Strategic guidelines for community enterprise development: a case in rural Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Harry Jay M. Cavite ◽  
Chanhathai Kerdsriserm ◽  
Suneeporn Suwanmaneepong
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Policy Support ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Enterprise Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Milling Operations ◽  
Enterprise Leader ◽  
Support Programmes ◽  
Community Enterprises

Purpose In spite of the government’s support for small-scale rice farmers in rural areas of Thailand, several problems still affect their production and marketing performance. This study aims to assess a rice production community enterprise (RPCE) through an in-depth investigation of its problems and capabilities; and formulate internal strategic guidelines for enterprise development. Design/methodology/approach This study used a qualitative approach through in-depth interviews with the community enterprise leader and committee members, and focus group discussion with eight farmer-members, purposively selected in Chachoengsao, Thailand. Data were transcribed, sorted and organised to determine themes and patterns. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) and threats, opportunities, weaknesses and strengths (TOWS) matrix situational analyses were done to develop strategic options. Strategic guidelines were formulated through a final deliberation with all members to ensure strategies aligned with the enterprise’s goals and objectives. Findings The results have identified three main problem categories encountered by the community enterprise in the areas of membership and labour; production and milling operations; and product design and marketing. The enterprise’s main strengths and opportunities include its product certifications and support from external organisations. Strategic points were developed, and policy support programmes are recommended for capacity building and product development as most problems identified relate to these aspects. Originality/value The utility of this study is its focus on an RPCE. The findings will help policymakers and concerned government agencies implement better programmes and policies to develop RPCEs. Furthermore, this study will be a source for future qualitative literature that will provide helpful information to other studies aiming to develop other types of community enterprises (CEs).

Effect of conventional degumming methods on Eri silk fibers produced in Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 163-182
Author(s):  
Edison Omollo Oduor ◽  
Lucy Wanjiru Ciera ◽  
Vijay Adolkar ◽  
Odoch Pido
Keyword(s):  
Thermal Properties ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Fiber Strength ◽  
Silk Fiber ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Silk Fibers ◽  
Fiber Production ◽  
Alkali Medium ◽  
Eri Silk

Purpose This paper aims to determine the best conventional degumming technique for use by rural farmers practicing Eri silk fiber production in Kenya. Design/methodology/approach Three conventional silk degumming methods (water, soap and alkali) were analyzed under the factors, namely, time, pressure and degumming media, following the multilevel factorial design of experiments. The effect of variables on degumming weight loss was determined. The effects of the conventional degumming methods that produced complete sericin removal on chemical structure, surface morphology, thermal properties, crystallinity and fiber strength on Eri silk fibers produced in Kenya were then determined. The optimal degumming condition was then evaluated. Findings Soap and water degumming led to incomplete sericin removal. Alkali degumming media had the most effect, especially when pressure cooked at 103 kPa. Increasing time during alkali degumming beyond 30 min did not to have any major difference on degumming loss (at p 0.05). There were no major changes in chemical and thermal properties after degumming. However, the tensile strength and elongation deteriorated especially on alkali medium. Decreasing degumming time in alkali medium from 120 min to 30 min reduced the strength loss from 45% to 33%. Optimal degumming was found to be in an alkali media at 103 kPa for 30 min. Originality/value There is very little information available on Eri silk fibers produced in Kenya. Results of this study provide an optimized conventional degumming procedure suitable for small scale farmers in rural areas practicing Eri silk fiber production.

Rethinking the marginalisation thesis

2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 48-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin C Williams ◽  
Ioana Alexandra Horodnic
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
European Regions ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Immigrant Populations ◽  
Undeclared Work ◽  
Extensive Evaluation ◽  
The Unemployed

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to evaluate critically the “marginalisation” thesis, which holds that marginalised populations disproportionately participate in undeclared work. Until now, the evidence that participation in undeclared work is higher in marginalised areas (e.g. peripheral rural localities) and marginalised socio-economic groups (e.g. the unemployed, immigrant populations and women) has come from mostly small-scale surveys of particular localities and population groups. There have been no extensive quantitative surveys. Here, the intention is to fill this gap. Design/methodology/approach – To do this, we report a 2007 survey of participation in undeclared work involving 26,659 face-to-face interviews conducted in 27 European Union (EU) member states. Findings – The finding is that the marginalisation thesis is valid when discussing younger people and those living in peripheral rural areas; they are more likely to participate in undeclared work. However, there is no significant association between immigrant populations and participation in undeclared work. Moreover, a reinforcement thesis, which holds that the undeclared economy reinforces the spatial and socio-economic disparities produced by the declared economy, applies when considering those with fewer years in education, women, the unemployed and less affluent European regions; they have lower participation rates than higher educated people, men, the employed and affluent European regions. Research limitations/implications – The outcome is a call for a more nuanced understanding of the marginalisation thesis as valid for some marginalised populations but not others. Whether similar findings prevail at other spatial scales and in other global regions now needs investigating. Practical implications – This survey displays that although it is appropriate to target some marginalised populations when tackling undeclared work, this is not valid for others (e.g. immigrant populations, the unemployed, those living in less affluent EU regions). Originality/value – The first extensive evaluation of whether marginalised populations are more likely to participate in undeclared work.

