability to effectively protect debt investors and this is mainly reflected in choice of security, which also impacts the types contracting provisions in contracts.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

20

Nkiko, Cederic Marvin. "Corporate social responsibility and sustainable development in sub-Saharan Africa : exploring the perceptions of Ugandan SMEs." Thesis, University of Portsmouth, 2013. https://researchportal.port.ac.uk/portal/en/theses/corporate-social-responsibility-and-sustainable-development-in-subsaharan-africa(7b7fa51f-0a5e-4dc6-a9f2-e6a63e74ed6b).html.

Full text

Abstract:

As human beings, we cannot avoid the implications of non-sustainable programmes, activities or lifestyles by just ignoring them. Thus, sustainable development (SD) becomes everyone’s business. However, there is a belief – especially in developing economies – that SD is the responsibility of the government and/or large businesses. Nevertheless, things are shifting to emphasise the growing responsibility of everyone, including small and medium enterprises (SMEs), who broadly contribute towards the SD agenda by engaging with corporate social responsibility (CSR). Wider stakeholders in developing regions such as sub-Saharan Africa are also beginning to actively engage with the sustainability notion. As a result, businesses especially SMEs, are faced with the need to respond to stakeholder demands for inclusive SME models that go beyond traditional CSR practices to alternatives that form synergies between themselves and SD goals. Worse still, the CSR research is fragmentary, and SMEs’ CSR engagement and contributions towards SD goals tend to go unnoticed, as more focus is put on large corporations (Smith and Thompson, 1991), despite SMEs’ undisputed economic importance. Using a form of analytic induction to evaluate qualitative case-study data from the SME perspective, this research project addresses this gap in the literature with the question: ‘What is the SME/CSR role and opportunity in addressing sustainability challenges in sub-Saharan African economies?’ In such a weak and ambiguously regulated environment, the research endeavours to bridge the gap between SME/CSR research and stakeholders by exploring SMEs’ CSR understanding, drivers and nature, and how their engagement in CSR might contribute to SD. The research findings show that SME owner-managers’ CSR understandings are skewed towards solving societal development challenges. The study offers evidence that the firm’s size does not necessarily determine the context, nature and extent to which it engages with CSR, and thus contribute towards SD. The research contributes to knowledge by suggesting an alternative Stakeholder Engagement Framework (SHEF) and Co-productive Stakeholder Engagement Model (CPSEM) through which SMEs can co-produce solutions to global development challenges by achieving more, for more, with less.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

21

Ojukwu, Dili. "Tradern : a collaborative model for improving small business participation in electronic commerce in sub-Saharan Africa." Thesis, Middlesex University, 2009. http://eprints.mdx.ac.uk/8110/.

Full text

Abstract:

The inception of the Internet has brought with it Electronic Commerce (E-Commerce) practices which have greatly transformed the ways firms conduct businesses globally. Internet-based E-Commerce, particularly business-to-business (B2B) holds the key for small businesses to compete on a level playing field with their big business counterparts. Unfortunately, however, there is considerable evidence to show that small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing countries, particularly those in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), have not been reaping the benefits of this new commerce opportunity as their counterparts in North America and Europe. This chasm has given rise to another form of Digital Divide. This research has identified the major factors responsible for this state of affairs as the low level of participation by the SMEs in the SSA region in this global E-Commerce trade. SSA region has been identified as a region with the lowest level of economic, technological and Internet development in the world. There are 49 Countries in this region inhabited by over 633 million people representing about 10% of the world's population. They are characterised by a low income, low-levels of human resource development, as well as severe structural, social, political and economic weaknesses. All these have combined to make the region the poorest region in the world. It has been established that SMEs form the bedrock of every economy. There is also considerable evidence to suggest that the introduction of new technologies into organisations of all kinds and sizes has a major impact on the structure and functioning of the organizations. Furthermore, it has been established that B2B E-Commerce is contributing more to the global economy than all other forms of E-Commerce transactions. Equipping SMEs in developing countries, particularly those in SSA, by with emerging B2B technologies could help improve their growth potential which will invariably place them in a better position to contribute to the region's economic advancement. Existing models have failed in attracting large numbers of SMEs in the region, partly due to the prohibitive costs of these technologies which make them unaffordable by the poor SMEs. This research has identified that the issues of Trust as well as the problems associated with Fraud and Security also play a part in making E-Commerce unattractive to a lot of SMEs in SSA. Current theoretical frameworks have been extended by developing a new taxonomy showing the various components of E-Business where the distinctions between E-Commerce, E-Government, Tele-Medicine and E-Learning are clearly identified. This thesis seeks to find solutions to the identified problems by finding ways of attracting more SMEs in SSA to participate in the global E-Commerce endeavour. This is with a view to enabling them to leverage and maximise their E-Commerce potential, which in turn would help them exploit today's global E-Commerce opportunities. This will ultimately help them in contributing to the economic growth of the region. As a way of making E-Commerce attractive, affordable and profitable, an architectural model has been designed which, it is believed, would make the deployment and implementation of B2B E-Commerce more achievable for the poor SMEs in SSA. This model, known as Tradern Model, combines the trado-cultural and modern methods of conducting business. This combination would help SMEs deploying the technology to conduct their businesses using both methods without compromising their growth. Over and above everything else there is the benefit of a level-playing field which the SMEs in developing economies, like Africa, and particularly Sub-Saharan Africa, can capitalise on to leapfrog, improve and sustain their economic development and global e-business participation as a step towards bridging the digital divide.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

22

Khumalo, Mahlomola. "How South African banking sector facilitates South African foreign direct investment into Sub-Saharan Africa." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/8445.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (MDF)--Stellenbosch University, 2008.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Currently, South Africa is a leading intra-continental foreign direct investor in Africa, in general, and in Sub-Saharan Africa, in particular. The internationalisation of South African enterprises has throughout the period following the advent of the new dispensation in 1994 assumed two forms: banking and non-banking cross-border expansions. These cross-border expansions have largely involved greenfield, merger and acquisition and joint venture types of investment. Increased trade between South Africa and the region and huge business and investment opportunities have been the pre-eminent motive forces behind the country's nonbanking and banking foreign direct investment drive into Sub-Saharan Africa. A number of studies have been conducted about South African general outward foreign direct investment, but none so specifically about the involvement of the South African multinational banks in this cross-border expansion by the country's multinational firms. In fact, no obvious and composite information is readily available about the "how" aspect of the involvement. It is the objective of this study therefore to investigate "how" South African banks with multinational behaviour have facilitated and continue to facilitate the way for South African foreign direct investment in Sub-Saharan Africa. The outcome of the research effort makes for an interesting discovery that demonstrates how South African banks indeed facilitate South African outward FDI flows into the Sub-Saharan region. A case study illustration in this research report clearly shows that banks, driven by their own foreign direct investment interests, were simultaneously facilitating and driving nonbanking foreign direct investment in the region. Benefits and costs are also accruing to firms and countries (host country and home country to a lesser degree) involved in the crossborder investment activities. South African outward foreign direct investment, although very important to Sub-Saharan Africa, has serious challenges to contend with in the region. Pockets of conflict and instability in some countries with lucrative opportunities continue to bedevil South African foreign direct investment. Policy and regulatory environments in some countries still remain to be a downside for the attraction of South African outward foreign direct investment, including banking foreign direct investment. Interestingly, South African govemment is keenly involved to ensure that trade and investment in Sub-Saharan Africa flow uninterruptedly without prejudicing any party. Trade and investment opportunities are indeed the key motives for South African outward foreign direct investment into Sub-Saharan Africa. The ''follow-your-client'' paradigm is largely responsible for the South African multinational banks' drive across the border into the region. This ''follow-your-client'' concept in the South Africa foreign direct investment context and other related concepts must be further researched in much greater detail and wider approach. But this does not take away the essence and significance of this study which, amongst other things, provides a good foundation for future research undertakings.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Huidiglik is Suid-Afrika die voorstander in die intra-kontinentale vaste buitelandse investering in Afrika in die algemeen en spesifiek in Sub-Sahara Afrika. Die internasionalisering van Suid-Afrikaanse besighede het na 1994 twee vorme aangeneem, t.w. die uitbreiding van bank- en nie-bankinvestering. Die uitbreiding sluit in samesmeltings en venootskappe van investeringsgeleenthede. Verhoogde handel, investeringsgeleenthede en besigheid tussen Suid-Afrika en Sub-Sahara Afrika was die dryfkrag agter die land se vaste buitelandse beleggings. Aigemene studies is gedoen van Suid-Afrikaanse buitelandse beleggings, maar niks so spesifiek soos die samewerking van Suid-Afrikaanse banke met die banke van buitelandse multinasionale firmas nie. Daar is geen inligting vrylik bekombaar oor die 'hoe' van die buitelandse beleggings nie. Die doel van hierdie studie is om juis te bepaal hoe Suid-Afrikaanse banke tans en op die pad vorentoe te werk gaan om vaste buitelandse investerings met multinasionale besighede in Sub-Sahara Afrika uit te brei. 'n Teoretiese grondslag van die debat, definisies en begrip van die konsep "vaste buitelandse investering" vorm deel van die ondersoek, waar beide primere en sekondere data gebruik is. Moeite is gedoen om te verseker dat die data en inligting wat gebruik is, gebaseer is op die "global research methodology", wat insluit vraelyste en elektroniese onderhoude. Hierdie terugvoering wys daarop dat Suid-Afrikaanse banke inderdaad pro-aktief is in die veld van uitwaardse vaste beleggings in die Sub-Sahara area. Banke doen nie net hul eie vaste buitelandse investerings nie, maar fasiliteer dit vir nie-bank vaste buitelandse beleggings. Dit lei tot voordele en kostebesparings vir firmas in die proses van beleggingsaktiwiteite. Alhoewel Suid-Afrikaanse vaste beleggings belangrik is vir ander Afrikastate, is daar ook heelwat slaggate om in ag te neem. Onstabiliteite in lande met aansienlike investeringspotensiaal maak dit moeilik vir Suid-Afrika om te investeer. In baie lande het reels en regulasies nog steeds 'n negatiewe invloed op buitelandse investerings, wat banke insluit. Handel en beleggingsgeleenthede is die motief vir Suid-Afrikaanse investering in SubSahara lande. Die gesegde "follow your client" is die dryfkrag agter die Suid-Afrikaanse banke om te investeer. Daar moet meer ondersoek gedoen word oor die "follow your client" konsep. Hierdie verslag is dus slegs 'n begin punt waarop daar uitgebrei moet word deur verdere ondersoeke.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

