Assignment 2
EXCEPTIONAL ANSWERS
Due 15 June 2025
, OTE2601
Assignment 2
Due 15 June 2025
QUESTION 1: Reasons for Business Failure in South Africa
The failure of numerous businesses within South Africa, despite the country's notable
entrepreneurial figures such as Patrice Motsepe, underscores a complex interplay of
internal management deficiencies and external environmental challenges. Critical
examination reveals ten pivotal factors:
1. Lack of Planning and Strategy
A foundational element of entrepreneurial success is a comprehensive business
plan that delineates objectives, operational tactics, and contingency measures.
Nieman and Nieuwenhuizen (2009) emphasize that the absence of strategic
planning relegates entrepreneurs to reactive modes, impairing their ability to
adapt proactively to market dynamics and increasing susceptibility to failure.
2. Poor Financial Management
Inadequate financial literacy manifests in mismanagement of cash flows, pricing
strategies, and budgeting processes. Van Aardt et al. (2011) argue that the
inability to monitor financial metrics leads to insolvency, highlighting that sound
financial management is indispensable for sustainability, especially in volatile
environments.
3. Limited Access to Funding
Access to capital remains a significant barrier, exacerbated by stringent collateral
requirements from financial institutions. This restricts entrepreneurial growth and
resilience, as early-stage ventures often lack the requisite security to secure
loans, impeding scaling and crisis management.
4. Lack of Market Research
Launching products or services without a nuanced understanding of the target