Critical factors that influence the success and failure of SMEs in Namibia in the Khomas Region
Date
2005-12
Authors
April, Wilfred Isak
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
This study seeks to analyse the critical factors that influence the success and
failure of Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Namibia in the Khomas Findings of the study indicate that there is a problem of business failure in the
Khomas Region. Although business owners of successful and unsuccessful
businesses recognise the support from the government, most unsuccessful
business owners feel that the lack of proper governmental assistance is still
one of the most critical factors that led to failure.
Finally the major recommendation of the study highlights the issue that the
government should come up with strategic measures (such as business
incubators) that will prolong the survival of SMEs.
Region. To achieve this, the objectives of this study are to confirm whether
there is a problem of business failure in Namibia in the Khomas Region. This
will be done by identifying the causes of the problems and to search for
practical solutions, given the causes of the problems. It is important that the
problems associated with business success and failure be understood.
Through an analysis of theoretical information and empirical results it is
possible to establish how to facilitate more innovative and effective
development that is much needed in developing countries, such as Namibia.
From the literature it became clear that there are numerous advantages and
disadvantages associated with operating an SME. There will be always
disadvantages for which we may never find solutions. Despite this, it is
evident that SMEs are crucial for the development of any country, as they
offer benefits such as subcontractors for larger organisations, economic
growth and employment generation.
Data were colleted from respondents by means of forty structured
questionnaires (twenty for successful firms and twenty for unsuccessful firms)
consisting of 23 questions (plus three open-ended questions). Nineteen of
the questionnaires were returned of which twelve were from successful firms
and nine from unsuccessful firms. The sample was drawn from a list of all the
SME owners in Namibia in the Khomas Region.
Description
Thesis (MComm (Business Management))--University of Stellenbosch, 2005.
Keywords
Small business -- Namibia -- Khomas, Business failures -- Namibia -- Khomas, Business enterprises -- Namibia -- Khomas, Success in business -- Namibia -- Khomas, Dissertations -- Business management, Theses -- Business management