23

Nordén, Erik, and Markus Laine. "SOUTH AFRICA – A SUB-SAHARAN MANUFACTURING PARADISE? : A STUDY ON SWEDISH-RELATED MANUFACTURING COMPANIES." Thesis, Jönköping University, JIBS, EMM (Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Management), 2008. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hj:diva-1170.

Full text

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: The general comprehension of the populace is that the continent of Africa is very deprived. However, South Africa, the economic powerhouse in the Southern African region, has a stock exchange that rates amid the twenty largest in the world. With a well-developed infrastructure as well as democratic political system, the area has become increasingly more unwavering for companies disposed to invest. Reasons are cheap labour and availability of natural resources where South Africa has an abundant supply. However, there are also drawbacks to consider before investing in South Africa. Examples can be high criminality, high HIV-prevalence, lack of skilled workers and huge socio-economic disparities. Increased foreign direct investments and developed international trade can be means for South Africa to accelerate growth and employment and thereby contribute to a changed distribution of wealth and income in the country.

PURPOSE: The purpose with this thesis is to explore entering strategies of Swedish-related manufacturing companies that have entered South Africa. As a purpose extension our intention also includes exploring the organizational structure used in the subsidiary and whether any cultural circumstances affect the business climate.

METHOD: In our thesis the method chosen is a qualitative approach with in-depth interviews of people in, and associated to, Swedish-related manufacturing companies in South Africa. An interpretivistic and abductive perspective is used throughout the completion of the thesis.

CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that motives for investing in South Africa are merely on behalf of market penetration and utilization of the nation as a springboard towards the Sub-Saharan market. The entering strategy most frequently used is acquisitions and the organizational structure is multinational with an ethnocentric staffing approach. No cultural divergences between Swedes and South Africans interfere in the day-to-day business environment according to our study.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

24

Els, Russell Craig. "The success rates, and determinants, of South Africa expatriate managers in Sub-Saharan African countries to First World countries." Thesis, University of South Africa, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/102.

Full text

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to understand the risk of failure as an expatriate manager in sub-Saharan Africa, given the high cost of failure and the cultural distance of African countries compared to South Africa. The lack of cultural skills of Multi-National Corporations can hinder their success in doing business in sub-Saharan African countries despite their technical knowledge and proven Western management styles. This requires an expatriate workforce that understands the African environment and management systems in order to reduce the risk of failure. This study surveyed the expatriate work force that have completed assignments in sub-Saharan African, using First World countries as a benchmark. The survey was web based and the questionnaire covered a wide range of issues from the failure rate, to challenges faced, to the determinants for success. The results show that the sub-Saharan African group had a failure rate of 36% or 7 times higher than the First World group. This was caused by underestimating the impact of the large cultural distance and not preparing for the assignment through the correct training and pre-departure planning. The selection process to scan for the correct attributes and previous expatriate experience proved to be key determinants of success. The results also show that among the top five reasons for failure are found those accepted in theory. The dominant reasons for failure were found to be the inability to cope with the larger assignment, adjustment issues with the expatriate, the inability of the spouse to adjust, family problems and the lack of technical competence. By far the most dominant of these reasons was the expatriate’s inability to cope with the larger assignment. The results show that 50% of the expatriates received a promotion together with their new assignment and it is proposed that this was a significant contributing factor to the inability to cope with their new assignment. The second most dominant reason was the expatriate’s issues with adjusting to the new environment and it is proposed that cultural distance and lack of cultural skills and training are the main reasons for this finding. The most likely scenario for failure is selecting an expatriate manager based purely on their technical competence without any expatriate management experience, promoting them to a higher position, and sending them into a foreign country with a significant cultural distance, without any training of the expatriate and family members, and then expecting them to perform successfully without any on the job support, yet many companies seem to follow this approach.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

25

Beyer, Alexander, and Blake Morgan. "Motivations for Engaging in Entrepreneurial Activity in the Informal Sector in Sub Saharan Africa." Thesis, Uppsala universitet, Företagsekonomiska institutionen, 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-355384.

Full text

Abstract:

In this paper we investigate entrepreneurship in the informal sector in Sub-Saharan Africa. Using data from the World Bank we examine the motivational antecedents for why individuals become self-employed within the informal sector. We build on research focusing primarily on data from the formal sector to generate a number of testable hypotheses regarding individual-level predictors of opportunity status. We test our hypotheses using multiple probit model regression analyses. Our results indicate that opportunity-driven entrepreneurs comprise a large portion ofinformal sector in Sub-Saharan Africa and suggest that there are important differences between the antecedents of entrepreneurship in the informal sector in the region and the findings of research focused on the formal sectors of developed countries. Despite a number of limitations, our paper sheds important light on an interesting and comparatively understudied topic but leaves much room for future development.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

26

Konanahalli, Ashwini Prakash. "Critical factors influencing British expatriates' success on international architectural, engineering and construction assignments in Sub-Saharan Africa, China, Middle East and Indian Sub-Continent." Thesis, Queen's University Belfast, 2013. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.602555.

Full text

Abstract:

The main aim of this study is to investigate critical factors influencing the success of British expatriates working on International Architectural, Engineering and Construction assignments in Sub-Saharan Africa, China, Middle East and Indian Sub-Continent. Adopting a multi-criteria perspective, the study measured cross-cultural adjustment, psychological adjustment, performance, assignment completion, job satisfaction and intention to return, to holistically assess the topic. Underpinned by critical realism epistemology, a sequential exploratory mixed methods design was adopted comprising of three empirical phases. Phase one is characterised by extensive review of literature to identify relevant factors. The second phase was a qualitative exploration of factors from • the British expatriate's perspective, here eighteen unstructured interviews were conducted which were further analysed through Banaxia decision explorer software to develop a ' theoretical framework. In final phase three, factors extracted from the first two phases were used to develop a questionnaire and survey 191 British expatriates. Along with various quantitative analyses, structural equation modelling was conducted to examine the relationships between various critical factors. The results revealed that Emotional and Cultural Intelligence collectively referred to as individual competencies significantly influenced cross-cultural adjustment. Here, cross-cultural adjustment emerged as a mediator, which established statistically significant relationships with performance; job satisfaction and psychological adjustment. Further, support offered by organisation predicted an expatriate's job satisfaction, psychological adjustment and adjustment of his/her family. On the job front, it was role clarity, discretion and conflict that influenced job satisfaction. Finally, family adjustment and job satisfaction determined an expatriate's intention to recommend and return back to the host country. The findings imply that effective expatriate management is a key determinant of • success in international business. British AEC firms could sustain their already established competitive advantage in the global marketplace by acknowledging the complexity of assignments, prioritising expatriate management and offering well rounded support to their professionals.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

27

Yusuf, Mukhtar Abubakar. "What drives individual decision-making of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) to Sub-Saharan Africa." Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies / OhioLINK, 2020. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1595283544911804.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

28

Adem, Lishan. "The impact of information technology in sub Saharan Africa with a particular reference to Ethiopia : a constructionist approach." Thesis, University of Sheffield, 1997. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.284979.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

29

Sene, Seydina Ousmane. "FOOD IMPORTS UNDER FOREIGN EXCHANGE CONSTRAINTS IN THE CFA’S FRANC ZONE OF SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA (SSA)." UKnowledge, 2014. http://uknowledge.uky.edu/agecon_etds/26.