Comparing the levels of performance of small scale local government contractors in Northern Nigeria with international practice

2016 ◽  
Vol 23 (5) ◽  
pp. 588-609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nuru Gambo ◽  
Ilias Said ◽  
Radzi Ismail
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Local Government ◽  
Performance Management ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
National Development ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Performance Levels ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Government Contractors

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to compare the performance levels of small scale local government contractors (SSLGCs) in northern part of Nigeria with international practice. Previous studies focused attention primarily on benchmarking the performance of contractors, but were mostly conceptual rather than from empirical findings. This continuous to pose a challenge to the sustainable development of the construction industry, particularly, in developing countries like Nigeria. There is therefore a need to identify, assess and compare performance practice levels of small scale contractors. Design/methodology/approach The performance of each contractor was evaluated using a five-point Likert scale used in obtaining mean performance levels in respect to three classes of performance practices. A questionnaire survey was administered to major parties in the industry; clients, contractors and consultants who were selected by using a proportionate stratified random sampling technique. The contractors’ performance was compared by using ANOVA with post hoc. Findings The results indicated that the SSLGCs in Nigeria were average performers and there were effects and differences among the various contractors’ levels of performance with international practice. Research limitations/implications The study is limited to SSLGCs in northern part of Nigeria. Practical implications The study provided the criteria for evaluation of SSLGCs’ performance in Nigeria and other developing countries that faced similar problems. Social implications The study created bases for self-evaluation and competition among small scale contractors in Nigeria for the enhancement of productivity particularly in rural areas and general national development. Originality/value This study emanated from the governmental reports and past researches in the area of performance management on the persistence of the poor performance of small scale contractors in construction industry.

Gendered processes of agricultural innovation in the Northern uplands of Vietnam

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 210-226 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nozomi Kawarazuka ◽  
Gordon Prain
Keyword(s):  
Ethnic Minority ◽  
Gender Equity ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Life Histories ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Research Question ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Agricultural Innovation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovation Processes

Purpose This paper aims to explore ethnic minority women’s gendered perceptions and processes of agricultural innovation in the Northern uplands of Vietnam. The key research question asks how women develop innovations and learn new agricultural practices within patriarchal family structures. Design/methodology/approach In-depth interviews including life histories were conducted with 17 female and 10 male farmers from different socio-economic groups; participant observation and key informant interviews were also carried out. Findings Women’s innovation processes are deeply embedded in their positions as wives and daughters-in-law. Their innovation tends to be incremental, small-scale and less technological, and they use innovation networks of women rather than those of the formal agricultural institutions, including bringing innovation knowledge from their birth family to the patrilocal household. Unlike men’s perceived innovation, women’s innovation is strongly linked to small-scale entrepreneurship, and it is a powerful approach in the sense that it strengthens the position of women in their families while improving the household economy. Research limitations/implications Identifying socially constructed innovation processes helps policymakers to rethink the introduction of ready-made innovation packages, both in terms of content and delivery, and to facilitate innovation for women, as well as men, in marginalized positions. Social implications Understanding the gendered processes of innovation instead of measuring gender gaps in innovation outcomes sheds light on women’s interests and preferences, which can inform policies for supporting women’s innovation and thereby lead to social change, including gender equity. Originality/value This paper contributes to the understanding of gendered innovation processes and entrepreneurship associated with agriculture in rural areas in non-Western ethnic-minority contexts, which is an area that past and current research on entrepreneurship has relatively ignored.

scholarly journals The potential of community entrepreneurship for neighbourhood revitalization in the United Kingdom and the United States

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 253-276 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Varady ◽  
Reinout Kleinhans ◽  
Maarten van Ham
Keyword(s):  
Affordable Housing ◽  
Multiple Scales ◽  
The United States ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Public And Private ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Seminal Article ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Private Actors ◽  
Community Enterprises

