The need for skills development among SMTEs in Mnquma Municipality, South Africa
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.38140/ijrcs-2024.vol6.11Keywords:
Rurality, tourism, small businesses, economic growth, Mnquma MunicipalityAbstract
This study aims to examine the impact of educational qualifications and skills development on the managerial competencies and performance of Small and Medium Tourism Enterprises (SMTEs) in Mnquma Municipality, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The research design employed in this study is descriptive, and a total of 64 SMTE owners and managers were selected through purposive sampling. The data collection process involved the use of self-administered questionnaires, which included items on demographic information and insights into training and skills development initiatives. The findings of the study indicate that 51.7% of the respondents hold a diploma or degree, while only 8.6% possess postgraduate qualifications, suggesting the existence of a potential gap in advanced managerial skills. A significant majority of the respondents (77.6%) agree that training workshops, seminars, and conferences are beneficial for enhancing managerial competencies. However, the study also reveals that there are barriers preventing access to these opportunities, as indicated by 22.4% of respondents who were undecided or disagreed on their value. Overall, the study emphasises the importance of tailored training programs that address the specific needs of SMTE managers in rural areas. Enhanced skills development is crucial for enhancing the operational efficiency and sustainability of SMTEs, thereby contributing to broader economic growth. In conclusion, investing in skills development initiatives can significantly enhance the performance and sustainability of SMTEs in Mnquma Municipality, thus fostering economic growth and development in the region. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to support the small business sector in rural areas.
References
Alabladejo, M., & Schmitz, H. (2001). Enhancing the competitiveness of SMEs in Africa: A strategic framework for support services. Economic Commission for Africa.
GEM. 2016. GEM 2015/2016 global report. Global Entrepreneurship Monitor. https://www.gemconsortium.org/report/gem-2015-2016-global-report
GEM. 2024. GEM 2023/2024 global report - 25 years and growing. Global Entrepreneurship Monitor. https://gemconsortium.org/report/global-entrepreneurship-monitor-gem-20232024-global-report-25-years-and-growing
GEM. 2021. GEM 2020/2021 global report. Global Entrepreneurship Monitor. https://www.gemconsortium.org/report/gem-20202021-global-report
Guertler, M. R., & Sick, N. (2021). Exploring the enabling effects of project management for SMEs in adopting open innovation–A framework for partner search and selection in open innovation projects. International Journal of Project Management, 39(2), 102-114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijproman.2020.06.007
Haider, H. (2018). Constraints to business growth in low- and medium-income countries. K4D Helpdesk Report. Institute of Development Studies.
Jones, G. (2013). Entrepreneurship and multinationals: Global business and the making of the modern world. Edward Elgar Pub.
Khan, S. A. R., Yu, Z., Belhadi, A., & Mardani, A. (2020). Investigating the effects of renewable energy on international trade and environmental quality. Journal of Environmental Management, 272, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.111089
Kotler, P. & Keller K. (2014). Marketing Management 15th edition Saddle River. Prentice Hall.
Lee, W. I., & Josiam, B. M. (2004). A framework for assessing national convention tourism competitiveness: An exploratory study. Journal for International Business and Entrepreneurship Development, 2(2), 105-112. https://doi.org/10.1504/JIBED.2004.007859
Mxunyelwa, S. (2017). Events tourism as catalyst to promote destinations: Event attendees’ perceptions of events in East London, South Africa. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 6(1), 1-9.
Mxunyelwa, S., & Vallabh, D. (2017). Skills as impediment to small and medium tourism enterprises (SMTEs), Eastern Cape, South Africa. African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 6(4), 1–8.
National Development Plan. (2016). Skills Development Act, 1998 (Act No. 97 of 1998). Government Gazette, South Africa.
Ndiaye, N., Razak, L. A Nagayey, R., & Ng, A. (2018). Demystifying small and medium enterprises SMEs performance in emerging and developing economies. Borsa Istanbul Review, 18(4), 269-281. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bir.2018.04.003
Nieman, G. (2011). Small Business Management: A South African Approach. Juta and Company Ltd
Shah, S. F. H., Nazir, T., Zaman, K., & Shabir, M. (2013). Factors affecting the growth of enterprises: A survey of the literature from the perspective of small and medium-sized enterprises. Journal of Enterprise Transformation, 3(2), 53-75. https://doi.org/10.1080/19488289.2011.650282
Stats SA. (2013). Skills development of managers in South Africa. Statistics South Africa
Stats SA. (2021). Impact of COVID-19 on small businesses in South Africa. Statistics South Africa
Tassiopoulos, D. (Ed.). (2011). New tourism ventures: An entrepreneurial and managerial approach (2. ed). Juta.
The National Development Plan. (2011). Vision for 2030. National Planning Commission. Underhill Corporate Solutions.
Thomas, R. (2004). International perspectives on small firms in tourism: A synthesis. In R. Thomas (Eds), Small Firms in Tourism (pp. 1–12). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-044132-0.50004-6
Vallabh, D. (2014). Customer relationship management in small to medium tourism enterprises (SMTEs) in the Eastern Cape Province [Doctoral dissertation, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University].
Vallabh, D., & Mhlanga, O. (2015). Influence of demographic factors on business performance in small to medium tourism enterprises (SMTEs). African Journal of Hospitality, Tourism and Leisure, 4(2), 1-9.
Vallabh, D., & Radder, L. (2010). Using customer relationship management as a vehicle to enhance the sustainability of small and medium tourism enterprises in the Eastern Cape, South Africa: Towards a conceptual framework. In ICSB World Conference Proceedings (p. 1). International Council for Small Business (ICSB).
World Bank. (2021). The World Bank Annual Report 2021. The World Bank.
World Bank. (2022). The World Bank Annual Report 2022. The World Bank.
World Travel & Tourism Council (2023). Travel and Economic Impact 2023 https://wttc.org/research/economic-impact
Zulu, L. (2015, October 22). Importance of SMMEs is big business for a country. Independent Online.
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
Copyright (c) 2024 Siyabonga Mxunyelwa
![Creative Commons License](http://i.creativecommons.org/l/by/4.0/88x31.png)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.