Full text

Abstract:

To respond to the high imported food prices in their domestic markets, net food importing countries in the Communauté Financière Africaine (CFA) zone[1] are adjusting their import tariffs and homologate domestic prices of imported commodities such as rice, wheat, maize, and sugar. This research uses a multivariate specification of error correction model (VECM) of estimation to investigate the link between food imports, world price index of rice, wheat, maize and sugar, real effective exchange rates, domestic food production, GDP, and trade openness in the short and long run. The data are on each homogenous commodity from 1969 to 2012. This research finds a long-run relationship between world price index, domestic production, GDP, real effective exchange rates and trade openness. Under fixed exchange rates regime, GDP, domestic food production, world price index of food, and trade openness are the determinants of food imported in the CFA zones. Policy options focusing on long-term investment in domestic food production of rice, wheat, maize and sugar, and trade openness are the fundamental factors to curtail the increasing food import volume/bill under fixed exchange rate regime in the CFA zones. [1] The CFA zone in Sub-Saharan Africa is the WAEMU and CEMAC Countries, which are listed and represented in figure 1.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

30

Ampomah, Monica. "The Practice of project management in new product development : A study of Microfinance Institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa." Thesis, Umeå universitet, Handelshögskolan vid Umeå universitet, 2011. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:umu:diva-44984.

Full text

Abstract:

Microfinance is the provision of credit/loans to poor individuals for the purpose of income generation. The Sub-Saharan African region which is among the poorest areas in the world is thought to be one of the regions where the microfinance industry is dynamic and growing in terms of acceptance and patronage. Even though microfinance in the Sub-Saharan Africa region has received a lot of research attention, most have focused largely on the financial performance whilst there is no available information on project management practices in new product development.Since project management is considered to be an effective means of managing new product development, the purpose of this work was to investigate the practice of project management in new product development in microfinance institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa and to assess which project management methods, and tools and techniques are used.A case study was adopted and a semi-structured interview through telephone/Skype was conducted on eight senior management staff from different microfinance institutions. The respondents comprised five Non-governmental organizations, two Non-Bank financial institutions and one Commercial Bank, operating in Angola, Gambia, Ghana, Mozambique, Namibia and Kenya.The empirical findings were that six of the microfinance institutions are involved in new product development whilst two of the institutions which are Non-governmental organizations are not. The main product that is developed by these microfinance institutions is credits/loans. The reason for new products development was to meet clients’ needs even though competition and the need to be innovative was also a factor.This research also shows that the six microfinance institutions that are into new product development organize product development through projects. Project management is the means through which new products are developed. In addition, projects are managed either solely by each microfinance institution or done in collaboration with other institutions.A further indication based on project management steps suggests a flexible practice of project management in developing new products as project management steps are not tightly followed. The project management methods that are used in developing new products in all these institutions was the in house method as all the respondents considered it an effective way because this method is adapted to their institutional structure.In addition, the commonly used tool and technique among all the institutions was the progress reports which contained necessary information for monitoring and evaluating of the projects.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

31

Conradie, C. F. G. "Is the US Farm Bill undermining the objective of AGOA?" Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/50000.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2004.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study investigates both the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) that was signed into US law in May 2000 and the subsequent US Farm Bill, signed in May 2002. AGOA is a temporary, non-negotiated, non-reciprocal law by the USA to allow dutyfree and quota-free access to almost all products produced in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Many people in SSA are dependant on agriculture to provide employment and livelihood. In the agricultural sector The Farm Bill is a unilateral law by the USA granting enormous subsidies to its farmers for a wide variety of products. It is the purpose of this study to investigate both these laws and to determine whether or not the Farm Bill undermines the objectives of AGOA. AGOA was studied and the real reasons for US interest in SSA determined. The main reason found for the inception of AGOA was US interest in the oil resources of SSA as well as other commodities like precious metals and textiles. The USA is also interested in SSA to find new markets for its own products as it can produce far more food and fibre than it can utilise in its domestic market. The study investigated the potential benefits of AGOA for SSA as well as the real benefits that were realised in the first two and a half years since its inception. It was found in the study that the real benefits were far less than the potential benefits and several reasons are offered for this phenomenon. The trade data between the USA and SSA was analysed to determine the effect of AGOA on trade and the major products traded. It was found that by far the largest product group was in the petroleum sector. The Farm Bill was investigated to determine the provisions of the Bill, the products involved and the conditions for subsidy payments. The payments include direct payments, counter-cyclical payments and marketing loan gains or loan deficiency payments. The detail of the calculation methods for the payments and a sample calculation of the subsidies are given, other provisions of the Farm Bill that apply to specific commodities like sugar and dairy products are also listed as these are important commodities for SSA. The Farm Bill was investigated in terms of AGOA and it was found in the study that the Farm Bill does indeed undermine the objectives of AGOA by reducing commodity prices. Both AGOA and the Farm Bill were further investigated in the context of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to determine their consistency with the rules of the WTO. It was found that AGOA is consistent with the WTO rules, but the subsidies of the Farm Bill are trade distorting and therefore not consistent with these rules. There is a WTO limit set for the US support programmes and it is expected that the payments would exceed the limit during times of low commodity prices.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In hierdie studie word beide die 'African Growth and Opportunity Act' (AGOA) wat in Mei 2000 deel van die Amerikaanse wetgewing geword het sowel as die daaropvolgende 'US Farm Bill' wat in Mei 2002 goedgekeur is, ondersoek. AGOA is 'n tydelike, eensydige, nie-wederkerige wet deur Amerika wat tariefvrye en kwotavrye toegang tot die Amerikaanse mark toelaat vir bykans alle produkte wat in Afrika Suid van die Sahara (SSA) geproduseer word. Baie mense in SSA is afhanklik van landbou vir werk om vir hulle families te kan sorg. Dit is juis in die landbousektor waar Amerika die 'Farm Bill' as eensydige wet goedgekeur het wat enorme landbousubsidies vir 'n wye reeks produkte aan sy boere toeken. Die doel van die studie is om beide hierdie wette te ondersoek en vas te stel of die 'Farm Bill' die doelwitte van AGOA ondermyn, al dan nie. AGOA is eerste ondersoek en die werklike redes vir Amerika se belangstelling in SSA is bepaal. Daar is bevind dat die hoofrede vir die ontstaan van AGOA die strategiese belangstelling van Amerika in SSA se olie en ander kommoditeite soos edelmetale en tekstiele is. Amerika stel ook belang in SSA om nuwe markte te vind vir sy eie produkte omdat Amerika baie meer voedsel en vesel kan produseer as wat sy plaaslike mark kan absorbeer. Die studie het die potensiele voordele van AGOA vir SSA asook die werklike voordele wat in die eerste twee en 'n half jaar gerealiseer het, ondersoek. Die studie het getoon dat die werklike voordele baie minder as die potensiele voordele was en verskeie redes word vir die verskynsel aangevoer. Die handelsdata tussen Amerika en SSA is ondersoek om die effek van AGOA op handel asook die hoofhandelsprodukte vas te stel. Die data het getoon dat by verre die grootste produkgroep wat verhandel is, olie en verwante petroleumprodukte is. Die 'Farm Bill' is ondersoek om die bepalings van die wet vas te stel, watter produkte betrokke is en onder watter voorwaardes subsidiebetalings van toepassing is. Hierdie betalings sluit direkte betalings aan boere, wederkerige betalings en bemarkingslenings in. Die detail van die berekeningsmetodes van die verskillende dele van die subsidies asook 'n voorbeeld-berekening word getoon. Ander bepalings van die wetgewing wat van toepassing is op spesifieke kommoditeite soos suiker en suiwel word ook gelys omdat hierdie produkte baie belangrik vir SSA is. Die 'Farm Bill' is ook met betrekking tot AGOA ondersoek en daar is getoon dat die 'Farm Bill' inderdaad die doelwitte van AGOA ondermyn deur die pryse van kommoditeite te laat daal. Beide AGOA en die 'Farm Bill' is verder ondersoek in die konteks van die Wereldhandelsorganisasie (WHO) om vas te stel of elkeen van hierdie wette voldoen aan die handelsreels van die WHO. Daar is bevind dat AGOA wel voldoen aan die WHO reels, maar dat die subsidies van die 'Farm Bill' handel verwring en daarom nie voldoen aan die vereistes van die WHO nie. Daar bestaan 'n WHO-beperking vir Amerika op die hoeveelheid ondersteuning wat aan die boere toegestaan mag word en daar word verwag dat die beperking oorskry kan word in tye van lae kommoditeitspryse.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

