MNE2601 ASSIGNMENT 2 SEMESTER 1 2025 – FULLY ANSWERED (DUE 2 MAY 2025)

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MNE2601 Assignment 2 Semester 1 Memo | Due 2 MAY 2025. All questions fully answered. Read the following case study and answer the questions that follow
Expertron Group, founded by Dr Walter Smuts and Gavin Ehlers, is a South African privatelyowned
company specialising in the new product development for information and
communication systems with a focus on applications utilising technologies at the convergence
between mobile (GSM) and conventional data networks (the Internet). We build long-term,
trusted relationships with our customers, whether it be through licensing one of our products,
developing software according to bespoke requirements or consulting on general IT and
Software Engineering matters. Expertron has a total of 12 employees and employs a team of
highly trained software development engineers with the capacity to specify design and develop
products that provide tangible business solutions. Expertron, the developer of Cell-ID a strong
user authentication system was the first major success story of the Maxum Business Incubator
of the Innovation Hub. Since joining the Innovation Hub, an entrepreneurship intervention
designed to accelerate the growth of innovative knowledge and technology-based enterprises
in Gauteng, the company has made notable achievements. In a deal facilitated by the
Innovation Hub, Expertron formed a partnership with Grintek, a major player in the local and
international defense, electronics and telecommunication industries. An important advantage
of being part of the Innovation Hub as the leading knowledge-intensive business cluster in
South Africa, is being near other entrepreneurs and being able to share ideas and be assisted
to commercialise technological innovations.
1.1. With reference theory as well as the case study, describe the Innovation Hub. (3)
1.2. What are the advantages that Expertron has experienced by being part of the
Innovation Hub? (5)
1.3. Give three advantages and three disadvantages of the form of business ownership
chosen by Walter and Gavin. (6)
1.4. According to the National Small Business Act of South Africa, what would the business
in the case study be classified as? Support your answer with evidence from the case
study. (2)
1.5. From the case study, how does the Expertron Group build long-term, trusted
relationships with its customers? (4)
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Read the following case study and answer the questions that follow
In 1991, there were no vegan sausages available in supermarkets, so Wally and Debbie Fry
started making protein alternatives or meat analogues for their own consumption in the form
of vegan sausages and burgers. Their vegetarian friends started purchasing the products and
demand grew. In 2001 their innovative recipes resulted in the establishment of Fry Group
Foods. It is now a second-generation family business.
It now exports 27 vegan products to over 25 countries distributing delicious and cruelty free
food that has as little impact on the natural environment as possible with an emphasis on
putting principles over profits. The ingredients and factory carry endorsements from the
highest authorities of veganism in the world. Growth was incremental but continuous and today
the business packs 40 tons per day. The focus is on continuous improvement and the
development of new product lines. In addition, Fry’s continues researching new ingredients
from all over the world, with the proviso that its sources are aligned with the business’s own
ethics and values.
2.1. Using examples from the case study, discuss the three characteristics of growth
exhibited by Fry Group Foods. (6)
2.2. The business depends on people and the natural environment for its own
sustainability. Using examples from the case study, explain what constitutes ethical
factors for Fry Group Foods and how they incorporate ethical factors in their business.
(6)
2.3. Discuss any four ethical principles that Fry Group Foods should be rooted in to remain
sustainable. (8)
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GRAND TOTAL 40 marks