Research overview
The proposed study aims to explore and understand the process of venture distress among small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa. It focuses on how different challenges, such as cash-flow pressures, market competition and power outages, interact and contribute to business decline.
Using the Theory of Constraints as the guiding framework, the study will examine how business owners identify the most critical constraints, or “weakest links”, in their operations and what strategies they use to respond, recover or adapt during periods of distress.
The study seeks to interview 12 to 15 owner-managers based in Gauteng who have experienced significant business difficulty within the past five years. Interviews will take approximately 60 to 90 minutes and will be conducted virtually via Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp or Zoom. The purpose is to capture the real-world experiences of entrepreneurs and use these insights to support the development of better diagnostic tools and support systems for the small business sector.
Participation is voluntary, and all personal and business information will be treated as strictly confidential.
Primary research question
How do owner‑managers of South African SMMEs experience and navigate the process of venture distress when viewed through the lens of the Theory of Constraints?
Supporting Research Questions
- What external constraints do SMMEs in distress face?
- What internal constraints do SMMEs in distress face?
- How do these constraints (internal and external) affect the SMMEs?
- How do SMMEs address these constraints?
Who can participate?
Any SMME operating in Gauteng may participate, as the study is not limited to a specific sector. A maximum of two individuals from each company will be interviewed.
Participation and ethical clearance
To participate in the study, you will be asked to provide a permission letter confirming your willingness to take part. This letter will be submitted to the University of Pretoria as part of the ethical clearance process.
Ethical clearance is the formal approval granted by the University to confirm that the study meets the required ethical standards for research involving human participants. This process helps ensure that participants’ rights, dignity, privacy and welfare are protected throughout the research.
Protection of personal information
- Participation in the study is entirely voluntary.
- Your personal and business identity will be kept strictly confidential.
- If you prefer to remain anonymous, you may choose to do so.
Important dates
- Participants should sign and submit the permission letter by 06 July 2026. A copy of the participation letter will be provided once participation has been confirmed.
- Ethical clearance is expected to be issued by the University of Pretoria by 06 August 2026.
- Interview appointments will be scheduled with participants between 23 August and 11 September 2026. Interviews may take place in person or virtually via Microsoft Teams or Zoom.
- As a token of appreciation, participants will receive a coffee mug.
How to participate
If you are interested in participating in this study, please complete the survey.
TAKE THE SURVEYDisclaimer: This research is conducted independently by the researcher and is endorsed by the University of Pretoria. It is not affiliated with Nedbank.
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