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to assess the current potential of community entrepreneurship in neighbourhood revitalisation in the US and the UK. The global economic crisis has had a major impact on government spending for urban regeneration. In the context of these austerity regimes, in many European countries, community entrepreneurship and active citizenship are increasingly considered as a means to continue small-scale urban revitalisation. This paper investigates recent literature on both British community enterprises (CEs) and American community development corporations (CDCs). Design/methodology/approach – Starting from a seminal article, this paper reviews literature focusing on the role of CEs and CDCs in neighbourhood revitalisation. Differences and similarities are analysed, taking into account national context differences. Findings – While CDCs have a relatively successful record in affordable housing production in distressed areas, CDCs are fundamentally limited in terms of reversing processes of community decline. CEs in the UK have focused on non-housing issues. Research limitations/implications – This paper asks the question what CEs can learn from CDCs in terms of scope, aims, strategies, accountability, assets and partnerships with public and private actors. However, a systematic literature review has not been conducted. Originality/value – This comparison reveals not only similarities but also differences with regard to aims, organisational characteristics, cooperation on multiple scales and community participation. Apart from lessons that can be learned, this paper provides recommendations for further research that should cover the lack of empirical evidence in this field.

scholarly journals Islamic banking sustainability: theory and evidence using a novel quadruple bottom line framework

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Luthfi Hamidi ◽  
Andrew C. Worthington
Keyword(s):  
Rural Areas ◽  
Islamic Law ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Islamic Banking ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Sustainability Theory

PurposeThe study aims to extend the conventional triple bottom line (TBL) framework (prosperity, people and planet) to the quadruple bottom line (QBL) by newly adding a “prophet” dimension for Islamic banks seeking compliance with Islamic law in their pursuit of sustainability.Design/methodology/approachEmploy Chapra's corollaries of maqasid al-shari'ah (the goals of Islamic law) to develop constructs for a survey of 504 Islamic bank stakeholders from five Indonesian provinces to gather primary data to quantitatively verify the dimensions and items in the proposed QBL framework. Categorical principal component analysis (CATPCA) then identifies the sustainability of ten Islamic banks from ten countries as a trial application of the resulting QBL index.FindingsUsing the dimensions and items identified using CATPCA, the authors develop a QBL index to assess the sustainability of the ten Islamic banks. The findings suggest that half of the banks are sufficiently sustainable, with three being proactive (doing more than is required) and two being accommodative (doing all that is required). The remaining five banks are unsustainable, with two banks being defensive (doing the least that is required) and three being reactive (doing less than is required). Most of the banks perform relatively poorly according to the “planet” (38%) and “people” (41%) dimensions and perform better on the “prosperity” (53%) and “prophet” (63%) dimensions. Nonetheless, there is ample room for improvement across all dimensions of sustainability.Research limitations/implicationsThe generalizability of the findings is limited by the small-scale single-country survey used in the CATPCA part of the analysis. Only ten Islamic banks were included in the QBL scoring and ranking exercisesPractical implicationsIslamic banks can improve their sustainability by increasing green financing and reaching out to rural areas and disadvantaged populations. In countries with Islamic banking systems, regulators can support this through training, guidance and incentives.Originality/valuePioneering exploration of TBL from maqasid al-shari'ah perspective. First, we develop a QBL index to assess the sustainability of Islamic banks in line with actual stakeholder expectations.

Factorial analysis of capacity-building needs of small- and medium-scale building contractors in developing countries

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 357-372 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph Asante ◽  
Ernest Kissi ◽  
Edward Badu
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Capacity Building ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Industrial Sector ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Medium Scale ◽  
The Government

Purpose The needs assessment is the heart of any capacity-building strategy since it determines the design of any intervention, and also helps to prioritise the allocation of resources. Whereas there is a considerable amount of literature on the challenges faced by small- and medium-scale building contractors (SMBCs), very little is known about the needs (support) required by SMBCs. But given the critical role played by SMBCs in the construction industry demands, an understanding of how this sector can be assisted is required. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the literature relative to capacity building of SMBCs by exploring and examining the needs with the objective to extend the understanding on how to promote and sustain SMBCs to continue their infrastructural delivery at the local and rural areas in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach A questionnaire with five-point Likert scale is administered to 416 respondents, including local government authorities, consultants, first-class contractors and SMBCs using simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Data generated from the survey are analysed using mean score ranking and principal component analysis, thus enabling the findings of the study to be examined under six thematic areas. Findings The SMCs needs identified include anti-corruption measures, job accessibility, technical and technological assistance, favourable fiscal policy, business development support and financial assistance. The findings of the study bring to the attention of policy makers the critical areas that required support by the assistance of SMBCs. In the interim, the study recommends the extension of business advisory services to the SMBCs by National Board of Small-Scale Industries, whilst in the long term, the government must create the necessary business operating environment to promote SMBCs pertaining to the industrial sector of the economy. The SMBCs must also factor the needs into their business operations that can be addressed from within. Originality/value The study suggests the need of SMBCs in building a robust construction industry in developing countries.

