MNE1501
Assingment 5 Portfolio Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due date: May 2026
QUESTION 1
Introduction
Inkosi Wear shows how a small business can grow from a simple idea into a stronger
venture when the owner starts thinking carefully about direction, customers, money, stock
and people. Sipho first used his own judgement, which helped him start quickly. Later, the
business became harder to control because orders, materials and profits were not properly
tracked. Strategic management can help a new venture set clear goals, use resources better
and prepare for growth instead of only reacting to daily problems (Van Aardt &
Bezuidenhout, 2019).
1.1 Strategic management and small business growth
Strategic management can help Sipho grow Inkosi Wear because it gives the business a
clear plan instead of depending only on quick decisions. Sipho already has demand from
young people, but growth needs more than popular designs. He must know which shirts
, QUESTION 1
Introduction
Inkosi Wear shows how a small business can grow from a simple idea into a
stronger venture when the owner starts thinking carefully about direction, customers,
money, stock and people. Sipho first used his own judgement, which helped him
start quickly. Later, the business became harder to control because orders, materials
and profits were not properly tracked. Strategic management can help a new venture
set clear goals, use resources better and prepare for growth instead of only reacting
to daily problems (Van Aardt & Bezuidenhout, 2019).
1.1 Strategic management and small business growth
Strategic management can help Sipho grow Inkosi Wear because it gives the
business a clear plan instead of depending only on quick decisions. Sipho already
has demand from young people, but growth needs more than popular designs. He
must know which shirts make the most profit, how much stock to buy, where to sell
and who must do each task. A strategy can help him move from local markets to an
online store and shops without losing control of quality and service. It also helps him
notice risks early, such as running out of materials or taking too many orders. A
small business needs direction, control and action that fit its resources (Van Aardt &
Bezuidenhout, 2019).
1.2 Benefits of strategic management in a new venture
Strategic management gives a new venture a better chance of surviving because it
helps the owner make choices with purpose. In Sipho’s case, the business started
with energy and creativity, but growth brought pressure. A strategy can help him
decide what Inkosi Wear stands for, who it serves and how it will compete against
other clothing brands. This is useful because new ventures often have limited
money, time and skills, so resources must be used carefully (Van Aardt &
Bezuidenhout, 2019).
A second benefit is better planning. Sipho can plan stock, printing, delivery and
marketing before problems happen. This can reduce waste and help him avoid
Assingment 5 Portfolio Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
Due date: May 2026
QUESTION 1
Introduction
Inkosi Wear shows how a small business can grow from a simple idea into a stronger
venture when the owner starts thinking carefully about direction, customers, money, stock
and people. Sipho first used his own judgement, which helped him start quickly. Later, the
business became harder to control because orders, materials and profits were not properly
tracked. Strategic management can help a new venture set clear goals, use resources better
and prepare for growth instead of only reacting to daily problems (Van Aardt &
Bezuidenhout, 2019).
1.1 Strategic management and small business growth
Strategic management can help Sipho grow Inkosi Wear because it gives the business a
clear plan instead of depending only on quick decisions. Sipho already has demand from
young people, but growth needs more than popular designs. He must know which shirts
, QUESTION 1
Introduction
Inkosi Wear shows how a small business can grow from a simple idea into a
stronger venture when the owner starts thinking carefully about direction, customers,
money, stock and people. Sipho first used his own judgement, which helped him
start quickly. Later, the business became harder to control because orders, materials
and profits were not properly tracked. Strategic management can help a new venture
set clear goals, use resources better and prepare for growth instead of only reacting
to daily problems (Van Aardt & Bezuidenhout, 2019).
1.1 Strategic management and small business growth
Strategic management can help Sipho grow Inkosi Wear because it gives the
business a clear plan instead of depending only on quick decisions. Sipho already
has demand from young people, but growth needs more than popular designs. He
must know which shirts make the most profit, how much stock to buy, where to sell
and who must do each task. A strategy can help him move from local markets to an
online store and shops without losing control of quality and service. It also helps him
notice risks early, such as running out of materials or taking too many orders. A
small business needs direction, control and action that fit its resources (Van Aardt &
Bezuidenhout, 2019).
1.2 Benefits of strategic management in a new venture
Strategic management gives a new venture a better chance of surviving because it
helps the owner make choices with purpose. In Sipho’s case, the business started
with energy and creativity, but growth brought pressure. A strategy can help him
decide what Inkosi Wear stands for, who it serves and how it will compete against
other clothing brands. This is useful because new ventures often have limited
money, time and skills, so resources must be used carefully (Van Aardt &
Bezuidenhout, 2019).
A second benefit is better planning. Sipho can plan stock, printing, delivery and
marketing before problems happen. This can reduce waste and help him avoid
