BMNG6212 - Business Management Assignment - The IIE

Assignment Task

As the South African government tries to empower more young entrepreneurs amid a high unemployment rate, one man is already growing his technological enterprise. He started the business out of the boot of his car 15 years ago and has expanded across South Africa. Entrepreneur, Luvuyo Rani, founder and managing director of IT services company Silulo Ulutho Technologies, is a former teacher who started his company as a micro business from the boot of his car in 2004, selling computers to teachers as his primary target market.

In 2019, Silulo Ulutho Technologies had 42 branches in South Africa and has also started to expand beyond the borders of the country. “Africa has so much opportunity despite its challenges. I’m a dreamer and see the possibilities of this continent,” said Rani. He shared his incredible story of perseverance and resilience during his keynote address at the Annual Association of African Business Schools (AABS) Conference hosted by the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) in June 2019. “When I began this business, I had no capital. My brother had to make a personal loan of R10 000 as seed capital for the business. Within two months, all that money was gone. “When I went to schools, people said that I was crazy for leaving teaching to sell second-hand computers. Others suspected that I was stealing computers from schools and selling them back to the schools,” Rani said. Rani saw an opportunity to raise funds and encouraged teachers to form a stokvel. “In a group of six, each would pay R400 a month and within six months each one of them would have a computer. In some schools, I would tell the teachers to give me 70 percent of R2,400 in order for me to buy the computer and they pay the remainder the following month. In dealing with the negativity, I developed a thicker skin and kept on going to the schools and built relations with some teachers. Some of these relationships are ones I have still maintained to this very day.

The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd 2023 Page 4 of 6 Steadily he started setting up internet cafes in Khayelitsha, where he is from, and also realised the need to offer training to people, especially teachers and students on how to use computers. Rani is also a member of USB’s Small Business Academy (SBA) steering committee, which offers a ninemonth development programme to small business owners. His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to really focus on what they are doing. “Only once you have achieved success in one project can you then go on to venture onto new projects.

Always remain as passionate as you can about what you do because you will face some extremely challenging times, where passion will keep you sustained and breathe fire to your spirit. “You should always have an attitude that is positive and believe that anything is possible as long as you put your mind to it. And lastly, work hard, dream big, start small but always have a bigger picture in mind,” advised.

Questions

1. As the business grew, Luvuyo needed to ensure that he continues to keep abreast of changes in the business environment. Within the context of Silulo, analyse the remote/macro environment. Apply any three sub-environmental factors.

2. Briefly discuss the ways in which Luvuyo can continue to learn to manage his business successfully.

3. Luvuyo recently employed an HR Manager. Discuss the level of management that this HR manager represents and associated responsibilities at this level of management

4. Upon deciding to expand Silulo technologies into Africa, Luvuyo had to consider whether it was the right move for the business at the time. This led Luvuyo to better understand his role as business owner and manager. Analyse the managerial skills needed by Luvuyo to ensure this growth is managed effectively. Ensure that your discussion includes all three skill categories.

5. Luvuyo has been approached by an international investor to buy Silulo. This has led to concerns among staff about how these changes will affect their jobs in the organisation. Advise Luvuyo on any five methods to deal with resistance to this change.

6. Using Luvuyo as context, describe the trait theory and comment on the traits exhibited by Luvuyo.

7. Discuss whether Luvuyo is a manager or leader (or both). Justify your choice

8. Within the context of Silulo Ulutho Technologies, write an essay of words, discussing how Luvuyo can use the reinforcement theory to ensure staff stay motivated in the workplace. Conduct additional research on Silulo Technologies and the reinforcement theory and compile a well-structured essay with practical examples. Paraphrasing and references to be included. (Hint: your answer should summarise all key concepts from the relevant chapter with practical application to the case study provided)

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