Exploring the impact of access to finance by small and medium-sized enterprises on employment creation in the Khomas region
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Date
2018
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Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
The aim of the thesis was to explore the relationship that exists between access to bank finance by manufacturing Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and the employment they create in the Khomas region. Employment creation is the dependent variable and defined as a measure of the net increase in employment levels over a two-year period. Access to finance is the independent variable and defined as a business condition wherein SMEs can obtain the funds they need to invest and grow. The mixed method approach was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data to achieve objectives of the study. Quantitative data was collected in Windhoek by administering a questionnaire in a survey of manufacturing SMEs. Qualitative data was collected through interviews with banks that operate a separate SME department in their structures. Quantitative data was analysed through bivariate and multivariate regression analysis using SPSS software, while qualitative data was analysed using the inductive strategy approach to produce a set of findings. Data analyses using both bivariate and multivariate regression models showed that there exists a linear relationship between access to finance by SMEs and employment creation in the Khomas region. The analyses further showed that the relationship is not only positive but strong.
The thesis concluded by showing that in the past two years, manufacturing SMEs made contributions to employment creation in the Khomas region, although to a limited extent. This was partly attributed to the challenges that SMEs face in accessing finance to fund their growth objectives. Based on the findings and conclusion, some recommendations were made that were aimed at addressing the challenges that limit the impact of SMEs to create employment in the Khomas region mainly because of a lack of access to bank finance. With these findings and recommendations, the objectives of the thesis were fully addressed.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Business Administration (Finance)
Keywords
Financial aid