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Dynamic capabilities in project-based firms operating across sub-Saharan Africa
Mini Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2025.
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
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University of Pretoria
2026
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| _version_ | 1867613533215129600 |
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| access_status_str | Open Access |
| author2 | Bussin, Mark |
| author_browse | Bussin, Mark |
| author_facet | Bussin, Mark |
| collection | Thesis |
| dc_rights_str_mv | © 2025 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. |
| description | Mini Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2025. |
| format | Thesis |
| id | oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/109237 |
| institution | University of Pretoria (South Africa) |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2026-06-10T12:37:39.235Z |
| license_str | Other — see source repository |
| provenance_str_mv | Harvested via OAI-PMH from UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository |
| publishDate | 2026 |
| publishDateRange | 2026 |
| publishDateSort | 2026 |
| publisher | University of Pretoria |
| publisherStr | University of Pretoria |
| record_format | dspace |
| source_str | UPSpace — University of Pretoria Institutional Repository |
| spelling | oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/109237 Dynamic capabilities in project-based firms operating across sub-Saharan Africa Bussin, Mark ichelp@gibs.co.za Prior, Grant UCTD Dynamic capabilities Project-based firms Sub-saharan Africa Institutional voids Relational intelligence Strategic partnerships Human capital systems Capability development Qualitative research Mini Dissertation (MBA)--University of Pretoria, 2025. This qualitative study investigates the dynamic capabilities (DCs) that enable project-based firms to maintain operations across sub-Saharan Africa, a region characterised by institutional voids and complexity. Since existing DC frameworks are mainly developed for stable institutional contexts, little is known about how volatile environments influence DC development, especially for project-based firms operating through temporary, fragmented operations. Using an interpretivist philosophy and an exploratory approach, semi-structured interviews were carried out with key decision-makers from successful project-based firms working across multiple sub-Saharan African countries. Inductive thematic analysis identified four interconnected DCs crucial for sustained operations: relational intelligence capability, strategic partnership management, adaptive human capital systems, and decentralised operations and learning structures. The results challenge traditional DC classifications, indicating that capabilities deemed dynamic and vital for competitive advantage in stable markets are simply necessary for survival in sub-Saharan Africa. The study shows that project-based firms resolve the temporary-permanent dilemma by embedding knowledge within mobile core staff instead of rigid structures and by utilising flat organisational hierarchies with short feedback loops. This research contributes to DC theory by offering context-specific insights for institutionally complex environments and provides practical guidance for project-based firms aiming to establish sustainable operations in sub-Saharan Africa. Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) MBA Unrestricted Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) SDG-09: Industry, innovation and infrastructure 2026-03-23T09:44:28Z 2026-03-23T09:44:28Z 2026-05-05 2025 Mini Dissertation * A2025 http://hdl.handle.net/2263/109237 en © 2025 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria. application/pdf University of Pretoria |
| spellingShingle | UCTD Dynamic capabilities Project-based firms Sub-saharan Africa Institutional voids Relational intelligence Strategic partnerships Human capital systems Capability development Qualitative research Dynamic capabilities in project-based firms operating across sub-Saharan Africa |
| title | Dynamic capabilities in project-based firms operating across sub-Saharan Africa |
| title_full | Dynamic capabilities in project-based firms operating across sub-Saharan Africa |
| title_fullStr | Dynamic capabilities in project-based firms operating across sub-Saharan Africa |
| title_full_unstemmed | Dynamic capabilities in project-based firms operating across sub-Saharan Africa |
| title_short | Dynamic capabilities in project-based firms operating across sub-Saharan Africa |
| title_sort | dynamic capabilities in project based firms operating across sub saharan africa |
| topic | UCTD Dynamic capabilities Project-based firms Sub-saharan Africa Institutional voids Relational intelligence Strategic partnerships Human capital systems Capability development Qualitative research |
| url | http://hdl.handle.net/2263/109237 |