Financing and Management of Small and Medium Enterprises in Post Conflict Economy in Southern Sudan.

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Date
2010-09
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Publisher
Kampala International University, College of Economics and Management Sciences .
Abstract
This study sought to investigate the relation between availability of sources of funds for SMEs and their performance amidst the dynamic political and socio-economic environment in post-conflict economy in Southern Sudan. The study also sought to establish whether or not basic prerequisites conducive for establishment of a vibrant financial services sector as alternative financer of SMEs do exists in Southern Sudan. The enquiry focused on: establishing what is the existence, nature and types of SMEs that operates in the post-conflict and emerging economy in Southern Sudan?; identifying what are the bottlenecks, if any, in financing and managing SMEs in the post-conflict and emerging economy in Southern Sudan?; and examining what are the challenges experienced in financing and managing SMEs in post-conflict economy in Southern Sudan? Data for the study was collected through questionnaires, interviews and discussions with government officials, staff of NGOs involved in the promotion of micro-finance services, MFIs staff and SMEs entrepreneurs. Critical mass of 240 key informants was selected from the study population using appropriate statistical formula and sampling techniques. Results of the study indicate that the level of performance in achieving business development services (BDS) sustainable is very low. In most cases BDS providers are donors or supply driven in nature. In this regard BDS providers are at infant stage. Market development approach to BDS in Southern Sudan is a new concept. None of the selected v BDS providers’ revenues are fully generated from sale of services to SMEs operators. The study recommended that all stakeholders of local economic development including donors, government organizations, NGOs, CBoS/CSOs and private sector should strive together to have an overall strategy for improving the BDS and market development interventions. BDS programs should be designed not only to have increased impact and expanded outreach to underserved groups (women and micro enterprises), but also to attain sustainable services and institutions. Hence, all interventions in supporting SMEs should be designed based on the new BDS market development principles.
Description
A thesis Presented to the School of Postgraduate Students and Research Kampala International University in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Business Administration.
Keywords
Financing, Management, Small and Medium Enterprises, Southern Sudan
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