32

Carvelas, Wray Anthony. "The development of a strategic business plan to grow the mining and minerals division of Kellogg Brown & Root into Sub-Saharan Africa." Thesis, Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 1999. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/4906.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (MBA (Business Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 1999.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Globally the mining and minerals market is experiencing a decline. With this decline, focus is turning to Africa as an unexplored mineral wealth. In terms of global exploration expenditure, Africa is said to be experiencing the highest percentage growth of any other regional budget. The Halliburton company is reputed to be the premier source for the engineering and construction of refineries, chemical plants, and pipelines along with office buildings, infrastructure systems, government facilities, and much more. The South African office has recently established a mining and minerals division, which has experienced certain measures of success, however, a failure of the division appears to be the total lack of a significant growth strategy. This has resulted in the division becoming a one-client business. The Sub-Saharan market is characterised by unique challenges, which require a strong culture aligned with its market environment, strategic choice and distinctive competencies to be successful in the market. The purpose of this study project is primarily to make a contribution to the formulation of strategic direction in order to obtain practical implementation guidelines given the unique opportunities and challenges presented in this market. The formulation of the strategy for the mining and minerals business unit is achieved firstly be analysing the Sub-Saharan market, the dominant economic traits, and conducting a full industry and competitive analysis. Secondly, organisation situation analysis of Kellogg Brown & Root is conducted in order to assess the competitive positioning of the firm and distinct capabilities that the firm possesses, and those necessary for success in the market. This will include conducting an analysis of the internal strengths and weaknesses, of the company, and the external opportunities and threats facing the company. From the analyses conducted, strategic challenges are identified and suggestions are made to address these challenges. A strategic intent is proposed together with a mission statement, and a strategic and financial statement of objectives is developed. These statements of intent are not intended to prescribe to the firm and it's employees what the strategic approach should be, but to form the basis of further discussions and research and should not give way to misleading and unwarranted interpretations. The strategy formulated is superimposed onto the corporate strategy and no major discordance is evident. From the analyses conducted and strategy formulation process, suggestions are made that could provide manageable guidelines for the final implementation of the strategic business plan for the minerals division.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Tans word 'n afname in die mynbou en minerale mark wêreldwyd ondervind. As gevolg van hierdie afname het die fokus na Afrika as 'n onverkende minerale rykdom verskuif. In terme van wêreldwye eksplorasie besteding, word beweer dat Afrika die hoogste persentasie groei ten opsigte van enige ander streeksbegroting ondervind. Die Halliburton maatskappy word beskou as 'n vername bron vir die ontwikkeling en konstruksie van raffinaderye, chemiese aanlegte, pyplyne, geassosieerde kantoor geboue, infrastrukture, regerings fasiliteite en vele meer. Die Suid Afrikaanse kantoor het onlangs 'n mynwese en minerale afdeling op die been gebring wat al 'n mate van sukses ondervind het. Dit wil egter voorkom asof 'n tekortkoming van die afdeling 'n gebrek aan 'n doelgerigte groei strategie is. Dit het tot gevolg gehad dat die afdeling tot 'n een-kliënt-saak verval het. Die Sub-Sahara mark word gekenmerk deur unieke uitdagings wat 'n sterk kultuur inlyn met die mark omgewing, strategiese keuses en relevante bevoegdhede verg om suksesvol in die mark te wees. Die hoofdoel van hierdie studie is om 'n bydrae te maak tot die formulering van 'n strategiese koers met die doel om praktiese implementerings riglyne daar te stel, met inagneming van die unieke geleenthede en uitdagings wat in die mark bestaan. Die formulering van 'n strategie vir die mynwese en minerale besigheidsektor word eerstens verkry deur 'n analise van die Sub-Sahara mark, dominerende ekonomiese eienskappe en 'n ontleding van die industriele en mededingende omgewing. Tweedens word 'n organisaie situasie analise van Kellogg Brown & Root uitgevoer om die kompeterings posisie, huidige kenmerkende bekwaamhede en die wat benodig word vir sukses in die mark, van die maatskappy vas te stel. Dit sluit 'n ontleding van die interne swak en sterk punte van die maatskappy, asook die eksterne geleenthede en bedreigings vir die maatskappy in. Vanuit hierdie analise word strategiese uitdagings geidentifiseer en word voorstelle gemaak om hierdie uitdagings aan te spreek. 'n Strategiese oogmerk, tesame met 'n doelwitstelling word voorgestel, en 'n strategiese en finansiele doelstelling word ontwikkel. Die doel van hierdie studie projek is nie om aan die maatskappy en sy werknemers 'n strategiese benadering voor te skryf nie, maar om die basis te vorm vir verdere bespreking en navorsing. Die studie moet nie aanleiding gee tot verkeerde en misleidende vertolkings nie. Die geformuleerde strategie is ook met die huidige korporatiewe strategie vergelyk en geen noemenswaardige verskille is ooglopend nie. Vanuit die analise en die strategiese formuleringsproses word praktiese riglyne voorgestel vir die implementering van die strategiese besigheidsplan vir die mynwese en minerale afdeling.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

33

Klopper, Annette. "Strenghts and weaknesses of AGOA from a Southern African point of view and lessons to be learnt for future trade agreements." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/50455.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2005.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study sets out to analyse the trade performance of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to determine the lessons that can be learnt from it strengths and weaknesses with the purpose to assist future trade negotiations - and specifically the current free trade negotiations between the United States of America (USA) and the Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU). A short overview of AGOA's content is given with specific reference to the many rules and regulations governing the arrangement. AGOA's trade performance over the past four years is analysed by country and sector to determine the main recipients of its benefits with specific attention to the performance of SACU countries. AGOA's strengths and opportunities are discussed by looking at the impact that AGOA had on investment and job creation in Southern Africa. The study takes a closer look at new markets that benefited from AGOA and how well SACU made use of the non-reciprocal nature of AGOA by looking at the trade balance with the USA. The weaknesses of AGOA are analysed by looking at its nature - the fact that it is a nonnegotiated arrangement with benefits that can be terminated at any point. The failure of AGOA to address non-tariff barriers is discussed by looking at the impact of subsidies, quotas, threat of anti-dumping actions and its restrictive rules and regulations. The unsustainability of the substantial growth that the clothing and textile industries experienced under AGOA is considered by looking at the Multi-Fibre Agreement and the impact that its termination had up to now on especially SACU countries. The analysis of AGOA's trade performance highlighted the fact that only a few countries and products benefited from AGOA. The study deliberates AGOA's failure to liberalise Southern Africa's exports. The knowledge gained by analysing AGOA, its trade performance with specifically SACU, and its strengths and weaknesses are applied by looking at the current US free trade proposal with SACU. The study looks at the motivations for the free trade agreement from both a US and SACU point of view and continues to analyse the content of the proposed agreement. The analysis includes the various problem areas within the proposed agreement as well as the potential benefits that such an agreement can bring about. The study concludes with a summary of the lessons learnt from AGOA and how they apply to the proposed US free trade agreement as well as future trade negotiations.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie poog om die resultate van die "African Growth and Opportunity Act" (AGOA) oor die afgelope vier jaar te ontleed met die doel om die sterk en swakpunte van die handelsverdrag te beklemtoon as basis vir toekomstige handelsooreenkomste. Daar word spesifiek verwys na die handelsooreenkoms wat tans beding word tussen die Verenigde State van Amerika (VSA) en die "South African Customs Union" (SACU). Die studie gee 'n kort opsomming van die inhoud van AGOA met spesifieke verwysing na die verskeie reëls en regulasies wat die ooreenkoms onderskryf. Die resultate van die afgelope vier jaar word ontleed per land en sektor om vas te stel watter lande en produkte die meeste voordeel getrek het onder AGOA. Weereens word daar spesifiek na SACU se resultate verwys. AGOA se sterkpunte word bespreek deur na die impak te kyk op investering en werkskepping in Suider Afrika. Die studie kyk na nuwe marksgeleenthede wat voordeel getrek het onder AGOA. Daar word ook gekyk hoe goed SACU van die nie-wederkerige natuur van AGOA gebruik gemaak het deur te verwys na die handelsbalans tussen SACU en die VSA. Die swakpunte van AGOA word bespreek deur te kyk na AGOA se inherente kenmerke, byvoorbeeld dat die "ooreenkoms" nie onderhandel is nie en dat voordele te enige tyd opgeskort mag word. Daar word ook gekyk na AGOA se gebrek om nie-tarief gedrewe handelsstruikelblokke in die vorm van subsidies, kwotas, die bedreiging van aksies teen handelsstorting en die impak van die vele reëls en regulasies aan te spreek. Die onvolhoubaarheid van groei binne die tekstiel en kledingsbedryf (wat merkbare sukses onder AGOA bereik het) as gevolg van die terminasie van die "Multi-Fibre Agreement" word bespreek - met spesifieke verwysing na die impak op Suider Afrika. Die analise van AGOA se handelsresultate het uitgewys dat slegs 'n handjie-vol lande en produkte by AGOA baat gevind het. Die studie oorweeg die moontlike redes wat gelei het tot hierdie verskynsel. Die kennis wat opgedoen is deur na AGOA se handelsresultate te kyk, asook sy sterk- en swakpunte te ontleed, word aangewend deur na die huidige VS handelsooreenkoms met SACU the kyk. Die studie oorweeg die motiverings vir so 'n handelsooreenkoms van beide 'n VS en SACU oogpunt en maak ook 'n ontleding van die inhoud van die ooreenkoms. Die ontleding kyk nie net na die verskeie probleme wat na vore kom nie maar ook na die voordele wat SACU te beurt kan val as gevolg van die oorkoms. Die studie sluit af deur 'n opsomming te maak van die lesse wat geleer is deur die ontleding van AGOA en hoe dit van toepassing is op die huidige VS ooreenkoms asook toekomstige ooreenkomste.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

