3D printing firms in South Africa and their financial management practices How and to what extent does it enhance business performance?

Edinam Agbemava, Thywill Cephas Dzogbewu, Dennis Yao Dzansi, Deon Johan de Beer and Olawale Fatoki
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Edinam Agbemava: Department of Business Support Studies, Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa.
Thywill Cephas Dzogbewu: Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa
Dennis Yao Dzansi: Department of Business Support Studies, Central University of Technology, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa
Deon Johan de Beer: Center for Rapid prototyping and manufacturing, central university of technology Bloemfontein South Africa
Olawale Fatoki: Department of Business Management, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa

International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293), 2024, vol. 6, issue 5, 146-157

Abstract: As the 3D printing industry continues to gain momentum in South Africa's SME sector, issues about their financing and financial management need to be investigated. This is due to the capital-intensive nature of the business as well as the financing challenges encountered by 3D printing SMMEs. This study aimed to contribute to research on financial management practices and sources of finance as predictors of performance for 3D printing small and medium enterprises (SMMEs) in terms of profitability and increase in client base. The study adopted the interpretivist research paradigm, exploratory research design, inductive research approach and qualitative research method to achieve the objectives of the study. A total of twenty (20) 3D printing firms participated in the study. Employees and managers were purposefully selected to participate in the study. The participants comprised finance managers, senior managers and managers of the twenty (20) 3D printing firms that participated in the study. Structured interviews served as the instrument for data collection based on the objectives of the study. Data gathered from interviews were transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. The study revealed that effective working capital management practices boost the profitability of 3D printing SMMEs, particularly through adopting no-credit policies and hiring competent finance officers. These practices also help expand the client base by ensuring timely delivery of products and services, with customer relationship management being a strategic approach. The study also revealed that liquidity management practices significantly boost the profitability of 3D printing firms by ensuring sufficient cash flow to meet financial obligations, managing financial risks, and ensuring timely product delivery, thereby enhancing customer satisfaction and contributing to growth in the customer base. The study recommends the need for 3D printing SMMEs to prioritise cash flow management and develop robust systems to monitor and control working capital components, including inventory, receivables, and payables.

Keywords: 3D printing SMMEs; working capital management; liquidity management; profitability; customer satisfaction (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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