Financing village enterprises in rural Bangladesh

2016 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 76-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vange Mariet Ocasio
Keyword(s):  
Economic Outcomes ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Scale Production ◽  
Enterprise Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Access To Credit ◽  
Enterprise Growth ◽  
Rural Bangladesh ◽  
Credit Program

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the factors that determine non-farm enterprise revenue and to empirically test the association between access to credit, credit source and firm performance among poor entrepreneurs in rural Bangladesh. Design/methodology/approach Using a Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies and World Bank survey from over 1,700 households in rural Bangladesh, a panel data model is used to control for unobserved heterogeneity among households and explore the determinants of non-farm revenue. Findings The findings suggest that village infrastructure and household labor assets have a positive impact on enterprise development. The findings reveal that the use of rural credit as a production input is important in augmenting revenue for the non-farm enterprise, but there are differential effects by credit source. Research limitations/implications Because the study uses data from a quasi-experimental survey design, unobserved effects that can bias the results must be controlled for. Also, as credit program impacts can be location-specific, caution in generalizing the results of this study must be exercised. Practical implications This study provides evidence on the positive effects of microcredit, family assets and family social capital on economic outcomes and microenterprise growth for poor entrepreneurial households. If enterprise growth is important for development, greater understanding of the determinants of microenterprise performance and the role of credit in the success of microfirms is beneficial for policymakers and the institutions that finance small-scale production. Social implications If it is agreed that entrepreneurship is important in promoting development, self-sufficiency and positive economic outcomes (Yunus, 2007), then credit program design should focus on both the credit needs of the poor and the dynamics inherent in enterprise development for this group of entrepreneurs. Originality/value This paper expands the limited literature on the determinants of microenterprise growth and the role of credit in microenterprise development by tracing a positive link between village infrastructure, family demographics and access to credit. The identification of the factors that determine non-farm enterprise revenue is important for policymakers because enterprise growth is perceived as essential for economic development.

Remittance decline will further sap Yemeni resilience

2020 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Exchange Rate ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Policy Changes ◽  
Donor Funding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Policy Responses ◽  
Poverty And Inequality ◽  
Gulf States

Significance A significant contributing factor is likely a sustained decline in remittances from workers in Gulf states, related to long-term policy changes as well as recent pandemic policy responses. This coincides with a dramatic drop in humanitarian donor funding, putting further pressure on the exchange rate. In addition, the war is ongoing, COVID-19 and other diseases are spreading and the whole country has now been hit by devastating rains and floods. Impacts Hunger could become significantly more widespread, although agencies may lack the data to define this as famine. The decline in remittances will especially impact the small-scale private sector of shops and microenterprises. Increased poverty and inequality could worsen community-level instability, particularly in rural areas. Yemenis’ perceptions of Saudi Arabia could become even more negative, despite ongoing economic and political dependence.

Contribution of mobile phones in expanding human capabilities in selected rural districts of Tanzania

2019 ◽  
Vol 68 (6/7) ◽  
pp. 491-503
Author(s):  
Grace E.P. Msoffe ◽  
Edda Tandi Lwoga
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Phones ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Agricultural Development ◽  
Phone Call ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Human Capabilities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rural Districts ◽  
Rural Farmers ◽  
Development Outcomes

Purpose This study aims to investigate the use of mobile phones in enhancing human capabilities and agricultural development among small-scale farmers in selected rural districts of Tanzania. The study assessed the potential capabilities acquired by farmers, factors that influence farmers in building their capabilities and achieving development outcomes. Design/methodology/approach The study used Sen’s capability approach as a guiding framework to investigate the link between mobile phones and agricultural development. A case study design was employed whereby focus group discussions were used to collect data. Findings The use of mobile phone services enabled rural farmers to build their financial, human and social capabilities. Rural farmers faced personal and non-personal conversion factors that influenced them in building capabilities and achieving development outcomes. The use of mobile phones led to various development outcomes. The typical development outcomes were related to access to information and communication services and reduction of transport costs. Rural farmers experienced family conflicts due to protectiveness exercised by couples through the use of mobile phones, criminal incidences such as theft and the fear of being recorded when making a phone call. Originality/value The study findings have the potential of influencing policy and practice. The findings are useful in promoting the value of mobile phones usage in empowering rural farmers and communities. The telecommunication sector and other key stakeholders can use the study findings in setting the basis for prioritising the improvement of telecommunication infrastructure in the rural areas.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document