34

Buhlin, Sofia. "Aid Nothing More Than a Charity Bone Thrown : Have Past Failures prepared us for Future Success?" Thesis, Växjö University, School of Social Sciences, 2010. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-6102.

Full text

Abstract:

Abstract

This article investigates the complex issue of aid, and differs from other attempts at evaluating the outcomes and policies of aid since this evaluation is solely based on the policies of the donor countries. It investigates if, and how well, the world´s two greatest aid donors, The European Developmental Fund (EDF) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) responds to recent research and the need for change in this policy area in respect to Sub- Saharan African states.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

35

Colley, Lamin, and Timothy Timdy Gaye. "An investigation of Audit Expectation Gap in the Public Sector in Sub-Saharan Africa : the Case of The Gambia." Thesis, Högskolan Kristianstad, Fakulteten för ekonomi, 2020. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hkr:diva-20769.

Full text

Abstract:

The aspect of the audit expectation gap continues to be an issue and detrimental to the auditing profession especially as auditors and the public continues to hold different beliefs about the auditors’ duties and responsibilities, and the messages conveyed by audit reports. This phenomenon has long been investigated in several Western and Asian countries with numerous studies that empirically confirmed the existence of this phenomenon between auditors and non-auditors (audit stakeholders). However, it appears paradoxical that only few studies have been conducted empirically in establishing the existence of this gap, in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially in the public sector. Meaning, there is a dearth of research regarding an AEG in the public sector. Besides, regarding The Gambia, it appears that no study has ever been conducted to establish the existence of an AEG. Hence, this thesis aims to investigate the existence of AEG in The Gambia public sector from the viewpoints of public auditors and non-auditing professionals to establish the existence and nature of the audit expectations gap and how this phenomenon can be bridged to uphold the credibility of the auditing profession. A purposive sampling was used to select 13 participants with a structured interview data collection approach. The results of the study shows that the non-auditing professionals perceived ‘detection and prevention of fraud and corruption’, and ‘assurance on the effectiveness of internal controls’ to include auditors’ roles and responsibilities, and faithfully expect them to perform these tasks; and also associate absolute assurance to audit opinions, thus resulting in naive or an unreasonable expectations gap.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

36

Grossmann, Matthias. "Entrepreneurship and business development programmes in sub-Saharan Africa : a comparative analysis of the implementation of the EMPRETEC programme in Ghana and Namibia." Thesis, University of Oxford, 2009. http://ora.ox.ac.uk/objects/uuid:cb9ffdc1-cff0-4a54-b05c-de04984634ca.

Full text

Abstract:

The thesis provides a comparative analysis of the implementation of the EMPRETEC programme in Ghana and Namibia. The EMPRETEC programme is a unique entrepreneurship and business development programme developed by the United Nations Centre on Transnational Corporations in the late 1980s. Since then, it has been implemented in nearly 30 countries to support business development. The central aim of this research is to identify the major factors that influenced the implementation process of the EMPRETEC programme in Ghana and Namibia and to analyse how they afforded or constrained the achievement of seven so-called Critical Programme Components (CPCs). These CPCs are: 1) targeting high growth entrepreneurs; 2) developing an entrepreneurship training workshop that is adapted to the local context; 3) ensuring direction of the programme by a coalition of private and public sector leaders; 4) mobilising support from the private sector; 5) promote linkages among clients; 6) promote business linkages with foreign firms; and 7) establish a sustainable foundation. The theoretical concepts of the research are based on the implementation literature which emerged as part of the policy sciences during the second half of the last century. A new approach is developed to study the highly complex implementation process: in a first step, an analytical framework is developed that comprises five analytical lenses: 1) a contextual lens focusing on the context in which the entire implementation process is embedded; 2) an inter-organisational lens focusing on interactions of the involved stakeholders; 3) an organisational lens for the identification of institutional strengths and weaknesses; 4) an intra-organisational lens for the analysis of intra-agency relationships; and 5) an individual lens focusing on the individuals who were involved in the implementation of the programmes. These lenses cover the entire spectrum and levels of the implementation process. In a second step, 15 major implementation factors are derived from implementation theory. These factors and their influence on the implementation process are then assessed with the help of 100 distinct measures. The influence of the 15 factors on the implementation process and the seven CPCs is subsequently analysed and finally tested using evidence from 18 additional EMPRETEC centres. The study's contribution to knowledge is twofold: (i) The study provides insights into the underlying factors that influenced the implementation of the EMPRETEC programme in Ghana and Namibia. Overall, the implementation conditions were more favourable in Ghana as compared to Namibia. The research hints at the importance of the context and implementers' (both organisations' and individuals') characteristics as crucial factors for successful implementation. Finding the right implementers and aligning implementation objectives to existing development discourses and implementers' ideologies can help to improve effective implementation. (ii) The study proposes an innovative approach to study implementation processes across narrow cases. Based on third-generation implementation models, a unique data collection and analytical framework is suggested that allows comparing and testing various implementation factors and their influence on the implementation process. The emerging results are of high relevance to governments, donors, private organisations and other stakeholders, as many lessons could be derived to improve the implementation and effectiveness of donor interventions, especially in the area of business development programmes.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

37

Aveh, Felix Kwame. "An evaluation of the performance of microfinance institutions in Ghana : an investigation into the factors that impact on sustainability and success of microfinance institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa." Thesis, University of Bradford, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10454/5164.

Full text

Abstract:

The thesis examines factors that influence sustainability and success of microfinance institutions in Ghana. The topic is important, particularly in poverty stricken Africa, where microfinance institutions play a significant role in supporting governments' initiatives to reduce/alleviate poverty. The developed model is tested using data collected from 14 face-to-face interviews and 114 questionnaires. The data is analysed using different techniques- descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations and regression analysis. The research design and scale of the study are appropriate to both the problem addressed and doctoral level research. A number of factors in the model developed were found to be influencing the sustainability and success of microfinance institutions. A model was proposed that seeks to offer an explanation of sustainability and success of Microfinance Institutions in Ghana. The proposed model identified five categories being: institutional characteristics, agency costs, business strategy, environment/governance and success. Single factor analysis established positive relationships between sustainability and all the five factors but placed more emphasis on three out of the five factors namely; success, business strategy and environment/ governance. Multiple factor analysis established no significant differences in the sustainability with respect to the type of MFI, ownership and source of funding. Multiple Regression which allows for the testing of theories or models established a significant relationship between the Operational Self Sufficiency (OSS) and the predictors, especially the drop-out rate of clients and average loans. The Subsidy Dependence Index (SDI) was calculated for the various types of MFIs and the result was a high dependency ratio especially among the FNGOs. Though the dependency is on the decline, it is very slow indicating that most MFIs will depend on subsidies for a very long time to come. Finally it was observed that the relatively high interest rates charged by most of the MFIs tended to defeat the purpose for which the microfinance movement came about. Not only did the study confirm the research model, but it also revealed that most owners did not exhibit a deep sense of involvement and used general knowledge to practice in Ghana. The study concluded that success factors, business strategy, and environment/governance were the most critical of the sustainability factors in Ghana. It is therefore important that managers develop institutional capacities especially in managing the agency problem effectively if they have to be sustainable and successful.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

38

Aveh, Felix K. "An evaluation of the performance of microfinance institutions in Ghana. An investigation into the factors that impact on sustainability and success of microfinance institutions in Sub-Saharan Africa." Thesis, University of Bradford, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/10454/5164.

