Suchergebnisse

This paper sought to examine the challenges and government support for urban small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Zimbabwe and offer policy direction for further development of the sector. Previous studies that explored challenges facing the urban SMEs in Zimbabwe paid little attention to government support and policy strategies to develop the sector further (Chigwenya & Mudzengerere, 2013; Thebe & Ncube, 2015). This study intends to fill this gap. Using a qualitative research design, we gathered data from 25 purposively sampled SMEs through in-depth interviews. Data were analysed using content analysis. Results revealed that urban SMEs face several challenges, including access to finance, lack of technical and management skills, and stringent government regulations. Although the government implemented some policies to support SMEs, these measures were inadequate. The government should set aside more resources to support the sector, including SMEs clustering and establishing more business incubation centres to facilitate technology and skills transfer. The government should also strike a balance between the regulatory laws of the sector and its development to achieve sustained growth. More importantly, the government's urban plans should incorporate the pressing demands of climate change in building inclusive, resilient, and sustainable cities of the future. The study proposed areas for future research

Training and development have emerged as important construct within entrepreneurial literature over the past two decades. This study proves how training and development can effectively advance fish farming productivity in Odogbolu Metropolis. The impact of fishermen's educational level on fish profitability was examined. The influence of feed quality on fish performance was also demonstrated. The assessment of fish weight/size as a determinant of fish marketability in the study area was also researched. The study's objectives were underscored through the lens of constructivism and human capital theories. A purposive sampling technique was adopted to determine one hundred and twenty-one sample sizes. A quantitative approach was employed, and three hypotheses were presented and tested by applying regression techniques using SPSS software. The study found a significant association between fish farmers' educational level and profitability. Feed quality showed a significant association with fish performance, and a significant association was also found between fish weight/size and fish marketability. The study proves that fish farmers should educate themselves through training and development programs on quality fish production regarding fish weight/size, fish performance, and fish marketability. Government and stakeholders must proactively encourage adult education among fish farmers to expose them to the benefits of fish farming activities in the study area.

This study explores gendered lending and marketing practices of start-up capital to women entrepreneurs in South Africa. A multi-method research design, comprising of 6 in-depth interviews with experts, and a survey of 50 women entrepreneurs was adopted using convenience and snowball sampling techniques, respectively. The findings revealed that women entrepreneurs are experiencing gendered discriminatory practices embedded in lending practices used by financial institutions, thereby discouraging them to venture into non-traditional industries. Whilst financial providers may know their products well, many emerging women entrepreneurs in South Africa may find it difficult and costly to obtain information on the thousands of financial products available. Hence, women entrepreneurs resort to taking greater risks than necessary in order to get their businesses off the ground. Educating women on financial matters is extremely important if South Africa is to benefit fully from the untapped entrepreneurial talent that women possess. The study adds voice to the discriminatory lending practices faced by women entrepreneurs in developing countries. Future research could explore the feasibility of establishing a financial institution which caters specifically for the needs of women.