AIS3705 ASSIGNMENT 3 (PRACTICAL PORTIFOLIO) Due 27th June 2025

AIS3705
ASSIGNMENT 3
EXCEPTIONAL ANSWERS
Due 27th June 2025

,AIS3705

ASSIGNMENT 3: Exceptional Answers

PRACTICAL PORTFOLIO

This portfolio outlines a detailed research design for investigating the multifaceted
challenges women entrepreneurs face in accessing formal credit facilities from
commercial banks in South Africa. It delves into the foundational elements of research
design, operationalizes the methodology, and addresses critical ethical considerations,
ensuring a robust and insightful inquiry.


Contents
Question 1: Foundations of Research Design ................................................................. 2

1.1 Formulate a Research Problem ............................................................................. 2

1.2 Formulate Any Five Research Objectives .............................................................. 2

1.3 Formulate Five Research Questions ..................................................................... 4

1.4 Choose a Research Approach and Justify ............................................................. 4

1.5 Choose a Data Collection Tool and Justify............................................................. 6

Question 2: Operationalizing the Research Design ......................................................... 8

2.1 Which Population Will You Target and Why? ......................................................... 8

2.2 Sampling Method, Rationale, and Application ....................................................... 9

2.3 Data Collection and Analysis ............................................................................... 12

Analysis Summary (Thematic Analysis): .................................................................... 15

2.4 Research Ethics: Explanation and Application ..................................................... 16

References .................................................................................................................... 19

, Question 1: Foundations of Research Design

1.1 Formulate a Research Problem

At its core, a research problem is an intellectual puzzle or a significant gap in existing
knowledge that demands investigation (Kumar, 2019). It's the bedrock upon which the
entire research edifice is built, guiding the formulation of objectives, questions, and
methodological choices (Saunders et al., 2019). A well-articulated problem should be
clear, concise, researchable, and hold sufficient significance to contribute meaningfully
to scholarly discourse or practical solutions.

Our formulated research problem is: This study seeks to investigate the
multifaceted challenges encountered by women entrepreneurs in accessing
formal credit facilities from commercial banks in South Africa, and to explore the
impact of these challenges on the growth and sustainability of their small and
medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

This problem is particularly pertinent because, despite the recognized potential of
women entrepreneurs to drive economic growth and poverty reduction across the
African continent, including South Africa (UNCTAD, 2019; FinMark Trust, 2020), many
continue to face systemic barriers in accessing financial resources. These barriers
significantly hinder their entrepreneurial endeavors and broader economic
empowerment within the unique socio-economic and regulatory landscape of South
Africa.

1.2 Formulate Any Five Research Objectives

Research objectives are explicit, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound
(SMART) statements that delineate what the research aims to accomplish (Creswell &
Creswell, 2018). They translate the broad research problem into specific, actionable
goals for the study.

Here are five specific research objectives for this study:

, 1. To identify the primary socio-cultural, economic, and institutional barriers that
impede women entrepreneurs in South Africa from accessing formal credit
facilities from commercial banks.

2. To assess the extent to which existing collateral requirements of commercial
banks disproportionately affect women entrepreneurs' ability to secure credit in
South Africa.

3. To explore the perceptions and experiences of women entrepreneurs regarding
the application processes, interest rates, and repayment terms associated with
formal credit from South African commercial banks.

4. To analyze the impact of limited access to formal credit on the growth,
innovation, and sustainability of women-led SMEs in South Africa.

5. To propose actionable strategies and policy recommendations that commercial
banks, government bodies, and policymakers in South Africa can implement to
enhance women entrepreneurs' access to formal credit.