Full text

Abstract:

The thesis examines factors that influence sustainability and success of microfinance institutions in Ghana. The topic is important, particularly in poverty stricken Africa, where microfinance institutions play a significant role in supporting governments¿ initiatives to reduce/alleviate poverty. The developed model is tested using data collected from 14 face-to-face interviews and 114 questionnaires. The data is analysed using different techniques- descriptive statistics, cross-tabulations and regression analysis. The research design and scale of the study are appropriate to both the problem addressed and doctoral level research. A number of factors in the model developed were found to be influencing the sustainability and success of microfinance institutions. A model was proposed that seeks to offer an explanation of sustainability and success of Microfinance Institutions in Ghana. The proposed model identified five categories being: institutional characteristics, agency costs, business strategy, environment/governance and success. Single factor analysis established positive relationships between sustainability and all the five factors but placed more emphasis on three out of the five factors namely; success, business strategy and environment/ governance. Multiple factor analysis established no significant differences in the sustainability with respect to the type of MFI, ownership and source of funding. Multiple Regression which allows for the testing of theories or models established a significant relationship between the Operational Self Sufficiency (OSS) and the predictors, especially the drop-out rate of clients and average loans. The Subsidy Dependence Index (SDI) was calculated for the various types of MFIs and the result was a high dependency ratio especially among the FNGOs. Though the dependency is on the decline, it is very slow indicating that most MFIs will depend on subsidies for a very long time to come. Finally it was observed that the relatively high interest rates charged by most of the MFIs tended to defeat the purpose for which the microfinance movement came about. Not only did the study confirm the research model, but it also revealed that most owners did not exhibit a deep sense of involvement and used general knowledge to practice in Ghana. The study concluded that success factors, business strategy, and environment/governance were the most critical of the sustainability factors in Ghana. It is therefore important that managers develop institutional capacities especially in managing the agency problem effectively if they have to be sustainable and successful.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

39

Goldberg, Caroline, and Gabriella Jonsson. "Exploring a Swedish SME entering the Congolese Electricity Market : A Case Study of PPC Engineering AB." Thesis, Uppsala University, Department of Business Studies, 2009. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:uu:diva-106488.

Full text

Abstract:

Internationalization research has for a long time been dominated by a strong focus on how large firms from large and developed economies expand into other developed countries. Until recently, little attention has been devoted towards understanding that part of the internationalization process in which small and medium sized firms from small and open economies, attempt to establish themselves in undeveloped countries. This research gap is the point of departure for this thesis.

By using a recently published conceptual framework by Laanti et al. (2009) the authors study how five groups of factors have shaped the internationalization process of a small Swedish electricity company in the midst of starting up business in Congo Kinshasa. In this in-depth single-case study, data was collected through semi-structured interviews with representatives of PPC Engineering AB. The study finds that the importance of different factors vary throughout the process, but in this case, when seen as a whole, host country factors and company specific factors play the most prominent roles. Furthermore, Laanti et al.’s (2009) conceptual framework is redesigned to explain the dynamic process of internationalization. However, more research is needed to determine the extent to which this framework can be generalized.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

40

Pysar, Catherine A. "A multistakeholder conflict-resolution framework| A case study of the Tanzanian Higher Education Loan Board conflict." Thesis, Capella University, 2013. http://pqdtopen.proquest.com/#viewpdf?dispub=3591388.

Full text

Abstract:

The objectives of this explorative case study investigated a multistakeholder conflict in Tanzania Africa, using stakeholder theory as the theoretical foundation. While stakeholder theory has evolved and gained prominence as a method for reviewing conflict resolution processes it was important to conceptualize any discrepancies that could establish a framework for resolving conflicts in practice and in strategy. The research design analyzed five factors of framing, reframing, managing, power and trust with four different stakeholders involved in higher education loan conflicts. The results of the study showed distinct differences compared to previous research findings focused on multistakeholder conflicts. One primary distinction was characterization of the conflicts followed other studies however the lack of motivation to change was complex. There was a strong risk aversion which blocked a link for long-term solutions. Though like other studies competitive, collaboration and coalition for managing the conflicts were identified, risk aversion precipitated an unpredictable mixture of these management processes. Furthermore power imbalances and trust were identified as important aspects of multistakeholder conflicts; however this study linked the impact of results when risk aversion is included in the conflict. Finally, like other studies barriers to a strong conflict resolution process were related to normative values. However, this study enhanced the impact of a lack of societal values for motivating stakeholders to include normative values. It is recommended that further research be conducted to explore the implications of the multistakeholder conflict resolution model.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

41

Haile, Simon, and Ebrima Jabang. "The Meeting of Cultures : Effective Leadership in Multicultural Organisations." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för organisation och entreprenörskap (OE), 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-85138.

Full text

Abstract:

Globalisation has simplified the internationalisation process for companies, and are today not only constrained to multinational companies, as SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) are entering global markets in order to attain a sustainable competitive advantage. As a result, more Swedish SMEs are now operating abroad, and SSA (sub-Saharan Africa) is a region that has shown great potential. SSA has a rapid economic growth and greater political stability, and SMEs that enter SSA has many opportunities to gain as it is a fairly unexplored region with a boosting economy. However, working in SSA would entail that Swedish SMEs and its leaders would encounter different cultures and trying to find a way of coping with the differences successfully. The purposes of this study, is, therefore, to explore what cultural challenges Swedish SME leaders face in SSA, and how they adapt to the cultural challenges. The researchers chose a qualitative research strategy with an abductive approach and conducted semi-structured interviews with eight Swedish SMEs leaders that are currently active in SSA. The respondents hold various leading positions within these companies. Our empirical findings suggest that there are several cultural challenges that Swedish SME leaders face in SSA, such as time perception, gender inequality, collectivistic behaviour and trust issues. However, the existing hierarchical system in SSA was seen as the main challenge as the leaders were used to a flat organisations structure in Sweden, whereas the culture in SSA advocate authoritarianism. The leaders that choose to adapt their leadership style become more controlling, which shown improvement on the employees performance. Our findings also indicate that some of the leaders did want to adapt their leadership style but instead sought to transform the current culture in SSA based on a Swedish Model.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

42

Bekir, Levent, Nicolas Numhauser, and Rawa Abbas. ""The Jungle Telegraph" : A qualitative case study about the challenges for Swedish B2B Small and Medium-size Enterprises when entering the Sub-Saharan market." Thesis, Linnéuniversitetet, Institutionen för marknadsföring (MF), 2021. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-104922.

Full text

Abstract:

As developed markets have become saturated to a greater extent, companies have instead targeted emerging economies. In recent years, a substantial number of companies have recognized the opportunities in the Sub-Saharan market, which has led to an increasing number of foreign firms entering this market. Nevertheless, companies are still experiencing numerous challenges in relatively unexplored markets like the Sub-Saharan region. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate challenges for Swedish manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) when entering the Sub-Saharan African market. Additionally, the thesis will examine how these challenges affect the entry modes as well as further market commitments. The aim is to provide a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that influence the choice of entry mode of SMEs in volatile environments. This study has adopted a qualitative research method with an abductive approach to allow for an elaborate and flexible research process. The empirical data have been collected from multiple cases, by conducting five semi-structured interviews. The outcome of this thesis demonstrates that the major challenges in the Sub-Saharan market are related to underdeveloped institutional frameworks. Although, by cooperating with institutional actors and providing valuable resources to the local environment, firms are able to relieve institutional pressures. Finally, innovation, adaptability, and flexibility are vital factors that influence the extent to which companies are able to commit to the Sub-Saharan market.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

