The book under review titled “How to become a successful entrepreneur in Africa: A Practical Guide and Cases Book Review” was authored by Emeritus Professor John Kuada and Professor Madei Mangori (2021).
The book covers the principles in Part One, about 15 case studies from Botswana, Ghana, South Africa and Zimbabwe, and the selected profiles of the business entrepreneurs are shown in Part Three. Part Two of the book is centred on the profiles of successful African entrepreneurs and stories of various business people.
The book is quite rich in principles and integration of competence skills required in establishing and growing a business. The authors suggested a winning strategy. An alternative approach to the research methodology includes the integral research architecture comprising empirical phenomenology, storytelling, grounded theory, and case study.
A Social business dimension is proposed to lift up the level of development in the disadvantaged communities, so that the success of the entrepreneurs will also lift up the standard of living of the neighboring communities.
Table of Contents
1. Analytical Exposition
1.1 Background
1.2 Profiles of the two authors - Emeritus Professor John Kuada and Professor Madei Mangori
1.2.1 Emeritus Professor John Kuada
1.2.2 Professor Madei Mangori
1.3 Motivation and structure of the book
2. Critical Context
2.1 Part One
2.2 Part Two and Part Three
2.3 Research Methodology
3. Integrative Conclusion
Objectives and Themes
The book provides a practical guide for entrepreneurs in Africa, aiming to bridge the gap between theoretical business principles and the realities of establishing and growing a sustainable enterprise in an African context. It focuses on equipping business owners with necessary competence skills while proposing a social business dimension to foster broader community development.
- Entrepreneurial mindset and business strategy
- Case studies of successful African business ventures
- Management efficiency vs. effectiveness
- Integration of social business models for poverty eradication
- Holistic research methodologies for African development
Excerpt from the Book
1.3 Motivation and structure of the book
The book cites case studies from Botswana, Ghana, South Africa and Zimbabwe, and amply showcases with a pragmatism approach successful business enterprises owned by business women and men in different sectors of their economies. The book is a practical illustration of the Education 5.0 national policy of the Government of Zimbabwe and such similar policies within Southern Africa now widely sought by many African countries as a strategy for industrialisation and creation of employment. The Education 5.0 policy places greater emphasis on the production of goods and services by universities and polytechnics, and so is a complete transformation of mission which directs universities and tertiary institutions to be focused on programmes that lead to production of goods and services.
The motivation for writing the book emanated from the interaction between Professor Madei Mangori and owners of small businesses in Botswana, Ghana, South Africa and Zimbabwe during management training sessions and workshops over the past three decades. The owners of these small businesses requested from the authors practical guidelines to help new business owners improve their companies and remain confident and determined in the face of adversities in an African context. According to the authors, the main aim of the book was to give some practical guidelines to entrepreneurs already in business and those contemplating establishing businesses in Africa. It was also envisaged that the book would provide some suggestions and pointers that may be considered sources of solutions to the challenges they are likely to face.
Summary of Chapters
1. Analytical Exposition: This chapter introduces the background of the publication, provides professional profiles of the authors, and outlines the motivation and structure guiding the work.
2. Critical Context: This section provides a detailed discourse on the principles presented in the book, including mindset, management efficiency, leadership styles, and an overview of the research methodology used.
3. Integrative Conclusion: The final chapter synthesizes the lessons learned from the case studies and emphasizes the need for a social business dimension to ensure long-term sustainability and community development.
Keywords
Entrepreneur, business transformation, social business dimension, discourse analysis, integral research architecture, leadership, management efficiency, Africa, SME development, strategy, education policy, poverty eradication, mindset, case study, sustainable growth
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental purpose of this book?
The book serves as a practical guide for both existing and aspiring entrepreneurs in Africa, providing guidelines to navigate business challenges and succeed in an African context.
What are the primary thematic areas covered in the work?
The themes include business strategy, management efficiency, leadership development, the role of mindset in success, and the application of social business models for community improvement.
What is the central research question addressed?
The central question is: "How can one become a successful entrepreneur in Africa?"
Which scientific methodology does the book utilize?
The authors employ an integral research architecture that combines empirical phenomenology, storytelling, grounded theory, and case studies to provide a holistic view of entrepreneurship.
What topics are discussed in the main body of the text?
The main body examines business principles such as managing employees, financial health assessment, the difference between effectiveness and efficiency, and specific profiles of successful African business people.
Which keywords best characterize the work?
Key terms include entrepreneur, social business dimension, business transformation, integral research architecture, and sustainable growth.
How does the book propose to help disadvantaged communities?
It proposes integrating a social business dimension where successful businesses, while remaining financially sustainable, contribute to local development and infrastructure to lift neighboring communities out of poverty.
What is the "Education 5.0" policy mentioned in the text?
It is a Zimbabwean policy that transforms tertiary education by focusing on programs that directly lead to the production of goods and services, emphasizing teaching, research, community service, innovation, and industrialization.
- Citation du texte
- Professor Gabriel Kabanda (Auteur), 2021, Becoming a Successful Entrepreneur in Africa. Analysis of Principles and Skills Required, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1150265
