Acta Commercii

Orientation: Although tourism growth is higher relative to other industries in South Africa, the failure rate for entrepreneurs in the hospitality subsector is higher relative than other industries.
Research purpose: The aim of this research was to identify personality traits affecting entrepreneurial performance in the hospitality subsector.
Motivation for the study: By identifying the personality traits affecting entrepreneurial performance, steps can be made to identify individuals who are likely to be successful entrepreneurs.
Research design, approach and method: A random sampling method was used to select respondents. However, only entrepreneurs that employ fewer than 50 full-time employees and who had been in operation for at least 2 years were targeted. A mixed methods research design was then followed. A meeting was held with ten entrepreneurs (qualitative) to discuss the purpose of the study. Consequently, a total of 437 entrepreneurs successfully completed questionnaires (quantitative). Exploratory factor analysis was used to analyse the data.
Main findings: The findings clearly indicate that extraversion, conscientiousness and openness to experience significantly (p < 0.05) and positively affected the performance of entrepreneurs whilst neuroticism significantly (p < 0.05) and negatively affected the performances of entrepreneurs.
Practical/managerial implications: Existing entrepreneurs would do well to develop these traits or employ people with traits that complement their own to assist them in managing their enterprises. Future entrepreneurs may consider these results and decide whether, based on their personality, they are really suited to business ownership.
Contribution/value-add: The research confirms that entrepreneurial attributes differ from industry to industry and are industry specific.

Orientation: Formal independent small Sowetan retail businesses operate under challenging economic conditions that impede their ability to survive. However, the management of the logistical supply chain drivers can increase these small retailers’ odds of survival.
Research purpose: To investigate whether the management of the logistical supply chain drivers can serve as a predictor of formal independent small Sowetan retail businesses’ odds of survival.
Motivation for the study: Assisting formal independent small Sowetan retail businesses to integrate with local and formal supply chains, as well as increasing their odds of survival amidst the difficult economic conditions under which they operate.
Research design, approach and method: A quantitative survey was conducted among 650 formal independent small Sowetan businesses, of which the responses of 556 retailers were analysed. Two binary logistic regression models were developed to determine whether the management of the logistical supply chain drivers could predict the small retailers’ odds of survival.
Main findings: The results of two binary logistic regression models showed that the management of the three logistical supply chain drivers influences the odds of formal independent small Sowetan retail businesses surviving for 5 years or longer, as well as their odds of growing their annual income.
Practical/managerial implications: Assisting policymakers when designing developmental initiatives for townships.
Contribution/value-add: This study strives to assist formal independent small Sowetan retail businesses operating within a developing country to manage their logistical supply chain drivers to increase their odds of survival and contribute to the economic development of their country.

Orientation: Agri-businesses, especially at the farmer level, are devoid of sound marketing strategy.
Research purpose: This study aimed to highlight the marketing mix elements most considered by pork-based agri-businesses.
Motivation for the study: Zimbabwe underwent institutional transformation policies of land reform and indigenisation policies. New industry players came to the fore. However, they were devoid of sound business background.
Research design, approach and method: The study utilised a questionnaire in a cross-sectional survey of 166 pig farmers, 6 pork processors and 24 pork butchers in Mashonaland Central province. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression and multiple linear regression were used to analyse the data.
Main findings: Product, promotion, price and partnership were considered. Category of agribusiness, distance the furthest buyer travelled, the merchandise handled and frequency of abattoir or processor buyers determined marketing mix strategy. Perceptive performance of the agri-businesses in terms of marketing mix strategy was determined by category of agri-business, merchandise consideration, frequency of abattoir or processor buyer, seasonality of sales and time of consideration when selling; agri-business location and the experience of the agri-business.
Practical/managerial implications: The study concluded with the myopic use of marketing mix based strategies in the Zimbabwean agri-businesses, targeting product-based characteristics, with varying determinants. There is opportunity to strategically position where place, promotion and pricing advantages exist.
Contribution/value-add: The study added to insights for marketing managers, especially in a structural transformation situation, what marketing strategies are mostly utilised. This tends to avail shortfalls and opportunities that can be taken advantage of, to strategically position pork agri-businesses in Zimbabwe.