43

Van, Wyk Albertus Maritz. "The proposed SACU-US free trade agreement : impact on AGOA benefits." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2006. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/21977.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2006.
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) was signed into law in May 2000 by President Clinton to allow sub-Saharan countries to export designated products duty-free into the US. AGOA is a temporary measure that is non-reciprocal and not negotiated by the participating parties. The initiative was launched to liberalise the markets of developing countries on the road to become integrated in the global economy. The initial success of AGOA was limited, with only a few countries making use of AGOA to increase their exports into the US markets. Problems encountered were high levels of protectionism from the US and the existence of technical trade barriers (including sanitary measures in agriculture) and nontariff barriers (including quotas). African countries are using shipment as the main transport for exports, and the US barred transshipment due to corruption that occurred in the past. The AGOA also made provision for 'special provisions' measures to enable AGOA eligible countries to export apparel and textile to the US. The export of apparel was very successful until the Multifibre Agreement expired in 2005, leading to relocation of apparel factories to lower cost bases. The real beneficiaries from AGOA are oil-exporting countries that make up more than 90% of total AGOA benefits. South Africa is the only country who succeeded in diversified AGOA exports. AGOA has been supplemented by AGOA II (extending the product range) and AGOA III (extending the expiry date to 2015). After the EU-SA Free Trade Agreement has been concluded in 1999, the US started with FTA negotiations with the South African Customs Union (SACU) to improve the exposure of US products to the SACU market and to decrease the trade deficit. However, the agenda of the FTA negotiations included second generation issues of intellectual property rights, trade in services, investment and government procurement. The SACU negotiators learnt some lessons from the EU-SA FTA and progress was slow. The extension of AGOA to 2015 saw a decrease in the urgency of striking a SACU-US FTA. Negotiations slowed down and the decision was made in April 2006 to conduct talks on a lower level. This breathing time can be used by the SACU negotiators to develop an aggressive offensive strategy for future negotiations, and to build competency against the efficient and offensive US negotiators. The US-SACU FTA must still be pursued to ensure that the benefits of AGOA are locked in. It will be beneficial for SACU if the different needs for all the SACU countries are addressed and the negotiations are done in incremental steps .

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

44

Odendaal, Daniel Jacobus. "AGOA III and the proposed Free Trade Agreement between SACU and the USA : implications of a Free Trade Agreement with an industrialised country for SACU." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/21982.

Full text

Abstract:

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2007.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The SACU bloc, which accounts for one-half of the subcontinent's GDP, is the largest market for the US exports in SSA (Langton, January 2005). Wide differences exist among the economies of SACU - while SA has developed a significant manufacturing and industrial capacity, the other countries remain dependent on agriculture and mineral extraction. The grouping is dominated by SA, which accounts for 87% of the population, and 93% of the GDP of the customs area. SACU member states had a combined real GDP of $201bn in 2003. Services made up 65% of SA Trade in 2003 and had become a major player. In 2003, SACU was the 32nd largest trading partner of the US with two-way trade equivalent \ $7.3bn. Merchandise imports from SACU totaled $5.6bn in 2003, a 17.3% increase from 2002 and a 126% increase from 1996. They were composed of minerals such as platinum, diamonds, and titanium, textiles and apparel, vehicles, and automotive parts. Major US exports to the region include aircraft, vehicles, computers, and construction and agricultural equipment. Services trade between the US and SA has increased dramatically for both countries, with US exports increasing 154% and service imports from SA increasing by 383% respectively since 1992. The stock of US FDI in SA totaled $3.9bn in 2003 and was centered around manufacturing chemicals and services. The main economic objective of FTAs is to reduce trade barriers between member countries and liberalize trade and investment rules (Kanoute, November 2005). This improves market access which is the key to foreign export earnings and investment. But market access is a door that swings both ways, opening local markets to a flood of imports. This can undermine domestic production and employment, and thus exacerbate poverty. Some US civil society organizations have expressed concern that a SACU FTA could have negative consequences for poor Southern Africans, citing potential adjustment costs for import-competing farmers, poor enforcement of labour rights, privatization of utilities, and increased restrictions on importing generic drugs to treat HIV/AIDS (Langton, January 2005). The proposed FTA is ambitious, especially given the tight deadline and the broad range of topics on the negotiating table (Zunckel, Tralac). These include not only tariffs on goods, as is traditional in trade talks, but the wider global economic panoply of agriculture, rules of origin intellectual property, trade in services, investment, government procurement, trade remedies, labour, environmental standards and trade dispute settlement. The US gains reciprocity by gaining improved access to the SACU market than it currently enjoys under AGOA. The IP and "TRIPS plus" provisions are of particular concern to consumers (www.tralac.org.) Ongoing developments at the multilateral level bode against the advisability of entering into binding bilateral agreements with less favourable provisions on essential medicines. Foreign investment could lead to greater industrialization within SACU and competition within local industry, boosting efficiency. But safeguards and industrial policy must be utilized effectively to protect the region's developmental goals. Reliance on domestic courts as the forum of first instance (and state-to-state dispute settlements should those fail) is preferable, as it allows greater possibilities of defending the public interest of SACU citizens over investors' interests (Langton, January 2005). Reaching consensus on negotiating strategy in SACU is no easy feat. Formal negotiations began in June 2003, but talks have made little progress over the past years. The interests of the five different countries, at differing stages of development, have to be reconciled (Draper. 2004). No doubt SA, with its diverse array of interests relative to its BLNS partners in the customs union, will drive this. SACU negotiators, in common with those in many developing countries, have great difficulty in understanding, let alone mobilizing, their services sectors. Hence they have adopted a defensive posture, favouring liberalization only in those (few) sub-sectors that are well understood. SACU has formally accepted an offer made by the US to progress a so-called trade and investment cooperation agreement (TICA). Prior negotiation will be needed among SACU countries, who clearly have an interest in coordinating its negotiation with other US bilateral negotiating partners (Whalley & Leith, December 2003).

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

45

Ighobor, Kingsley Lington. "Experiences and Perceptions of Liberian Business Leaders' Transformational Leadership Skills." ScholarWorks, 2015. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/1709.

Full text

Abstract:

African business leaders may not be effective because of a lack of transformational leadership skills. Business leaders applying transformational leadership skills can strengthen relationships with followers and enhance organizational performance. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the experiences and perspectives of Liberian business leaders regarding transformational leadership skills needed to lead profitable organizations. Building on a conceptual framework of transformational leadership theory, data were obtained from open-ended interviews of 20 Liberian business leaders operating in the capital city of Monrovia. Interviews were transcribed, coded, validated through transcript review, and analyzed to generate themes. The most prominent themes were the need for Liberian business leaders to act as role models, to attend to individual employee's needs, and to demonstrate ethical conduct. The findings indicated that Liberian business leaders may adopt transformational leadership to help a company gain a competitive advantage, make profits, and enhance employees' commitment and organizational performance. These findings may contribute to positive social change by creating awareness among Liberian business leaders about the benefits of transformational leadership to expand company operations, create employment opportunities, and contribute to poverty reduction in Liberia. Research findings may be useful information to Liberian policymakers, business leaders, and scholars seeking to understand business leadership challenges in a postconflict economy.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

46

Krone, Madlen [Verfasser], Peter [Gutachter] Dannenberg, and Elmar [Gutachter] Kulke. "Information and Communication Technology in Small- Scale Business Based Agricultural Value Chains in Sub-Saharan Africa. Examples from Kenyan and Tanzanian Horticulture / Madlen Krone ; Gutachter: Peter Dannenberg, Elmar Kulke." Köln : Universitäts- und Stadtbibliothek Köln, 2018. http://d-nb.info/116525557X/34.

Full text

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

47

Ogunleye, Michael. "Social Entrepreneurship: Exploring the Bricolage Model in Nigeria." ScholarWorks, 2019. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/6640.

Full text

Abstract:

Nigerian entrepreneurs face government barriers and lack the skills and awareness needed for successfully creating and scaling public value in resource-constrained environments. The concept of bricolage, which involves doing business by making do with resources at hand, has been addressed in the literature, but not as it occurs among Nigerian entrepreneurs. This study was conducted with the aim of narrowing this gap in knowledge by exploring how Nigerian entrepreneurs have successfully carried out their businesses. The research question addressed how Nigerian entrepreneurs overcame critical situations to successfully address the challenges of scaling and creating public value, and whether the theory of entrepreneurial bricolage can support their actions. A qualitative descriptive single case study with a purposeful sample of 22 interview respondents was employed. A total of 145 critical incidents were analyzed by fitting them into themes constructed a priori from the known behavioral patterns that emerged through the theoretical taxonomy of the concept of entrepreneurial bricolage. The results showed that Nigerian entrepreneurs made do with the resources at hand, improvised, and invoked stakeholder participation and persuasion to solve critical challenges of business continuity. The outcome of the research should help potential entrepreneurs determine strategies to scale their ideas or innovations to achieve positive social change. The results may be useful to any fledgling entrepreneur who needs encouragement when feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of doing business in Nigeria. Budding entrepreneurs can learn from the experiences of those who are deemed successful in their businesses, thereby avoiding challenges when they can and strategizing for those challenges that are unavoidable.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

48

Ala-Mutka, Jonatan. "Powering Africa by Empowering its People : An Action Research study at a Zambian microgrid company building local capacity to reach large scale viability." Thesis, KTH, Skolan för industriell teknik och management (ITM), 2019. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:kth:diva-261596.

