A business framework to network small South African enterprises for sustainability
Date
2007
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
SAIIE
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This paper describes the role and use of enterprise engineering concepts as a formal
approach to the deployment of sustainable networks of small businesses in South
Africa. Small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) operating in the informal
South African economy struggle to survive for various reasons. A business
framework is suggested that supports informal SMMEs through their initial stages of
operation, and by doing so, improves sustainable growth and employment
opportunities. This implies integration of informal business activities with the formal
economy. The business framework is constructed using the Zachman Enterprise
Reference Architecture, and is benchmarked by a small-scale fish farming project
case study to validate the research hypothesis.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie artikel beskryf die toepassing van bedryfsingenieurswesebeginsels as 'n formele benadering tot die ontwikkeling van volhoubare netwerke van klein ondernemings in Suid-Afrika. Verskeie faktore dra by tot die sukkelende voortbestaan van “SMMEs” in die informele ekonomie van die land. As moontlike oplossing vir hierdie probleem word ‘n besigheidsraamwerk voorgestel wat informele “SMMEs” gedurende hul aanvangsfase ondersteun en daardeur volhoubare groei en werkskeppingsgeleenthede verbeter. Realisering van hierdie besigheidsraamwerk impliseer integrasie-aktiwiteite tussen die informele en formele ekonomieë. Die besigheidsraamwerk is ontwikkel met behulp van Zachman se Besigheidsverwysingsargitektuur. ‘n Visboerderyprojek dien as gevallestudie vir validasie van hierdie navorsingshipotese.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie artikel beskryf die toepassing van bedryfsingenieurswesebeginsels as 'n formele benadering tot die ontwikkeling van volhoubare netwerke van klein ondernemings in Suid-Afrika. Verskeie faktore dra by tot die sukkelende voortbestaan van “SMMEs” in die informele ekonomie van die land. As moontlike oplossing vir hierdie probleem word ‘n besigheidsraamwerk voorgestel wat informele “SMMEs” gedurende hul aanvangsfase ondersteun en daardeur volhoubare groei en werkskeppingsgeleenthede verbeter. Realisering van hierdie besigheidsraamwerk impliseer integrasie-aktiwiteite tussen die informele en formele ekonomieë. Die besigheidsraamwerk is ontwikkel met behulp van Zachman se Besigheidsverwysingsargitektuur. ‘n Visboerderyprojek dien as gevallestudie vir validasie van hierdie navorsingshipotese.
Description
CITATION: Brand, R. P., Du Preez, N. D. & Schutte, C. 2007. A business framework to network small South African enterprises for sustainability. South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 18(2):187-201, doi:10.7166/18-2-126.
The original publication is available at http://sajie.journals.ac.za
The original publication is available at http://sajie.journals.ac.za
Keywords
Business networks, Sustainable networks, Businesses, Small -- Research, Business enterprises -- Size
Citation
Brand, R. P., Du Preez, N. D. & Schutte, C. 2007. A business framework to network small South African enterprises for sustainability. South African Journal of Industrial Engineering, 18(2):187-201, doi:10.7166/18-2-126