THE USE OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES IN SOUTH AFRICAN START-UP BUSINESSES

摘要

Small to medium enterprises are a vital part of the economy yet have a high rate of failure. Whilst research has explored the causes of start-up business failure, little research has been conducted to determine the potential project management techniques that may increase the rate of success of start-up businesses. This study is an initial exploration of the possibility to employ project management techniques towards start-up business success. A comparison of projects and start-up businesses is conducted to draw an analogy in which start-up businesses could be treated as a special ty pe of project; and that project management techniques could impact the success of start-up businesses. Literature indicates that the analogy is viable. Consequently, a survey was conducted in South Africa to determine the possibility of employing project management techniques for business success. The results indicate that project management techniques positively influence the chance of start-up business success. On this basis it is recommended that certain project management techniques, in particular checklists, communication plans and contingency plans, be employed by entrepreneurs of small to medium enterprises towards enhanced business success. It is recommended that further research into the effectiveness of the techniques be conducted.