Full text

Abstract:

Despite recent advances in the global electrification rates, increasing from 76% in 1990 to 85% in 2012, the United Nations goal of universal access to electricity by 2030 is still far from achieved, with an estimated 1.1 billion people still without access to electricity. Over half of these live in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a majority in rural areas and extreme poverty. Major challenges are inert with the current electrification path of centralized grid extension, leaving these people without power in decades to come. Microgrids, a decentralized power system consisting of solar power generation, energy storage and distribution technology, has been hailed as the only option to provide life improving and productivity inducing power for rural communities in Africa. However, despite recent hype and development in the sector, the diffusion of microgrids is still incremental due to a lack of viable large-scale operation, required for profitability. This is explained by targeting customers in remote rural areas with low ability to pay, and the task of delivering expensive technology and complex operations needed to manage and operate the grids. No industry blueprint or research on how to operate microgrids at scale or profitably exists. This thesis explores one blueprint, with the promise to increase profitability and allow for a more sustainable scaling. Local Capacity building is a decentralized approach by developing capacity directly in the local communities, through recruiting, skills development and training of people to be employed to operate and manage their local microgrids. The results consist of a framework outlining what local capacity building is, through research propositions that define the key components capturing the complete system of local capacity building is for scaling a microgrid business, along with the challenges and opportunities associated with scaling a business using local capacity building. It has been developed iteratively by application of an action research approach conducted on a small-scale Zambian Microgrid company facing radical growth. The researcher was immersed in the context, at the heart of this change, and in a participatory and interventionist fashion turning every stone to explore what local capacity building is, resulting in a robust study anchored in the field. Because of the contextually embedded nature of the data, this also means that the results are local. It is up to the reader to assess the applicability of the results in another context. The extensive results span multiple areas of the business, capturing the complexity of local capacity building, and contribute to knowledge on a holistic level on what local capacity building is. This blueprint was deemed viable to further develop in the small-scale Zambian microgrid company, specifically because of its potential to lower operating expenses and offer a more sustainable way to scale, and in extension diffuse microgrids in Africa.
Trots en positiv utveckling i tillgång till el globalt, ökandes från 76% år 1990, till 85% år 2012, så är Förenta Nationernas mål om universell tillgång till el till år 2030, långt ifrån att bli uppfyllt. 1.1 miljarder människor estimeras vara utan tillgång till el globalt, där över hälften av dessa bor i Sub-Saharanska Afrika, med majoriteten levandes på landsbygden och i extrem fattigdom. Stora utmaningar finns med innevarande elektrifierings strategin, som handlar om centraliserad elproduktion och distribution genom ett centralt elnät, detta kommer att lämna dessa människor utan el under lång tid framöver. Mikronät, ett decentraliserat energisystem, som kan producera och distribuera el, har lyfts fram som det bästa alternativet för att försörja livsförbättrande och produktivitetsökande elektricitet för samhällen på landsbygden i Afrika. Dock, trots nylig hype och utveckling i mikronät sektorn, så är spridningen av mikronät fortfarande inkrementell, beroende av en brist på genomförbarheten av att driva mikronät verksamheten i stor skala, vilket krävs för lönsamhet. Detta förklaras av den fundamentala utmaningen i att inrikta sig mot kunder i avlägsna områden, med en låg förmåga att betala, kombinerat med leveransen av dyr teknologi, och de komplex operativa strukturerna som krävs. Det finns ingen forskning eller blåkopia i industrin som visar hur man skulle kunna bedriva mikronäts verksamhets i stor skala, eller på ett lönsamt vis. Denna forskning undersöker en möjlig sådan blåkopia, med löftet att öka lönsamheten och möjliggöra en mer hållbar spridning. Utveckling av lokal kapacitet, är ett decentraliserat tillvägagångssätt för att utveckla kapacitet direkt i dessa avlägsna samhällen, genom rekrytering, färdighetsutveckling och utbildning av människor för att bli anställda för att sköta deras lokala mikronät. Resultaten i studien består av ett ramverk som visar vad utveckling av lokal kapacitet innebär, genom forskningsförslag som definierar vilka nyckelkomponenter som krävs för att skala upp en mikronäts verksamhet, tillsammans med utmaningar och möjligheter för att göra detta. Ramverket har utvecklats iterativt genom applicering av Action Research, utförd i ett småskaligt mikronät företag i Zambia som står inför en radikal expansion. Forskaren var fördjupad i företagskontexten, i hjärtat av förändringen, och på ett ingripande och deltagande sätt vänt på varenda sten för att utforska vad utveckling av lokal kapacitet är. Detta resulterade i en robust studie, förankrad i verkligheten. På grund av den kontextuellt inbäddade naturen av datan, så betyder detta även att resultaten är lokala. Det är upp till läsaren att bedöma till vilken grad resultaten kan appliceras i en annan kontext. De omfattande resultaten spänner över många olika områden i företaget, och lyckas fånga komplexiteten i vad utveckling av lokal kapacitet är. Blåkopian som utvecklades, bedömdes värdefull att utveckla vidare i företaget där studien gjorde, specifikt för dess potential att minska de operativa kostnaderna och erbjuda ett mer hållbart sätt att skala verksamheten, och i förlängningen, erbjuda ett mer hållbart sätt att sprida tillgång till el i Afrika.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

49

Mphaka, Patrick. "Strategies for Reducing Microfinance Loan Default in Low-Income Markets." ScholarWorks, 2017. https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/4391.

Full text

Abstract:

Poor loan repayment causes the decline and failure of some microfinance institutions. The purpose of this qualitative multiple case study was to explore strategies that microfinance (MFI) leaders use to reduce loan default in the base of the pyramid market. The study population included 6 MFI leaders, 12 borrower community-based groups, and 4 staff members of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA Rwanda) who reduced MFI loan default in Rwanda. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 3 MFI leaders, 3 ADRA Rwanda staff members, and 3 members of borrower groups. Data were also collected through focus groups with 3 borrower community-based groups comprising 6 to 8 members. Additional data were collected through the analysis of MFI and ADRA Rwanda organizational documents. The Varian group lending model was the conceptual framework for the study. Data analysis involved methodological triangulation and the Gadamerian hermeneutics framework of interpretation. Four major themes emerged: intrapreneurship and environmental business opportunities, favorable loan repayment conditions, strategies for choosing borrower groups, and loan use monitoring. A sustainable microfinance institution can produce social change by providing microfinance loans that clients can use to start and grow microenterprises that can become the source of income for improving the lives of clients and their family members. Findings may also be used to create economic growth through the participation of more people in economic activities in the base of the pyramid market.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

50

Premer, Stefan, and Brenda Nansubuga. "Organisational Learning in Business Model Innovation in the Bottom of Pyramid market : An empirical fieldwork about the market introduction of clean cookstoves in Mozambique." Thesis, Linköpings universitet, Företagsekonomi, 2018. http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-148135.

Full text

Abstract:

There is a need for cleaner technology initiatives into the Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP) market to combat the effects of climate change. The difficulty of these initiatives lies in their business model innovation process, as those organisations struggle in finding adequate strategies to establish their business in the BoP market. The BoP market is characterised as highly uncertain, which makes the operation of businesses challenging. Hereby the thesis aims at answering the question on how organisational learning occurs in business model innovation in the BoP market. Through a case study approach, the thesis intends to understand the requirements to establish a functioning business model by analysing organisational learning under business model innovation within the BoP market. This has been realised through a three week field study in Northern Mozambique, observing the market introduction of a cleantech company operating in this context. Hereby the business model innovation process and the environment of operation was analysed. This research contributes to the current discussion of business model innovation in BoP markets by detecting organisational learning as a useful mechanism and adding relevant insights on how organisational learning occurs in this specific context. Therefore the study opens the discussion on organisational learning in business model innovation in the context of the BoP market by asking for further studies on the topic.

APA, Harvard, Vancouver, ISO, and other styles

Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Success in business – Africa, Sub-Saharan'

Create a spot-on reference in APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, and other styles