To read this content please select one of the options below:

The practical application of an entrepreneurial performance training model in South Africa

Jurie van Vuuren (University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa)
Melodi Botha (University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa)

Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development

ISSN: 1462-6004

Article publication date: 26 October 2010

1613

Abstract

Purpose

This paper sets out to apply practically the constructs of the entrepreneurial performance training model to three different training interventions, known as the business start‐up, basic entrepreneurship, and advanced entrepreneurship programmes. Furthermore, the paper aims to measure the business performance indicators and skills transfer that took place after the training interventions.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research was conducted, using three validated research questionnaires. The research design consists of a pre‐test, post‐test and post‐post test (ten weeks after the training interventions took place). Factor analysis was done, descriptive statistics arising from opinions and expressions are presented and statistical tests such as the Chi‐square test and ANOVA provide inferential statistics.

Findings

The business performance indicators improved for all three training groups after they attended the training interventions. Furthermore, it was proved that skills transfer took place after the respondents attended the training interventions.

Research limitations/implications

The training groups can be measured again after 18 months of three years to really determine the impact of the training interventions. The results of the three training programmes can be compared to see whether the basic entrepreneurship groups gained more skills and their business performance indicators increased more than the business start‐up or advanced entrepreneurship programmes.

Practical implications

The outcomes and implications of this research paper emphasise that it is imperative to design training programmes based on training models that have been tested. This paper highlights some aspects of how constructs used within the training models can be tested.

Originality/value

The entrepreneurial performance‐training model was practically applied and provides a set of expectations for other entrepreneurship models as well as presenting a benchmark against which programme performance can be measured. A unique teaching methodology is portrayed that contributes to the overall effectiveness of the training model.

Keywords

Citation

van Vuuren, J. and Botha, M. (2010), "The practical application of an entrepreneurial performance training model in South Africa", Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. 17 No. 4, pp. 607-625. https://doi.org/10.1108/14626001011088750

Publisher

:

Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2010, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Related articles